Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Cary through a weekend of vibrant community festivities held from July 3 to July 4, 2026. This extensive celebration offers something for everyone, starting with an energetic festival at Downtown Cary Park featuring arts and crafts, fun games, and a special screening of the classic film Independence Day. Music lovers can enjoy a patriotic performance by the Cary Town Band at the Cary Arts Center, followed by a spectacular concert from the North Carolina Symphony at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Families are encouraged to participate in the annual Independence Day Fishing Tournament at Bond Park, where participants of all ages compete for exciting prizes. The festivities culminate in a grand fireworks display that promises to illuminate the night sky, creating a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike. With free general admission to these events, the Town of Cary invites you to enjoy live entertainment, delicious offerings from local food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. Visit our website today to view the full schedule of events and plan your holiday weekend with us.

The Queer Media Marathon is a relaxed viewing event hosted the Sunday following Pride weekend to help attendees recover and recharge. This gathering offers a comfortable space for the community to transition from high energy celebrations into a restful and communal environment. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of queer cinema and television throughout the afternoon. We are projecting titles including Pose, Fire Island, and Bottoms on the big screen. Between film screenings, attendees will hear queer DJ sets to keep the mood light and engaging. Drink specials will be available at the bar all day to round out the experience. This event is designed for anyone feeling the exhaustion of recent festivities who wants a low pressure social setting. You are encouraged to arrive exactly as you are, whether that means wearing yesterday’s clothes or feeling slightly hungover. The atmosphere is casual, inclusive, and intentionally quiet for those who prefer to keep conversation to a minimum. Come join us at Bitter Social for a stress free afternoon of community and recovery.

In this hands-on workshop, you will sculpt a custom ceramic face planter for your home or garden. We provide a large, hand-thrown clay vessel, and you learn specialized sculpting techniques to personalize your piece with unique facial features and expressions. During the session, our instructors guide you through the process of manipulating clay to bring your design to life. You will explore various additive and subtractive sculpting methods to ensure your planter has character and structural integrity. This is a practical session focused on ceramic artistry and creative design in a supportive environment. This event is perfect for anyone interested in pottery, gardening, or functional art. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you will leave with a finished piece ready for your favorite plant. The atmosphere is social and creative, offering a great space to relax and learn a new craft. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today to join us for this unique gardening experience. We look forward to helping you create a conversation piece that celebrates your personal style and plant collection.