Things To Do in Fayetteville This Weekend: May 8-May 10

Fayetteville's Mother's Day weekend serves up the full spectrum, from painting on a blank canvas at Cape Fear Botanical Garden to gospel music and generational storytelling at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Meanwhile, a galaxy far, far away lands at Segra Stadium for Star Wars Night with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Seasonal Art Series: Mother's Day is a hands-on painting class open to adults and children 12 and older, with no experience needed. Participants will create a Mother's Day-inspired piece using soft colors, layered brushstrokes, and simple design elements, with step-by-step guidance from instructor Sara-Jane, who has more than 10 years of teaching experience. The instructor paints alongside the class so everyone leaves with a finished painting. All materials are included, and registration is required.

Cape Fear Regional Theatre presents "Crowns: A Gospel Musical," written by Regina Taylor and adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. The production follows Yolanda, a Brooklyn teenager sent South after a tragedy. She finds herself drawn into the world of Black church women whose ornate hats carry generations of stories. Through gospel music, laughter, and testimony, she discovers her own heritage and strength. Directed by Allyson Tucker and rated PG, the show is suited for teens and adults.

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers host Star Wars Night at Segra Stadium, an annual themed evening celebrating a different chapter of the saga. Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters for a pregame costume parade around the warning track, and the team wears special on-field jerseys auctioned off during and after the game. A Star Wars-themed postgame fireworks show caps the night. Ticket packages include a game ticket, a lightsaber, and exclusive field access.

The Fayetteville weekend events offer something for everyone. Catch live arena football action on Friday night, then head into full Mother's Day celebration mode with a ranch roundup and an elegant garden party high tea.

Weeknights in Fayetteville are anything but quiet. Kick things off with a history walk and a fly-casting lesson before the week shifts into creative territory — painting with a whiskey in hand and wrapping it all up with a night of live stand-up comedy at Paddy's Irish Public House.