There is always something going on in Downtown Cary! Although the days have been chilly, there are plenty of events that are worth leaving the house for: Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, shopping with local vendors, live performances, and more!
Portraits of Resistance and Resilience: Honoring African American Women with Wake County Roots – Quilt Show Opening
February 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Cary Town Hall | 316 N Academy St
Exhibit ongoing from February 4 to March 27, 2026
Portraits of Resistance and Resilience: Honoring African American Women with Wake County Roots
Medium: Fibers
Inspired by the mission of Matthew 25 churches’ call to dismantle racism, they chose to honor African American women with Wake County roots living during Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era—women who, in spite of overwhelming societal limitations, found ways to develop and use their skills to improve the lives of their families and countless others.
Among the 11 quilt honorees are educators, activists, servicewomen, librarians, authors, business owners, and musicians. Four have strong connections to Raleigh’s Oberlin Village, where Wilson Temple has been located since 1865. Developed in the 1860s through 1970, Oberlin Village is the longest surviving and most intact Reconstruction-Era freedmen’s colony in North Carolina.
The project’s nine-month creative journey taken by local women learning and supporting each other while lifting up past leaders, attests to the community threads that connect us all. The makers hope you enjoy their artistic interpretations of these amazing women and that you leave this exhibit inspired by their contributions. https://www.westraleighpres.org/quilt-show
Meet the Artist: Sid Thakur – Papercutting
February 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Cary Arts Center Principal’s Hall | 101 Dry Avenue
January 28 – March 22, 2026
Meet the Artist: Friday, January 30 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Medium: Papercutting
Sid Thakur, Ph.D., is a computer scientist by profession and a paper-cutting artist by passion, residing in Cary, North Carolina. He explores the art of cutting and carving paper by hand, mainly using scissors and craft knives.
Cary Apex Piano Teachers Association presents Ravel & Riffs
February 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
Ravel & Riffs with Mikael Darmanie, Pianist. Mikael will cover a variety of genres that will rock your socks off! He’ll be catering to a wide-reaching crowd, playing both classical and modern music such as his own improvisations and techno! For more, https://harlemchamberplayers.org/mikael-darmanie
Event is free. No tickets required. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Cary Farmers Market
February 7, 14, 21, and 28 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – East Park St along the Downtown Cary Park
Join the Cary Farmers Market for the winter 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.
Gold Medal Games
February 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Cheer on the athletes and get in on the Winter Games action with friends and neighbors! Watch live Olympic coverage on the big screens while testing your own skills with interactive games and challenges. From spectating to competing, it’s an afternoon where everyone’s shooting for the gold! Stay tuned for the full lineup of activities at Downtown Cary Park.
Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap
February 9 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Find the missing piece of your day at our drop-in puzzle program featuring a swap meet. Bring your favorite puzzles, trade with fellow enthusiasts, and settle in for an afternoon of collaborative problem-solving and connection. It’s a fun opportunity to discover new challenges, share your love of puzzles, and meet like-minded participants and friends in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. More details at Downtown Cary Park.
Children’s BINGO
February 9 and 23 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us for drop-in Children’s BINGO in the Park! Little ones will enjoy friendly competition and winning small prizes. It’s an afternoon of laughter and delightful moments for our youngest park enthusiasts! More details at Downtown Cary Park.
The Cary Vintage Market
February 14 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – West End 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 men’s 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
Valentine’s Date Night
February 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Celebrate love at our free Valentine’s Date Night in the Park! Perfect for couples wanting a unique, creative evening out, this event features arts & crafts activities to enjoy together, live music, and a delicious food truck to satisfy your cravings. All activities are first come, first served, so arrive early! Bring your special someone and make memories with a night of laughter, connection, and Valentine’s Day fun under the stars. Please note, this event is for ages 16 and older only. More details at Downtown Cary Park.
Sisters in the Name of Song
February 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – The Cary Theater
Featuring songs from Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Roberta Flack, Carole King, Karen Carpenter and more, these female song stylists blend their voices in harmony and a common heart for singing and serving their audience with love! Each solo performers in their own right, these women combine their vocal talents, songwriting sensibilities and infectious stage presence to create a one-of-a-kind evening of music with a message of hope for all!
CARRIE MARSHALL BIO
With a style rooted in jazz phrasing and soulful, organic instrumentation, Carrie Marshall performs a genre-bending blend of pop, soul, folk and jazz with strong singer- songwriter sensibilities. Known for expressive, warm vocals, piano-driven melodies and emotionally rich storytelling, Carrie curates several shows and is known for her authentic connection with broad audiences. An award-wining songwriter, Carrie has been named “Top Charlotte Vocalist”, has won NC Songwriter of the Year and was a top 10 UK songwriting finalist. She won Best Supporting Actress from the Love International Film Festival for the feature film, “Changeover” and was also nominated twice for Best Musical Score.
