Discover the Best of Downtown Cary in August 2025! This month, Downtown Cary comes alive with can’t-miss local events perfect for families, foodies, and fun-seekers. Enjoy live music at the CaryLIVE! series, enjoy shopping at the Cary Night Market and Vintage Market, and explore vibrant arts at the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Don’t miss family-friendly movie nights under the stars and the Farmers Market for the best local produce. Whether you’re into culture, cuisine, or community fun, August 2025 in Downtown Cary has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the heart of Cary!
Performances at the Page: Celebration of Bluegrass
August 1 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Celebrate one of America’s favorite traditional music styles! In partnership with the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music (PineCone), the Page-Walker welcomes Rebecca Frazier, an up-and-coming musician from Virginia to Performances at the Page. Opening for Rebecca are the student fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and upright bass musicians of Bluegrass Jam Camp. For more information visit Performances at the Page or call (919) 460-4963.
Cary Farmers Market
August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – East Park Street
Join the Cary Farmers Market for the traditional market season along East Park St., next to Downtown Cary Park.
Find a wonderful lineup of vendors offering all locally made and locally grown items. Shop for freshly-harvested produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods. Stop by the info booth to learn about their matching program for SNAP/EBT.
Children can also get their very own Farmers Market Passport and participate in the Eat-A-Rainbow program, which encourages children to eat healthy, nutritious foods. Learn more about the new location, nutrition programs, and other information on their website or their Facebook and Instagram pages for regularly updated weekly information.
Summer Vibes in the Park
August 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us for Summer Vibes in the Park with the Shannon Baker and Sometime Soon musicians playing bluegrass tunes. Enjoy a local food truck and Bond Brothers Brewery. This family-friendly event will get everyone moving. Kid’s activities and yard games will be provided as well!
Music BINGO
August 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Get ready to sing, dance, and BINGO your way to victory at Music Bingo in Downtown Cary Park!
Join us for a night of high-energy fun, where your favorite tunes become the soundtrack to an epic bingo game! Whether you’re a music buff or just love a good time, we’ve got the perfect mix of hits, laughter, and prizes waiting for you. Grab your friends, bring your game face, and get ready to mark off those bingo cards to some serious jams.
Don’t miss out – this is one musical event you won’t want to miss! See you at the park for a night of music, fun, and (of course) BINGO!
Movie Night: Guardians of the Galaxy
August 8 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Preshow Activities 6 p.m. | Film at Sunset
Great Lawn Pavilion
The final film that YOU picked during January’s Summer Blockbuster Battle is “Guardians of the Galaxy” (PG-13), curated by The Cary Theater.
A group of misfit outlaws from different corners of the universe unexpectedly team up to stop a powerful threat. Through humor, adventure, and heart, they learn to trust one another and form an unconventional family. Together, they must navigate their differences and face high-stakes challenges to protect the galaxy.
Come early to enjoy pre-screening activities for all ages. For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_movie-night-9
Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet
August 11 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Find the missing piece of your day at our drop-in puzzle program featuring a lively swap meet. Bring your favorite puzzles, trade with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a casual day of collaborative problem-solving and camaraderie. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new challenges, share your passion for puzzles, and connect with like-minded individuals in a fun and relaxed family friendly setting.
Know Before You Go
- This is a drop-in program.
- All swap-meet puzzles should be in good condition with ALL pieces contained in their box.
- Puzzles will be exchanged for free, but in order to take a puzzle home, please bring a puzzle to share!
- This program is suitable for all ages.
Toddler Tuesday: Mad Science Sea, Sand & Surf Class
August 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am – Downtown Cary Park
Join Mad Science as they help children explore the science of the sea, learn about what sand is made from, how shells are used by animals for protection, and what animals live in the ocean. Kids will also make their own ocean bottle to take home!
Trivia Night at the Bark Bar
August 14 and 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Get ready to test your knowledge and unleash your competitive spirit at Trivia Night in Downtown Cary Park’s Bark Bar! Led by the witty hosts from Hammered Trivia, it’s an evening packed with brain-teasing questions, laughter, and prizes. Gather your friends, grab a drink, and let the games begin!
