Discover the Best of Downtown Cary in September 2025! This month, Downtown Cary comes alive with can’t-miss local events perfect for families, foodies, and fun-seekers. Enjoy live music, shopping at the Cary Night Market and Vintage Market, and witness vibrant performances at the Carolina Circus 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, September 2025 in Downtown Cary has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the heart of Cary!
Live at Lunch Featuring Kyle Mullins
September 4 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Spend lunch at Downtown Cary Park enjoying live musical performances during the break in your day. This concert features Kyle Mullins. Mullins began his music journey at age 14 as a guitarist, North Carolinian country singer- songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He plays a wide variety of hits from 70s and 80s classic rock to 90s and 2000s country and rock singalongs all the way up to modern day trends and all in between. His deep, soulful, and bluesy vibe is intoxicating. Mullins presents as one of the area’s most talented emerging artists.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Movie Night: Inside Out 2 at the Great Lawn Pavilion
September 5 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Head to the Park for another fun movie night featuring Inside Out 2 (PG), curated by The Cary Theater.
Riley, now a teenager, faces the challenges of adolescence, prompting the emergence of new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui alongside her original emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. As she navigates the complexities of growing up, these emotions must work together to help her adapt to new experiences and relationships. The film delves into the evolving landscape of Riley’s inner world, highlighting the importance of embracing all facets of emotional development during the transition from childhood to adolescence.
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-11
Cary Farmers Market
September 6, 13, and 27 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm – 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.
Grown Folk Funk & Classic R&B Concert Party with a purpose to support the community!
September 6 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
Get ready to groove, vibe, and relive the magic of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s!
Step into a night of pure soul and timeless funk as Daye’ly Melodies Band lights up the stage with the ultimate tribute to Classic R&B and Old-School Funk from the ’70s through the ’90s!
From Chaka Khan to Mary J. Blige — and everything funky in between — this high-energy show will have you clapping, singing, and dancing like it’s back in the day.
Whether you’re swaying to smooth ballads or getting down to bass-thumping jams, this is grown folks’ night out like no other.
Feel the rhythm. Embrace the vibe. Rekindle the soul. It’s time to have some FUN!
Ticket sales begin June 6th through Etix online and in person through the Cary Box Office , (919) 462-2051
Jazz’d Up Sundays Presents: The Sister Moon Project
September 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Jazz up your Sundays in the Park with our soulful jazz series! Free and open to everyone, these performances promise unforgettable musical journeys featuring incredible talent.
This concertreimagines the timeless hits of Sting and The Police through fresh jazz arrangements by renowned vibraphonist-pianist Christian Tamburr. Leading the charge is saxophonist-songwriter GRACE KELLY, a musical prodigy who’s shared stages with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr., and Questlove, plus she’s a featured member of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” band.
On vocals, CHRISSI POLLAND weaves together roots, jazz, and soul with a magnetic stage presence that’s captivated audiences worldwide. She’s currently touring with Chris Cross & Toto, Michael Bolton, Sting, Dave Weckl, and Lady Gaga—just to name a few.
These powerhouse performers are backed by CHRISTIAN TAMBURR’s quartet, who’ve graced stages at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, L’Olympia in Paris, and Blue Note Tokyo. Together, this six-piece ensemble blends jazz, world-beat, soul, and rock to breathe new life into the songbook of one of music’s best-selling artists.
Come discover why Sundays in the Park just got a whole lot cooler!
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_jazzd-up-sundays-grace-kelly-chrissi-polland-and-the-christian-tamburr-quartet
Fine Arts League of Cary Art Swarm Reception
September 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Join Fine Arts League of Cary for a reception and awards ceremony, and the opening of Art Swarm, which runs through September 13.
For more information visit Fine Arts League of Cary.
Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet
September 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 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.
BEYOND The Cary Film Festival
September 11 @ 2:00 pm – September 14 @ 5:30 pm – The Cary Theater
Each fall in the heart of North Carolina, Cary hosts its annual short film and screenplay festival presented at the historic Cary Theater. Engaged audiences, new and established filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests come together to celebrate the art of short filmmaking.
Trivia Night
September 11 & 25 @ 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
September 12 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Step into Cary’s most electric evening experience! The Night Market Co. transforms an ordinary Friday night into an extraordinary adventure where Triangle artisans unveil their latest creations with entertainment and music that’ll keep you moving through the Park. Hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures, savor incredible bites, and sip craft drinks under the stars—all in one unforgettable monthly celebration. For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_cary-night-market-17
North Carolina Poetry Society Annual Awards and Workshop
September 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
The day will kick off with a showcase of readings from the winners of North Carolina poetry competitions: NCPS’s Lena Shull Book Contest, Brockman-Campbell Book Award, and Susan Laughter Meyers Poetry Fellowship, in conjunction with the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities; NC Writers’ Network’s Randall Jarrell Poetry Prize; and the NCLR/NCPS Jaki Shelton Green Performance Poetry Prize.
