Forget about the dog days of summer; it’s all about the Lazy Daze of summer this weekend—the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, that is!
The Town of Cary will host its 41st-annual street festival this Saturday and Sunday with more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, live music, a public art exhibit made of renewable materials, artist guild demonstrations, and tons of activities for attendees young and old.
Local food trucks including Cousins Maine Lobster and Mac-Ur-Roni along with an assortment of other popular food vendors will serve up tasty eats and sweets. There will even be a beer garden just outside Town Hall with authentic German beers, wines from Triangle Wine Company, and craft brews from Jordan Lake Brewing Company for adults to enjoy.
Musical performances are scheduled throughout the weekend with four stages including one in the children’s Kids World area. Performers include the Cary High and Green Hope High Marching Bands, Imagine Circus, West Street Band, Big Love and more. Event goers can also take in free short films in the Town Council Chambers.
Little festival fans will get excited to visit the Play Zone and Kids World indoor and outdoor areas. From sports and games to crafting and face painting, there will be plenty of activities to entice and entertain.
Celebrating Art, Supporting Area Non-Profits
In a news article posted by the Cary Citizen this spring, Cary Festivals and Events Supervisor Adam Bell said:
“For 40 years, the Town’s Lazy Daze Festival has brought artists to, and encouraged residents and visitors to explore downtown Cary. While the festival has grown in size and stature, it remains true to its commitment to bring the highest quality art, food vendors and entertainment to Cary’s downtown. In addition, it continues to return money to the community to support arts activities and downtown initiatives through its grant program.”
Funds raised throughout the creative two-day event support local grants benefiting Cary area non-profits. Last year, the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival donated $40,000 to help 33 organizations including the Cary Town Band, CORRAL Riding Academy, Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood and Sister Cities Association of Cary complete cultural arts projects and more. Over the past 40 years, the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival has raised and granted more than $700,000 to Cary non-profits.
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival event details:
Where:
Town of Cary – Town Hall Campus
316 N. Academy Street
Downtown Cary
When:
Saturday, August 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 27 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Cost:
FREE
Parking:
The Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees.
Make plans to utilize the festival’s free shuttles from Cary Towne Center Mall and Green Hope High School to avoid traffic. Further details about shuttle services and transportation via GoCary can be found here.
Image Credit: Town of Cary, The Cary Collection artwork by featured artist Eric McRay