This year’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival will double the fun in celebration of its 40-year anniversary, exapnding to a two-day fest for the first time ever!

An estimated 50,000 people will gather in downtown Cary this weekend for the 40th annual Lazy Daze, which will feature more than 300 artists from 16 states providing fine arts and crafts, food and entertainment.

“While it’s grown to be one of the South’s largest festivals, ultimately Lazy Daze is our opportunity to serve Cary’s eclectic population by presenting events that are of extraordinary caliber,” said Lyman Collins, cultural arts manager for the town.

“Through it, we’re also able to showcase our unique downtown area and support local nonprofits through a Town of Cary grants program funded by the festival. It’s an exciting win-win for all of Cary’s communities.”

The free event, which is rain or shine, includes visual and performing arts experiences along with 30 food vendors, five music stages, and a special Kids World.

Where to park

The best way to get to Lazy Daze, says Collins, is by free shuttle.   

Handicapped-accessible shuttles will run from Cary Towne Center at 1105 Walnut St., and Green Hope High School at 2500 Carpenter Upchurch Road. Shuttles will run on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday only, you can also ride C-Tran fixed route buses for free, leaving every 15 minutes from Cary Towne Center.

If you do drive to the festival, limited parking is available in the church parking lot at the corner of Waldo and Walker streets in downtown Cary, across the street from the First United Methodist Church; in the lot of First Baptist Church; and in the lot behind the Cary Arts Center.

Limited handicapped accessible parking will be available at the Cary Fire Department administration lot; access from the south via South Academy Street or east/west via Chatham Street. Call (919) 469-4061 for more information.

Follow the festival at facebook.com/CaryArtDaze. We’ll see you there!