Saturday, June 27 | 4–10 pm
Cary Grove Park
The Cary Park District invites you to celebrate summer in a big way at our annual Stars ‘N Stripes celebration. This year is extra special as we join communities across the country in honoring America250.
Bring your friends, bring your lawn chairs, and come ready for an evening full of live music, great food, and hometown pride.
Admission is free.
Parking is available for $20 per vehicle. Cash or credit card is accepted.
What to Expect
Live Entertainment
Enjoy high-energy live music from Hello Weekend as they keep the party going from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. There will also be a DJ from 4 – 6 p.m., and our very own Inspiration Dance Studio performing at 6 p.m.
Sunburst Bay Visitors
If you plan to spend the day at Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center before attending the festival, please note the following:
- Beginning at 4:00 p.m., parking in the Sunburst Bay lot requires a festival parking pass.
- Guests who leave Sunburst Bay and return after 4:00 p.m. will need to purchase a new admission wristband.
- Sunburst Bay passholders may re-enter after 4:00 p.m. by purchasing a $10 admission wristband.
Visit the America 250 Photo Backdrop
Be sure to stop by the Cary Park District Marketing Booth and take a photo in front of our special America 250 photo backdrop! Share your picture on social media, tag Cary Park District, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a prize. The winner will be announced on our social media channels next week.
Festival Merchandise
Take home a piece of this year’s celebration with a limited-edition Stars ‘N Stripes Fest T-shirt! Shirts will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Alcohol Wristbands
Guests wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages must first obtain a 21+ wristband. A valid photo ID is required for everyone receiving an alcohol wristband, regardless of age. Thank you for helping us comply with state regulations and keep the process moving efficiently. Alcohol cannot be taken into Sunburst Bay and must stay on the festival grounds.
Dress for the Occasion
Show your patriotic spirit by wearing your favorite red, white, and blue attire. We’d love to see your festive outfits throughout the day!
Service Animals Only
For the safety and comfort of all attendees, only service animals are permitted within the festival grounds.
Food & Drinks
A variety of local food trucks will be on-site serving up festival favorites. Beer, wine, and hard seltzer will be available for purchase for guests 21+.
New this year at Stars ‘N Stripes Fest, we’re excited to partner with Cary Ale House to offer a special craft beer created just for the event!
Spacious Skies is an American Pale Ale brewed with American barley and wheat, along with Centennial and Cashmere hops. It’s a locally crafted, festival-exclusive beer made for summer evenings, live music, fireworks, and celebrating right here in Cary.
Look for Spacious Skies on draft at the beer tent during Stars ‘N Stripes Fest.
Family Fun
Stars ‘N Stripes is packed with activities for all ages, including:
- Bounce houses
- Obstacle course
- Open green space to relax and enjoy the show
Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or just to soak in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
Be sure to stop by and enjoy even more family fun throughout the festival! A professional face painter will be on-site creating colorful designs for children and adults alike (additional fee applies). Glow Zone will also be joining us with a variety of exciting light-up toys and novelties available for purchase, perfect for lighting up the night during the fireworks show.
Firecracker 5K
Friday, June 26 | 7 pm Start
Check-in: 6–6:45 pm
Kick off the weekend with the Firecracker 5K at the Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center.
- Fee: $45 Residents / $68 Non-Residents
- Swag bag and race t-shirt included
- Packet pick-up begins June 22
- All 5K participants receive free admission to the post-race after party at Sunburst Bay from 8-10pm. Join us for raffle prizes and more!
Celebrate your finish with fellow runners, cool off at the pool, and get ready for the big celebration the next day.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
