May is a month full of music, pets, cars and Star Wars in Downtown Cary! What more could you ask for? Take a look at some of the exciting events happening this month.
The Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle (RTOOT) presents: Refresh And Renew
May 1 and 4, 7:30 pm at the Cary Arts Center
The Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle (RTOOT) celebrates spring! It’s time to refresh and renew. Please join us for a delightful evening of music and unexpected humor.
Concerts will be performed on Wednesday, May 1 and Saturday, May 4 at the Cary Arts Center. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
For more information and tickets: https://rtoot.org/concert-tickets/
Live at Lunch at Academy Plaza
May 2, 11:30 am at Downtown Cary Park
Break up your routine with lunch at Downtown Cary Park enjoying a variety of live musical performances. This free concert features acoustic duo, Jake & Johanna (of the Soul Psychedelique Orchestra).
Brett Chambers’ Open Mic: Cary Edition
May 3, 7:15 pm at The Cary Theater
Brett Chambers’ Open Mic began in 1996 at Sam Sellers restaurant, Talk of The Town and has been going strong for 28 years! Currently residing at the Blue Note Grill, Open Mic Night has been hosted in seven locations across the region. On May 3, it is coming to The Cary Theater as a Stage Show! Several famous musicians and artists have played at the Open Mic. The stage show will feature some of the best talent to hit the Mic. “The #1 Rule of the Open Mic is to HAVE FUN!”
A small number of VIP tickets to the exclusive pre-show reception will be made available through the Cary Box Office. For tickets and information, click here.
Cary Farmers Market
May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 8:00 am at 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.
Cary Dog Daze and Pet Expo
May 4, 10:00 am at the Cary Police Department
Get ready to unleash the fun and celebrate our furry friends at the most exciting event of the year – the Cary Dog Daze! Join us for a day filled with tail-wagging excitement, paw-some activities, and unforgettable memories. The Town of Cary is happy to announce the annual Dog Daze and Pet Expo will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Cary Police Department from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Our very own Cary Animal Services team is hosting this event and is excited to grow the Cary Dog Daze and Pet Expo into an annual extravaganza. This year’s event will include:
Animal Rescues: Come out and see a multitude of dog, cat and wildlife rescue organizations.
Agility Course: Watch amazing canine athletes tackle obstacles with finesse and skill.
Pet Vendor Village: Explore a variety of pet-related products and services from local vendors.
Food Trucks: Indulge in delicious treats for both you and your furry friend.
Doggy Demonstrations: Learn new tricks and training tips from expert trainers.
Don’t miss out on this bark-tastic event! Whether you have a furry friend of your own or simply love animals, Cary Dog Daze promises a day of fun, laughter, and lots of wagging tails. We welcome you and your well-behaved pets to join us for a paw-some time. Mark your calendars! We hope to see you there! For information and updates follow CaryAnimalServices.
May the Fourth Be with You
May 4, 4:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
May the Fourth be with you and join us at the Park to celebrate the “galaxy far, far away”. In honor of this commemorative Star Wars holiday, the Park will have entertainment throughout the day including, Star Wars trivia, character appearances, hands on crafts, food trucks, live entertainment, and more. Bring the whole family to observe this grassroots “Sci-Fi” celebration!
Friends of Page-Walker Herbfest
May 5, 12:00 pm at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center
The Friends of Page-Walker Herbfest is a perennial favorite, held rain or shine on the beautiful grounds of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Visitors have the opportunity to find out how to start their own herb garden while touring the Anne B. Kratzer Educational Garden, including a close-up look at the historic 1850s Page smokehouse. For more information visit Herbfest or call (919) 460-4963.
Spring Fairy Fling
May 7, 10:00 am at Downtown Cary Park Academy Pavillion
For this Toddler Tuesday rendition, join us for a whimsical Spring Fairy Fling! Meet enchanting fairy friends from Picture Perfect Princess, craft your own fairy wands, and capture adorable moments with our delightful photo opportunities. Let your little ones’ imaginations take flight in a magical world of fun and wonder!
Register to attend here.
Mother’s Day Tea Workshop
May 8, 6:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park Academy Pavillion
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an infusion workshop! Our expert instructor shares the art of balancing smells and flavors, each infusion inspired by stories and memories. Create your own unique blend using beautiful dried herbs. Become an herbal artist and take it home for a special moment or to share. Join us for a fragrant and flavorful experience!
Register to attend here.
Mother’s Day Cookie Decorating
May 9, 6:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park Academy Pavillion
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a sprinkle of sweetness! Join our Cookie Decorating Workshop for a delightful experience of edible artistry. Dive into a world of frosting, colors, and creativity as you decorate delicious cookies. Come, indulge in the joy of making edible masterpieces and create sweet memories with your loved ones!
Register to attend here.
Rissi Palmer
May 10, 8:00 pm at The Cary Theater
Join us for an intimate evening of country, R&B, and “Southern Soul” music performed by one of country music’s most versatile artists, Rissi Palmer.
“Palmer is a powerful vocalist with a helluva set of pipes.” – Martine Ehrenclou, Rock & Blues Muse
In 2007, Rissi Palmer released her debut album Rissi Palmer, charting singles, “Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me,” and “No Air.” Since then, Rissi has independently released a Christmas single, her first children’s album, Best Day Ever and an EP titled The Back Porch Sessions. Her most recent album, Revival, was released in 2019 and has been critically hailed as her most personal and uplifting work to date.
Rissi has shared the stage with Taylor Swift, The Eagles, Chris Young, Charley Crockett and many more. In addition to performing, Rissi hosts her own radio show “Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer” and is a special correspondent for CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown.