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/calendar
Cary Night Market Throughout the Park
August 15 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Join Triangle area artisans for a monthly gathering where an eclectic array of goods meets delectable food and drinks!
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_cary-night-market-13
Comedy Show: Mark Brady and Shane Smith
August 15 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – The Cary Theater
Mark Brady Bio – Headliner
He has been featured on the Drybar, Sirius XM and ESPN. He has released two albums “Incognito ” and “For The BIrds”. He has worked with many talented comedians over the years including Andrew Shulz, Pete Holmes, Tom Segura, and Nate Bargatze. He is 1/3 of the popular Hummy’s VR Comedy channel on YouTube and Podcast, which boast a combined 236,000 subscribers and 22+ million views.
Shane Smith Bio – Feature
Shane Smith is a stand-up comedian, improviser, podcaster and actor based in Raleigh, NC. Shane co-hosted the podcast Conspiracy Beer Me with fellow friend and comedian JD Scranton on the Helium Comedy Network. He and JD currently host the new iteration of the podcast Weird Science, which delves into all things weird in the world of science. He’s been featured on HBO Max and has been lucky enough to work with a diverse group of headliners such as Kumail Nanjiani, Kevin Nealon, Charlie Murphy, and Ralphie May.
The Cary Vintage Market
August 16 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm – West Biergarten
The Cary Vintage Market is a monthly vintage market held at the biergarten space between Vicious Fishes Brewery (Cary) and South Line Brewing. Located on the edge of downtown , this market is the only vintage market in Cary, NC. Here, you can expect to find a highly curated and diverse collection of:
•Vintage women’s and mens clothing
•Vintage shoes and accessories
•Vintage records, CDs and cassettes
•Vintage houseware and decor
•Vintage tchotchkes, memorabilia and collectibles
Plus:
•Permanent jewelry
•Craft coffee cart (NEW!)
•Specialty baked goods
•Craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies
•Food trucks
Summer BreakOUT! Throughout the Park
August 20 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Wrap up summer in the most magical way at Downtown Cary Park! Join us for Summer BreakOUT, a free, family-friendly celebration packed with wicked fun for all ages. Enjoy arts and crafts, playful activities, bubble art by Imagine Circus, and roaming magic with the Wizard himself. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to discover a whimsical photo op wall and a sparkling tattoo booth! Plus, meet two iconic characters from Wicked (Part One) before we end the night with a movie screening of the film under the stars. Come hungry—there will be food trucks and sweet treat vendors on site serving up tasty eats! Don’t miss this enchanted evening of fun!
- 4 – 7 p.m. | Imagine Circus Bubble Artist on Frantz Square Lawn
- 4 – 7 p.m. | Wicked Themed Activities in Academy Pavilion
- Bracelet Making
- Oz BINGO
- 4 – 7:30 p.m. | Emerald City Photo Op and Tattoo Booth on Frantz Square Plaza (follow the Yellow Brick Road!)
- 4 – 7:30 p.m. | Art Cart in the Nest Pavilion
- 4 – 9 p.m. | Food Truck (MunchiLove) available at Park St Courts
- 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Roaming Magic with The Wizard
- 5 – 8:30 p.m. | Spunderful Cotton Candy and Geluna Gelato available on the Great Lawn
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet & Greet with Elphaba and Glinda on Frantz Square Lawn
- 7:30 p.m. | Wicked (Part One) Screening Begins at the Great Lawn Pavilion
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_summer-breakout-3
Movie Night: Wicked (Part One) at the Great Lawn Pavilion
August 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Prescreening Activities 6 p.m. | Film at 7:30 p.m.
The film explores the origins of Elphaba, a green-skinned young woman, and her complex friendship with Glinda during their time at Shiz University. As they navigate societal expectations and personal challenges, their bond is tested by differing ideologies and encounters with powerful figures, including the Wizard of Oz. This musical adaptation of the Broadway hit delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and the nature of good and evil, setting the stage for the events leading up to the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz.
