Welcome to April! Check out what’s happening this month in Downtown Cary:
Pimento Cheese Festival 2025
April 12, 11 am at the Downtown Cary Park
Pimento cheese is a southern delicacy worth celebrating.
Enjoy the nation’s only festival dedicated specifically to pimento cheese! Join more than 50 food vendors at Downtown Cary Park to savor the flavor of incredibly unique pimento cheese infused dishes. Previous years have seen creative culinary feats including pimento cheese ice cream (don’t judge ‘til you try), pimento cheese egg rolls, pimento cheese empanadas, and much more.
Beyond the food, the day will be full of performances, activities, and other entertainment throughout the Park.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_pimento-cheese-festival-2025
Cary Farmers Market
April 5, 19, and 26, 9:00 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 or their Facebook and Instagram pages for regularly updated weekly information.
Marvelous Music Bonus Series: Alex Cuba & Emily Scott Robinson
April 5 and 24, 7:30 pm at the Cary Arts Center
Come to downtown Cary and be a part of incredible evenings of entertainment through the Marvelous Music Mainstage Series. The 24th season marks the 13th anniversary of this beloved series in the restored, historic Cary Arts Center. The series showcases a variety of emerging and nationally acclaimed touring artists.
Alex Cuba
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets Here
“Staying true to his Spanish language Folk-Funk-Rock hybrid has paid off.” — Billboard
Defying the typical “Latin music” conventions, Grammy winner Alex Cuba’s self-described “Latin Soul” draws from folk, funk and fretwork that will floor you. His pop hooks and smooth vocals will draw you into the afro-Cuban artist’s world of beauty and sound.
Born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba was immersed in music at a very young age, joining his father’s (respected guitarist and teacher Valentin Puentes) group of 24 guitarists. His musical evolution for years was all about searching for the simplicity and soul in Cuban music – taking apart the complex arrangements, mixing it with North American influences, adopting the melodic simplicity of pop music, looking to Cuban folk traditions for inspiration – he’s always exploring, always creating something fresh and new, and always, it seems, getting it just right.
For more, visit alexcuba.com.
Emily Scott Robinson
Friday, April 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets Here
With her pure, bracing vocal set against an achingly somber piano, Emily Scott Robinson doesn’t marinate in misery so much as summon the strength to venture up to a precipice and stand at “the edge of something wild.” — NPR
With a quarter million miles under her belt and counting, North Carolina native Emily Scott Robinson comes home to The Cary Arts Center with a full band and a full set of beautiful tales to share. She travels the dusty highways of America’s wild country, capturing the stories of the people she meets and expertly crafting them into songs. Robinson received critical acclaim for her debut album Traveling Mercies– Rolling Stone named it one of the “40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2019.” In 2021, Robinson signed with Oh Boy records, the label founded by the legendary John Prine, and released her follow-up album American Siren.
For more, visit emilyscottrobinson.com
Heritage Leadership Academy Presents The Little Mermaid
April 10 at 5 pm at the Cary Arts Center
April 11 and 12 at 7:30 pm at the Cary Arts Center
Run Time: 130 Minutes, 15 Minute Intermission
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible well-loved songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
For Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/52833049/disneys-little-mermaid-cary-cary-arts-center
Trivia Night
April 10 and 24, 6 PM at the Downtown Cary Park Bark Bar
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!
Live at Lunch with Garland Mason
April 10, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Spend your lunch hour at Downtown Cary Park as you enjoy live musical performances. This concert features Garland Mason, a soul-filled singer/songwriter, band leader, and North Carolina native. Winner of WRAL’s Best Local Artist of 2022 and the 2019 iHeart Radio One Eighty Music songwriter’s contest, Garland is a passionate singer with unbelievable range and heart. He has been performing in the North Carolina music scene for over a decade, and his passion for local music is ever-present. Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_live-at-lunch-7
Movie Night: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
April 11 at Downtown Cary Park
Pre-screening Activities 6 p.m. | Film 7:30 p.m.
Ahead of our Saturday’s Pimento Cheese Festival, join us for the food-focused film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG), curated by The Cary Theater.
Quirky inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that turns water into food, bringing joy to his struggling island town. However, when the invention spirals out of control, producing giant food that threatens the world, Flint must team up with weather reporter Sam Sparks and his friends to save the day. Along the way, Flint learns the importance of family, friendship, and believing in himself.
Come early to enjoy pre-screening activities for all ages, making it a perfect night out for everyone. Stay tuned for more details.
Grab your cushions, blankets, and chairs for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film. Food trucks will also be on site.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_movie-night-4
Spring A Cappella concert with ‘Chordination’
April 16 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
‘Chordination’ invites you to Downtown Cary Park for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment, featuring talented collegiate a cappella performers. Enjoy a high-energy concert filled with stunning harmonies and dynamic vocal arrangements in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring your friends and family, grab a blanket or chair, and get ready for a night of incredible music under the stars!
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_spring-a-cappella-concert-with-chordination
Cary Farmer’s Market
April 19, 8:00 am – 12 pm at Downtown Cary Park
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.
