1. Dubbed “Coachella for soccer,” The Soccer Tournament (TST) returns to Cary, once again awarding two $1 million winner-take-all prizes in men’s and women’s divisions. The TST Target Score Time model ensures excitement, as every game is guaranteed to end in edge-of-your-seat anticipation. With a festival-like atmosphere, TST adds food representing clubs and countries around the world, VIP experiences, a kids zone and opportunity to play on the pitch, soccer star meet-and-greets, and other interactive elements. June 4–9. Tickets start at $20. WakeMed Soccer Park. tst7v7.com
2. Honor a quarter century of inclusive play at the Kids Together 25th Birthday Celebration. Kids of all ages and abilities are invited to make crowns, hear the KT story, and enjoy performances from Ayla the Dreams Fairy and Happy Dan the Magic Man. Saturday, June 7, 2–4 p.m. Free admission. Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park, Cary. kidstogethercary.org
3. Come out and celebrate a decade of Raleigh’s International Food Festival. This popular showcase of global cuisine highlights diverse flavors from cultures around the world, with over 50 countries represented. Attendees can savor everything from traditional street foods to gourmet delicacies — plus wine and dessert — while enjoying nonstop cultural performances and music. With activities for all ages, this is a must-visit event for foodies. Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Raleigh. theinternationalfestival.org
4. Love, inclusion, and community reign at the Apex Pride Festival, a vibrant event filled with entertainment and activities for all ages. The full stage lineup features live music, drag performances, breakdancing, and more. Find games, inflatables, face painting, sweet treats, and Drag Story Hour in the Kid Zone. Explore a variety of food trucks, browse arts and crafts vendors, and connect with local nonprofits and community organizations offering valuable resources. Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Apex Town Hall Campus. apexnc.org/1605/Pride-Festival
5. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Historian Darrell Stover has curated the Cary Juneteenth Celebration as a day of unity, culture, and joy that honors the complexities of the holiday and the spirit of freedom. Performances throughout the day include djembe drummers, poetry, reenactments, freedom songs, and a saxophone summit. Food trucks will also be serving up delicious fare. Saturday, June 21, 3:30–9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Cary Park. carync.gov/Juneteenth
6. The vision for the Apex Juneteenth Festival centers on three core pillars: education to foster understanding and empathy; youth empowerment to inspire the next generation to embrace their identity and potential; and unity to promote collective efforts for a more equitable future. The fifth-annual fest includes a history exhibit, story hour, genealogy station, chalk the walk, food and artisan vendors, face painting, games, and more. Saturday, June 21, noon to 7 p.m. Free admission. Apex Town Hall Campus. apexjuneteenth.com
7. GalaxyCon Raleigh brings four days of anime, cosplay, and fandom to town, with something for every interest. Celebrity appearances — including William Shatner, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Sarandon, Dolph Lundgren, Tori Spelling, and many more — include Q&A sessions, autographs, and photo ops. Shop art, comics, and other vendors, or even visit Tattoo Row for some new ink. 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. July 24–27. Adult tickets begin at $35; VIP and kids’ passes available. Raleigh Convention Center. galaxycon.com
Independence Day Celebrations
July 3
July 3rd Celebration: 3–10 p.m. Downtown Cary Park.
Food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a screening of National Treasure.
Red, White & BOOM: 5–9 p.m. Cedar Fork District Park, Morrisville.
Family-friendly games, music from multiple performers, face painting, and fireworks.
Fireworks Frenzy: 5–10 p.m. Hunter Street Park, Apex.
Food trucks, a Kids Zone with inflatables and games, and of course fireworks.
Downtown Cary Patriotic Celebration: 7:30 p.m. Cary Arts Center.
By Air and By Sea: a musical tribute to the service members who defend us.
July 4
Independence Day Fishing Tournament: 8–11 a.m. Bond Park Boathouse.
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.
- Movers & Shakers Class of 2025
- Welcome to Grilling Season
- Find Something New-to-You at The Meat House
- Garden Adventurer: Catmint: A Purr-fect Perennial
- Liquid Assets: Pillow Made of Concrete
- Liquid Assets: Spicy Pineapple Margarita
- Restaurant Profile: Brewery Bhavana
- Pay It Forward: Carolina Circus Festival
- Small Business Spotlight: OHM Fitness – Cary
- Erica Chats: Moments and Memories
- Things to Do: June/July 2025
