Downtown Cary Park
APPLAUSE! CARY YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS: JULIUS CAESAR
May 17 | noon – 1:30 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park
Join Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s teen performers for Shakespeare Live!, a performance series featuring abridged 90-minute productions of Shakespeare’s classics. Julius Caesar explores conspiracy, assassination, and civil war in ancient Rome. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free theatre in the park! carync.gov/shakespeare
CaryLIVE! FANCY GAP
May 30 | 7:30 p.m.
Kick off CaryLIVE! with Fancy Gap, the country-tinged duo of Stuart McLamb, of the indie band The Love Language, and producer Charles Crossingham. downtowncarypark.com/calendar
CaryLIVE! ABRAHAM ALEXANDER
June 27 | 7:30 p.m.
Abraham Alexander is bringing the heat to Downtown Cary Park this June. The Fort Worth-based singer-songwriter has shared stages with Leon Bridges, The Lumineers, and Mavis Staples — and co-wrote “Like A Bird” from “Sing Sing,” nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. downtowncarypark.com/calendar
MAYOR’S 2026 STATE OF CARY ADDRESS
Mayor Weinbrecht’s annual State of Cary highlights shared accomplishments and progress in alignment with the Council’s vision for the Town. Watch the 2026 recorded presentation, review slides, and read the address online at carync.gov/stateofcary. Community organizations are invited to request a State of Cary presentation by the Mayor for their group.
CARY BOARD, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Are you a Cary resident and looking for a way you can make a difference in your community? The recruitment period to serve on a Cary Council appointed board, commission, or committee is open now. Board members volunteer their time and expertise to assist the council in making informed decisions and policies for our community. Apply at carync.gov/boards by June 30 to be considered for appointment.
The Cary Theater
thecarytheater.com
COMEDY SHOW WITH GRANT LYON AND MATT WHITE
May 15 | 8 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB: RACHEL SUMNER AND TRAVELING LIGHT
May 21 | 7:30 p.m.
SUMMER FAMILY FILM SERIES
June-August | noon
3 CHAMBERS FEST
June 12-13
POPUP CHORUS BROADWAY
June 18 | 7 p.m.
COMEDY SHOW WITH LESLIE NORRIS TOWNSEND
+ PHIL KETRON
June 26 | 7 p.m.
Around Town
RITMO LATINO FESTIVAL
May 9 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | North Academy Street
Ritmo Latino Festival, presented by Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, is a vibrant, free community celebration that brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latino culture to Downtown Cary for a full day of music, dance, and connection. Guests can enjoy live performances, folkloric dance, and interactive experiences, along with a variety of food vendors, artisan booths, and family-friendly activities. The festival is a welcoming, high-energy event that invites everyone to come together, explore different cultures, and celebrate the diversity of our community. carync.gov/ritmo
WHEELS ON ACADEMY
May 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | North Academy Street
Wheels on Academy is rolling into town! Come experience a lively car show featuring everything from vintage classics to modern hot rods and exotic vehicles, explore the EV showcase, and enjoy hands-on “Touch-a-Truck” opportunities with public safety and service vehicles. With live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages, it’s a great way to celebrate car culture past and present. carync.gov/wheels
NATURE IS NUTS!
May 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Bond Park
Let’s learn about nature and then go on an exciting scavenger hunt in the woods! This family-friendly experience is perfect for curious kids age four and up. A nature guide will lead you through a fun, educational adventure covering local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Price includes up to four family members.
carync.gov/register
MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE
May 25 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Veterans Freedom Park
Join us at Veterans Freedom Park for a ceremony honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This free event brings residents together for a patriotic program featuring remarks from local leaders and veterans, as well as moving musical tributes. Attendees are invited to visit the Freedom Tower Monument and enjoy light refreshments before and after the ceremony. carync.gov/memorialday
THE SOCCER TOURNAMENT
May 27 – June 1 | WakeMed Soccer Park
Soccer fans: The Soccer Tournament returns to Cary for the fourth year! Enjoy three $1 million competitions featuring world-class athletes and celebrities, plus TST’s unique Global Soccer Festival with international food, beverages, meet and greets, live entertainment, and fun for your whole family. Get your tickets now before it’s too late at tst7v7.com.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW AND MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES
May 28 | 7 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Enjoy an unforgettable night of Americana and country roots with Old Crow Medicine Show and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. From the high-energy hit “Wagon Wheel” to timeless country, rockabilly, and bluegrass, it’s legendary music under the stars in Cary. carync.gov/oldcrowmedicine
BOND PARKS BANDS, BITES, AND BOATS
June 5 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Bond Park Boathouse
Kick back, relax, and soak in the sounds at this free community event featuring live music, local food, and lakefront fun. Enjoy a performance by the LaureNicole Duo, bites from Super Spuds and Corner Boys BBQ, and brews by Fortnight Brewing. Bring a blanket or a chair and settle in for an evening by the lake. carync.gov/bandsbitesboats
PERFORMANCES AT THE PAGE: JAMROCK
June 12 | 7 p.m. | Page-Walker Arts & History Center
A Page-Walker favorite, Jamrock returns to fill the air with authentic reggae rhythms. Groove to “yard style” reggae, including lovers rock, oldies, dancehall, and roots music, and elebrate the band’s Jamaican roots. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner from Virgil’s Jamaican food truck.
carync.gov/performancesatthepage
Need to Know
YARD WASTE DROPOFF AT CITIZENS CONVENIENCE CENTER
As yard work ramps up, the Citizen’s Convenience Center is ready to accept your yard waste. Remove and dispose of all trash from your yard waste before dumping. Search more items for disposal options using the Waste Wizard feature in the Cary Collects app or at carync.gov/collects.
ANNUAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Annual Street Improvements Project is moving ahead this spring, with nearly 11 miles of Cary’s 525 miles of streets set for resurfacing. The project also includes maintenance patching, ADA curb ramp replacements, curb and gutter repairs, pavement marking restoration, LED-enhanced crosswalks, and asphalt resurfacing. Construction is expected to be completed this fall.
carync.gov/streetprojects
APPLAUSE! CARY YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS: JULIUS CAESAR
May 17 | noon – 1:30 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park
Join Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s teen performers for Shakespeare Live!, a performance series featuring abridged 90-minute productions of Shakespeare’s classics. Julius Caesar explores conspiracy, assassination, and civil war in ancient Rome. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free theatre in the park! carync.gov/shakespeare
CaryLIVE! FANCY GAP
May 30 | 7:30 p.m.
Kick off CaryLIVE! with Fancy Gap, the country-tinged duo of Stuart McLamb, of the indie band The Love Language, and producer Charles Crossingham. downtowncarypark.com/calendar
CaryLIVE! ABRAHAM ALEXANDER
June 27 | 7:30 p.m.
Abraham Alexander is bringing the heat to Downtown Cary Park this June. The Fort Worth-based singer-songwriter has shared stages with Leon Bridges, The Lumineers, and Mavis Staples — and co-wrote “Like A Bird” from “Sing Sing,” nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. downtowncarypark.com/calendar
MAYOR’S 2026 STATE OF CARY ADDRESS
Mayor Weinbrecht’s annual State of Cary highlights shared accomplishments and progress in alignment with the Council’s vision for the Town. Watch the 2026 recorded presentation, review slides, and read the address online at carync.gov/stateofcary. Community organizations are invited to request a State of Cary presentation by the Mayor for their group.
CARY BOARD, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Are you a Cary resident and looking for a way you can make a difference in your community? The recruitment period to serve on a Cary Council appointed board, commission, or committee is open now. Board members volunteer their time and expertise to assist the council in making informed decisions and policies for our community. Apply at carync.gov/boards by June 30 to be considered for appointment.
Cary It Green
CALL BEFORE YOU CUT: CARING FOR RIPARIAN BUFFERS
Many creeks, lakes, and ponds in Cary are surrounded byriparian buffers — areas of natural vegetation along stream banks that filter pollutants, stabilize soil, and support wildlife habitat. Certain clearing and building activities are restricted within 50 feet of streams, but property owners can still responsibly maintain them. Residents are permitted to:
Remove dead, diseased, or damaged trees (leaving the stumps)
Properly prune vegetation
Remove nuisance plants such as poison ivy, English ivy, bamboo, or Chinese privet
If you’re unsure whether your property includes a protected buffer, contact Cary Stormwater through 311. When in doubt, call before you cut.
Stay Cool with Summer Weatherization Tips for your Home
High temperatures have HVAC units working overtime. Reduce cooling costs with these energy-efficiency tips:
If your HVAC system allows it, consider upgrading to a thicker pleated filter. Compared with standard 1-inch filters, 2-to-5-inch filters have more surface area to trap dust and particles, help maintain healthy airflow through the system, and typically don’t need to be replaced as often.
Reduce air leaks by adding caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to help keep your AC running efficiently as temperatures rise.
Simple steps like these can cut cooling costs, increase comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Learn more about home energy savings programs in Cary at carync.gov/solar.
HELP YOUR TREES STAY HEALTHY IN THE HEAT
Know when to water. Use a lawn stake to probe the ground at the furthest edge of the tree’s canopy. If you can’t probe to a 6–8-inch depth and rain isn’t in the forecast, it’s time to water.
Water young trees more often. Trees planted within the last two years need water two to three times per week. Established trees can be watered once a week or every other week.
Water deeply. Walk the dripline of your tree’s canopy with a garden hose, allowing one minute per area. With a soaker hose, water for two to four hours.
Mulch to conserve moisture. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping a few inches away from the trunk and extending 3 feet out. Mulch also reduces weeds and maintains even soil temperature.
Prune thoughtfully. Late summer is a good time to shape your tree or slow certain branch growth. It’s also ideal for pruning flowering trees that have finished blooming.
Inspect while the tree is in full leaf. Look for signs of pest damage, disease, or rot when the crown is full for the easiest detection.
Learn more about tree education in Cary at carync.gov/treetalk.
