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.
Live at Lunch
Multiple dates
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Academy Plaza
Free
Free lunchtime concerts.
CaryLIVE!
Various dates
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Free concerts!
Trivia Night
June 5, 2025: More info
June 19, 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!
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.
- April 11 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- May 23 – Moana 2
- June 13 – The Lion King (pre-show activities are DIY rain sticks and safari scratch art, and a drum circle)
- 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
Stretch and Refresh
June 2, 2025: More info
June 23, 2025: More info
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free
Join Dr. Carlie Huberman, DPT from Elite Arts Physical Therapy for an hour-long Stretch and Refresh Class for Seniors at Downtown Cary Park! Seated in chairs, seniors 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.
Big Top Circus Band
May 24, 2025
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Step right up and experience the magic of the circus through music! The Big Top Circus Band will transport you back in time with lively marches, “screamers,” “cage cleaners,” and other classic circus tunes from over 100 years ago—rarely heard today! From 1900-1950, these thrilling melodies were traditionally played by a 20-piece circus band, either rolling through town on a parade bandwagon or setting the stage from above the Big Top entrance. Get ready for a nostalgic, toe-tapping journey into the golden age of the circus!
Paws and Pals: Adoption Event
May 25, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Park Street Arena
Looking for a new furry friend? Bring your crew to our adoption event in the Park hosted by Perfectly Imperfect Pups! Meet adorable, adoptable pups and learn more about giving them a loving forever home. Whether you’re ready to adopt or just want to enjoy wagging tails and puppy kisses, this event is the paw-fect way to spend your day. Don’t miss the chance to find your new best friend!
Discover Dance: DISHOOM
May 30, 2025
7 to 10 p.m.
Free
DISHOOM is an open format international dance party hosted by DJ Rang. Rooted in Bollywood/Bhangra music, we’ll mashup a plethora of genres throughout the night, culminating in a high energy experience complete with live drums, dance lessons, and retro visuals! DJ Rang will set the tone, we’ll start with dance lessons at 7:30 p.m., and we’ll have several food trucks to keep your energy pumping!
As always, this event is an additional hub for the Cary Art Loop where you can explore artistic creations, crafts, and imaginative activities. Come to the Park for this family-friendly celebration, where retailers and food trucks add to the festive atmosphere of local arts and delicious cuisine.
Drop-In Puzzling and Puzzle Swap
June 9, 2025
5 to 9 p.m.
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.
Summer BreakOUT!
June 16, 2025
2 to 8:30 p.m.
Free
Kick off summer in the best way possible at our Summer BreakOUT in the Park! This free, fun-filled day is packed with all the best summer activities for kids and families to enjoy. Start the day with Children’s BINGO, get up close with fascinating critters at the Meet the Invertebrates program from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and test your skills on a free mini golf course. Cool off with two giant water misters and water play toys in Park Street Arena, get creative with summer-themed crafts, and grab a bite from delicious food trucks. As the sun sets, end the night with a magical Firefly Parade, where you’ll march through the Park with your own handcrafted glowing firefly bugs. Don’t miss this ultimate summer celebration!
- 2 – 5 p.m.: Children’s BINGO on the Great Lawn Pavilion
- 2 – 6 p.m.: Water Misters and Water Blasters in Park St Arena
- 2 – 6 p.m.: Art Cart in the Nest Pavilion
- 2 – 8 p.m.: Geluna Gelato Cart on the Great Lawn
- 2 – 8 p.m.: Lawn Games on Frantz Square Lawn
- 2 – 8 p.m.: 9 Holes of Mini Golf along Frantz Square Plaza
- 2 – 8 p.m.: Temporary Tattoo Booth on Academy Plaza
- 3 – 6 p.m.: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences ‘Meet the Invertebrates’ Program in Academy Pavilion
- 3 – 8 p.m.: Food Trucks (Beefy Buns and Insta-Ice) available at Park St Courts
- 6:45 – 8 p.m.: Firefly Bug Making in Academy Pavilion, with Firefly parade to follow
- 8:30 p.m.: Firefly Parade through the Park (participants can bring their Firefly Bugs and meet on the Great Lawn Pavilion to begin the parade through the Park)
Children’s Bingo
June 24, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free
Great Lawn Pavilion
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 and friendly competition. It’s an afternoon of joy and delightful moments for our youngest park enthusiasts!
Discover Dance: Swing Edition
June 27, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Join Joel & Jackie Plys of Retro Rhythm as they share the joy of Swing Era Dancing. Lessons will be provided throughout the duration of the event for 20s Charleston, 6-count Swing, Vernacular Jazz & Lindy Charleston! Get ready to cut a rug (or some lawn) on this special edition of Discover Dance in the park – Swing Style!
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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