Independence Day Celebration: 6–9:30 p.m. South Park, Fuquay-Varina.
Splash pad fun (regular fees apply), live music, and food trucks, followed by fireworks.
JULY 3
July 3rd Celebration: 3–10 p.m. Downtown Cary Park.
Food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a screening of National Treasure.
Fireworks Frenzy: 5–10 p.m. Hunter Street Park, Apex.
Food trucks, a Kids Zone with inflatables and games, and of course fireworks.
Independence Day Fishing Tournament: 8–11 a.m. Bond Park Boathouse, Cary.
Prizes for longest and shortest fish caught in each age group.
Olde Fashioned Fourth of July: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown Apex.
Inflatables, a kids’ Parade of Wheels, karaoke contest, fire department splash down, and more.
Cary Presents: Independence Day Celebration: Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Patriotic favorites from the NC Symphony ending with a fireworks display over Symphony Lake.
JULY 5
July 5 Independence Day Celebration: 6–9:30 P.M. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park.
Live music, food trucks, games, and fireworks.
World Tavern Poker Night
Thursdays, 7 & 9 P.M.
Cleveland Draft House, 1420 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina
Calling all poker players — join America’s #1 Bar Poker League every Thursday night at Cleveland Draft House in Fuquay for live free-to-play poker tournaments with no buy-ins. Players compete in Texas Hold ’Em roundtables until one person remains. The top 20 players earn ranking points to qualify for Tavern, Regional, and National Championships.
Color Our World Library Events
Wednesdays through Aug. 23, 5:30–6:30 P.M.
Holly Springs Community Library
Wake County Public Library’s summer reading initiative — Color Our World — presents weekly family-friendly programming on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Topics change every week, and include events like a meet & greet with Chase from Paw Patrol on July 16, test driving a custom-built robot on July 30, and family bingo night on Aug. 13.
Holly Springs Salamanders
Through Aug. 3
Ting Stadium
With 12 home games during July and August, there are plenty of chances to cheer on the Holly Springs Salamanders at Ting Stadium. Theme nights and special promotions hit a home run for fans. Favorites include Bluey Night on July 13, Golf Night on July 19, Bark in the Park on July 24, and Christmas in July on July 27.
Fuquay-Varina Twins
Through mid-August
Chamber Field, 307 S 1st St., Lillington
A member of the Carolina Collegiate League, the Fuquay-Varina Twins play their home games at Chamber Field in Lillington. The team, managed by Fuquay native Bill Hauser, is composed of players from colleges in NC and the East Coast, including many Wake County high school graduates.
Don’t miss the game on July 20 when the Fuquay-Varina Twins face the Holly Springs Salamanders at Ting Stadium.
Summer at the Springs Concerts
July 11, Aug. 8 & Sept. 12, 6 P.M.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
Local bands take the outdoor stage for a family-friendly concert series on the second Friday of the month. Relax on your favorite picnic blankets and lawn chairs. Grab dinner from the food truck rodeo, savor a beer from local breweries, and enjoy fan-favorite tunes.
2025 Summer at the Springs lineup:
July 11 — The Al Williams Band (Motown Revue)
Aug. 8 — Joe Hero Band (Foo Fighters Tribute)
Sept. 12 — On the Rocks
Ice Cream Social
July 20, 4–6 P.M.
Fuquay Mineral Spring Park
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with frozen treats and live music courtesy of the Town of Fuquay-Varina.
GalaxyCon Raleigh
July 24–27
Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St., Raleigh
Four days of anime, cosplay, and fandom take over Raleigh. Shop comics, art, and other vendors, or even visit Tattoo Row for some new ink. Celebrity appearances — including William Shatner, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Sarandon, Dolph Lundgren, Tori Spelling, and many more — include Q&A sessions, autographs, and photo ops. Tabletop and video gaming, cosplay competitions with cash prizes, themed after-dark parties and raves, and a Family Zone add to the jam-packed schedule.
Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
Aug. 23 & 24, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Downtown Cary
Cary’s biggest summer tradition brings together almost 300 artists from across the country for a juried craft show and festival. With demonstrations from professional craftspeople, a kids’ world and play zone, and interactive art activities, crafts and culture meet community and celebration.
