Events

Step into the golden age of swing as the Cary Town Band presents “That Big Band Sound” – an evening filled with the energy, elegance, and irresistible rhythm of the big band era. Featuring music by legends like George Gershwin, Glenn Miller, and Cole Porter, this upbeat program brings to life the bold brass, smooth melodies, and toe-tapping swing that defined a generation. From timeless standards to high-energy favorites like Sing, Sing, Sing, the concert captures the true spirit of big band jazz. The evening also features special guest vocalist Dawn Jonckowski, including a lively swing dance performance, along with a standout piano feature by Luna Knudsen in Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue. Whether you come for the nostalgia, the rhythm, or just a fun night out, this concert promises a vibrant and entertaining experience—you might even find yourself dancing in your seat! This is a FREE event.  No tickets required. For more information: https://carytownband.org/

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.

This year's event includes: Animal rescues for dogs, cats, and wildlife organizations An agility course for canine athletes to tackle obstacles with finesse and skill Pet Vendor Village with a variety of pet-related products and services from local vendors Food trucks with delicious treats for you and your furry friend Doggy demonstrations from expert trainers Visit carync.gov/dogdaze for more information. EDIT - Sadly, this event is canceled due to weather concerns. This event will return in 2027.

Step into a world where magic stirs in every corner of Downtown Cary Park. Explore herbology gardens, craft your own wand, and meet fantastical creatures. Test your house spirit through spellbinding challenges, then join in more whimsical fun and surprises around every turn. Enchantment, mystery, and wonder await witches, wizards, and magical beings of all kinds! Houses Lumisong Performing Arts Cobblecraft Crafting Oakspire Sports & Fitness Mossmere Nature Schedule of Events 4 – 6:45 p.m.: Discover Your House at Emberwing (The Splashpad in the Nest) Arrive at Emberwing, where young witches and wizards are sorted into their houses and begin their magical journey. This dynamic natural play area, anchored by two towering cardinal slides, invites guests to discover their place and let their adventure take flight through play and exploration. * Please note, the line may close early in order for all participants to finish by 6:45 p.m. 4 – 8 p.m.: Begin Your Quest at Willow Isle (Willow Isle) Start your journey at Willow Isle, where a mysterious structure has risen from the water, said to be the source of an ancient dark wizard’s power. As its magic spreads across the Park, apprentices must travel far and wide to gather lost magical ingredients and complete a spell to contain it once more. 4 – 8 p.m.: WANDer the Garden at Mossmere (Botanical Garden South) Explore Mossmere, a serene outdoor space nestled within a lush botanical garden. This enchanting area celebrates nature and invites guests to craft their own wands using natural elements, offering a peaceful retreat filled with greenery, discovery, and quiet magic. * Wand-making, while supplies last 4 – 8 p.m.: Compete for the Cup at Oakspire (Park Street Arena) Head to Oakspire, where friendly competition and house pride take center stage. Test your skills in the House Cup Challenge …

Tour the Page-Walker gardens, including a close-up look at the historic 1850s Page smokehouse, stroll through booths selling a wide variety of garden-related items, including home care products, soaps and lotions, edible treats, garden products, and crafts, and learn how to start your own garden. Herbfest is fun for the whole family, with a craft for kids, a food truck, and a bake sale fundraiser. And of course, don't miss the butterfly release! For more information, visit Herbfest or call (919) 460-4963.

In the magical world of the Enchanted Fairytale Garden Party little sweethearts and their moms or special guests will enjoy delicious treats, decorate cookies, play fairytale bingo, and much more! Dress in your nicest garden party attire for this whimsical event filled with fun activities that spark creativity and bring a fairytale to life! Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Each person must register (Click here).

Thoroughly rooted in Jazz, award winning vocalist Sachal Vasandani has the swagger to front the most swinging big bands and the vulnerability to present definitive classic ballads in a trio. With fresh new arrangements by pianist Christian Tamburr, Sachal leads us through the rare styling of Sinatra with a small group, which includes music broadcast between 1953-1955 on his radio show To Be Perfectly Frank, late 40's sides for Columbia and the 1959 Live in Australia recording with the Red Norvo Quintet. This event was postponed from original date of January 24.  Tickets and information

TOAST Recital - The Triangle Orchestra of Amateur Strings invites you to join its string musicians for a delightful musical evening For tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/65979853/triangle-orchestra-of-amateur-strings-toastrecital-cary-cary-arts-center

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 Vibexotica on Academy Plaza. Vibexotica brings a tropical soundtrack to life with their unique blend of tiki tunes and exotic rhythms, creating a fun, feel-good atmosphere. Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.

