Now that September is here, there’s a whole new month full of exciting events coming up in Downtown Cary. Check out some of the events and activities happening in Downtown Cary this month:
Cary Environmental Symposium – Why Are All The Birds Disappearing? A presentation by Larry Zoller
September 4, 7:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
North American bird populations have declined 29% in the last 50 years. What are the causes? What you can do individually and collectively to reverse this trend. Let’s explore the reasons for this precipitous loss and learn what we can do to arrest the vanishing of birds (and insects) from our natural world.
Larry Zoller taught science and environmental education for 40 years in the Maryland public school system. He is the past President of Wake Audubon and is the current Wake Audubon Educational Outreach Chairperson. He and his wife, Diane, have traveled to all the continents to observe birds. He hikes daily in Wake County Parks for exercise and enjoying the natural world. Larry advocates for birds because “What is Good for Birds is Good for Us, too!”
MUSIC: Olivia Li and Yuanduo Li on piano. They will play background music on the Arts Center’s Steinway grand piano as folks take their seats. At 7:00 pm, Olivia and Yuanduo will play the electrifying, four-handed piano piece titled Vocalise, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
For tickets and information, please visit https://www.carytreearchive.org/newprogram.html
Live at Lunch with Aarik Duncan
September 5, 11:30 am at 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 Aarik Duncan on Academy Plaza. Aarik is the lead singer of NiiTO, as well as a producer, singer, songwriter, and musician.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Upcoming Lineup
- September 19: PM Trio
- October 3: Paige King Johnson
- October 17: Midnight Thirty featuring Amanda Peach
- October 31: XOXOK
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
Cary Farmers Market
September 7, 14, 17, 21, and 28, 8:00 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.
The Rhythm of Joy: A Gospel Experience
September 7, 6:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
This Is Your Opportunity to Get Your Spirit Renewed & Soul Lifted Through Inspirational Music! It’s Time to Jump Into THE RHYTHM OF JOY: A GOSPEL EXPERIENCE: Featuring North Carolina Home Grown Recording Artists and Choirs!
This is more than a concert, it’s a reconnection to the community event with food, fellowship and service!
Eat with: Lee’s Kitchen featuring Jamaican and Southern Cuisine Food Truck
Snack with: Heart Imprints Ministries, Sponsoring Indoor Concessions to Fund Student Scholarships!
Give to: Mt Zion Church’s Coats for Kids Collection to Benefit Northwoods Elementary School!
Learn from: You Can Vote! Voters Registration and Information booth!
More details: www.carync.gov/rhythmofjoy
Tickets available through Etix and the Cary Box Office
Jazz’d Up Sundays: Rebecca Kleinmann with Noites Carolinas
September 8, 3:00 pm at 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.
Jazz Flutist Rebecca Kleinmann is one of the top touring jazz artists in the country and calls Durham, NC her home. Rebecca co-founded the Brazilian Choro group “Noites Carolinas” which features dynamic original and Brazilian Popular Music.
Upcoming Lineup
- September 29: Linda Briceño featuring The Christian Tamburr Quintet
- October 13: The Noel Friedline & Maria Howell Quartet
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.
Cary Environmental Symposium – From Wasteland To Wonder; A presentation by Basil Camu
September 11, 7:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
The way we currently manage the suburban and urban landscape is creating a wasteland and harming the well-being of Earth. Fortunately, we have an alternative path: We can work with natural systems instead of working against them. By doing so, we can help heal Earth. We also save time and money because we perform fewer tasks and use fewer products. Best of all, these are simple things that anyone can do regardless of their knowledge or experience.
When you ask Basil what he thinks about himself, he’ll tell you he is incredibly lucky. He has family he loves dearly, friends and colleagues who inspire him, and every day he gets to care for trees, soil, and flowers. He pursues his purpose and passions as the co-founder of Leaf & Limb and Project Pando. He is a Treecologist, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Duke University graduate, Wizard of Things, and author of “From Wasteland to Wonder – Easy Ways to Help Heal Earth in the Sub/Urban Landscape.”
MUSIC: Lisa Liske on cello. Lisa performs music from the Renaissance through the present day. She enjoys bringing multiple genres of music to audiences in a range of settings from the formal classical concert hall to schools and jams and live music for silent film. Lisa holds a Master of Music in cello performance from the San Francisco Conservatory. Since moving to Cary in 2019, she has joined the faculty of Meredith College and started a private cello studio, Community Cello Works Cary, serving ages four to adult. Lisa frequently performs with North Carolina Baroque Orchestra and the Raleigh Camerata. Her Philadelphia-based New River Ensemble plans a North Carolina tour in March of 2025.
