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Things To Do in Cary
Are you looking for fun things to do in Cary, NC? Here are 15 fun things to do in Cary!
When you are searching for the perfect place to call home in the Triangle area, Cary, North Carolina, consistently rises to the top of the list. This thriving town of over 191,000 residents offers something for everyone.
Beyond the excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong job market, what really sets Cary apart is its incredible quality of life. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, an arts lover, or a family seeking weekend adventures, Cary delivers experiences that transform a house into a home.
If you are considering making Cary your home, these destinations offer a glimpse into the vibrant lifestyle waiting for you.
Check out these things to do in Cary
1. Koka Booth Amphitheater
Address: 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, 27518
Nestled within Symphony Lake, Koka Booth Amphitheater is a stunning outdoor venue that features a 7,000-seat capacity and hosts an impressive lineup of concerts, theatrical performances, and community events from spring through fall.
From national touring acts to the North Carolina Symphony's summer series, the venue offers world-class entertainment without the trek to a major city. Locals love arriving early to picnic on the lawn, and the venue's proximity to nearby walking trails makes it easy to turn concert night into a full evening experience.
Koka Booth is home to many events throughout the year in Cary, ranging from various music artists to food festivals, comedy shows, and larger-scale community events. It is most well known as home to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually between November and January.
2. Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Address: 801 High House Road, Cary, NC, 27513
At 310 acres, Fred G. Bond Metro Park stands as Cary's largest and most beloved recreational space. The park features a three-acre lake perfect for fishing and boating, an elaborate playground that keeps kids entertained for hours, and over four miles of interconnected trails winding through diverse landscapes.
Sports enthusiasts appreciate the multi-use athletic fields, tennis courts, and community center with an indoor pool. The park also hosts popular community events throughout the year, from outdoor movies to holiday celebrations.
While visitors can not actually swim in the lake, picnic shelters are available for reservations on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, bring your picnic baskets and friends and enjoy this hidden gem, just moments from historical downtown Cary.
3. Downtown Cary Park
Address: 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
Downtown Cary Park represents the town's commitment to creating vibrant public spaces for the 21st century. This seven-acre park opened as a game-changer for downtown, transforming an underutilized area into Cary's living room.
The crown jewel is the interactive fountain where kids splash and play during warm months, but the park offers much more: a great lawn for picnics and community gatherings, a performance pavilion hosting free concerts and events, beautifully landscaped gardens, and artistic installations that change with the seasons.
The park connects seamlessly to downtown's restaurants and shops, making it the perfect anchor for a day out. During December, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with elaborate holiday light displays.
This beautiful park has become the go-to spot for everything from yoga classes to food truck festivals, embodying Cary's evolving identity as a walkable, community-focused town.
4. Cary Arts Center
Address: 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC 27511
The Cary Arts Center proves that you do not need to live in a major metropolitan area to access exceptional cultural programming. This 38,000-square-foot facility serves as the town's cultural heart, offering rotating art exhibitions in multiple galleries and hands-on art classes for all ages and skill levels.
The center's exhibition spaces showcase both local and nationally recognized artists, with new shows rotating every few months across diverse mediums from painting to sculpture to digital art.
Admission to galleries is free, and the building's modern design creates an inviting atmosphere whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply curious. The center also hosts artist talks, workshops, and special events that foster connections between artists and the community.
5. The Cary Theater
Address: 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary, NC, 27511
The Cary Theater is a 180-seat gem that brings the best of independent cinema, classic films, and live performances to downtown Cary. Purchased in 2011 by the Town of Cary, this historic and charming theater is perfect for movie lovers.
The theater regularly hosts themed film series, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and special screenings that you won't find at mainstream multiplexes. The intimate setting creates a community atmosphere where fellow film lovers gather, and the programming reflects the sophisticated tastes of Cary's diverse population.
Season passes and memberships offer great value for regular attendees, and the theater's downtown location makes it easy to pair your show with dinner at one of Cary's excellent restaurants.
6. Fortnight Brewing Company
Address: 1006 SW Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27511
Fortnight Brewing Company has become a cornerstone of Cary's growing craft beer scene since opening its doors. This family-friendly brewery combines exceptional beer craftsmanship with a welcoming taproom atmosphere that appeals to beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Fortnight's rotating selection of ales, lagers, and experimental brews showcases creativity and quality, with seasonal offerings that highlight local ingredients. The spacious taproom features indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal gathering spot year-round.
This brewery regularly hosts trivia nights, live music, food trucks, and fundraisers for local causes. It's not uncommon to see families with kids enjoying the outdoor space while parents sample different beers.
7. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Address: 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC, 27518
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve offers an extraordinary natural experience that feels worlds away from suburban life, despite being right in the heart of Cary. This 150-acre preserve protects a rare ecosystem of hemlock trees.
The preserve features well-maintained trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, a modern nature center with educational exhibits, and passionate staff offering guided walks and educational programs.
Birdwatchers love the preserve's diverse habitats that attract numerous species throughout the year. The preserve's commitment to conservation education through the Stevens Nature Center means you will leave understanding not just what you've seen, but why it matters.
8. Cary Action Sports
Address: 2040 NW Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27513
Cary Action Sports is a skatepark owned and operated by the Town of Cary. Perfect for skateboarding, scooters, bikes, and inline skaters, this skate park is open to all ages and skill levels.
You will find safety equipment (helmets and pads) in the pro shop for rental use if needed, and snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout your visit. This is an excellent option if you are looking for something more adventurous to try right here in Cary.
