50th Lazy Daze festival draws hundreds of artists, thousands of visitors to Downtown Cary
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- More than 250 artists from across the United States gathered in downtown Cary this weekend for the 50th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, a milestone celebration of one of the Triangle's longest-running community traditions.
The juried festival, held Aug. 22-23, featured artists representing more than 20 states and showcasing original work in 17 art categories. Visitors explored handcrafted pieces, watched live demonstrations, enjoyed music performances and participated in family-friendly activities throughout the festival grounds.
"The community really comes together," said festival organizer Jenna Kostka. "They're already here, celebrating, enjoying this really amazing experience. It's great to see your neighbors come out and to see some new art and just enjoy the whole festival."
Founded as a celebration of art and community, Lazy Daze has grown into one of North Carolina's premier arts festivals, drawing artists and visitors from across the region and beyond.
Organizers say the artists themselves remain the heart of the festival.
"The artists are really what make Lazy Daze special," Kostka said.
Among the featured artists was sculptor Gary Taber.
"We make sculptures," Taber said. "I don't do anything functional. It's all sculpture."
Artist Michelle Davis said festivalgoers showed strong support for artists throughout the event.
"So far we've sold quite a few prints, and there's already been a lot of interest in the original paintings too," Davis said.
For artist and art teacher Craig Rogers, the festival offers an opportunity to inspire visitors through colorful, nostalgic artwork.
"I want people to come out and be inspired," Rogers said. "Take in all the bright, pretty colors and take that nostalgia that we have as kids and elevate it when we're adults as well."
To mark its golden anniversary, the festival introduced special collaborative experiences, including a patchwork poster project that allowed attendees to contribute to a community-created art piece.
"For the 50th, we're doing some really cool collaborative activities," Kostka said. "We're doing a patchwork poster project where you can build your own piece of the puzzle and see that come together over the weekend."
Festival favorites also returned, including the Academy Street Chalk Walk, where 15 street painters transformed sidewalks into large-scale works of art. Rogers created a giant 3D owl designed for photo opportunities.
"I ended up stretching out a super huge owl," Rogers said. "My goal is that people be able to pose on the owl and make it look like they're riding the owl."
Additional attractions included Kids Daze, the Kid Collectors Market, Art Festival Bingo, roaming entertainers, an air-conditioned Play Zone and the ACCESS the Arts Artist Market, which showcased the work of 10 artisans with disabilities.
Live music filled the streets throughout the weekend, while food vendors and interactive art stations provided entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Attendee Samantha Price praised the festival's atmosphere and artistic offerings.
"It's hard to miss because the art is fantastic," Price said. "The way that the town curates it is safe and just lovely and so colorful. And the folks that live here are so kind. So it's just an absolute cup-filling event."
With road closures limiting downtown parking during the festival, organizers encouraged visitors to use free shuttle services or ride GoCary transit, which operates fare-free year-round.
As crowds strolled through downtown under cloudy skies, many embraced one final celebration of summer while experiencing art, music and community together.
Celebrating its 50th year, Lazy Daze once again showed why it remains a cherished Cary tradition, bringing artists and residents together to celebrate creativity, culture and connection.