Movie Night: Raya and the Last Dragon
May 10, 8:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
This delightful PG-rated film promises a fun and enjoyable evening for all. Grab your cushions, blankets, and chairs for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film with popcorn and snacks from Market 317. Food trucks will also be on site. There will be pre-screening activities for all ages to enjoy as well.
Screening and activities are at the Great Lawn Pavilion with preshow activities at 5 p.m. and the film: 8-10 p.m.
Myles of Great Hope Presents: Heart for Art & Moms
May 11, 11:00 am at at Downtown Cary Park Academy Pavillion
This program is part of a public rental presented by the organization Myles of Great Hope.
Welcome to Heart for Art & Moms: A Mother’s Day Event! Join us on Sat, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the beautiful Downtown Cary Park for a day filled with creativity and celebration. Treat you and your mom to a special day out surrounded by African art and music. Show her how much you appreciate everything she does with a memorable experience. Let’s make this Mother’s Day one to remember at Heart for Art & Moms!
The Cary Vintage Market
May 11, 12:00 pm at the West End Biergarten
Cary, NC’s only monthly vintage market is back and better than ever on Saturday April 13th!
Created by Hummingbird Collective and hosted by Vicious Fishes Brewery & South Line Brewing Company in the brand new West End Biergarten, this family-friendly market features:
– Women’s and Men’s Vintage Clothing
– Vintage shoes and accessories
– Vintage records and cassettes
– Vintage houseware and trinkets
– Permanent jewelry
– Craft coffee cart (NEW!)
– Specialty baked goods
– Craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies (nonalcoholic and alcoholic options available)
– Food truck
…and more!!
BONUS: this event is both family-friendly and dog-friendly!
Infinity Ballet Presents The Spring Spectacular 22nd Anniversary Performance
May 11, 3:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
For more information and tickets: https://www.infinityballet.com/performance-schedules/
Impressions of Taiwan Sponsored by Cary Sister Cities, NC Taiwanese Cultural Arts & the Town of Cary
May 15, 7:30 pm at the Cary Arts Center
The performers, the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, was established to share Taiwanese culture through the drumming arts. Their visually stunning performance will share the culture and history of Taiwan through music and movement. Enjoy the skillful and dramatic performances while learning more about Taiwan.
To reserve your free ticket: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/77841207/impressions-of-taiwan-cary-cary-arts-center
Live at Lunch: Peter Lamb and Mark Wells of Peter Lamb and the Wolves
May 16, 11:30 am at Downtown Cary Park
Spend lunch at Downtown Cary Park enjoying live musical performances as the melodious backdrop for the break in your day.
Live music will be performed by Peter Lamb and Mark Wells of Peter Lamb & the Wolves on Academy Plaza.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Cary Night Market
May 17, 5:00 pm at 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!
Cary Town Band Presents “In The News!”
May 17, 7:30 pm at the Cary Arts Center
What’s new? What’s in the news? There is music for all kinds of news! Join us as the Cary Town Band explores music about the weather (In Storm and Sunshine), sports (Olympic Fanfare and Theme), marriages (Wedding Day at Troldhaugen), robbers (The Bandits Overture) and newsworthy happenings, at home and abroad! It’s In the News!
This is a FREE event open to the public.
For more information about Cary Town Band, please visit their website.
11th Annual Wheels on Academy Car Show
May 18, 10:00 am at North Academy Street
Enjoy cars of yesteryear as they come alive again and rule the road along with some of today’s modern muscle and exotic cars. See more of the fun happening at Wheels on Academy at carync.gov/wheels!
Triangle Youth Music Presents A Spring String Concert
May 18, 3:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
Triangle Youth String Orchestra and Triangle Youth String Sinfonia will perform.
Purchase tickets at this link: https://www.triangleyouthmusic.org/events
CaryLive! Featuring the Flowmingos
May 18, 7:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Elevate your evenings with the vibrant rhythm of CaryLive! Join us at Downtown Cary Park for a captivating concert series, where the stage is set for memorable musical moments. Free and open to the public, this enchanting experience welcomes all to come together, enjoy the rhythms, and bask in the beauty of community and music under the stars.
Don’t miss the country and R&B sound of singer/songwriter Kerry Long, setting the stage for the captivating performance by the genre-bending 4-piece band Flowmingos. They skillfully weave elements of Hip-Hop, Electronic, Funk, Jazz, and Latin music, promising an unforgettable performance.
Dino Day
May 21, 10:00 am at Downtown Cary Park
Roar into adventure at Dino Day for Toddler Tuesday! Meet a baby dinosaur and their scientist-in-training handler from Picture Perfect Princess. Dive into a “Science Talk” to uncover triceratops secrets, then dig into your own dino dig kit. It’s a Jurassic journey of discovery and fun!
Register to attend here.
Live at Lunch: Adam Decker Duo
May 30, 11:30 am at Downtown Cary Park
Spend lunch at Downtown Cary Park enjoying live musical performances as the melodious backdrop for the break in your day.
Live music will be performed by the Adam Decker Duo.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Final Friday
May 31, 5:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Experience the vibrancy of Final Fridays at Downtown Cary Park, an additional hub for the Cary Art Loop! On the last Friday of each month, explore the artistic creations of the Cary community and beyond. Engage with art exhibits, crafts, live entertainment, and imaginative activities. Join in the family-friendly celebration, where retailers and food trucks add to the festive atmosphere of local arts and delicious cuisine.
Know about an event that we missed? Reach out to us and we will add it to our calendar!