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!

The Barefoot Movement officially formed in North Carolina in 2006, after front woman Noah Wall met mandolinist Tommy Norris in high school and discovered a convergence of aligned passions. That initial crackle of intensity never waned and instead became the force catalyzing the band through its various iterations. Today, the Barefoot Movement is comprised of Noah Wall—whose powerhouse vocals, songwriting, and fiddle playing serve as the backbone of the band — mandolinist Tommy Norris, and upright bassist Katie Blomarz rounding out their unique blend of charming, modern roots music. The Barefoot Movement integrates bluegrass, blues, folk, rock, country and pop into music that’s delightfully fresh. Shows feature original songs and reimagined cover tunes with tight three-part harmonies and hot instrumentals. Tickets and information

  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.  

Two Days of Food, Play, and Flavorful Fun! The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Downtown Cary Park is a weekend of hands-on activities that teach families how to make balanced food choices. Enjoy cooking workshops, James Beard Foundation Future Foodies classes, live entertainment, and community partner activities. Play the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt and win goody bag prizes while learning through fun and flavor! Cost: General admission to the Kids Food Fest is FREE. The James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Classes will have a separate fee. Stay tuned for details on class registration and pricing!

A family-friendly event with music, food, dance, and art! Click here for more details.

Two Days of Food, Play, and Flavorful Fun! The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Downtown Cary Park is a weekend of hands-on activities that teach families how to make balanced food choices. Enjoy cooking workshops, James Beard Foundation Future Foodies classes, live entertainment, and community partner activities. Play the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt and win goody bag prizes while learning through fun and flavor! Cost: General admission to the Kids Food Fest is FREE. The James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Classes will have a separate fee. Stay tuned for details on class registration and pricing!

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.

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!

Grant Lyon – Headliner Described by San Francisco Weekly as “a hilariously sharp observer, not one of those tired white guy bellyachers,” Grant was once a collegiate soccer player. He decided to pursue a career on stage instead of on the field, and that decision’s been rewarded by being chosen as a New Face in comedy at the Just For Laughs Festival, winning the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, and being a finalist in the Big Sky Festival. He plays a fun role in the second season of The Comedy Central show “Corporate” and stars in the upcoming feature film Killer Kate! As well as performing in a number of other prestigious comedy festivals including The Great American Comedy Festival, Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Grant’s performed on the TV show Comics Unleashed. He has appeared on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Show, is heard regularly on Sirius/XM satellite radio, and has been a guest on numerous popular podcasts including Doug Loves Movies. As well as being a contributing writer for the Huffington Post, the film he wrote and starred in, Interview Date, was eligible for a short film Academy Award. Funny or Die, MSN, Huffington Post, and others are among the sites that have featured Grant’s sketch videos on their home pages. You might also recognize him from a number of national commercials including AT&T, Johnsonville Sausage, CiCi’s Pizza, and more. Matt White – Feature Matt White went from distracting his classmates as a class clown to engaging audiences nationally. He is a winner of “NC Funniest Person” (2020), “Carolina’s Funniest Comic” (2013), and “Port City’s Top Comic” (2012). He has performed in comedy festivals across the United States. He earned “Best Of Fest” at the 2022 Rubber City Comedy Festival and the 2019 Cleveland Comedy Festival. …

  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.  

See the cars of yesteryear come alive and rule the road alongside today's modern hot rods and exotic cars. This free event is full of entertainment, food, and fun for the entire family! Click here for more details.

Join the Triangle Youth String Orchestra and Triangle Youth String Sinfonia for their spring concert at the Cary Arts Center. For tickets: https://etix.com/ticket/p/42628479/triangle-youth-music-string-orchestra-concert-cary-cary-arts-center

Join Applause! Cary Youth Theatre for Shakespeare in the Park! In Julius Caesar, jealous conspirators convince Brutus to join an assassination plot against Caesar in the ultimate political drama. Applause’s free abridged 70-minute production features local teen performers and is the perfect opportunity for a family picnic and a show in the park.

The spotlight belongs to the Triangle’s own during Live & Local! Enjoy performances at Downtown Cary Park that highlight local talent, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of our community. The Cary Town Band, a cherished hometown favorite since 1987, is thrilled to make its debut at Downtown Cary Park! Come out for an afternoon of lively music and help us celebrate the start of summer with the timeless sounds of the Cary Town Band.