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, as well as the seasonal ice ice skating rink. The rink will be open until January 12, 2023. It’s free to skate, and skate rental is included. Learn more about Downtown Cary Park’s ice skating rink.
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.
Tai Chi
Wednesdays through August 28, 2024
9 a.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
Ages 55+
Zumba
Selected Thursdays (see below)
6 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free (find registration links on the calendar)
Ages 18+
Get ready for 1 hour of dance fitness to exhilarating music that will get your heart pumping! Join us for an energetic Zumba session filled with infectious rhythms, dynamic choreography, and a vibrant community, as we turn the Park into a lively dance floor, making fitness feel like a celebration.
Dates:
- June 6, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- June 27, 2024
- July 11, 2024
- July 18, 2024
- July 25, 2024
- August 1, 2024
- August 8, 2024
- August 15, 2024
- August 22, 2024
- August 29, 2024
Movie Nights with pre-show activities
6 to 10 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Friday, July 19, 2024: Jurassic Park
Friday, August 9, 2024: The Marvels
July 19:
Pre-screening activities kick off at 6 p.m. and include an amber rock-making craft, photos with a Jurassic Park Jeep and a dino-themed scavenger hunt.
Grab dinner from food trucks on Park Street – Bobasaur, Virgil’s Jamaica and Chick-N-Que . You can also visit Market 317 for delicious snacks and The Bark Bar for all your beverage needs.
Final Friday: K-pop with DIA Dance Studio
Friday, July 26, 2024
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Free
This Final Friday will be filled with infectious beats, joyful choreography, and endless smiles. Learn the moves and experience the pros through the exhilarating rhythm of K-pop in an event guaranteed to lift your spirits and keep you dancing all night long! 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 & Puzzle Swap Meet
Monday, July 22, 2024
10 a.m. to 5 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.
CaryLive! Concert Series
June 29 and August 24, 2024
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
August 24th CaryLive! features Doc Robinson and opener Kerry Long.
Adult Coloring Meetup
Friday, August 2, 2024
6 to 9 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
In honor of National Coloring Book Day, unleash your inner artist at our Adult Coloring Meetup in the Park! Drop in and join fellow coloring enthusiasts for a laid-back evening of creativity and relaxation.
Butterflies & Bees: Bringing Pollinators Home
August 5 and 28, 2024
10 to 11 a.m.
Guest Services
Free (registration required)
Pollinators are in steep decline world-wide. You can make a difference by supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are vital contributors to our environment. Join DCP Horticulturist, naturalist and Emmy-award winning personality Dr. Patrick McMillan, and discover how the Park’s design supports butterflies and bees at all stages of their lives, and how you can bring butterflies to your own backyard.
Dungeons & Dragons in the Park
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
6 to 10 p.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free (registration is required)
Dive into an epic adventure with a pre-made storyline, original to DCP, where you’ll choose your characters, solve puzzles, and battle monsters in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this program promises excitement and fun for all! Gather your friends, bring your imagination, and embark on a thrilling journey. All materials provided.
Trivia Night
Thursdays, August 15 and 29, 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!
Cary Night Market
Friday, August 16, 2024
5 to 9 p.m.
Free
Discover a lively showcase of locally-crafted treasures while enjoying 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!
Jazz’d Up Sundays, Featuring Wendy Moten
Sunday, August 18, 2024
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
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 lively world of jazz, featuring talented musicians and unforgettable performances. Mark your calendar for Tennessee native, and season 21 runner- up of NBC’s “The Voice”, Wendy Moten.
Summer BreakOUT! Back to School Bash!
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
2 to 8 p.m.
Free
Get ready to bust out of summer mode and dive into a Back to School Bash in the Park! Join us for the ultimate way to kickstart the school year with a blast of fun and activities! Throughout the day, families can explore an array of activities including outdoor toys and Imagination Blocks on Frantz Square Lawn, the Art Cart at the Nest Pavilion, treats from The Dogfather and Ty’s All Natural food trucks along Park St. Courts and more!
Check out a big list of back to school bashes in the Triangle.
- 1 – 8 p.m. | Outdoor toys & Imagination Blocks | Frantz Square Lawn
- 2 – 3 p.m. | Children’s BINGO | Great Lawn Pavilion
- 2 – 7 p.m. | Art Cart | Nest Pavilion
- 3 – 5 p.m. | Piedmont Wildlife Center Booth | Frantz Square Lawn
- 3 – 8 p.m. | Food Trucks | Park St Courts (Ty’s All Natural & The Dogfather)
- 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. | Kidokinetics SportsPlay | Park St Arena (first come first served)
- 4 – 7 p.m. | The Traveling Tortoise | Academy Pavilion
- 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Morehead Planetarium’s Science on Stage | Great Lawn Pavilion
- 5 – 5:45 p.m. | Kidokinetics SportsPlay | Park St Arena (first come first served)
- 6 – 7 p.m. | Morehead Planetarium’s Science on Stage | Great Lawn Pavilion
- 7 – 8 p.m. | Bubble Play | Great Lawn
Demo Daze
Friday, August 23, 2024
4 to 9 p.m.
Free
Get ready for a sneak peek into creativity at its finest with Demo Daze! Join us at Downtown Cary Park for a vibrant showcase featuring multiple demo stations unveiling diverse artistic mediums. It’s the perfect prelude to the upcoming 2-day Lazy Daze festival. Explore a fusion of artistry, inspiration, and anticipation at this dynamic and fun family event. Don’t miss the chance to see the magic behind the masterpieces!
Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap Meet
Friday, August 30, 2024
2 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.
Final Friday with Retro Rhythm
Friday, August 30, 2024
5 to 9 p.m.
Free
Join us for Final Fridays at Downtown Cary Park, an additional hub for the Cary Art Loop! On the last Friday of each month, explore the artistic creations of the Cary community and beyond. Engage with art exhibits, crafts, live entertainment, and imaginative activities. Join in the family-friendly celebration, where retailers and food trucks add to the festive atmosphere of local arts and delicious cuisine.
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.
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