Lisa is an ardent environmentalist.
For the 2024 Cary Environmental Symposium, before Basil’s presentation begins, she will offer fifteen minutes of nature-themed traditional and composed music (as well as a few selections from the essential Bach Suites for solo cello). At 7:00 pm, she will introduce and perform a piece by North Carolina composer J. Mark Scearce titled Gaea’s Lament,, which Dr. Searce wrote in 1989 as the Exxon Valdez, which had run aground, spilled 10 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound in Alaska.
Lisa’s set honors the long partnership of music and nature, and its offering of hope.
For tickets and information, please visit https://www.carytreearchive.org/newprogram.html
Trivia Night
September 12, 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
Movie Night: Encanto
September 13, 6:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Gear up for an enchanting movie night under the stars featuring Encanto (PG), curated by The Cary Theater! Watch as the magical Madrigal family navigates their extraordinary gifts and the power of family in this heartwarming animated adventure.
Grab your cushions, blankets, and chairs for ultimate comfort as you settle in to enjoy the film with popcorn and snacks from Market 317. Food trucks will also be on site.
Prescreening activities and games will be from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The film will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming Lineup
- October 11: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- October 26: Hocus Pocus
- November 8: The LEGO Movie
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 movie.
Dreamland Carolina Circus Festival
September 14, 3:30 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Have you ever dreamed of seeing the circus?! The Carolina Circus Festival is putting on a whole day of free circus shows at Downtown Cary Park!
The Carolina Circus Festival will feature an arts market offering goods from local artists and food trucks, kids crafts, games, and workshops. Circus performances throughout the event will include ground and aerial acrobatics, as well as LED and fire shows! The fun doesn’t stop there! Guests can participate in free hula hooping, juggling, and acting workshops throughout the Park! A silent auction will occur during the festival to help raise money for a charitable gift fund that promotes mental health and suicide prevention in North Carolina.
So, grab a blanket or lawn chair and join us for the 2024 Dreamland Carolina Circus Festival!
Know Before You Go
- This is NOT a drop off event. Parents and guardians must stay with their child the entire time.
- This event is open to the public.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
The Cary Vintage Market
September 14, 4:00 pm at the West End Biergarten
The Cary Vintage Market is BACK with a special NIGHT MARKET series (4-9pm). Created by Hummingbird Collective and hosted by Vicious Fishes Brewery & South Line Brewing Company in the brand new West End Biergarten, this family-friendly market features:
– Women’s and Men’s Vintage Clothing
– Vintage shoes and accessories
– Vintage records and cassettes
– Vintage houseware and trinkets
– Permanent jewelry
– Craft coffee cart (NEW!)
– Specialty baked goods
– Craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies (nonalcoholic and alcoholic options available)
– Food truck
…and more!!
BONUS: this event is both family-friendly and dog-friendly!
Paws and Pals: Labrador Retrievers
September 15, 3:00 pm at Downtown Cary Park
Calling all Labrador Retriever lovers! Bring your furry friend to Downtown Cary Park for a tail-wagging good time at our Labrador Retriever Meetup. Whether your Lab loves to fetch, swim, or simply socialize, this is the perfect event to let them enjoy the great outdoors. Meet other Labrador owners, swap training tips, and make new friends, both furry and human. Don’t miss out on this paws-itively delightful event!
Know Before You Go
- Dogs must stay on leash.
- This dog meet up is specific to Labrador Retrievers.
The Leela Foundation Presents: Dancing the Divine Blues
September 15, 3:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
Leela Foundation is excited to bring Dancing the Divine Blues, a performance by Meera Sreenarayanan, to the Triangle area Sunday, September 15, 2024!
Have you ever wondered why some of the most revered deities in Indian scriptures are depicted with blue skin? What mysteries lie hidden within these azure shades?
“Dancing the Divine Blues” invites you on a journey into the profound symbolism of blue, a color that represents the infinite and the unfathomable. Just as the ocean and sky stretch beyond the limits of perception, so too does the divine take on these celestial hues. But what does it mean to embody a blue God through dance? How does one capture the essence of those who radiate this sacred aura?
For tickets and information: https://www.leela-foundation.org/events-1
Live at Lunch: PM Trio
September 19, 11:30 am at 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 Latin/Salsa group PM Trio on Academy Plaza.
Grab lunch from Market 317, bring your own from home or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options.
Upcoming Lineup
- October 3: Paige King Johnson
- October 17: Midnight Thirty featuring Amanda Peach
- October 31: XOXOK
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- Guests can bring their own food into the Park.