Come early to enjoy pre-screening activities for all ages, as a part of our Summer BreakOUT! event, making it a perfect night out for everyone.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_movie-night-10
Demo Daze Throughout the Parkdown
August 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Get ready for a sneak peek into creativity at its finest with Demo Daze! Join us at Downtown Cary Park for a vibrant showcase featuring multiple demo stations unveiling diverse artistic mediums. It’s the perfect prelude to the upcoming 2-day Lazy Daze festival. Immerse yourself in a fusion of artistry, inspiration, and anticipation at this dynamic event. Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic behind the masterpieces!
Stay tuned for the full lineup of activities, food trucks, and demonstrations!
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_demo-daze-2
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
August 23 and 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Town Hall Campus
Join us for the 49th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, a two-day celebration of creativity and community! Explore the work of over 250 talented artists from around the country, enjoy live music and performances across four stages, and treat yourself to bites from 25+ food vendors. Kids can get hands-on in Kid Daze, featuring crafts, games, and the popular Kid Collectors Market—where young art lovers can shop for pint-sized pieces created by our Lazy Daze artists. With interactive art experiences, artisan demos, and fun around every corner, Lazy Daze is the perfect way to wrap up your summer. We can’t wait to see you there!
Learn more here.
CaryLIVE! With Squirrel Nut Zippers at the Great Lawn Pavilion
August 23 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
This free CaryLIVE! concert will have you tapping your toes and swinging into the night!
Sparked by the flames of 1920s jazz, klezmer, and vaudeville, the Squirrel Nut Zippers blazed onto the music scene in the mid-1990s at a time when big band music was having a resurgence and the doors were wide open for curious ringleader Jimbo Mathus and his caustic crew of rollicking, ragtime musicians.
Formed in 1993 by Mathus (vocals, guitar, trombone) in the Chapel Hill area with former vocalist and banjo player Katherine Whalen, the eclectic group of diverse local artists quickly gelled and wove together a tapestry of sounds comprising elements of early jazz, blues and southern roots, that are still evident today.
For more than 30 years, the Squirrel Nut Zippers have proven that their truly unique and original sound has not only stood the test of time but also that no other artist of this generation has embraced and synthesized such eclectic influences in such a seamless, authentic manner.
This concert series is free. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket for a comfortable viewing experience.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_carylive-squirrel-nut-zippers
Toddler Tuesday: Toddler Ballet Class with Tutu School Cary
August 26 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am – Downtown Cary Park
Tutu School aims to engage your little one and give them an unforgettable intro to ballet. They believe early exposure to creativity, movement, and music leads to great things. Dancing out stories exercises little bodies and nurtures big imaginations! Their classes balance structure and creativity, laying the foundation for ballet technique while incorporating fun, imaginative activities to keep young dancers captivated and in love with ballet.
Board Game Social
August 28 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Enjoy Board Games in the Park, where you can gather with friends and family for an evening of delightful competition and fun. Indulge in the fantastic food and beverage offerings from Market 317. With tables, chairs, and games provided, this family-friendly space is the perfect setting to roll the dice, strategize, and enjoy a memorable night of tabletop gaming camaraderie.
Discover Dance: Latin Session at the Great Lawn Pavilion
August 29 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join Mambo Dinamico Dance Company and experience vibrant Latin rhythms like Mambo, Rumba, Cha-cha, Merengue, and more—brought to life by their energizing live band! Watch, enjoy, and learn about the vibrant music, dance, and culture. These experienced dancers and instructors will guide you through a few dance steps, ensuring that the whole family can join in on the fun! Dive into the rich traditions and rhythms, and create memorable moments together as you experience the joy of dance!
As always, this event is an additional hub for the Cary Art Loop where you can explore artistic creations, crafts, and imaginative activities. Come to the Park for this family-friendly celebration, where retailers and food trucks add to the festive atmosphere of local arts and delicious cuisine.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_discover-dance-latin-session
Something is going on for everyone, so be sure to come back for what’s upcoming in September!