Children’s Day Festival
April 19, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
This celebration focuses on the importance of the next generation, our children, with the intent of helping them develop an appreciation for the colorful mosaic of cultures in this area. This event features stage performances by children, and a wonderful array of craft activities. The Children’s Day Festival of Cary is organized by the American Turkish Association of NC as a gift to the community and made possible in part, by a grant from the Town of Cary.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_childrens-day-festival-2
Children’s BINGO At the Great Lawn Pavilion
April 21, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Join in the fun at our drop-in Children’s BINGO in the Park! Little ones, get ready for a thrilling time of laughter and surprises as we bring this timeless game to the Park. With each call of the numbers, discover a world of friendly competition. It’s an afternoon for our youngest park enthusiasts to enjoy!
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_childrens-bingo-4
Live at Lunch: Jason Adamo at Academy Plaza
April 24 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Spend lunch at Downtown Cary Park enjoying live musical performances during the break in your day. This concert features Jason Adamo. Jason is a singer/songwriter who currently resides in Raleigh, NC. Earlier in his career his musical journey transported him to the music and songwriting scenes of both New York City and Nashville. He has received Gold and Platinum awards for his songwriting work on the debut album of country artist, Brett Young. Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home, or buy some take-out at any of Cary’s great downtown dining options nearby.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_live-at-lunch-8
Cary Night Market
April 25, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Discover a vibrant showcase of locally crafted treasures while enjoying 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-11
Performances at the Page: Roadhouse Storytellers
April 26, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Page-Walker Arts & History Center 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary
Roadhouse Storytellers, presented by the North Carolina Storytelling Guild, returns to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for an evening of engaging stories from local tellers. Featured performers are Phyllis Dodd, Peg Helminski, Willa Brigham, and Sam Pearsall. For more information, visit Performances at the Page.
CaryLive! at the Great Lawn Pavilion
April 26, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Elevate your evenings with the vibrant rhythm of CaryLive! This concert features opener, Andy Eversole, followed by Andrea von Kampen. Andy is a bluegrass, world music banjoist, composer, and singer, and has released nine albums in the span of 20 years. Andrea is known for her captivating melodies and introspective storytelling. She just released her third full-length record, “Sister Moon” in March of 2024.
Join us at Downtown Cary Park for a captivating concert series. Free and open to the public, these concerts welcome all to come together, enjoy the rhythms, and bask in the beauty of the Park under the stars. For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_carylive-4
Comedy Show: Karen Morgan with opener Jen Gilmore
April 26, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm at The Cary Theater
HEADLINER: Karen Morgan Bio
Karen has been performing clean standup comedy in theaters and performing arts centers for almost two decades. She entertains audiences nationwide with her relatable observations of family and everyday life. Her funny, sentimental stories of growing up in the 1970s & 80s are a particularly big hit with GenXers, Gen Jonesers and Baby Boomers. Karen’s “real” humor, clean material and conversational delivery connect quickly with PAC audiences.
Karen has also built a strong community of friends on social media who love to buy tickets to her live shows. She has 2 Dry Bar Comedy Specials: Go Dawgs (with millions of views on Facebook & YouTube) and Rub Some Dirt On It (Top 10 List of 2023). She has been featured in The Washington Post, HuffPost and The Insider. Her credits also include Sirius XM Radio, Gotham Comedy Live and Nickelodeon Television. Karen lives in Cumberland, Maine but was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. She loves to travel for comedy shows, especially if there is a Waffle House along the way.
FEATURE: Jen Gilmore Bio
Jen Gilmore is a Raleigh, NC-based comedian, Gen X survivor, and weathered member of the Sandwich Generation. She specializes in relatable observations about midlife, where gravity wins and metabolism loses. Conversations with her dad include his daily report on what he ate and which high school friend has passed away. Whether it’s middle-aged dating, generational miscommunications, or wondering how she got stuck in the middle of this family panini, she has a hot take—and probably a sore back.
Paws and Pals: Adoption Event with Peak Lab Rescue
April 27, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Looking for a new furry friend? Bring your crew to our adoption event in the Park hosted by Peak Lab Rescue! Meet adorable, adoptable pups and learn more about giving them a loving forever home. Whether you’re ready to adopt or just want to enjoy wagging tails and puppy kisses, this event is the paw-fect way to spend your day. Don’t miss the chance to find your new best friend!
Know Before You Go
- Dogs must stay on leash.
- This open to all dogs, but please keep in mind your dog’s limits and comfort level.
International Dance Day with Graceful Expressions
April 29, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Join us for the International Day of Dance Festival organized by Graceful Expressions. Celebrate the universal language of dance and the joy of movement through free workshops for all ages and abilities. The day will finish with a performance featuring community groups from all around Cary. You’ll even be able to join in a flash mob finale!
Stay tuned for a full line up of the day’s activities and a list of featured performers! For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_international-dance-day-with-graceful-expressions
Know about an event that we missed? Reach out to us and we will add it to our calendar!