It’s a brand new year with a whole lot of fun new events to look forward to. We’re kicking off 2025 with all of the exciting events happening in Downtown Cary in January:
Skating Rink
January 2 at 1:00 pm and January 3 and 4 at 2:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Experience the magic of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park’s winter skating rink! Head to Park Street Courts to find the arena transformed into a frosty weather destination. Skating and skate rentals are absolutely free!
Carve your path, twirl to your heart’s content, and revel in the quintessential winter activity. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, our rink welcomes skaters of all levels for a memorable time in the heart of downtown Cary.
Please note that the skating rink does not take RSVPs. Check-in is in person at Park Street Courts and operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the rink reaches capacity for each skating window. Be prepared to wait in line, when necessary. Let’s make some icy memories together!
Browse our calendar for days and times that are catered to toddlers and those seeking a sensory-friendly experience.
Cary Farmers Market
January 4, 11, 18 and 25, 9:00 am at East Park Street
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.
Trivia Night
January 9 and 23, 6:00 pm at 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!
Know Before You Go
- This program is free and open to the public
- This program is suitable for ages 18 and older
GLOW Under the Silver Moon Parade
January 11, 6:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Delight in artful handmade paper lantern creations and join your Cary community as we parade through Downtown Cary Park on Saturday, January 11! We kick off GLOW by gathering on Frantz Square Lawn at 6 p.m., and we’ll start our parade of lights ‘Under the Silver Moon’ at 6:15 p.m. The parade will be followed by music and performances featuring Bulltown Strutters, One Tribe Rhythms, and Caroleeena’s Circle of Joy.
Food trucks will be on-site for dining options! No pets, fire, or candle-lit lanterns in the parade please!
Farming While Black: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
January 17, 7:30 pm at The Cary Theater
Join us for a screening of “Farming While Black,” a powerful documentary that explores the historical and ongoing struggles of Black farmers in the United States. The film highlights the experiences of a new generation of Black farmers reclaiming land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots. After the screening, engage in a dynamic panel discussion with Brea Baker, author of Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership, and a member of the Triangle Black Farmer’s Market Collective. Moderated by Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Interim Provost at Saint Augustine’s University, this discussion will delve into the fight for land justice and the revitalization of Black farming communities. Don’t miss this important conversation on history, resilience, and the future of Black land ownership!
Admission: Free with ticket, Etix or Cary Theater Box office
To learn about other MLK Dreamfest Programs at Cary: www.carync.gov/dreamfest
MLK Children’s Program: “Tellebration”
January 18, 10:00 am at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King at the annual “Tellebration” Children’s Program! This vibrant event promises a day full of engaging arts and crafts, along with captivating live storytelling. Join us as we honor Dr. King’s values through creativity and imagination, making it a memorable experience for children and families alike. Don’t miss out on this wonderful celebration!
Learn more about this event and other MLK Day Dreamfest events, please visit carync.gov/dreamfest.
2025 Dreamfest Cultural Celebration
January 18, 5:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the **2025 Dreamfest Cultural Celebration: “Stronger Together: Cultivating a Community of Compassion!”** This exciting event promises a perfect blend of entertainment and enlightenment, featuring keynote speaker Rev. James A. White, Senior Pastor of Christ Our King Community Church. The fabulous Melissa Wade, Stellar Award Winner and beloved radio personality from 103.9 The Light, will serve as our Mistress of Ceremonies.
Prepare to be inspired by an incredible lineup of talent, including the amazing Al Strong, the Cary Apex Youth Choir, and Collin Williams. Enjoy captivating performances by Poet Laureates Cortland Gilliam and Fred Joiner, along with the dynamic Pure Life Theater and the talented Gifted Arts Dancers. And that’s just the beginning! Join us for a night filled with celebration, creativity, and community spirit!
Details posted at www.Carync.gov/dreamfest
Mid-Day Movie: The Marvels
January 21, 1:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Gear up for an action-packed afternoon movie featuring The Marvels (PG-13), curated by The Cary Theater! Looking for something exciting to do while school is out? Join us for an epic cinematic adventure indoors, where superheroes, suspense, and PG-13 thrills await to keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab your friends, bring your favorite snacks, and escape into the Marvel Universe for a day of cosmic action and fun!
Grab your cushions and blankets for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film with popcorn and snacks from Market 317.
Meet The Artist: Eric McRay
January 24, 6:00 pm at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Join us for an exciting opportunity to meet artist Eric McRay at his art exhibition titled Cultural Ambrosia. This showcase features his stunning collage and mixed media works that celebrate diverse cultural narratives. Enjoy a free reception, where you can engage with the artist and explore his creative vision. Don’t miss this chance to experience art that inspires and provokes thought!
“ICONS” The Songbook of the Century
January 26, 3:00 pm at The Cary Theater
Whether he is singing selections from the Great American Songbook, contemporary classics, or stirring original jazz pieces, every performance by Clint Holmes is a one-of-a kind, unforgettable experience. The show “Icons” honors the hit songs of the past century with tribute to Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis, Roberta Flack, Bill Withers, Peter Allen, and Stevie Wonder. Clint is supported by his pianist and musical director Christian Tamburr and a quartet of world renowned touring musicians.
Know about an event that we missed? Reach out to us and we will add it to our calendar!