Magic will fill Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 4 to 10:30 p.m., when the park hosts Wands and Wonder: Celebrating Worlds of Wizadry.
This is a free event for all ages. It’s not a drop-off event, so please stay with your children.
Step into a world where magic stirs in every corner of Downtown Cary Park. Explore herbology gardens, craft your own wand, and meet fantastical creatures. Test your house spirit through spellbinding challenges, then join in more whimsical fun and surprises around every turn. Enchantment, mystery, and wonder await witches, wizards, and magical beings of all kinds!
Read on for a schedule and map!
Wands & Wonder Houses
Choose your house and show your spirit:
- Cobblecraft – arts & crafting in the Gathering House Garden + Botanical Garden North
- Lumisong – performing arts on the Great Lawn + Pavilion
- Oakspire – sports & fitness at Park Street Courts + Arena
- Mossmere – nature magic woven throughout the Park
Wands & Wonder Schedule
| 4 – 6:45 p.m.: Discover Your House at Emberwing (The Splashpad in the Nest) | Arrive at Emberwing, where young witches and wizards are sorted into their houses and begin their magical journey. This dynamic natural play area, anchored by two towering cardinal slides, invites guests to discover their place and let their adventure take flight through play and exploration. * Please note, the line may close early in order for all participants to finish by 6:45 p.m. |
| 4 – 8 p.m.: Begin Your Quest at Willow Isle (Willow Isle) | Start your journey at Willow Isle, where a mysterious structure has risen from the water, said to be the source of an ancient dark wizard’s power. As its magic spreads across the Park, apprentices must travel far and wide to gather lost magical ingredients and complete a spell to contain it once more. |
| 4 – 8 p.m.: WANDer the Garden at Mossmere (Botanical Garden South) | Explore Mossmere, a serene outdoor space nestled within a lush botanical garden. This enchanting area celebrates nature and invites guests to craft their own wands using natural elements, offering a peaceful retreat filled with greenery, discovery, and quiet magic. * Wand-making, while supplies last |
| 4 – 8 p.m.: Compete for the Cup at Oakspire (Park Street Arena) | Head to Oakspire, where friendly competition and house pride take center stage. Test your skills in the House Cup Challenge Grounds through a series of magical games designed to build teamwork, agility, and a little friendly rivalry. * 4 – 9 p.m.: Food Trucks: Gussy’s Greek, Munchilove, and Death by Taco |
| 4 – 9 p.m.: Encounter Unusual Mystical Creatures (Academy Plaza and Academy Pavilion) | Discover the wonders of the magical world through up-close encounters with fascinating creatures. From reptiles and insects to snakes and tarantulas, this interactive area invites curious explorers to learn, observe, and connect. * 4 – 6 p.m.: Piedmont Wildlife Center * 4 – 7 p.m.: Greensboro Parks & Rec Reptile Encounters * 4 – 8 p.m.: The Traveling Tortoise * 4 – 8 p.m.: Arthropod Zoo with the NC State Entomology Graduate Student Association * 4 – 8 p.m.: Tattoo Booth * 4 – 9 p.m.: Bobasaur Food Truck |
| 4 – 9 p.m.: Wander the Market at Grosbeak Village (Frantz Square) | Step into Grosbeak Village, a bustling marketplace inspired by the charm of a magical main street. Wander through a lively collection of vendors offering unique goods, treats, and enchanted finds around every corner. * Andia’s Ice Cream; Note in the Pocket (‘Free A House Elf’ clothing drive); Face Painting by Free Spirited Artistry (fees apply); Umbrella Dry Bar; Mad Science; Ella’s Popcorn; The Little Bookish Shop; Woodworking by Krish Attaluri The ‘Free A House Elf’ clothing drive by Note in the Pocket will be collecting brand new and in original packaging men’s & women’s clothing, boys & girls clothing, new socks & underwear, and jackets & sneakers. |
| 4 – 9 p.m.: Craft Your Magic at Cobblecraft (Gathering House and Botanical Garden North) | Enter Cobblecraft, where creativity sparkles under floating candlelight. This hands-on space invites aspiring witches and wizards to craft, create, and design their own magical keepsakes through engaging arts experiences. * Cozy Panda Pottery Painting – free while supplies last; additional pieces available for purchase. |
| 4 – 10 p.m.: Gather by the Hearth at The Wagging Wand (Bark Bar) | Gather at The Wagging Wand, a cozy and spirited hub for connection and conversation. Enjoy magical trivia, shared stories, and a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of your favorite wizarding pub. * 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Magical Trivia with Hammered Trivia |
| 4 – 10 p.m.: Seek the Story at Enchanted Press (Guest Services) | Visit the Enchanted Press, your trusted source for all things happening across the wizarding world of Cary. Whether you’re looking for event details, park information, or a bit of insider knowledge, our team is here to guide your journey and keep you in the know. |
| 4 – 10:30 p.m.: Witness the Magic at Lumisong (Great Lawn Pavilion) | Experience the energy of Lumisong, where live demonstrations and magical learning take center stage. As the evening unfolds, the space transforms into a lively dance floor for the Dementor Disco, inviting guests to move, celebrate, and embrace the magic. * 4 p.m.: Spell Casting Lessons with Cary High * 5 p.m.: Potions Class with Mad Science * 7:30 p.m.: Dementor (Silent) Disco featuring DJ Nevy, DJ Jaz, and DJ Vallinda (for participants 18+, I.D. Required; minors must be accompanied by an adult) |
| 4 – 10:30 p.m.: Roaming Witches, Wizards, and Creatures (throughout the Park) | Magic is always on the move. Encounter roaming witches, wizards, and curious creatures throughout the Park as they pop up in unexpected places, ready to surprise, delight, and interact with guests of all ages. * 4 – 9 p.m.: Spark AI Photo Booth * 4 – 10 p.m.: Magical Wizard & Witch with creatures * 7 – 10:30 p.m.: Dark Wizards * 8 – 10:30 p.m.: Imagine Circus LED Hooper & Winged Dancer |
| 6 – 9 p.m.: Magical Writing Cabinet (Great Lawn) | Part fortune teller, part confessional—all unforgettable and mysterious. You put a memory or a hope or a matter of the heart into the Cabinet and it immediately returns a custom poetic response on a card that you keep. |
Wands & Wonder Map
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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