Annual community festival at East Hoke Middle School runs May 29 through June 7 with free admission and nightly activities
RAEFORD, N.C. — One of Hoke County’s largest annual community events is set to return later this month as Hoke Fest 2026 brings carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors and family attractions back to Raeford for a 10-day celebration.
The festival will take place May 29 through June 7 at East Hoke Middle School, located at 4702 Fayetteville Rd. in Raeford.
Organizers say Hoke Fest traces its roots back to the Hoke 100 Centennial Celebration Carnival in 2011 and has since grown into a major annual event supporting East Hoke Middle School and athletic programs connected to Hoke County schools.
Festival Features Carnival Rides and Live Entertainment
Hoke Fest 2026 will feature a full midway operated by Michael’s Amusements, offering rides, games and attractions throughout the event.
Admission into the festival is free, while unlimited ride wristbands will cost $30, with individual ride tickets also available for purchase.
Additional attractions and entertainment scheduled during the festival include:
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
- Nightly magic and comedy performances from Bob Bohm Family Entertainment
- Helicopter rides
- A 30-foot gaming trailer from Spring Lake
- Mike’s Musical Mechanical Bull
- HIS Radio 90.1 FUN Patrol
- Carolina Sports Plus activities
- Line dancing with Tajsah Taco Armstrong
- DJ entertainment hosted by Let’s Talk About Wellness
- Carnival food vendors
- Arts, crafts and local business vendors
Event Hours and Parking Information
HOURS
- Monday through Friday: 5 p.m. until close
- Saturday and Sunday: 2 p.m. until close
Parking on school grounds will cost $5 per vehicle.
Festival organizers also announced several safety and traffic rules for this year’s event, including requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult and prohibiting drop-offs at the venue.
Parking will also not be permitted along Club Pond Road or U.S. Highway 401 near the festival grounds.
Sponsors Supporting Hoke Fest 2026
Sponsors for this year’s event include:
- FirstHealth of the Carolinas
- Sandhills Community College
- Fit4Life Health Clubs NC & Raeford
- RIVR Tech Fiber Internet/WiFi/Voice
- HIS Radio
Additional event updates and information can be found through the official Hoke Fest 2026 Facebook event page.
Kres Thomas, FayToday News
