THE SLAWBURGER Festival is an annual event that brings the community together in celebration of the town’s signature dish: the mustard-based, slaw-topped burger. First introduced in 2015, the festival is held every April on the historic downtown square and has steadily grown in popularity. The event commemorates a local culinary tradition that dates back to the 1920s and offers attendees a variety of entertainment and food options.
According to data documented in the Economic Impact Report from Fayetteville Main Street, in 2025, the Slawburger Festival attracted an estimated 11,300 visitors, an increase from the 10,000 who attended in 2024. The festival contributed between $1.61 million and $1.63 million to the local economy. This economic impact included over $80,000 in sales tax revenue and supported approximately 32 full-time equivalent jobs. Local businesses reported a significant increase in sales during the event.

The festival featured numerous attractions, including a vendor marketplace, live music performances, a beer garden, and a Kids Zone. The Kids Zone is managed by Junior’s House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children who have experienced abuse.
Proceeds from the festival are reinvested into local initiatives, including beautification projects and educational programs. The Slawburger Festival continues to serve as both a celebration of Fayetteville’s heritage and a key driver of economic and community development.
The Annual Slawburger Chase 5k/10k kicked off the Slawburger Festival. All proceeds from the event benefited Always Endure, a nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers for adoptive families, patients with major medical diagnoses, and children in foster care. GN