Ready or not, October is here! Downtown Cary has plenty going on to celebrate the fall season, with live music, spooky events, markets, movies, trivia, and more! Check out what’s coming up and mark your calendar for events you don’t want to miss!
Live at Lunch: Savanna Bassett
October 1 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – 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 Savanna Bassett on Academy Plaza.
With song placements on four Nashville albums, this talented songwriter is crafting with industry professionals and entertaining crowds with her original country-pop sensibility and passionate performances. Savanna’s voice conveys beauty and her lyrics, wit, while her musical creativity pours from one of the many stringed instruments she accompanies herself with.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Upcoming Lineup
Movie Night: Frankenweenie
October 2 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
As part of our Barktoberfest 2026 festivities in the Park, enjoy a screening of Frankenweenie (PG)!
When a car hits young Victor’s pet dog Sparky, Victor decides to bring him back to life the only way he knows how. But when the bolt-necked “monster” wreaks havoc and terror in the hearts of Victor’s neighbors, he has to convince them that Sparky’s still the good, loyal friend he was.
Come early to enjoy pre-screening activities for all ages, making it a perfect night out for everyone. These free events are open to the public, so 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.
Upcoming Lineup
- October 24 – Halloween Double Feature: The Haunted Mansion & Poltergeist
- November 6 – Minions
Cary Farmers Market
October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 (Nearly Every Saturday) @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm – 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.
Jazz’d Up Sundays: Tia Fuller
October 4 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Jazz up your Sundays in Downtown Cary Park with our robust jazz series, produced by Christian Tamburr. Free and open to the public, this series promises to be a melodic journey through the vibrant world of jazz, featuring talented musicians and unforgettable performances.
Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, and educator Tia Fuller is one of today’s most dynamic voices in jazz. Equally at home on the concert stage and in the classroom as a professor at Berklee College of Music, Fuller has built an acclaimed career defined by technical brilliance, soulful expression, and fearless creativity.
A longtime member of Beyoncé’s touring band and an accomplished bandleader in her own right, Fuller has performed alongside artists including Esperanza Spalding, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Jill Scott. Her Grammy-nominated recordings showcase a distinctive musical voice that blends modern jazz with influences from soul, R&B, and gospel.
With her quartet, Fuller delivers performances that are both virtuosic and deeply expressive, combining inventive improvisation, compelling original compositions, and infectious energy. The result is a captivating live experience that celebrates the richness of contemporary jazz while honoring its enduring traditions.
Upcoming Lineup
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the performance.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Live at The Bark Bar: Josh Rhyne
October 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Live at The Bark Bar features pop-up live music at one of your favorite hangout spots in the Park! Grab a drink, relax with friends, and enjoy great tunes in a laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping on a cold beer or just soaking in the vibes, this is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy live local music. Stay tuned for more surprise performances and good times!
I’m Josh Rhyne—musician, storyteller, and lover of life. I’m not just another voice on a stage—I’m your voice. Every lyric, every note, every show is for you. Seeing your energy and passion for the music fuels mine and keeps me pushing forward. Thank you for the support, the love, and the belief. The road ahead is long—and I’m just getting started.
Upcoming Lineup
- November 11 – illoh
- December 16 – Sterling Scott
Trivia Night
October 8 and 22 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 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!
October 8th’s trivia is part of Downtown Cary Park’s Barktoberfest 2026 festivities.
Barkitecture
October 10 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Triangle Barkitecture takes over Downtown Cary Park with custom pet architecture, adoptable animals, and a full day of tail-wagging fun to support local rescues.
This pet architecture competition features over 20 unique builds by architects and designers from the Triangle, all up for auction with proceeds benefiting Hope Animal Rescue, Connie’s Kittens, Paws for Life NC, and German Shepard Rescue & Adoption.
Enjoy activities like the Kitten Cuddle Room by Connie’s Kittens, a free Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest, a pet food and litter donation drive for SAFE Haven for Cats, live music, local vendors, and adoptable pets from over twelve rescues, and more!
Admission is free, and leashed pets are welcome to join the fun! Visit their website for additional information.