A vegetarian buffet-style lunch will be available for purchase, provided by Sassool.
After lunch, there will be a writing workshop facilitated by poet and educator, Tyree Daye, entitled “From my heart through my breath into a line: Breath as Meaning in Poetry”
Rounding out our day, there will be an Open Mic, open to all in attendance as time allows.
For more information and to register, please visit the event site: https://www.ncpoetrysociety.org/events/
Carolina Circus Festival: Magic & Mystery
September 13 @ 3:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
The Carolina Circus Festival is coming to the Park! Sponsored by Downtown Cary Park and Cary Magazine, this free, all-ages festival promises a full day of circus wonder — featuring jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, fire & LED shows, hands-on workshops, delicious food trucks, a vibrant arts market, and fun activities for all. Get ready to be dazzled by this year’s enchanting Magic and Mystery theme! Don’t miss this unforgettable day of thrills, laughter, and circus inspiration!
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_carolina-circus-festival-magic-mystery
Full schedule & information can be found on the Carolina Circus Festival’s website.
The Cary Vintage Market
September 13 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 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 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
Art Cart
September 16, 18, and 30 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Let your creativity bloom with our Art Cart in the Park! Explore a world of artistic possibilities with our free offerings. Whether it’s Park Art, where we provide exciting crafts for everyone to enjoy, or Art Your Way, where kids can unleash their imagination with a variety of supplies, there’s something for every budding artist! Come join the artistic fun and let your creativity soar in the heart of the Park.
Know Before You Go
- This program is free and open to the public.
- This program is suitable for youth.
NC Senior Games Silver Arts State Finals Heritage & Visual Arts, Cheer & Follies
September 18 @ 5:00 pm – September 19 @ 7:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Please come join us in celebrating the state finalists of this year’s North Carolina Senior Games, Silver Arts Division. There will be multiple artists on display in four different galleries, as well as two days of fierce (but fun) competition and performances in the Cary Arts Center theater.
Thursday: Silver Arts Cheerleader showcase – competition begins at 5:00 PM, this is a free event to the public.
Friday: Heritage, Visual, and Literary Arts showcase – opens to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Friday: Silver Arts Follies variety showcase – shows begin at 4:00 PM; this is a ticketed event.
For more information and tickets: https://www.ncseniorgames.org/sf-silverarts
Live at Lunch: Peter Lamb/Mark Wells Duo
September 18 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Skip the ordinary lunch routine and head to the Park, where the Peter Lamb/Mark Wells Duo will turn your midday break into something extraordinary. These two have been “melting people’s faces off” together for over a decade, and their genre-bending performances at Academy Plaza are proof why they’ve been named Best Jazz Band in the Triangle multiple times.
Imagine stormy Russian folk songs colliding with the Super Mario Brothers theme, Ray Charles’ “Mess Around” flowing into innovative Latin arrangements, and 1920s New Orleans jazz morphing into eastern European brass band flair—all delivered with Peter’s masterful saxophone and Mark’s dynamic piano and vocals. This isn’t just background music; it’s a sonic adventure that defies every musical boundary you can imagine.
You’re not just getting lunch entertainment— you’re experiencing Triangle music at its finest.
Come hungry and enjoy extraordinary music that’ll make your lunch break the highlight of your day. For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_live-at-lunch-15
An Evening with Kyshona
September 18 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – The Cary Theater
This is protest music for a new generation, a musical treatment for social ills, a unique prescription that only works if you listen. – No Depression
Kyshona lends her voice and music to those who feel silenced, forgotten or alone. She began her career as a music therapist, writing her first songs with patients — students and inmates under her care. She became compelled to write independently and find her own voice, an endeavor which led her to the Nashville creative community and songwriting culture. Since then, she balances her music career with her passion to heal in community through her organization Your Song. Her album LEGACY released in April 2024, and Kyshona has been on an extensive US tour in support of it. Don’t miss your chance to see her live in an intimate setting here at The Cary.
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6W2VAlwJmXUkGwOmtFCFUA
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCibWvKo3YcVYYoHJs3XGobg
American Dance Festival Performance: Made in NC (Encore Presentation)
September 19 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
The Made in NC program features the world premiere of four ADF-commissioned works by North Carolina artists. In 2022, Alejandro Cerrudo was appointed artistic director of Charlotte Ballet. Born in Madrid, Spain, his career includes work with Victor Ullate Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater 2, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Gerri Houlihan has been on the faculty of ADF since 1981 and currently teaches at ADF’s Samuel H. Scripps Studios in Durham. She received ADF’s Balasaraswati Joy Anne Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching and served as Co-Dean and Dean of the ADF School from 2010 to 2015. Norberto “Betto” Herrera, an Ecuadorian immigrant, founded the Mambo Dinamico Dance Company in 2002 and now teaches Afro-Latin dance at Carmen’s Cuban Cafe in North Carolina. He has been recognized for his contributions to dance and culture, including receiving the 2020 Arts and Culture Diamante Award and working with prestigious institutions like the Nasher Museum of Art and North Carolina Symphony. Tanu Sharma, a dance artist and choreographer from India, has taught dance to all ages and participated in various cultural outreach programs and lecture demonstrations. She has been involved in fundraising events, including Dancing with the Carolina Stars at the Carolina Theatre of Durham and supporting the Two Cents of Hope student organization at NCSU.
