April is history, so Spring is in full swing. That means new adventures await in Fayetteville, NC! Check out what’s on the DistiNCtly Fayetteville Calendar of Events for May to build your next itinerary!
DISTINCT & UNUSUAL
Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown
May 6 / Crown Expo
Come see the Fayetteville Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown as local “celebrities” battle for the title of Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync Star! Audience members help pick the People’s Choice Award winner! Proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center.
Gardenmania
May 6 / Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Gardenmania at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a celebration of gardening and horticulture for people of all ages. It provides the opportunity to shop, experience gardening, attend workshops, and learn new skills.
World Ballet Series: Cinderella
May 7 / Crown Theatre
Watch classical ballet through the World Ballet Series: Cinderella. The enchanting production is accompanied by Sergei Prokofiev’s passionate score and sparkling choreography by Marina Kessler.
A Garden Gathering *Farm-to-Table Dinner
May 17 / Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Enjoy this al fresco farm-to-table dinner prepared by Elliot’s on Linden of Pinehurst with locally sourced ingredients while enjoying live entertainment and mingling with other diners. This limited-ticket event helps raise awareness about and supports the Botanical Garden’s mission.
CROWN COMPLEX
WWE SUPERSHOW 2023
May 20 / Crown Coliseum
WWE returns to Fayetteville for the only time in 2023 with its SuperShow! See all your favorite superstars from Monday Night Raw & Friday Night Smackdown under one roof for one night only!
NC Spring Home Expo
May 19-21 / Crown Expo
The North Carolina Spring Home Expo has everything you need to prepare your home for spring – all in one place. Meet local and national vendors while saving big on materials and getting direct quotes from experts!
Mega May Outdoor Craft & Shopping Fair
May 21 / Crown Complex
Attend the Mega May Craft & Shopping Fair and see some of Cumberland County’s most unique arts, crafts, and food vendors. There’s sure to be something for everyone, and maybe even ideas for your next catered event or get-together!
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Segra Stadium
Get your season or individual tickets for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers now! Watch as the single A minor league ball club competes against some of the best young talent in the Minor Leagues.
- Vs. Cannon Ballers – May 9 – 14
- Vs. Pelicans – May 26 – 28
Fayetteville Stingers Basketball
Crown Arena
Watch the Fayetteville Stingers basketball team as they continue for a playoff berth in their inaugural season. Coached by Fayetteville native Robert Brickey, the minor league team is competing for a The Basketball League (TBL) playoff spot.
- Vs. Coastal Georgia Buccaneers – May 5
- Vs. Georgia Soul – May 18
- Vs. Coastal Georgia Buccaneers – May 25
- Vs. Central Florida Force – May 27
- Vs. Gulf Coast Lions – May 28
LIVE MUSIC
Symphony on Tap
Presented by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Symphony on Tap is a music series performed at local eateries to engage the community through music and beer. Admission is free. This month’s performance will include a violin & piano duet.
- Heckler Brewing Company – May 4
Paddy’s Irish Public House LIVE Concert Series
Get ready to dance and sing along as music acts perform LIVE at Paddy’s Irish Public House. Admission is typically free before 9 p.m.
- Whiskey Pines LIVE – May 5
- Dirt Road Sinner LIVE – May 13
- Scroggins Band LIVE – May 19
- Joyner, Young and Marie LIVE – May 20
- KasCie Page LIVE – May 26
- The Simpletones LIVE – May 27
The Jam on Musical Wednesdays
Every Wednesday / The Church Entertainment Lounge
Prove your musically gifted by performing at The Jam open performance night. Open to musicians and solo singers, The Jam allows you to be the show's star.
LIVE THEATER
All in the Timing (Four Short Plays)
May 1-7 / Gilbert Theater
Watch four short one-act comedies from David Ives’ All in the Timing, a witty, romantic, absurd, existentially minded evening of theater. The acts include Words, Words, Words; Variations on the Death of Trotsky; The Philadelphia; and Sure Thing.
Jelly’s Last Jam
May 4-28 / Cape Fear Regional Theatre
Jelly’s Last Jam follows Jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton as he gets one last shot to make amends for his mistakes. If he fails to convince The Chimney Man, his soul is forever taken away. It’s a night of music that might change his life.
COMEDY
Comedy & Cocktails
The Church Entertainment Lounge
Enjoy open mic night comedy before watching featured standup comedians at Comedy and Cocktails. This month’s headliners include:
- With Jarold Benfold and Gina DiMaggio – May 4
- With Rich Carucci and Rich Shultis – May 18
To learn more, visit our Calendar of Events.
Comedy Couch with the Locals Comedy Group
The Church Entertainment Lounge
The Comedy Couch is an Open Mic Experience blending unpredictably hilarious open mic night comedy with interactive pub games and guest commentary spots. Open to new and up-and-comers. This month’s featured comedians are:
- With Tahj Jones – May 11
- With Darnell Jones – May 25
RECREATION & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Cumberland County Dog Parks
Open daily from dawn to dusk / Locations Vary.
Spring is here, so why not take your pets outside for exercise and fun? Fayetteville Cumberland County Parks and Recreation has three dog parks, including Riverside Dog Park, available for dogs and their owners to enjoy! All dogs must be licensed, vaccinations, and tags securely secured to their collars.
Sweet Valley Ranch Animal Park
Hours vary with events / 2990 Sunnyside School Road
Whether you’re looking for a petting zoo, educational exhibits, or even musical entertainment, Sweet Valley Ranch has something for you. The highlight is 350 animals from all over the world and several exhibitions during the year, including the ever-popular Dinosaur World.
Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft
Hours vary / 2112 River Road
Bring out your inner weekend warrior with an exciting game of all-out paintball at Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft! Packages start at $40 and allow you to compete against friends or perfect strangers on 300 open acres. All skill levels are welcome.
The Bicycle Shop Group Rides
Saturday Mornings / Fayetteville Community Church
The Bicycle Shop has resumed its Saturday social group rides. Join fellow road cyclists for a 26-mile loop in Eastern Cumberland County. All skill levels and classes are welcome. Departure time is 7:30 a.m., so riders should arrive at least 30 minutes before to park in the church parking lot at 2010 Middle River Loop, Fayetteville.
Hawley’s Bicycle World Development Rides
Wednesdays / Horne Brothers Communications
Join fellow road cyclists for a 26-mile loop in Eastern Cumberland County during Hawley’s Bicycle World’s Wednesday afternoon Development Rides. All skill levels and classes are welcome. Departure time is 6 p.m., so riders should arrive at least 30 minutes before to be assigned to skill-level groups.
First Day of the Month Hike
May 1 / Carvers Creek State Park
In honor of the Year of the Trail, Carvers Creek State Park will host a public hike on the First Day of the Month on one of the park’s many trails. Meetup time is 6:30 p.m. in the first small parking lot at the Sandhills Access entrance. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (910) 436-4681. Stop by the ranger station and learn about the park’s history before hiking.
Hiking, Parks, and Fishing
Schedules vary / Locations vary.
Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents can enjoy numerous trails and outdoor parks. Quickly find a location near you to enjoy the scenery and commune with nature. To learn more, visit our Outdoor Recreation page.