Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Taking on New Look for 2026, Ying-Yang Twins Headlining

Over 44 years, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival has had a number of different looks as it celebrates community every year. For this year's festival on April 24-26, another big new look is in order.

At a media night event Wednesday in Downtown Fayetteville, Executive Director Kaylynn Suarez said the festival will move off of Hay St. this year, and put the primary focus on Maiden Lane and the connection to Festival Park.

Along with that new footprint, collaborations with entities like Fascinate-U Children's Museum, FTCC, Sol's Arcade & Taproom, and more will celebrate community in new and different ways.

What most people know the Dogwood Festival for though, is the musical entertainment. Suarez said this year's event has a throwback theme, and a few changes in how the entertainment structure will play out.

The only national headliner this year will be Friday night, where hip-hop icons the Ying-Yang Twins will grace the stage of Festival Park.

On Saturday, the theme is 90s throwback, with tribute band "Saved By the 90s" headlining, and regional act Echostone performing.

Sunday will be a "low-key, community-focused vibe," according to Suarez. That includes the final day of midway rides, and a fun fitness vibe in the park. There will be free classes, local live music, food trucks, and more.

While traditionally (but not always), the Dogwood Festival has stretched from Festival Park, all down Hay Street, and occasionally on Person and Green Streets, this year will be different.

The shift will take the primary vendor space off of Hay, and move it to Maiden Lane. The move is "designed to improve walkability, accessibility, and overall flow. While more streamlined, attendees can expect the same number of vendors (if not more) making it easier for everyone to enjoy the festival."

Suarez said the midway would be moving, but has not said exactly where yet. And some other traditional features will shift as well, like the Kid Zone and car show.

With a bigger focus on community connection, this year's festival also is stretching out across March and April with several other special events. These include a silent disco, a BBQ showdown, Miss Dogwood Festival Volunteer pageant and more, as listed below.