S t a f f reports

Get ready to hit the road — because all roads lead to Slawburger! Fayetteville Main Street announces the return of the annual Slawburger Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. This year’s theme, “All Roads Lead to Slawburger,” celebrates the festival’s deep roots and growing reach as visitors travel from near and far to experience this one-of-a-kind event.

Now in its 11th year, the Slawburger Festival honors Fayetteville’s culinary heritage as the birthplace of the original slawburger — a regional favorite topped with a signature mustard-based slaw dating back to the 1920s. What began as a small hometown celebration has grown into a regional attraction drawing thousands of visitors each year, organizers said.

The free admission festival will feature a full day of family-friendly entertainment, local flavor, and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy more than 60 artisan, food, and nonprofi t vendors lining the downtown square, along with a variety of activities and competitions throughout the day.

According to the official event schedule, highlights include vendors from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., a free Copperweld Kids’ Zone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (donations appreciated, benefitting Junior’s House), an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., and a beer garden open until 8 p.m. Festivalgoers can also look forward to crowd-favorite competitions like the Kids’ Ice Cream Contest at noon, the Slaw Dog Contest at 12:30 p.m. sponsored by Elk River Veterinary Care, and the Slawburger Eating Competition at 1:30 p.m. sponsored by Sonic, Just Slawburgers, Kent Kwik, and Jack Daniel’s.

New this year is a youth division for the Slawburger Eating Competition, allowing participants ages 13–17 to compete. Registration for both the Ice Cream Contest and Slawburger Eating Competition must be completed in advance online at the festival website.

Live music will keep the energy going with local artists taking the Powerhouse Plumbing Stage from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by this year’s headliner Third Party Thieves performing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition, Elk River Trading Company is once again sponsoring a photo booth on the north side of the square, where attendees can receive a free photo strip along with digital copies to capture the day’s memories.

“The Slawburger Festival is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of our community, our history, and the momentum we’re building in downtown Fayetteville,” said Aimee Byrd, executive director of Fayetteville Main Street. “This year’s theme reflects how far this program and this festival have come and how it continues to bring people together from all directions.”

The festival is free to attend thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners. Proceeds and sponsorships help fund downtown revitalization efforts, small business support, and community programming throughout the year.

For a full schedule of events, vendor information, competition registration, and more, visit www. fayettevillemainstreet. com.

About Fayetteville Main Street

Fayetteville Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and promoting historic downtown Fayetteville through economic development, community engagement, and historic preservation.