The first day back to school for kids in Cumberland County, quickly approaches, and the urge to fit one last hurrah into the waning summer season is undoubtedly on the minds of families across the region.

One summer activity set to wind down in the coming weeks is Fayetteville's beloved summer concert series, Fayetteville After 5, in Festival Park. From 6 to around 10: 30 p.m. every second Friday since June 10, people have gathered for delicious food and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

On Aug. 12, the season's last concert, Festival Park gates will open at 5 to welcome local favorite 10 O'Clock High to the Fay After 5 Stage. At 8 p.m., Zoso, a Led Zeppelin Experience, will take the audience back to the glory days of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page with a performance called “the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin live show since the real thing.”

No night of amazing music would be complete without a plate of amazing food to accompany it. Fay After 5 does not disappoint, and a carousel of food trucks will be on-site to whet every appetite. Aug. 12th’s offerings include Korean fusion, country favorites, Italian ice and donuts.

The concert series is a return to normalcy after COVID-19 restrictions limited entertainment venues and crowd sizes for much of 2020 and 2021.

Up & Coming Weekly spoke with Sarahgrace Snipes, executive director of the Dogwood Festival, as she reflected on this year's concert series.

“The most exciting part of Fay After 5 has definitely been seeing people at Fay After 5,” she said. “Last year, our turnout was not as high because we were coming off the mass gathering restrictions, so it is exciting to see the same event again with a higher attendance rate.”

Though the weather, with its unpredictable storms, humidity and high temperatures, is always a challenge for outdoor venues this time of year, Snipes is happy to see people coming together despite the heat.

“People are absolutely excited to be spending time with others. During Fay After 5, you'll find several friends and especially couples, dancing with each other in a close way that you would not have seen this time two years ago.”

Ultimately, as the series comes to a close, Snipes hopes the Dogwood Festival has reinforced its position in the community and its commitment to quality events for the people of Cumberland County.

“I hope that by continuing Fay After 5 this summer, our organization has increased the community's awareness that the organization is still strong and continuing our events as we have in the past and before COVID-19,” she said.

The Fayetteville After 5 Concert Series is free and open to the public. Outside food, drink, canopies and coolers are not permitted on-site.

However, camping chairs, blankets, and service animals are more than welcome.

Festival Park is located at 335 Ray Ave. in Fayetteville.

For more information about Fay After 5, visit https://www.thedogwoodfestival.com/fayetteville-after-five.