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
Special events
Pimento Cheese Festival
Saturday, April 13, 2024
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
Live music, trivia, drinks from local breweries, pimento cheese samples, pimento cheese sculpting contest, more!
More Events
Make sure to go to the downtowncarypark.com/calendar and register for the events, if required.
Tai Chi
Wednesdays through May 29, 2024
9 a.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
Ages 55+
Live at Lunch: Concert Series
Every other Thursday from April 4 to May 30, 2024
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Academy Plaza
Free
School BreakOUT!
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
Have fun on teacher workday with a full day of activities at the park.
- Performance by Billy Jonas: 10 – 11 a.m. at the Great Lawn Pavilion
- Free Spirited Artistry Face Painter & Fairy Hair Artist: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Frantz Square Lawn
- Art with The Scrap Exchange: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Nest Pavilion
- Food Trucks: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. along Park St Courts (Ty’s All Natural and Dusty Donuts)
- Professor Whizzpop Magic Show: 1 – 2 p.m. and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Frantz Square Lawn
Zumba
Thursdays in April and May, 2024
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.
Yoga
Tuesdays in April and May, 2024
6 p.m.
Frantz Square — Lawn
Free (find registration links on the calendar)
Ages 18+
Join Tiana of Flowtious Soul Yoga for a transformative Spring Series of Yoga in the Park to unwind from the stresses of the day as you connect with nature. Tiana will guide you through a mindful and rejuvenating practice, incorporating gentle stretches, deep breathing, and mindfulness. This class offers a safe and welcoming space for you to de-stress, rejuvenate, and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Class is suitable for all levels.
Movie Night: Ratatouille (and pre-show activities)
Friday, April 12, 2024
5 to 10 p.m.
Academy Plaza and Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Get ready for the Pimento Cheese Festival (on Saturday) with this outdoor movie and special activities. The activities start at 5 p.m. and include lawn games, Emile’s cheese puff sculptures, Remy’s Sniffing Booth, crafting a paper rat, cooking demo, cheese carving demo and more. The movie will start at 8 p.m. at the Great Lawn Pavilion.
Board Game Social
Thursday, April 11, 2024
3 to 7 p.m.
Academy Plaza
Free
All ages
Movie Night and pre-show activities
Friday, May 10, 2024
5 to 10 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
CaryLive! Concert Series
April 27 and May 18, 2024 (more might be announced)
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
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