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.
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
Thursday, Nov 7, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
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.
Movie Night: The LEGO Movie
Friday, November 8, 2024
6 to 9 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Prescreening activities and games at 6 p.m. Film at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a spectacular movie night under the stars featuring The LEGO Movie (PG), curated by The Cary Theater! Follow the journey of Emmet, an ordinary LEGO minifigure, as he discovers his potential to save the world from an evil tyrant. 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.
- Step into the Spark Photo Booths for a Lego-fied version of yourself
- Enjoy exciting activities from Play-Well TEKnologies in Academy Pavilion
- Create Lego prints at the Art Cart
- And compete in one of four master builder challenges for a chance to win a prize.
Inspiration Lives Here: The Story of the Downtown Cary Park
Sunday, November 10, 2024
1:30 pm
Academy Pavilion
Free
Kick off Downtown Cary’s Park’s Birthday week with a screening of a documentary chronicling the development and construction of the Downtown Cary Park! Carefully crafted over a period of three years, this documentary explores the complex and courageous decisions that led to the opening of this iconic place and its impact on the community. (Runtime: 22 min, followed by Q&A.)
Sons of Serendip Concert
Sunday, November 10, 2024
3 to 5 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
The Sons of Serendip features a unique blend of soulful harmonies and captivating performances.
Billboard charting classical-crossover quartet, Sons of Serendip, won the hearts of fans
and judges alike as finalists on America’s Got Talent (NBC) with their ethereal and
emotionally stirring interpretations of pop music, arranged with a unique blend of vocals,
harp, piano, and cello.
Paws and Pals: Corgis
Sunday, Nov 10, 2024
3 to 4 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park — Park Street Arena
Free
Calling all corgi lovers! Join us for a tail-wagging good time at our corgis meet up in the Park. Bring your adorable corgis for an afternoon of play and corgi-themed fun. Whether your corgi loves to zoom around or just chill and make new friends, there’s something for every fluffy pal!
Cary Night Market
Friday, Nov 15, 2024
5 to 9 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Free
Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Triangle area artisans gather with an eclectic array of goods, food, and drinks!
Celebrating Downtown Cary Park’s 1st Birthday
Saturday, Nov 16, 2024
3 to 9 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Free
Enjoy a day of festivities and fun as we mark Downtown Cary Park’s
first birthday in style. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and an amazing
drone show. There’s something for everyone, including delicious food,
games, and surprises.
Board Game Social
Friday, Nov 22, 2024
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 friendly 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.
Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet
Monday, Nov 25, 2024
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DCP Academy Pavilion
Free
Find the missing piece of your day at our drop-in puzzle program including 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.
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:
[…] free concerts take place at Academy Plaza. Learn all about the incredible Downtown Cary Park, including more free […]