- A 50-day countdown began July 3, as 50 Daze brings pop-up art experiences, local artist features, downtown activities, and business specials to Cary throughout July and August.
- Residents and visitors can win prizes by photographing pop-up art in downtown Cary and showing it to the Cary Arts Center staff during the Art Scavenger Hunt in July and August.
- 50 Daze leads up to the 50th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, August 22-23, featuring more than 250 artists, four stages of live entertainment, a beer garden, the new Lazy Lounge, and more.
Cary, NC — Cary is counting down to something big with 50 Daze, a summer-long celebration leading up to the 50th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place August 22-23 in downtown Cary. Created in honor of Lazy Daze's major milestone, 50 Daze invites the community to celebrate the creativity, history, and spirit of one of Cary's most beloved traditions, now through August 23. Over 50 days, residents and visitors can enjoy pop-up arts experiences, local artist features, downtown activities, business specials, and creative surprises throughout Cary.
The Art Scavenger Hunt, a signature program of 50 Daze, features pop-up art around downtown Cary. To play, participants should take a photo with the pop-up artwork and show it to the front desk staff at the Cary Arts Center to win a prize. New works will be on display throughout July and August, highlighting local artists, interactive experiences, and opportunities to celebrate the arts in unexpected places.
Local businesses are also joining the fun with Lazy Daze-inspired items, limited-time specials, and festive experiences. From creative menu items to golden anniversary-themed offerings, 50 Daze offers opportunities for the whole town to get involved in the countdown.
The celebration leads up to the 50th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, held Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, featuring more than 250 exceptional juried artists from across the country. Festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment on four stages, food and beverage vendors, a beer garden, the new Lazy Lounge, Kid Daze activities, interactive art experiences, artist demonstrations, and more.
"Lazy Daze has been part of Cary's story for 50 years, and this milestone gives us a special opportunity to celebrate not just the festival, but the artists, businesses, volunteers, and community members who have helped shape it," said Festivals & Events Supervisor Jenna Kostka. "50 Daze is an invitation for everyone to be part of the celebration leading up to festival weekend."
As always, admission to Lazy Daze is free and open to the public. Free public parking is available in nearby decks and lots, and GoCary shuttle service and bike parking options help attendees get to and from the festival.
For more information about 50 Daze and the 50th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, visit: carync.gov/50Daze and carync.gov/LazyDaze and follow along on social media: @caryartdaze
Primary Contacts
If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email 311@carync.gov.
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