ByPenelope Lopez
Friday, September 25, 2026 11:28PM
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) –Organizers are planning a weekend-long celebration in Fayetteville as the city marks Day Two of the inaugural 910 Future Fest, an event focused on workforce development, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement.
The three-day festival, hosted by the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission, aims to bring the community together through connection, opportunity, and local pride. The festivities are free, but registration is required.
“We really want them to be able to leave here feeling like they have been educated, like they know what to do next, that they feel that they can thrive and survive here in Fayetteville,” said Nathan Cuffee, chair of the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission.
The festival provides residents, entrepreneurs, and students a chance to showcase their talents and businesses, while connecting with people outside their usual circles.
“It gives you entrepreneurs, it gives residents, it gives students a way to interact with people that they do not interact with every day,” said L’Queitah Miller, vice-chair of the commission.
One highlight of the event was a luncheon designed to connect local entrepreneurs with community leaders and resources, an effort that is already making an impact owner of Mac’s Concrete LLC
“Sometimes it’s hard to make those connections with bigger like a city office, but it’s hard to get in those connections. But now is making it easier for us to make those connections and make the grow,” McArthur said.
The festival also features a pitch competition, bringing together 10 local business owners and founders to compete for funding for their initiatives.
Four winners will receive financial support, with $5,000 awarded as the top prize.
Saturday’s schedule includes a fitness and wellness event for students and concludes with a concert featuring artists like Lloyd, Waka Flocka Flame, and the 82nd Airborne Division Band.
“We’re trying to create those opportunities and get them in front of those people to get the feedback, the sustainability, because it’s great to open a business, but we want you to keep it up,” Miller said.
Festival Welcome and Media Opportunity – Sept. 24
910 Future Festival Week will officially begin Thursday, Sept. 24, with an invitation-only Welcome Ceremony recognizing the partners, sponsors and community leaders who helped bring the festival to life.
The gathering will welcome participating organizations and government officials, preview the weekend ahead and build excitement for the inaugural festival.
Due to limited venue capacity, the Welcome Ceremony is not open to the public and is reserved for invited partners, sponsors, government officials and members of the media.
Members of the press are invited to attend and will have an opportunity to learn more about the vision behind 910 Future Festival Week, preview the weekend’s programming and connect with festival organizers and partners. Members of the media will receive a formal invitation with additional event details in the coming days.
Workforce Development and Career Opportunities – Sept. 25
On Friday, Sept. 25, 910 Future Festival Week will host a Lunch & Learn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St.
Featuring PwC and the City of Fayetteville’s Economic Development team, the Lunch & Learn will focus on workforce development, career advancement and opportunities available throughout the region. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required to attend.
Students and volunteers from local colleges and universities will also play an active role throughout 910 Future Festival Week, gaining firsthand experience in the production and execution of a major community event.
Entrepreneurship and Local Business – Sept. 25
Following the Lunch & Learn, 910 Future Festival Week will spotlight Fayetteville’s entrepreneurial community with a Business Pitch Competition from 2 to 4 p.m. at Shaw Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University. Registration is required to attend.
Presented in collaboration with Fayetteville State University, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business Hub and Camelback Ventures, the competition will give 10 Fayetteville business owners an opportunity to pitch their businesses before a panel of CEOs, entrepreneurs and economic leaders.
Four participants will receive prizes to support the continued growth and development of their businesses.
Additional activities throughout the festival will highlight local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs helping build Fayetteville’s future.
Investing in the Next Generation
Youth-focused programming will take place through the Two-Six Project’s Emerging Leaders initiative, creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, connect with mentors and engage with their community.
Those interested in learning more about Emerging Leaders programming are encouraged to contact the Two-Six Project for additional information.
910 Future Fest Concert – Sept. 26
The weekend will culminate Saturday, Sept. 26, with the 910 Future Fest Concertat Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the concert will take place from 6 to 10 p.m.
The multi-genre concert will feature R&B artist Lloyd and hip-hop artist Waka Flocka Flame, along with a diverse lineup of local and regional performers celebrating the range of talent and culture connected to Fayetteville and the surrounding region.
The free concert will conclude a weekend filled with opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Fayetteville’s culture, businesses, food, music and community.
For festival information, registration, programming updates and concert tickets, follow Fayetteville NEXT on social media or visit the 910 Future Festival Week website.
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