Lazy Daze
50 Daze Celebration
July 3 – August 23
This summer, Cary launches 50 Daze — a community-wide countdown celebrating the 50th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival. Starting July 3, pop-ups, local art, and interactive experiences will build toward the festival August 22–23. Join the celebration, whether it’s your first visit or a longtime tradition. Follow along at carync.gov/50daze.
50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
August 22 – 23 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Cary Town Hall Campus
Celebrate 50 years of creativity, community, and tradition at Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival! Explore over 250 artists, live entertainment on four stages, local food vendors, and a beer garden. Enjoy interactive art experiences, family activities, and festival favorites. This year, discover new and returning highlights — watch Squonk’s larger-than-life performance, visit the Emerging Artists Showcase, and shop at the Access the Arts Art Market. Learn more at carync.gov/lazydaze
The Cary Theater
thecarytheater.com
Summer Family Series
Saturdays at noon | June 7 – August 16
Cinematic Summer School: Classic Westerns
Sundays at 2 p.m. | July 11 – August 1
Dementia Friendly Screening of Grumpy Old Men
August 11 | 10 a.m.
Eurocult Cinema: Cemetery Man
August 26 | 7 p.m.
Comedy Show with Kristen Wynns
August 28 | 8 p.m.
For Sports Enthusiasts
Exciting Action Happening This Summer
Summer Soccer with the NC Courage
WakeMed Soccer Park | nccourage.com/schedule
NC Courage vs Washington Spirit
Theme: Ring of Honor
July 11 | 6:30 p.m.
NC Courage vs Utah Royals
Theme: Peanuts: A Christmas in July Special
July 25 | 7:45 p.m.
Men’s Rugby: USA vs. Spain
July 18 | 7:30 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park
Watch the USA Men’s Eagles take on Spain in a World Rugby Nations Cup match. This is the first time international rugby has been hosted at WakeMed Soccer Park since 2015. carync.gov/rugby
Adult Kickball League
Registration: July 13 – 26
Relive recess — grown-up style! Join our inaugural fall adult kickball league, a fun recreational league focused on community, laughter, and friendly competition. Games will be played on Monday and Wednesday nights, running mid-August through October. carync.gov/kickball
The Veolia Pickleball National Championships
August 31 – September 6
The Veolia Pickleball National Championships are coming to Cary Tennis Park August 31 through September 6, 2026. Cary is the launch site for the Carvana PPA Tour’s entire 2026-2027 global season, and the world is about to take notice.
Between matches, Cary has plenty waiting for you. Award-winning parks, local dining, greenways, and a vibrant downtown make it easy to fill time between sessions and hard to want to leave. Plan your visit at carync.gov/pickleball.
Looking for Fun
Around Town This Summer
Bond Parks Bands, Bites, and Boats
July 10 and August 7
6 – 8 p.m. | Bond Park Boathouse
Experience Bands, Bites, and Boats — enjoy live music, food, and fun by the lake. Listen to music, savor local eats, and sip brews. Bring a blanket, relax, and join us! Get event info at carync.gov/bandsbitesboats.
American Revolution Experience
July 18 – 25 | The Gathering House | Downtown Cary Park
Visit the American Revolution Experience. Explore banners and interactive kiosks sharing the nation’s founding story at this free traveling exhibit. Step inside history; find dates and details at downtowncarypark.com/calendar.
Single Mingle: S’more than Friends
July 24 | 4 – 7 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park
Find your trail partner at the park this July during S’more than Friends, a camp-themed singles mixer. Enjoy a gourmet s’mores bar, live DJ and classic camp games. Grab a cold brew and soak up the “in-tents” fun — no hiking boots required. downtowncarypark.com/calendar
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
July 31 – August 1 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Don’t miss the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival — two days packed with 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons, and barbecue delights. Savor the Southern experience. Learn more at carync.gov/beerbourbonbbq.