9. Cary Tennis Park
Address: 2727 Louis Stevens Drive, Cary, NC, 27519
Tennis enthusiasts will find paradise at Cary Tennis Park, one of the premier tennis facilities in the region. Featuring 32 Championship courts, the Cary Tennis Park is a State-of-the-Art Tennis facility operating for both young and old tennis lovers.
Included in the 32 courts is one stadium court with permanent seating and seven covered courts, four permanent Pickleball Courts, a pro shop, two comfort stations, showers, and a ball machine. The park hosts numerous tournaments throughout the year, from local events to regional competitions that draw players from across the Southeast.
Developmental programs accommodate children ages 4-17 throughout the year on a rotating schedule. Cary Tennis Park has over 200 league teams for adults each year. If tennis is your passion or your favorite pastime, you will not want to miss experiencing all that Cary Tennis Park has to offer.
10. Wake Med Soccer Park
Address: 940 E. Chatham Street, Cary, NC, 27511
WakeMed Soccer Park stands as one of the largest soccer complexes in the United States and serves as home to the North Carolina Courage (NWSL) and North Carolina FC (USL). The 120-acre complex features a 10,000-seat stadium, multiple championship-level fields, and hosts everything from professional matches to youth tournaments involving teams from across the country.
Attending a North Carolina Courage game offers affordable, family-friendly professional sports entertainment with some of the world's best soccer players. The complex regularly hosts major tournaments that draw teams nationally and internationally, creating an exciting atmosphere on game days.
Beyond watching elite athletes, the park provides opportunities for players of all ages through camps, clinics, and community programs. Having such a world-class soccer facility in Cary reflects the community's international character and commitment to youth sports development.
11. Bond Brothers Beer Company
Address: 202 East Cedar Street, Cary, NC, 27511
Bond Brothers Beer Company brings an adventurous spirit to Cary's craft beer scene with its willingness to experiment with unique flavors and brewing techniques. The Cary taproom offers a rotating selection from their extensive portfolio, with knowledgeable staff happy to guide you through tasting flights.
Bond Brothers regularly collaborates with local food vendors to offer pairing events, and their commitment to the community shows through frequent fundraisers and support for local causes. Not only is this brewery dog-friendly, but its laid-back atmosphere is perfect for all beer lovers.
12. Fenton
Address: 201 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511
Fenton is a mixed-use development in Cary that is perfect for families and young professionals. This pedestrian-friendly district combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and residential living in a walkable urban village setting.
Unlike traditional strip malls, Fenton creates an experience where you can grab coffee, browse boutiques, catch a movie at the modern theater, enjoy dinner at one of many restaurants, and stroll through public spaces.
The development features both national retailers and local businesses, offering variety while supporting the community. Fenton regularly hosts events like farmers' markets, seasonal celebrations, and outdoor concerts that transform the retail center into a gathering place.
For prospective homeowners, Fenton demonstrates Cary's commitment to creating vibrant, livable spaces that foster community connections. It's where errands become experiences and where neighbors become friends.
13. Phillips Farms of Cary
Address: 6800 Good Hope Church Rd, Cary, NC 27519
Phillips Farms of Cary is a working farm that offers seasonal activities, including strawberry picking, summer blueberry harvests, fall pumpkin patches with corn mazes, and holiday Christmas tree selection.
The farm store sells fresh produce, local products, and homemade treats, while seasonal festivals feature hayrides and family-friendly entertainment. Phillips Farms of Cary is a popular location in Cary where memories are made.
14. Cary Regional Library
Address: 315 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511
The Cary Regional Library is located in Downtown Cary Park and is one of the best public libraries in the Triangle. Recognized as a modern community hub for reading, learning, connection, and discovery, this library's book collection is extensive and excellently curated.
The library's digital offerings include downloadable books, movies, and music, plus access to research databases and learning resources. Staff are knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, treating patrons as partners in lifelong learning. For new residents, the library provides an excellent entry point into the community and its resources.
15. Raleigh Improv
Address: 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC 27519
Raleigh Improv is located on the other side of Cary in the Parkside Town Commons shopping center. This comedy club is a favorite destination for Cary residents seeking laughter and entertainment.
This professional comedy venue brings nationally recognized comedians to the area, hosting shows nearly every weekend featuring performers you've seen on television and streaming specials. The intimate setting means even seats farther from the stage offer great views, and the club's professional production values rival venues in much larger cities.
Methodology
Data was sourced from the town of Cary and popular Cary businesses and parks to determine the best things to do in Cary, NC.
FAQs
What is Cary, NC, famous for?
Cary, NC, is best known for its low crime rate, high quality of life, extensive parks and greenways, job opportunities, and safe places to live.
Is Cary, NC, worth visiting?
Cary, NC, is a wonderful place to visit. As one of the best Raleigh suburbs, Cary is a lively and vibrant destination with plenty of top-rated restaurants, family-friendly parks, and beautiful neighborhoods.
Is Downtown Cary, NC, walkable?
Yes, historic downtown Cary is a very walkable place to live and visit, and it was designed with pedestrians in mind.
Explore Cary, NC, with Raleigh Realty
Cary offers an extraordinary quality of life that extends far beyond its reputation for excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. This is a community where weekends bring endless possibilities.
Whether you are raising a family, establishing your career, or entering retirement, Cary provides the infrastructure and amenities to support your best life.
If you are considering making Cary your home, we would love to help you discover not just the perfect house, but the neighborhood and community that will make you feel at home. Are you ready to explore Cary real estate? Contact Raleigh Realty today.
