Downtown Cary Park is the central gathering spot for the Town of Cary. It officially opened in November, 2023, and has hosted performances, festivals, fitness classes, movies and much 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.
Stretch and Refresh
Every Monday from March 2 to 30, 2026
10 a.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
Join Dr. Carlie Huberman, DPT from Elite Arts Physical Therapy for an hour-long Stretch and Refresh Class for seniors at the Park! Seated in chairs, participants can improve mobility and flexibility in a fun and safe, group fitness atmosphere. Dr. Carlie is a physical therapist who specializes in teaching flexibility and mobility to everyone from beginners to experienced movers in a way that is pain free and not intimidating. Registration is required.
Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap
Monday, March 16, 2026
2 to 8 p.m.
Gathering House
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 a great way to share your passion for puzzles and connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed family-friendly setting
Children’s Bingo
Monday, February 23, 2026
Monday, March 9, 2026
Monday, March 23, 2026
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
Drop-in Children’s BINGO in the Park! Little ones can enjoy classic bingo fun with laughter, surprises, and friendly competition.
Trivia Night
March 5, 2026
March 19, 2026
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Bark Bar
Free
Get ready to test your knowledge and unleash your competitive spirit at Trivia Night at the 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!
Music BINGO
March 24, 2026
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Bark Bar
Free
Get ready to sing, dance, and BINGO your way to victory at Music Bingo in the 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 a great 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.
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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