Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Gets New Director, Sets 2025 Festival Dates

Just two months after announcing a new director, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival has announced another new leader.

Kaylynn Suarez was announced as the new Executive Director by the organization in a December 13 post.

"We are thrilled to announce that Kaylynn Suarez is officially stepping into the role of Executive Director for the Dogwood Festival," the Festival said in a post. "With her deep community connections, extensive experience in events and sponsorships, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, we are excited for the fresh energy and vision she brings to the festival. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome as she takes the charge for what promises to be an unforgettable 2025 celebration alongside our incredible 12-member board of directors."

Suarez replaces Jim Long Jr., who had been announced at the beginning of October, but resigned just days later after the organization's board of directors meeting. Long had been filling a seat that had sat vacant since the previous director resigned to move into another career field after the 2023 April festival.

In 2024, the organization held a smaller festival, with volunteer board members largely planning and executing the event in April. There were no Fayetteville After Five or Fall Dogwood Festival activities held.

Suarez is a Texas native, and is married to an active-duty officer. "Everyone, from the bottom of my heart thank you for your kind words and support," she said in a post. "I am excited for the challenge and know that this will be a festival worth attending. See you all around and let’s keep those positive vibes coming!"

"With a diverse professional background in marketing, event planning, management, and nonprofit work, Kaylynn is ready to bring her unique skills and enthusiasm to the Dogwood Festival," the release said. "We are confident she will be an invaluable asset to the organization and that under her leadership, the 2025 festival will be one for the history books."

According to the call for vendors, the 2025 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is scheduled for April 25-27.

The 2022 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is in the books, and it was a memorable weekend.

More than 200,000 people came through Downtown Fayetteville over the course of the three-day festival, according to Dogwood Festival officials.

Hoobastank headlined Friday night to a huge crowd in Festival Park.

Saturday night's WKML Country Night was a HUGE success, with Dillon Carmichael, Kameron Marlowe and Tyler Farr putting on an epic show for the packed park.

Here's a look at some of the good times throughout the 2022 Dogwood Festival: