April is one of the most exciting months for me in Raleigh. I’m so happy to feel warmer weather again, see the return of our lush, green forests and blooming flowers. That celebratory mood is enhanced with fun festivals and events.
One of my favorite events to celebrate the Spring is the annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival.
We shared it as one of our top 5 picks on My Carolinas CBS 17 recently.
I love it as it’s a celebration of local NC artisans and a fun community gathering event in the most stunning location – the lush green, shady Bond Park and Lake.
Like the spirit of Wake County, it’s relaxed and vibrant and invites you to bring your family and friends for a good day out with art, food, and live music.
Spring Daze is on our Spring Bucket List Guide and Top Festivals in Raleigh list. You can get free printable versions of these checklists when you join our email community! We regularly share insider tips and updates and freebies!
- What is Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival
- When and where is Spring Daze for 2023?
- What to do and see at Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival?
- Food & Drink at the Spring Daze Festival
- Tips for having a great day
- How to Get To the Spring Daze Arts Festival
- Where to Park at the Spring Daze?
- FAQS About Spring Daze, Cary
- In conclusion
What is Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival
Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival is a free annual event held in Cary, North Carolina that celebrates the arrival of spring through arts, crafts, music, and food.
This family-friendly festival attracts thousands of visitors every year and is a perfect way to spend a beautiful spring day outdoors.
They have a sister festival in the Fall, Lazy Daze Arts and Craft Festival which is held in downtown Cary! While great, the location isn’t as special as Bond Park, so make sure you don’t miss this Spring festival!
When and where is Spring Daze for 2023?
Cary’s Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary.
Spring Daze is held in the stunning Bond Lake and Park about 10 minutes west of Downtown Cary. Bond Lake is a man-made freshwater lake situated within the Fred G. Bond Metropolitan Park which happens to be the largest municipal park in Cary and one of the largest in all of Wake County.
We walk the 2-mile Bond Lake trail several times a week. And love it for its mix of paved and nature trails, and stunning views.
See the video of the Spring Daze Festival in 2022
What to do and see at Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival?
This festival embodies the importance of sustainability through an Earth day Celebration (stalls will educate, inform, and inspire) and encourages an outdoor lifestyle. You can rent paddle boats to take out on the lake and make use of the trails in this 3120 acre park.
Guests can also expect to find toe-tapping entertainment on three stages, delicious food and several activities for the kids.
Browsing the Arts and Crafts Stalls
The highlight of the Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival is of course the stunning unique and creative artwork from over 170 North Carolina artists and craftspeople are spread over several sections of the festival grounds.
I’m always rueful of not having more money in my savings account every time we visit as the pieces are stunning and I want to decorate my home with them.
Work includes pottery, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and much more.
Some of my favorites include the reclaimed woodworks from the Forested Way, and the vibrant ceramics of Lauren Sumner
Spend time browsing through the booths and chatting with the artists.
Live Music and Entertainment
There are several stages throughout the festival that will feature entertainment such as live music, dancing, and storytelling.
The main Sertoma Amphitheater is in a lovely location in the middle of the forest and the lakeside stage will entertain you with music and views!
Look out for the roving entertainers such as people covered in leaves on stilts and the silver drumming girl. See schedule here.
Kids World
You can be sure the kids will be entertained at this Cary festival. Firstly there is the Lazy Daze playground (accessible year round). Surrounding here will be Kids World with interactive exhibits and hands-on crafts and face painting mostly geared towards younger kids.
Families can also kick, hit, swing, run, shoot, and throw their way to better health at the Play Zone.
The Earth Day Lane
There is an Earth Day Lane with family-friendly booths, Q&A with experts, and giveaways promoting green living in Cary. Come here to learn recycling tips, garden ideas, greenway trail information, and an electric vehicle demonstration.
Challenge Course
Did you know that Bond Park has an adventurous challenge course! I told you this festival is all about encouraging outdoor activities. Leap, jump, swing, and zipline your way through this fun-packed adventure with your friends and family.
There is a fee, parents must accompany children and you have to reserve in advance.
Boat Rentals
Spring Daze is the perfect opportunity to head out on the water!
The Bond Lake Boathouse has boat rentals for all ages and abilities, including pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes. They supply all life preservers as part of the boat rental.
You can also launch your own water vehicles for a small fee. See all rules and requirements here. They may book out quickly during this festival.
Food & Drink at the Spring Daze Festival
Spring Daze features a wide variety of food truck vendors such as local Annelore’s German Bakery Andias Homemade Ice Cream, LA Farm Bakery, LAs Gringas, Bull City Bulkogi and Kono Pizza.
There will also be the Cary Art Loop Beer Garden featuring local breweries such as Bull City Ciderworks, Fortnight Brewery, and Vicious Fishes Brewery. You cannot bring your own alcohol into the festival.
Tips for having a great day
To make the most of your day at the Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival, here are some tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather, as you’ll be spending the day outdoors.
- Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
- Plan your visit in advance by checking out the festival map and schedule online to ensure you don’t miss any must-see attractions.
- Consider bringing a picnic blanket or chairs to relax and enjoy the live music performances.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. NOTE. The water fountains have been switched off for some time at Bond Park, so I can’t say for sure if they’ll be turned on. Bring plenty of water to last the day!
- Take advantage of the stunning Bond Park location. Take a hike around the perimeter of the lake, rent out a boat, or just sit by the water’s edge on a rocking chair and relax.
How to Get To the Spring Daze Arts Festival
The Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival is held in the beautiful Fred G. Bond Metro Park, located at 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513. The park is easily accessible from all parts of the Triangle area.
Use the Cary Greenway System to walk or bike to the festival! Access the festival by using the Oxxford Hunt Greenway, White Oak Creek Greenway, or Black Creek Greenway.
There are bike racks inside Bond Park; they are not allowed inside the festival footprint. A complimentary bike valet will be available at the White Oak Creek Greenway festival entrance. We will be walking in!
If you are driving, you can take I-40 to exit 287 (Harrison Ave) and turn right on NW Cary Parkway. Then turn left onto High House Road and follow the signs to the park.
Free shuttles leave from the shuttle at the Cary Town Hall Parking Deck (121 Wilkinson Ave., Cary, NC 27513) or at Green Hope High School (2500 Carpenter Upchurch Rd., Cary, NC 27519).
Shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and depart from each location approximately every 15 minutes. It’s a 15–20-minute ride to Bond Park from each point. Expect possible wait times. Handicap-accessible parking is available at Cary Town Hall and Green Hope High School on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicap-accessible shuttles will be running from both points.
The fare free GoCary Route 4 will have a bus stop right in front of Bond Park with all-day service. You can travel by bus or car to the Cary Depot and board the bus every 30 minutes or catch the bus along its route. Check GoCary.org to plan your trip and get your Ride Guide.
Where to Park at the Spring Daze?
Parking is available inside Bond Park at the Ropes Course, Senior Center, and Flood Plain (no handicap spaces here) on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to secure a spot.
All parking lots are a short 5-minute walk to the festival entrance. A mobility assistance shuttle is available from every lot to the festival entrance for those who require assistance.
Guests with mobility disabilities can be dropped off and picked up at the Bond Park Community Center in the designated areas. A limited number of non-motorized wheelchairs are available for loan at no cost for guests of the festival. See full accessibility guide here.
FAQS About Spring Daze, Cary
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Spring Daze Festival in Cary.
Are pets allowed?
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed. If they don’t get along with other animals or humans, leave them at home.
Are there restrooms?
Yes. They are located at the Boathouse, near the Kiwanis Shelter, at the comfort station near ball fields 1 and 2, at the Bond Park Community Center, and at the Cary Senior Center. I’ve only ever seen the boathouse ones and those lines are long!
What can and can’t you bring into the festival?
You can bring picnic chairs and blankets, drinks, and food.
You can’t bring in weapons, alcoholic beverages, wheeled vehicles, unauthorized drones or fireworks. No tossing of balls or frisbees etc are allowed in the festival area. But Bond Park has plenty of fields and grassy areas outside the festival grounds!
What happens if it rains?
A decision will be made by 7am on Sat April 29 if inclement weather will delay or postpone the festival. If postponed the alternate date is the Sunday after Sun May 7 from 1-6 p.m. If it begins raining after the festival has begun, a decision will be made at that time whether to postpone the event.
In conclusion
People love Spring Daze Arts and Craft Festival because it is a great opportunity to support local artists, enjoy live music, and spend time outdoors with family and friends. Plus, the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community make it an enjoyable experience for all.
Plan your visit in advance, and don’t forget to bring cash, comfortable clothes, and your enthusiasm to support local artists and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. And if you want to explore more of Cary while here, check out our guide to the on-the-move Downtown Cary.