Know Before You Go
- This event is open to the public.
- All pets must stay on leash.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
The Cary Vintage Market
October 10 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – West Biergarten
The Cary Vintage Market is a monthly vintage market held at
South Line Brewing in Cary. 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 men’s clothing
•Vintage shoes and accessories
•Vintage records, CDs and cassettes
•Vintage housewares and decor
•Vintage tchotchkes, memorabilia and collectibles
Plus:
•Permanent jewelry
•Craft coffee cart
•Specialty baked goods
•Craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies
•Food trucks
Shakespeare Live!: Twelfth Night
October 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join Applause! Cary Youth Theatre for Shakespeare in the park! The romantic comedy Twelfth Night features mistaken identities, gender disguise, tangled love triangles, and more in the land of Illyria. Applause’s free abridged 90-minute production features local teen performers and is the perfect opportunity for a family picnic and a show in the park.
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the performance.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Children’s BINGO
October 12 @ 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, friendly competition, and chances to win small prizes. It’s an afternoon of joy and delightful moments for our youngest park enthusiasts!
Music BINGO
October 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 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 the perfect 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.
Don’t miss out – this is one musical event you won’t want to miss! See you at the park for a night of music, fun, and (of course) BINGO!
Live at Lunch: Chris Overstreet
October 15 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – 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 Chris Overstreet on Academy Plaza.
Chris Overstreet delivers an intoxicating and electrifying guitar/vocal performance of today’s Pop, R&B, and Rock hits along with wide variety Classic Rock. Chris’s exciting repertoire is guaranteed to take everyone on a great trip down memory lane. He covers songs from the 60’s to current hits (the good ones). He is a Triangle favorite!
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Upcoming Lineup
Cary Night Market
October 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – 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!
CaryLIVE! Harvey Street
October 17 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
To help keep the Great Lawn safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone, please review our guidelines below before arriving.
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.
Harvey Street is a high-energy indie and alternative rock band from Raleigh, North Carolina known for electrifying live performances and emotionally driven songwriting. Blending modern indie rock textures with classic alt-rock grit, Harvey Street has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting emerging bands from the Southeast.
Described as “disciplined electricity,” the five-piece delivers a powerful live experience that combines tight musicianship with explosive stage energy. Their sound balances atmospheric guitars, driving rhythms, and melodic hooks that resonate with contemporary indie rock listeners and jam band fans alike.
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public, but bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the movie.
- Seating is first-come, first-served.
- Lawn seating setup begins at 6:00 p.m. Chairs and blankets may not be placed earlier.
- Some areas are blanket-only seating. Chairs are not permitted in these areas.
- Once set up, please remain with your items. Unattended items may be relocated to Lost & Found at Guest Services.
- Please keep sidewalks and lawn aisles clear at all times.
- Use marked entrances and exits to access the lawn.
- Do not sit, stand, or place seating in flower beds or landscaped areas.
Jazz’d Up Sundays: Kobie Watkins
October 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Jazz up your Sundays in Downtown Cary Park with our robust jazz series, produced by Christian Tamburr. Free and open to the public, this series promises to be a melodic journey through the vibrant world of jazz, featuring talented musicians and unforgettable performances.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Kobie Watkins began his musical journey as a child, inspired by watching his father, Alious C. Watkins, play drums in church. From early days experimenting on pots and pans, he developed a deep sense of discipline, structure, and musical purpose that continues to define his artistry as a professional drummer, percussionist, and educator.
The Kobie Watkins Grouptet reflects this foundation—bringing together a collective of musicians rooted in tradition while embracing a forward-looking approach to jazz. Watkins has cultivated dynamic relationships across the jazz, Latin, and gospel communities, performing and recording with an extraordinary range of artists including Sonny Rollins, Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and Kurt Elling, among many others.
With the Grouptet, Watkins channels these influences into performances that blend hard-swinging rhythms, soulful expression, and vibrant interplay. The ensemble’s sound is both grounded and exploratory, reflecting a lifetime of collaboration, global touring, and deep musical connection.
