Downtown Cary Park is the new central gathering spot for the Town of Cary. It officially opened in November, 2023, and has already been the site for festivals, holiday events, and performances.
It’s a draw during the holiday season, with festive light displays and a free ice skating rink.
The park will be home to varied programming, including art exhibitions, performances, concerts, fitness classes, book clubs, movies and more.
The address of Downtown Cary Park is at 327 S. Academy Street. It’s bounded by E. Park Street to the north, Walnut Street to the south, S. Walker Street to the east, and S. Academy Street to the west. Cary Arts Center is just to the southwest of the park.
Many FREE events are being hosted at Downtown Cary Park, including fitness classes, art workshops, and more. Read on, or jump right to the list of events (including the outdoor movie series!)
Features of Downtown Cary Park
The Nest
Downtown Cary Park features adventurous play areas for kids, including The Nest, a cardinal-themed play set, and a massive slide.
Park Street Courts
Park Street Courts is filled with table tennis, foosball and other games.
The Great Lawn
Look out for frisbees on the Great Lawn! This is where visitors are stretching out and playing, as well as enjoying the entertainment from the Pavilion.
The Barkyard
The Barkyard is not your average bark park. It has tunnels, water features, small hills and more. You’ll need to register your dog and buy an annual membership or day pass to use the Barkyard.
The Skywalk
Get a bird’s eye view of the park from the Skywalk.
Academy Pavilion and Plaza
Here you’ll find Market 317, for grab-and-go sandwiches and more. The building also contains restrooms and an event space.
Frantz Square
This area, at the corner of Academy Street and Dry Avenue, features Cary’s iconic fountain, which, once again, lights up at night.
Parking
There are several parking options near the park. Here’s a map with various parking options throughout Downtown Cary. The closest parking lots and garages are listed below.
Cary Regional Library Parking Deck
113 Walnut Street, Cary, NC
Cary Arts Center Lot
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Free parking 24/7
Accessible parking available
First United Methodist Church Lot
110 Waldo Street, Cary, NC
Closed for public parking Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Open to the public other times. Free.
Old Cary Library Parking Lot
310 S Academy Street, Cary, NC
Free parking. 24/7.
Public Transportation
During busy times, especially festivals, you might prefer to take the bus to Downtown Cary Park. GOCary’s fixed routes and door to door tier 1 trips are fare free through June 30, 2024. Learn about the routes here.
Events at Downtown Cary Park
Make sure to go to the downtowncarypark.com/calendar and register for the events, if required.
Trivia Night
January 9, 2025: More info
January 23, 2025: More info
February 6, 2025: More info
February 20, 2025: More info
March 6, 2025: More info
March 20, 2025: More info
April 10, 2025: More info
April 24, 2025: More info
6 to 8 p.m. each night
Downtown Cary Park’s Bark Bar
Free
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!
Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap Meet
January 13, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: More info
February 10, 2025, 2 to 9 p.m.: More info
March 17, 2025, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: More info
Academy Pavilion
Free
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.
School BreakOUT!
February 17, 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Free
Come to the Park for School BreakOUT!, a perfect day of fun, family-friendly activities for when school is out! Packed with engaging events and hands-on fun, it’s the ideal way to spend a school-free day together. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public! Stay tuned for the full lineup of activities, and get ready for a day of fun, adventure, and making memories together at the Park!
Board Game Social
February 21, 2025
4 to 8 p.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
Enjoy board games in the Park, where you can gather with friends and family for an evening of delightful competition and fun. Indulge in the fantastic food and beverage offerings from Market 317. With tables, chairs, and games provided, this family-friendly space is the perfect setting to roll the dice, strategize, and enjoy a memorable night of tabletop gaming camaraderie.
Black History Month Gallery & Discussion
February 22, 2025
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
Explore the transformational impact of Black Creatives on our economy, communities, and culture. Experience firsthand, some of the most innovative artistic works both locally and nationally. Not only are these artists helping to shape our collective American Culture, but they are also creating notable economic opportunities for some of our nation’s biggest brands and establishing pathways for Future Black Creatives. Come and enjoy an immersive gallery display followed by an engaging panel discussion.
Movie Night
6 to 10 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Before each movie, there will be related activities, so come early! Bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks will be on site. These dates are in 2025.
- March 7 – Barbie 1
- April 11 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- May 23 – Moana 2
- June 13 – The Lion King
- July 3 – Top Gun
- July 11 – Shrek
- August 8 – Guardians of the Galaxy
- August 20 – Wicked
- September 5 – Inside Out 2
- October 10 – The Nightmare Before Christmas
- October 25 – Double Feature: Hotel Transylvania & 1408
- November 7 – Big Hero 6
International Women’s Day Celebration
March 8, 2025
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Free
Join us for an afternoon of creative and self-care activities, with inspiring speakers all in celebration of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is #AccelerateAction—how will you jump into action in 2025? Check back soon for a full line up of activities for the day!
School BreakOUT!
March 14, 2025
12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Free
Get ready to shamrock and roll at School BreakOUT! in the Park, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed celebration perfect for kids and families! Packed with festive fun, hands-on activities, and exciting events, it’s the ideal way to spend a school-free day together. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public! Stay tuned for the full lineup of activities, and prepare for a day of luck, laughter, and memory-making at the Park!
Children’s Bingo
March 17, 2025
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Join us 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—a simple pastime for our youngest park enthusiasts!
Board Game Social
March 28, 2025
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Enjoy Board Games in the Park, where you can gather with friends and family for an evening of playful competition. Indulge in the fantastic food and beverage offerings from Market 317. With tables, chairs, and games provided, this family-friendly space is the perfect setting to roll the dice, strategize, and enjoy a memorable night of tabletop gaming camaraderie.
Paws and Pals: Oodles of Doodles!
March 23, 2025
3 p.m.
Park Street Arena
Free
Calling all Doodle devotees! Bring your curly-coated companion to Downtown Cary Park for a tail-wagging Doodle Meetup. Whether your pup loves to bounce, play, or charm everyone they meet, this event is the perfect spot to celebrate all things Doodle. Connect with fellow Doodle owners, share training tips, and make new friends—furry and human alike. Don’t miss this paws-itively delightful gathering!
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
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