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
May 8, 2025: More info
May 22, 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
- 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
School BreakOUT!
Friday, May 2, 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
Join us at the Park for School BreakOUT! This free, family-friendly day is the perfect way to enjoy time together when school’s out. Explore creative fun at the Art Cart, play your way through the Park with various lawn games, and enjoy a relaxing day of open-ended activities. It’s all about low-key fun, fresh air, and making memories— just play at your own pace!
May the 4th Be With You
Sunday, May 4, 2025
1 to 5 p.m.
It’s time to choose your side. Will you “Embrace the Dark Side” or “Join the Resistance” at our May the Fourth Star Wars celebration? Grab your best Star Wars gear and costumes and join us in the Park for a celebration of a galaxy far, far away.
Celebrate Star Wars at Downtown Cary Park with LEGO builds, Jedi Training, trivia, a ChewBARKa dog costume contest, and roaming 501st Legion cosplayers! Don’t miss the scavenger hunt, Endor terrariums, Yoda poetry, and a 360° photo booth!
Stretch and Refresh
May 5, 2025: More info
May 27, 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.
Cary Players’ Sonia Flew — Pre-show Conversion
May 10, 2025
6 to 7 p.m.
Academy Pavilion
Join Cary Players and Downtown Cary Park for a free engaging pre-show conversation about their upcoming performance of Sonia Flew, running May 2–11 at the Cary Arts Center.
In this preshow conversation, we will address themes of cross-cultural immigration, identity, family influence, secrets, and truths. Psychologist Dr. Sandra Wartski will lead the discussion accompanied by Cindy White, local Cuban American and owner of P2P Travel.
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!
Discovery Dance: DISHOOM
May 30, 2025
7 to 10 p.m.
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.
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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