Annual Events
Fuquay-Varina Downtown is proud to host these premiere events every year in our beautiful downtown. Sponsorship and Volunteer opportunities are available for these events. Contact us to become a sponsor or a volunteer.
Follow us on our social media accounts for updates, details, and information about our events throughout the year.
Shop Small
Saturday November 25, 2023
Support Small Business when you spend the day enjoying Fuquay-Varina’s two downtown districts! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we hope you discover the variety of unique businesses that our town has to offer. Your purchase supports our neighbors and makes a huge impact in our community!
Sleigh Rides In Downtown
Thursday November 30, 2023
Add a little magic to your holiday with a ride on a horse drawn sleigh! The FVDA hosts a ticketed sleigh ride during the Town Christmas Tree Lighting. Tickets are distributed to Sponsors & Friends of Downtown in the weeks before the event. Information about any remaining tickets available for sale to the public will be posted a few days before the event. Rides typically begin at TR Ashworth Station (120 S Main St) in the Fuquay District. Tickets will go on sale towards the end of November.
Candy Hop
Saturday April 1, 2023
Easter bunnies, eggs, and candy galore!
Bring your Peeps downtown during this family favorite event! Hop along Main & Broad Streets and fill your Easter baskets with treats from participating merchants and make some memories along the way. The Easter Bunny and Spring Chick join in the fun for adorable photo ops!
The Downtown Candy Hop is rain or shine, immediately following the Town of Fuquay-Varina Egg Hunt.
En Plein Air
Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6, 2023
Artists from across the region share their talents and capture the beauty of Fuquay-Varina! Since 2012, Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association has been able to support local artists and provide public art. This event offers a variety of ways to be involved: sponsor an artist, watch artists at work as they paint in our community, and view enlarged canvases of past winners installed on building facades. Prints from each year’s winning art are available for purchase. This event is a fan favorite, this showcases the talent and beauty of our community, as well as sharing an age old past time – painting outside in open air!
Dinner IN Downtown
Saturday May 20, 2023
Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association presents Dinner in Downtown – Palette to Palate!
Join us for an art inspired evening with dinner featuring Chef Tan Uckan of Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine. The 10th annual Dinner in Downtown combines local culinary delights, live auction of En Plein Air paintings, entertainment from the Carolina Moondogs, and dancing. This ticketed Fundraising and Downtown Awards Event began in 2013 and has become an anticipated yearly celebration.
Dinner in Downtown Ticket Information: Individual Friend Ticket Price: $150 per person.
Wine and beer available for purchase. Event seating is limited at this annual sold out event, get your tickets now! ***This is a rain or shine event***
To purchase tickets click link:
https://bit.ly/fvdadinnerindowntown
Trick Or Treat
Friday October 27, 2023
No tricks, just treats for everyone who loves costumes, candy and having a Happy Halloween! This free annual event is sponsored by the FVDA and nearly 100 participating downtown businesses. Typically held the Friday before Halloween, you’re invited to bring your ghosts & goblins to visit the merchants that display a Trick or Treat poster in their windows!
Trick or Treat in Downtown is a rain or shine event.
Event Details & Pro Tips
Trick or Treat in Downtown is a Free annual event sponsored by Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association and participating Downtown Businesses. Held from 2-5 because the largest number of businesses are able to participate and welcome trick or treaters. Families are invited to dress up their ghosts and goblins and visit the businesses in both downtown districts. Look for the sign “Trick or Treat Here!”
Pro Tips:
- Want ALL of the treats? Visit both districts- Fuquay on Main St. & Varina on Broad St.
- Little trek for little tricksters? Visit Varina district and walk both sides of Broad St. for approx 20 Trick or Treat spots
- Treats Galore for kids who can walk a little more? Visit Fuquay district on Main and side streets for approx. 50 Trick or Treat spots
- The event is Rain or Shine. Thanks to FVPD for providing support for the safety of pedestrians.
BBQ, Blues, & Brews
Saturday November 11, 2023 12-4 pm Location 405 Broad St.
This FVDA fundraiser can be tricky to say, but if you love anything about the name, you don’t want to miss it! Sample delicious BBQ from competing cook teams, sip a unique selection of locally brewed beer, browse the makers market and enjoy live music performances. Tasting tickets are available for pre-purchase under The Store tab on the website through November 6, 2023, then a limited number of tickets will be available on 11/11 beginning at 12 pm. Due to the nature of the event, dogs are not allowed. This event is rain or shine.