LYDIA SALETT DUDLEY BIO
Lydia Salett Dudley is a jazz pianist, singer, composer and arranger in Raleigh, NC. She received her Graduate degree from North Carolina Central University in Jazz Composition. In 2011 her passion for music education eventually led her to start The Salett Art Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide music enrichment for underserved youth. She has performed for many occasions and shared the stage with several national and international artists. She is the bandleader of the group “Lydia Salett Dudley & Jazz Xpressions ”. This group’s music is rooted in jazz with a contemporary flair.
LAURELYN DOSSET BIO
Singer/songwriter Laurelyn Dossett lives and writes in Stokes County, NC. Her songs have appeared in film and television (Hell on Wheels, Ain’t In it for My Health) and have been recorded by many artists including Grammy-winning Levon Helm (Anna Lee) and Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops (Leaving Eden). She is currently finishing an album of new songs, with M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger producing. She has written the music and lyrics and served as music director for seven plays, staged at Triad Stage and Playmaker’s Repertory. Her song cycle, The Gathering: A Winter’s Tale in Six Songs was commissioned by the North Carolina Symphony and premiered in Raleigh in 2011.
VALENTINE’S NIGHT OF R&B JAZZ AND FUNK WITH CHIP SHEARIN A Legacy of Greatness, A Night of Pure Energy
February 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
Chip Shearin: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, world-class bassist, and the groove behind the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.” He’s toured with icons like Aretha Franklin and Janet Jackson, scored blockbuster films, and produced for TV and major brands. A true visionary, Chip brings unmatched energy and legendary chops to every stage. Chip knows how to turn any stage into a party. With grooves that defined a generation and the charisma to match, he delivers a show packed with funk, soul, and feel-good energy. From timeless hits to electrifying jams, Chip’s performance is more than music; it’s a celebration you’ll never forget!
Tickets will be on sale starting Dec. 15 through Etix and the Cary Box Office
Show details: carync.gov/valentinesday
School BreakOUT!
February 16 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
All aboard for a day full of creativity, and crafty fun at our School BreakOUT! With artist-led booths and family-friendly craft stations, kids will explore all kinds of art and get to take home their handmade masterpieces—one project at a time. Packed with engaging activities and hands-on fun, it’s the ideal way to spend a school-free day together. Stay tuned for the full line up of activities! More details at Downtown Cary Park
Cary Town Band presents Legends and Landscapes
February 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Across mountains, rivers, and distant shores, every culture carries its own song—born of story, shaped by place, and passed through generations. In Legends and Landscapes, the Cary Town Band explores the rich folklore and musical traditions of the world, from the pastoral melodies of Songs of Wales and Australian Folksong Medley No. 5 to the sweeping northern vistas of Sibelius’s Karelia Suite. Rhythms inspired by African and Caribbean traditions in Jamaican Rumba add color and energy, reminding us how music reflects both the land and the people who inhabit it. Through these timeless works, legends live on and songs of heritage echo across time, uniting voices and landscapes in a shared musical journey.
Come travel the world with The Cary Town Band — no passport required!
This concert is free to the public; for more information please visit https://carytownband.org/concerts/upcoming-concerts/
Cary Players presents Fortune or Fate
February 20, 21, 27, and 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
February 22 and March 1 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
A Buffet of Plays About Fantasies, Friendships & Food! Join us for an irresistible collection of lighthearted, laugh-filled one-act plays by award-winning playwright Mark Harvey Levine. Filled with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and the occasional poignant moment, these short plays explore the delightful complexities of friendships—both brand-new and long-established—as well as the fantasies and food that bring people together.
This charming series offers a perfect blend of humor and heart, inviting audiences to savor stories that are as relatable as they are imaginative.
For Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/36364325/fortune-or-fate-cary-pagewalker-arts-history-center-in-cary-north-carolina
The Future of Black History
February 21 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
“The Brilliance of Resilience” is this year’s Future of Black History Month program theme, celebrating the power, creativity, intellect, and legacy of Black resilience throughout American history. This event brings together community members, students, educators, and leaders for an afternoon of reflection, inspiration, and collective empowerment. Keynote Speaker, Dr. Yohuru Williams is a nationally recognized historian, prolific author, and sought-after commentator whose work focuses on the Civil Rights Movement, social justice, and education reform. His dynamic storytelling and nuanced historical insight make him one of the most respected scholars and orators of our time. More Details at Downtown Cary Park.
Ramadan Observance
February 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us at Downtown Cary Park for an evening observing Ramadan with a community gathering at sunset. Families can take part in art activities, and after the fast is broken, food trucks will be on site serving dinner options for all to enjoy.