North Carolina Senior Games Presents: Silver Arts State Finals
September 19, 3:30 pm at the Cary Arts Center
SilverArts, “a celebration of the creative expression of seniors in North Carolina”, is a major component of the traditional athletic competition of North Carolina Senior Games. In a philosophy that strives to keep seniors healthy, active and involved, SilverArts unites the athlete and artist in a program that recognizes the similarities of both endeavors: discipline, dedication, and pride in one’s accomplishments.
For tickets and more information: https://www.ncseniorgames.org/sf-silverarts
School BreakOUT!
September 20, 10:00 am at Downtown Cary Park
Join us for a morning of fun and fitness at our School BreakOUT! event in Downtown Cary Park! Kids can jump into action with exciting games and activities in Kidokinetics’ “Fitness FUNdamentals” where exercise blends with fun, stretch and find their Zen with a kids’ yoga session from Flowtious Soul Yoga, or let the youngest ones explore their gymnastics skills and play with The Little Gym. It’s a perfect way for kids to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy a healthy day outdoors. Don’t miss this opportunity for a fantastic, energetic break from the school routine!
All materials for activities will be provided, but we encourage participants to bring their own yoga mats for kids’ yoga, as mats are limited. Activities during this event are best suited for children in grades K-5.
- 10 – 10:45 a.m.: Kidokinetics “Fitness FUNdamentals” in Park St Arena (space may be limited in the Park St Arena, so this program is first come first served)
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: The Little Gym’s “Super Kids” Play in the Academy Pavilion (this program is for ages 10 and under)
- 11 – 11:45 a.m.: Kidokinetics “Fitness FUNdamentals” in Park St Arena (space may be limited in the Park St Arena, so this program is first come first served)
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Kids’ “Fun Yoga & Mindfulness” with Flowtious Soul Yoga on the Great Lawn Pavilion
Know Before You Go
- This is NOT a drop off event. Parents and guardians must stay with their child the entire time.
- This event is open to the public.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
Cary Night Market
September 20, 5:00 pm at 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!
Know Before You Go
- This event is open to the public.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
Cary Environmental Symposium: The Nature of Oaks – A presentation by Douglas Tallamy
September 20, 7:30 pm at The Cary Theater
Oaks sustain a complex and fascinating web of wildlife. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own yards and restorations. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. The Nature of Oaks will inspire you to treasure these trees and to act to nurture and protect them.
Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has taught insect taxonomy, behavioral ecology, and other related subjects. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities.
For tickets and information, please visit https://www.carytreearchive.org/newprogram.html
Marvelous Music Mainstage Series: The Sensational Barnes Brothers
September 21, 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.
We’re raising the roof – and you may feel compelled to answer an alter call. With their incredible harmonies, be transported mind, body and soul to a higher plane as we welcome The Sensational Barnes Brothers.
These talented brothers made their mark with their first album – Nobody’s Fault But My Own – under Bible and Tire Recording Co. Fat Possum. Inspired by their shared past, fueled by harmonies that resonate with both their blood and their kindred souls, The Sensational Barnes Brothers are here to stay, singing, playing, and dancing for a long, long time. The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a musical blend of old and new, a real gem in the gospel/soul scene.
For more, visit https://thesensationalbarnesbrothers.com/
Buy tickets HERE
Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet
September 23, 10:00 am at 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.
Cary Players presents: The Addams Family – A New Musical
September 27 and 28 at 7:30 pm and September 29 at 3:00 pm at the Cary Arts Center
“The Addams Family,” a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family — a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
For tickets visit: https://www.caryplayers.org/theaddamsfamily
Jazz’d Up Sundays: Linda Briceño featuring The Christian Tamburr Quintet
September 29, 3:00 pm at 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. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy a special rendition highlighting the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic jazz artists.
Linda Briceño is an increasingly respected voice in the Central American music scene, especially following the 2018 Producer of the Year Latin Grammy win that made her that award’s inaugural female recipient as well as the win in 2020. Though she is best known on the other side of the microphone, Briceño has lately stepped forward more boldly as a lead singer and trumpeter, experimenting with R&B, trap, folk, Afro-Latin and jazz via her performance persona as Ella Bric. Focused on issues of immigration, the personal histories of American immigrants, and newly orchestrated renditions of the work of Latin American writers, this performance is a celebration of pan-Latin cultural heritage and storytelling.
Upcoming Lineup
- October 13: The Noel Friedline & Maria Howell Quartet
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.
Know about an event that we missed? Reach out to us and we will add it to our calendar!