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the performance.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet
October 19 @ 1:00 pm – 7:00 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.
Zombiepalooza
October 23 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Zombiepalooza is The Cary’s annual ZOMBIE SHORT FILM competition that takes place every October in downtown Cary, NC. Submissions are only open to North Carolina filmmakers and residents.
Short films (< 5 min.) must be zombie-themed and family-friendly (no excessive gore, violence or language) as they will be screened to an all-ages audience. They also must include creative use of this year’s theme ‘SPORT’ — the main character(s) must play a sport, any sport, in the film.
Filmmakers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to submit their short film for consideration via FilmFreeway starting Saturday, August 1, 2026. The final deadline to submit is Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Zombiepalooza will take place October 23, 2026 on the Downtown Cary Park’s Great Lawn and Great Lawn Pavilion. In the event of inclement weather, the festivities will move indoors to The Cary Theater. Remember, costumes are highly encouraged!
Know Before You Go
- This event is family-friendly.
- This event is free and open to the public.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the performance.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Downtown Scary Park: Haunted Hotel
October 24 @ 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Check in for a full day of Halloween fun with our afternoon Family Pumpkin Carving Party, featuring costumed characters and festive activities at Downtown Cary Park.
As the sun sets, the spooky vibes continue with a hotel-themed movie double feature, starting with the family favorite The Haunted Mansion (2003). Before the movies, enjoy eerie-sistable activities and treats in our “outdoor living room”… or is it for the living? Either way, you’ll feel right at home — if your home happens to be delightfully haunted.
Later in the evening, brave adults can extend their stay for a screening of Poltergeist (1982), where things go bump in the night and the neighbors might be more than they appear. From creaky corners to ghostly gatherings, this is one Halloween event you’ll want to make yourself at home in. Don’t miss this frightfully fun house party!
- 2 – 6 p.m. | Family Pumpkin Carve on Frantz Square Lawn
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Pre-movie activities at Academy Plaza/Gathering House
- 7:30 p.m. | Haunted Mansion (PG) screening at the Great Lawn Pavilion
- 9:30 p.m. | Poltergeist (PG) screening at the Great Lawn Pavilion
Know Before You Go
- All activities listed above are open to the public.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience during the performance.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Downtown Cary Park Diwali Celebration
October 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join us for the Diwali Celebration at Downtown Cary Park. Experience an evening of music, dance, and community as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together. Performances and activities will be held at the Great Lawn Pavilion.
Live at Lunch: Mysti Mayhem
October 29 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – 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 Mysti Mayhem on Academy Plaza.
2026 Josie Music Awards 5X nominee, powerhouse vocalist, guitarist, singer and songwriter with over 24 yrs of performances, and professionally trained by Bo Diddley, North Carolinian Mysti Mayhem tours throughout the year, singing a variety of covers and originals in a blues and soulful rendition.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Cary Police Department Trunk or Treat
October 29 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Park Street
Wear your favorite Halloween costume and head down to the Park for some pre-Halloween trick-or-treating. The Cary Police Department (Downtown Team) hosts this family-friendly trunk or treat along Park Street.
One Tribe Drum Circle and Fire Show
October 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Old Library Site, 310 S Academy St
One Tribe Rhythms & Friends will perform every Final Friday from 7 – 8:30 p.m., March – October at the Old Library Site next to the Ivey-Ellington House.
As a part of the Cary Art Loop, join One Tribe for a free, family- friendly, drum circle with fire spinning by Caroleeena & Friends! Leading up to fire performances starting at 8 p.m., the drum circle will involve singing and “low impact” West African dances. All are welcome, no experience needed, and participants can bring their own instrument or borrow one! Come celebrate our community!
Cary Art Loop’s signature event is the Final Fridays Art Crawl held on the last Friday of each month from 6 – 9 p.m. Final Friday events are hosted by businesses and galleries on a monthly basis. Large crowds of art appreciators enjoy original art in our local art galleries, live music and many other exciting must see & do activities.
There is plenty to do! Swing by our events page anytime to see what’s going on, and we’ll see you in November!