Fayetteville is home to a strong community of artists, shops and restaurants. While they offer the regular fare expected of these establishments, they also offer events to fill your social calendar.
Every week, you’re bound to come across a Latin dance lesson or a loud game of musical bingo. If learning a new cuisine excites you, some local businesses hire chefs to teach the craft of things like sushi making or barbecuing.
If you’re in the mood to create art or hone your stage presence, some downtown businesses offer activities such as paint-in events and open-mic nights.
Here are seven upcoming events in the Fayetteville area:
Friday
music bingo
The Fayetteville Pie Company is hosting Music Bingo, 6-8 p.m., Friday, at its store at 253 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville.
Participate in all three rounds of bingo-mix music from the 2000s. The winner of each round receives a pie combo gift certificate.
Saturday
Sushi Making 101
If you’ve always wanted to learn the art of rolling sushi, here’s your chance. Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar at Hope Mills, 5431 Corporation Drive, is hosting Sushi Making 101 with the GringoNinja. The course is from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Participants will learn the basics of sushi making, including everything from equipment and preparation to making rice and the fundamentals of making a sushi roll.
The class is interactive, should be full of laughs and the host claims you’ll leave with a full stomach. The course includes 1 drink ticket.
The cost is $59.99. For tickets, search “Sushi Rollin 101” on eventbrite.com.
Sunday
Pig picking and live music
VFW 670 substation hosts a Pig Drive and Live Music Fundraiser with music from the variety group Reflections II.
The event will take place Sunday at 5 p.m. at VFW Post 670 and Auxiliary, 3928 Doc Bennett Road, Fayetteville.
The cost is $25 for live music and food or $12 for food only. Fundraising benefits VFW Post 670 grassroots programs that reward individuals in the community.
Black Cook-Off BBQ
The second annual I Love My Community Giveaway contest and the first annual contest Black Cook-Off BBQ is from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Murchison Road Food Truck Park,
The event includes music, dance, writing, visual arts, media, spoken word, as well as a painter and illustrator corner.
It is held in conjunction with the Black BBQ Cook-Off, where at least 13 of the best grill masters will compete for the championship belt.
The competition is organized by Bruce Yeomans, Carl “Pbm” Pringle and William Jerome Wright. Celebrity judges include Tiffany Whitfield, Kwame Stover, Jesse Mitchell, Judge Stephen C. Stokes, Food Network Chef Judy Winner, Boxing Champion Michael Williams Jr, NFL Star Greg Gilmore, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin , Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony, Briarwood Cattle Farm LLC .
For more information, search for I Love My Community Cookout & Giveaway on eventbrite.com.
Tuesday
Downtown Salsa and Swing Night
Every Tuesday night Downtown Salsa & Swing Night, free salsa and swing dancing lessons, hosted by the Culture & Heritage Alliance at Volta Space, 116 Person St., Fayetteville.
Salsa lessons are from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The swing/shag is from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beginner and intermediate dancers are invited. The courses are free. To register, search for Downtown Salsa & Swing Night on eventbrite.com.
Open mic night
Infinite Art Studio organizes Open Mic Night every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fayetteville Bakery & Cafe3037 Boone Trail Ext., Fayetteville.
This is presented as a clean, family event. All musicians, actors, poets and spoken word artists are welcome. To register visit eventbrite.com
Thursday August 25
The Big Puff and the Paint
Hall 107 and The Livery cigar store present the return of The Great Puff & Paint, powered by DJ Rayn, from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, August 25 at 147 Maxwell St., Fayetteville.
Seating begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include all painting supplies plus a personalized charcuterie board and wine until they last. Create and broadcast the best R&B music. The event is for adults 21 and older only.
Search The Great Puff & Paint on eventbrite.com for tickets.
