Canceled in 2020, Dogwood Festival to return in 2021 as hybrid 'mini-fest'

After being canceled due to the COVID pandemic last spring, the Dogwood Festival is returning for 2021.

The popular festival was postponed last year, with many remaining hopeful the spring festival could be shifted to October. However, it was ultimately canceled.

This year, the festival will return the weekend of April 23 - 25 as a 'Mini-Fest.'

The format will be a hybrid of virtual and live in-person events.

Officials said the festival will include fair food, a car show, live music, craft vendors, and poetry.

They will also offer virtual live streamed music performances and a virtual online marketplace.

A few things will be different this year. The festival typically begins with a big food truck event, but there will be no food trucks this year. Also, the location has moved from the usual park to a location at Westwood Shopping Center.

The festival is typically Wednesday through Sunday, but will only be Friday through Sunday this year.

Officials said the Dogwood Festival will be in compliance with whatever restrictions and crowd limitations in place for NC at the time.