Ring in 2026 With Ways To Get Active, Connected, and Involved in Cary

• Start 2026 focused on wellness, connection, and giving back through local programs and community resources.
• Kick off the year at the First Walk on January 1 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. and stay active year-round on Cary's 100 miles of greenways or plan to participate in a class at a Cary community center.
• Give back to the community by volunteering your time, donating to the Oasis Utility Bill Program, joining cleanup efforts, and staying engaged through Town Council meetings and citizen boards, and commissions.

Cary, N.C. - As 2026 begins, Cary encourages citizens to embrace the New Year as an opportunity to focus on personal wellness, connect with neighbors, and give back to the community. Whether it's setting health goals, exploring local green spaces, or volunteering, Cary offers many ways to make 2026 meaningful.

Kick off the year by joining the First Walk, hosted by Cary Teen Council, on January 1 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. The walk begins at Neighborhood Park on Carpenter Fire Station Road and follows the Panther Creek Greenway, providing a scenic route to get moving and meet fellow residents. Throughout the year, residents can enjoy Cary's 100 miles of greenways, take advantage of open gym hours at Cary's Community Centers, or explore parks and trails for walking, biking, or outdoor recreation. Follow proper greenway etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Cary also invites citizens to give back while building stronger connections in the community. Opportunities include volunteering at Town events like Spring Daze and Lazy Daze, or donating to the Oasis Utility Bill Program, which helps Cary residents facing hardship with their water bills. Families and individuals can participate in neighborhood cleanups, including Cary's Spruce Litter Pickup events, while also supporting environmental efforts through everyday actions such as food waste composting, proper recycling, and conserving water with daily consumption alerts.

Citizens interested in shaping Cary's today and tomorrow can stay involved by joining or attending a Town board, advisory committee, or public meeting, helping inform local decisions and community priorities.

For those looking to grow personally, Cary offers a variety of learning and cultural experiences, including programs at the Cary Arts Center and community centers, as well as performances and festivals throughout the year. Teens can engage with the community through leadership opportunities, such as the Cary Teen Council, while families can spend quality time together enjoying outdoor activities and volunteering side by side.

With so many ways to stay active, give back, and connect, Cary citizens can make 2026 a year of health, growth, and community impact.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

Resources

First Walk
Cary Greenways
Community Center Open Gym Schedules
Volunteer with Cary
Oasis Utility Bill Program
Spruce Litter Pickup
Boards, Commissions & Committees
Cary Events
Cary Teen Council