47th Annual International Folk Festival

We’re thrilled to invite the entire international community in Fayetteville and Cumberland County to join us for the BEST parade of the year—the Parade of Nations! 

This incredible event is one of the highlights of our International Folk Festival and shines a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage and diversity that make our community so unique. With over 30+ nations represented, this is your chance to either join an existing country group marching in the parade or start your own to proudly showcase your heritage and nationality!

Whether you’re part of a well-established group or want to bring your traditions to the spotlight, we want YOU to be a part of the celebration!

If you have any questions or concerns reach out to us via phone at 910-323-1776 or email at carlyc@theartscouncil.com

Get ready for an art-filled adventure at this year’s International Folk Festival!

In addition to all the amazing cultural food, education, and entertainment, we’re bringing an exciting ART FOCUS to the festival with stunning Art Installations, Live Art displays, and—of course—an incredible Arts Market!

We’d love for YOU to be a part of the largest celebration of ARTS and culture in the area!

Whether you’re a creator, maker, or artist of any kind, we’re inviting you to apply as a vendor in our Arts Market and showcase your talent to festival-goers.

PLEASE NOTE:  This application only applies to Art Market Vendors, please consult the homepage for a list of all other vendor applications (Food, Parade, International, etc.). 

ART MARKET Hours:

Saturday, September 27th, 12 pm-9 pm

Arts Market Vendor Load-in:

Friday, September 26th: 2 pm-7 pm. 

* load in on Saturday morning by exception only with prior approval and for an additional fee.

This includes one 10x10 booth space at our 47th Annual International Folk Festival. The artist will be responsible for any tent, tables, chairs, merchandise, Wi-Fi access, and other equipment needed to sell your art/wares during the event. Vendors will be charged the full amount of the application if/when the application is approved.  

The festival is rain or shine, and no refunds or exchanges will be allowed after submission.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the festival information at CarlyC@theartscouncil.com or 910-323-1776 

International Food Vendor Hours:
Saturday, September 27th, 12 pm-9 pm
 
Groups in this category are affiliated with non-profits, cultural organizations, and artists that support these cultural communities via sales of their food.  To apply as an International Group Vendor you must have approval from Arts Council staff, or have active non-profit status.

Thank you for your interest in being a Community Organization/Non-profit that is interested in sharing information/literature at the 2025 International Folk Festival hosted by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County in Downtown Fayetteville. 
 
PLEASE NOTE:  This application only applies to Community Organizations/Non-Profits that are interested in only sharing information and not selling.  If you want to sell items/tickets/memberships/food please consult the homepage for a list of all other vendor applications (Commercial, Food, Parade, International, etc.).
 
Festival Hours:
Saturday, September 27th, 12 pm-9 pm
 
This price includes one 10x10 booth at our 47th Annual International Folk Festival.  The Arts Council will provide each Artist with a space number and 10x10 space.  The vendor will be responsible for any tent, tables, chairs, literature, wifi access, and other equipment needed during the event.
 
Vendors will be charged the full amount of the application to include additional options if/when the application is approved.  

The festival is a rain or shine festival and no refunds or exchanges will be allowed after submission.

Thank you for your interest in being a Commercial Vendor at the 2025 International Folk Festival hosted by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County in Downtown Fayetteville. 
 
PLEASE NOTE:  This application only applies to Commercial Vendors, please consult the homepage https://www.eventeny.com/events/44iff-3110/ for a list of all other vendor applications (Food, Parade, International etc.).
 
Festival Hours:
Saturday, September 27th 12 pm-9 pm

 
This price includes one 15x10 (Food) or 10x10 (merchandise) at our 47th Annual International Folk Festival.  The Arts Council will provide each Artist with a space number and 10x15/10x10 space NOT INCLUDING ELECTRICITY. The vendor will be responsible for any tent, tables, chairs, merchandise, wifi access, and other equipment needed to sell your art/wares during the event.
 
Vendors will be charged the full amount of the application to include additional options (electricity, late fee, early morning set-up, etc.) if/when the application is approved.  

The festival is a rain-or-shine festival and no refunds or exchanges will be allowed after submission.

The Arts Council invites artists of all disciplines to apply for a LIVE ART spot during the 47th International Folk Festival!
 
The International Folk Festival will take place September 27, 2025 in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

Every year, we come together as ONE COMMUNITY to celebrate and honor our incredible cultural diversity at The Arts Council’s International Folk Festival. It’s a day filled with joy, unity, and vibrant traditions worldwide! In its 47th year, our region’s longest-standing family festival will showcase over 30+ CULTURAL GROUPS in the Parade of Nations, International Café, and stunning Cultural Performances!

There will be two categories:

• one for children's shirt design
• one for adult's shirt design

Submit your creative designs and you could be the lucky winner in your category. Both winners will receive a monetary reward, and their designs will be printed and sold on t-shirts before and during the festival. All ages are welcome to participate, so whether you're just learning or an established artist, get your design in by the deadline and become part of this exciting new festival tradition!

Requirements: 

• Must include the words The International Folk Festival.
• Must be a family-friendly design.
• Must be original material, created by the applying artist.

The Arts Council invites artists of all disciplines to apply for a performance spot during the 47th International Folk Festival!
 
The International Folk Festival will have performing artist opportunities on both Friday night and Saturday September 26 and 27, 2025, in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. Please indicate which time or times you would be available.