The two-day event -- a staple in the Triangle's late-summer calendar -- continues Sunday and is expected to draw thousands of visitors.
For longtime Cary resident Gretchen Campbell, Lazy Daze is an annual tradition that showcases not just talent, but community.
"The town comes out in droves, whether or not they're from Cary, Raleigh, all over North Carolina, it's like the place to be for this weekend every single year," Campbell told Eyewitness News on Saturday.
Campbell, who moved to Cary in 2009, hasn't missed a Lazy Daze in 16 years.
"It's just a great event to come out to," she said, "and I see some of the same vendors every single year, and the stuff is really beautiful."
From handmade jewelry and woodworking to colorful paintings and ceramics, artists bring just about everything imaginable. Many, like Patti Stewart and Janet Holcomb, have seen this festival evolve over decades.
The pair has been attending the festival for over 40 years, recalling how it began on just one street. "Now look at it," they said. "It's just phenomenal."
However, near-perfect weather made this year's festival stand out.
"This is the best day they've ever had because the weather is so nice," Holcomb said. "Sometimes it's hot, so this is a lovely day."
For first-time visitors Gregory and Elaine Hays, the craftsmanship stood out.
"The woodworking to me has been incredible, some of the paintings have been unbelievable," Gregory said. "To me, the woodworking stuff has been the best."
Even younger attendees like Knox Warren, who traveled with his family from New Bern, come every year.
"I just like all the booths, it's really fun, and all the people are really nice," he said.
The festival continues Sunday in downtown Cary from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ABC11 is a proud sponsor of the event.