Inside the Action: CaryVan Family Adventure
August 22 | 6 – 9 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park
Reserve your spot for CaryVan Family Adventure during NC Courage’s Nickelodeon Night! Enjoy fun extras like halftime photos, swag, and a $20 food voucher. Register now at carync.gov/caryvan to experience the action!
Shift the Focus to Arts and Music
Upcoming Highlights This Season
Applause! Cary Youth Theatre Presents: The Giver
July 24-26 | Cary Arts Center
Jonas’ world is safe and controlled — without pain, fear or choice. When he turns 12, he’s chosen to receive his community’s hidden memories from the Giver. As he uncovers the truth, Jonas must decide what it means to grow up and choose his own path. Tickets on sale now. carync.gov/applause
Ella Langley: The Dandelion Tour
July 24 | 7 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Rising country star Ella Langley is bringing her Dandelion Tour to Koka Booth Amphitheatre this July. Joined by special guests Kaitlyn Butts and Laci Kaye Booth, Langley delivers a high-energy night of country with a southern rock edge. carync.gov/kokabooth
Performances at the Page: Celebration of Bluegrass
July 31 | 6:30 p.m. | Page-Walker Arts & History Center
In partnership with the PineCone, the Page-Walker welcomes Redbud, an up-and-coming bluegrass band from Boone. Don’t miss the opening act: the fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and upright bass musicians of Bluegrass Jam Camp! Bring a picnic or pick up dinner from our on-site food truck.
carync.gov/performancesatthepage
Summer Vibes Music Series, Featuring the Night Shift Band
August 19 | 6 – 8 p.m. | North Cary Park
Kick back and soak up the summer vibes! Try a tasty snack or cool treat, sip on a cold brew from a local brewery, and groove to some awesome live music. Meanwhile, the little ones can have a blast with crafts and activities at the park. carync.gov/summervibes
CaryLIVE! Featuring Delta Rae
August 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park, Great Lawn Pavilion
Elevate your evenings with the vibrant rhythm of CaryLive! Join us at Downtown Cary Park for a captivating concert series. Free and open to the public, this enchanting experience welcomes all to come together, enjoy the rhythms, and bask in the beauty of community and music under the stars.
carync.gov/deltarae
Blues Traveler/Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors
August 28 | 6 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Multi-platinum rock legends Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms are reuniting for an electrifying co-headlining summer tour. Joining them once again are alternative rock icons Spin Doctors, celebrating the 35th anniversary of their multi-platinum debut album, “Pocket Full of Kryptonite,” featuring the Grammy-nominated, chart-topping hit “Two Princes.” carync.gov/bluestraveler
2025 Water Quality Report Now Available
Cary’s 2025 Annual Water Quality Report is now available at carync.gov/waterreport. Learn how Cary delivers safe, great-tasting water that meets or exceeds standards, with ongoing testing, monitoring and conservation efforts. Request a printed copy by calling 311 in Cary or 919-469-4000.
Cary Is Here To Help You Go Green
Keep Your Compost Clear of Contaminants
Start composting easily! Use these simple tips and visit carync.gov/compost now to learn more. Take action towards a greener Cary today.
Compost only fruits and vegetables; avoid meat, dairy, oils, bread, and grains.
Remove trash, rubber bands, packaging, and stickers before adding scraps.
Add “browns” like leaves, damp cardboard, or wood chips to balance your pile.
Turn your compost for airflow and add water to keep it breaking down.
Bring It to the Drop-off
Bring your household food waste to Cary’s drop-off sites and help turn it into compost. This free service is for Cary residents only. Visit carync.gov/foodwaste to get started and support a greener community.
Keeping Cary’s Waterways Clean
Protect waterways when washing your car; use a hose with a shutoff nozzle, biodegradable soap, wash on grass or gravel, and use water sparingly — or choose a commercial car wash where water is treated and recycled. When walking your pets, always scoop the poop and throw waste in the trash to help keep storm drains, streams, and lakes clean. Learn more at carync.gov/hazardouswaste
