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.
Board Game Social
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
4 to 8 p.m.
Great Lawn
Free
All ages
Enjoy Board Games in the Park, where you can gather with friends and family for an evening of delightful competition and fun. Indulge in the fantastic food and beverage offerings from Market 317. With tables, chairs, and games provided, this family-friendly space is the perfect setting to roll the dice, strategize, and enjoy a memorable night of tabletop gaming camaraderie.
Drop In Puzzling and Swap Meet
Friday, June 7, 2024
2 to 9 p.m.
Academy Pavilion
Free
All ages
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!
Thursday, June 13, 2024
2 to 9 p.m.
Free
Get ready to break out into summer fun at our Summer BreakOUT! event where the Park transforms into the ultimate camping extravaganza for kids! Join us for a wild adventure filled with s’mores, storytelling around the “campfire,” outdoor games, food trucks, and so much more. Gather your camping crew and kick off the summer in style at Downtown Cary Park!
Schedule:
- 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Outdoor toys and Imagination Blocks in Park St Arena
- 12 – 5 p.m.: Art Cart in the Nest Pavilion
- 2 – 2:45 p.m.: Performance by Mr. Blue Shoes on the Great Lawn Pavilion
- 2 – 6 p.m.: Free Spirited Artistry Face Painter & Fairy Hair Artist on Frantz Square Lawn
- 3:15 – 5 p.m.: ‘Story time around the campfire’ with Darren Farrell in Academy Pavilion
- 6 – 8 p.m.: S’mores Bar on Frantz Square Plaza (while supplies last)
- 6:30 – 9 p.m.: Firefly Crown Making & Parade. For more details on this program, see below.
Food trucks that will be available along Park St Courts:
- 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Mr. Puebla Tacos
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: HotBox Pizza
- 4 – 8 p.m.: Fiori Trattoria
Firefly Crown Making and Parade
Thursday, June 13, 2024
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Free
All ages
Drop in for a magical evening at Downtown Cary Park, where summer nights come alive with our Firefly Crown Making program and Evening Firefly Crown Parade! Craft your own whimsical wire firefly crown under the stars, while supplies last. Then, join the enchanting parade starting at the Great Lawn Pavilion, winding through the Park, and illuminating the Light Passage with your dazzling creations!
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Firefly Crown Making in Academy Pavilion
- 8:30 – 9 p.m.: Evening Firefly Crown Parade starting on the Great Lawn Pavilion
Sundown on the Solstice
Thursday, June 20, 2024
8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Great Lawn
Free
Age 16+
Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of the Sound Bath led by sound guru Katrina Bond, while being enveloped by the mesmerizing artwork of Rhett Hissam. Let the harmonious blend of sound and visuals transport you to a realm of serenity and inner peace.
Sunrise Yoga
Friday, June 21, 2024
7 to 8 a.m.
Frantz Square Lawn
Free
Age 18+
Welcome the day with serenity at Sunrise Yoga in the Downtown Cary Park, honoring International Yoga Day! Join instructor Kelsey Hargrove as the sun rises, illuminating your practice with tranquility and mindfulness. Embrace the beauty of nature as you flow through poses, connecting mind, body, and spirit in harmony.
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, June 14, 2024: Strange World
Wednesday, July 3, 2024: National Treasure
Friday, July 19, 2024: Jurassic Park
Friday, August 9, 2024: The Marvels
CaryLive! Concert Series
June 29 and August 24, 2024
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Great Lawn Pavilion
Free
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.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing to Triangle on the Cheap’s email list
- Triangle on the Cheap event calendar
- Music calendar
- Where to go dancing in the Triangle
- Trivia Nights
- Best food and drink deals in the Triangle
- Free and cheap things to do this week
- Farmers Markets in the Triangle
- Cheapest gas in the Triangle
Upcoming Events in the Triangle
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:
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When
Weekly on Wednesday @ 9:00 am (March 6, 2024 - August 28, 2024)
What
Tai Chi
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
When
Weekly on Thursday @ 6:00 pm (April 4, 2024 - August 29, 2024)
What
Zumba
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
When
June 13, 2024
@ 2:00 pm-9:00 pm
What
Summer BreakOUT!
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
June 13, 2024
@ 6:30 pm-9:00 pm
What
Firefly Crown Making and Parade
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
June 14, 2024
@ 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
What
Movie Night: Strange World
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
June 20, 2024
@ 8:30 pm-9:30 pm
What
Sundown on the Solstice
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
June 21, 2024
@ 7:00 am-8:30 am
What
Sunrise Yoga
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
July 3, 2024
@ 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
What
Movie Night and Pre-Show Activities: National Treasure
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
July 19, 2024
@ 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
What
Movie Night and Pre-Show Activities: Jurassic Park
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
August 9, 2024
@ 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
What
Movie Night and Pre-Show Activities: The Marvels
Where
Downtown Cary Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