Farmers Fall Festival
September 20 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us for the Farmers Fall Festival, where Cary Farmers Market celebrates harvest season with fresh fall bounty from local growers. Enjoy live music, a dedicated children’s village with games and activities, local food vendors, arts and crafts, and our popular midday pie-eating contest—all set against the backdrop of autumn’s first crisp days. For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_farmers-fall-festival
Eduardo de Rosamaria in Concert “Classical & Flamenco: A Fusion of Elegance & Passion”
September 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Eduardo de Rosamaria’s ensemble will present the immense diversity of the classical and flamenco guitar. Featured will be the classical compositions of Albéniz, Vivaldi, and Boccherini, and authentic flamenco palos such as Alegrias, Guajiras, Tangos, and Sevillanas. Come feel the powerful emotion of flamenco dancers and singers, as well as the subtle sophisticated emotion of some of the classical guitar’s most beloved repertoire.
This performance will also feature the debut performance of The Bond, written by Sonia Usatch-Kuhn and composer Michael Pelz-Sherman. A collaboration that interweaves classical guitar, vocals, a string quartet, and ballet.
For more information about Eduardo: https://edwardstephenson.com/
Children’s BINGO
September 22 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join the excitement 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 the classic game to the Park. With each call of the numbers, discover a world of fun and friendly competition. It’s an afternoon of joy and delightful moments for our youngest park enthusiasts!
School BreakOUT!
September 23 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us at the Park for School BreakOUT! This free, family-friendly event is perfect for enjoying time together during school breaks. Create at the Art Cart, play lawn games throughout the Park, and dive into open-ended activities at your own pace. It’s all about low-key fun, fresh air, and making memories together. For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_school-breakout-9
Cary Environmental Symposium: The Bees and the Trees
September 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – The Cary Theater
Calling all eco-enthusiasts, plant-lovers, and those curious about conservation! Join us for lectures, expert Q&A sessions, documentary screenings, and more during this month-long series of events. This session is presented by Samantha “Foxx” Winship. For tickets and more, visit carync.gov/treetalk.
Meet the Artists: International Scratchboard Society
September 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Meet the artists of the International Scratchboard Society annual show.
For more information, visit Current Exhibitions.
Cary Players presents GREASE
September 26 & 27 @ 7:30 pm, September 28 @ 3:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation.
For Tickets: https://www.caryplayers.org/
Discover Dance: K-POP
September 26 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us for an energetic evening of K-Pop dance led by DIA Dance Studio and featuring special guests KPACK-NCSU, NC State’s K-pop dance troupe. This Discover Dance event brings infectious beats, creative choreography, and plenty of smiles as you learn new moves and experience the exhilarating rhythm of K-pop.
As always, this event doubles as a Cary Art Loop hub where you can explore artistic creations, crafts, and hands-on activities. Come to the Park for this family-friendly celebration, complete with local retailers and food trucks adding to the festive atmosphere.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_discover-dance-k-pop-session
Jazz’d Up Sundays Presents: Gracias a la Vida
September 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Jazz up your Sunday in the Park with our vibrant jazz series, produced by Christian Tamburr. This free, public series takes you on a melodic journey through jazz, featuring exceptional musicians in unforgettable performances.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re thrilled to present acclaimed vocalist Magos Herrera. Born in Mexico City and based in New York, Herrera has been hailed as “one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of song” by the Latin Jazz Network and featured as one of the most creative Mexicans in the world by Forbes Magazine. Known for her eloquent vocal improvisation and bold style that seamlessly blends contemporary jazz with Ibero-American melodies, she transcends language boundaries with her artistry.
For this performance, “Gracias a la Vida,” Herrera presents songs celebrating humanity and music’s healing power. She’s joined by Brazilian American guitarist Vinicius Gomes, a longtime collaborator and accomplished jazz performer, with Christian Tamburr on vibraphone/marimba, Matt Booth on bass, and Dorion Dotson on drums.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_jazzd-up-sundays-maggos-herrera-vinicius-gomes-christian-tamburr-matt-booth-and-dorion-dotson
Music BINGO
September 30 @ 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 a great 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.
For more information: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_music-bingo-5
There is always something going on in Downtown Cary, so be sure to come back for what’s upcoming in October!