Meet the Artist: Betsy Matthews
February 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Herbert C. Young Community Center
Exhibit from February 4 to March 27, 2026
Meet the Artist: Friday, February 27 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Medium: Acrylic
“My work is driven by a vision to highlight the effects of semantic satiation, not just alphabetically, but also through the power of imagery and the subtle elements that pervade our surroundings. Embracing the concept of ubiquity, I strive to shed light on the overlooked aspects of our daily lives that have become so familiar they are easily dismissed.”
Game Night with Black and Nerdy Gamers
February 27 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Black and Nerdy Gamers (BANG) take over Academy Pavilion for a Black History Game Night full of trivia, music bingo, and some of your favorite nerdy games—all celebrating Black people and Black culture. More details at Downtown Cary Park.
Comedy Show: Michael James with Carey James
February 27 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – The Cary Theater
Michael James Bio – Headliner
Mike James was put on earth to make people laugh. With his improvisation skills and over-exaggerating brand of comedy, Mike has quickly become one of Nashville’s hottest acts. He often uses his experiences as a father, a husband, and a generally very confused man to relate to his audience in a hilarious montage of miscommunication and everyday observations. Mike has opened for and toured with various national headliners including , Nate Bargatze, Godfrey, Loni Love, Ralphie May, Rosie O’Donnell, Arsenio Hall, Earthquake, Gilbert Gottfried, Dick Gregory, and Kevin Hart to name a few. Mike has also performed on national TV shows such as Live at Gotham, Stand Up Nashville, America’s Funniest People, and Huckabee Live, as well as KevOnStage’s Keep Your Distance. In late 2022, Mike’s first Drybar special “Southern Comfort” was released and stayed on the Drybar’s top ten for 5 straight weeks, which included 2 weeks at number 1.
Carey James Bio – Feature
Carey James Is A Durham, NC based stand-up comedian & 2025 Top 3 Finalist in NC’s Funniest Competition. Known for his laid-back charm & sharp observations, he turns his crazy life experiences into big laughs. Carey has opened for big names like Mark Normand, Nick Mullen, & Dave Attell, & has featured for many including Matthew Broussard & Jiaoying Summers. With a mix of storytelling and sarcasm, his comedy feels like catching up with an old friend from high school…only a lot less cringe.
Blood Drive with the Cary Police Department
February 28 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join the Cary Police Department for a Blood Drive in partnership with The Blood Connection, supporting the NC Special Olympics! Each donor will receive $30 in TBC rewards for an e-gift card of their choice and a free selection of gourmet snacks. Plus, The Blood Connection will donate $10 per donor to the Special Olympics NC!
Walk ups are welcome, but scheduling a donation time in advance is appreciated and helps staff anticipate how many donors to expect. Sign up for an available time slot here.
Know Before You Go
- Donors must be 16 years of age or older and over 110lbs to donate.
- Blood can be donated every 56 days.
- Written parental consent is required for 16 and 17 year olds in NC.
- Before you donate blood, make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal.
- Photo ID is required to donate blood.
- Rewards are non-transferable and expire after 30 days.
Youth Advocacy Summit
February 28 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Calling all changemakers!
Put your ideas into action at the Town of Cary’s Annual Youth Advocacy Summit and learn how to make a positive impact on your school, community, and the world! Through a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on activities, you’ll learn the basics of social impact storytelling, civic engagement, collaboration, and self and community care while making friends and exploring opportunities for further engagement and leadership.
Who can attend? Youth age 8 – 18.
Registration: This event is free, but registration is mandatory. Are you interested in bringing a youth group or organization? Contact Dr. Maru Gonzalez: mgonza22@ncsu.edu & Riley Holcraft: rjholcra@ncsu.edu
Hosted by Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources in Partnership with NC State’s Extension program #PassTheMicYouth, Wake County 4-H, and the Triangle YMCA.
This program is in conjunction with Black History Month: www.carync.gov/bhm.
THE WILLIE HINTON COLLECTIVE Dance Theater in Cary
February 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
The Story of Love and Resilience: A Journey of Healing Through the Arts is an interactive, educational multimedia experience presented in celebration of Black History Month. Blending dance, theater, and music, the show explores the intersection of mental health, spiritual well-being, and self-care, offering the arts as a powerful tool for healing and connection. The Willie Hinton Collective comprises dancers from various companies, educational institutions, and talented artists across the state.
Tickets On Sale: Dec 15, 2025
Purchase online through Etix.com
Purchase in person at the Cary Box Office (919) 462-2051
For more information: carync.gov/curatedconcerts
Note: We do not sell through third-party sites!
This event is a part of Black History & African American Appreciation Month Events
We will see you again soon for the early springtime fun that awaits in March!