Friends of the Page-Walker upcoming events

Carole J. Wright Memorial Concert - The Ladies of Swing with Maria Howell and Noel Freidline (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Enjoy an afternoon of jazz, swing, and standards, celebrating Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday & Sarah Vaughan, featuring vocalist Maria Howell and pianist/vocalist Noel Freidline.

Noel Freidline and Maria Howell define chemistry. Musically they breathe as one, communicating almost telepathically as they explore and re-interpret some of the best music of the last 80 years. Always approaching the music from “the left,” Noel and Maria have made a name for themselves as they offer listeners something they have heard, but that they have never heard before. Combine this fresh musical approach with a rapport and witty banter that harkens back to a bygone era, and you have Noel and Maria in their element: on stage, thrilling an audience at every turn.

This show is presented by Christian Tamburr/Icons of Jazz Concert Series. Sponsored by the Friends of the Page-Walker as the annual Carol J. Wright Memorial Concert. Tickets are $25 and available at The Cary Theater box office and on ETIX.

Light refreshments served at intermission.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Concert tickets can be purchased for $25 at:

The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.; Box Office hours are W-Sat, noon-6 p.m. and Sun 1-5 p.m.), 919-462-2055

eTix.com online or by phone at 1-800-514-3849 (additional service fees might apply)

Tea, Talk, and Traditions: History Beneath Our Feet (02 May 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Step back in time and awaken your senses at the Page-Walker’s inaugural tea, History Beneath our Feet. More than just a talk, this is a celebration of the North Carolina Piedmont’s rich herbal roots.

Join local garden consultant, herbalist, and writer Cheryl Capaldo Traylor as she unearths the secrets of culinary, medical, and household herbs that have shaped our region for generations. From the indigenous wisdom of Native Americans and the resourceful gardens of early settlers, to the resilient traditions of enslaved peoples and the modern-day resurgence of herbalism--this talk unearths how residents of the Piedmont have looked to the earth for healing, flavor, and home.

The Spread: An afternoon tea buffet & tea bar—featuring a curated selection of traditional savories, delicate sweets, and beloved local flavors. The Expert: Learn from Cheryl Capaldo Traylor (Six Seasons Garden Consulting) as she reveals the culinary and medicinal traditions of the different residents over time.

The Occasion: Kick off your Herbfest weekend with elegance and insight.

Seating is limited.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Tickets can be purchased for $30 at:

The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.; Box Office hours are W-Sat, noon-6 p.m. and Sun 1-5 p.m), 919-462-2055

eTix.com online or by phone at 1-800-514-3849 (additional service fees might apply)

14th Annual Herbfest (03 May 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The Friends will be hosting their 14th annual Herbfest on Sunday, May 3 from noon to 4:00 p.m. on the lovely grounds of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center in downtown Cary. Guests will have the opportunity to visit booths selling herbs, native plants, and perennials; in addition to craft booths where local artisans will sell items related to gardening and nature.

Our must-see butterfly release will take place at 2:30 p.m. A special activity for the kids will be available, and our popular Young Friends bake sale featuring delicious treats will take place all day.

Festival-goers can tour the Anne B. Kratzer Educational Garden, including a close-up look at the historic 1850’s Page smokehouse. Guests can also learn about the Pollinator Garden at the Page-Walker, a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat that features wild plants.

Guests are also invited to tour the beautiful and historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center, once run as the Page-Walker Hotel, built in 1868. The Page-Walker Arts & History Center is a Cary Historic Landmark.

If you would like to be a vendor at Herbfest, please complete an application. Food/craft vendors are asked to reflect the theme of Herbfest, which is centered on gardening, herbs, native plants, perennials, nature, cooking, and the contribution these pursuits make to a healthy lifestyle.

The Changing Face of Downtown Cary - North of the Tracks (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join the Friends for our second presentation in the "Changing Face of Downtown Cary" series. This year’s program focuses on sites and structures north of the railroad tracks along North Academy Street and surrounding areas.

Light refreshments will be served.

Free and open to the public.

Cary Garden Tour (30 May 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Step inside some of Cary's beautiful private gardens during the inaugural Cary Garden Tour, presented by the Cary Woman's Club and Mom's Valentine for You. The tour celebrates creativity, sustainability, and local charm as you explore 14 gardens filled with vibrant blooms and lush landscapes. Tickets and more information are available at www.carygardentour.org.

The Page-Walker Arts & History Center will serve as a welcoming comfort stop and the pickup location for pre-paid box lunches on Saturday. Half of all lunch proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Page-Walker. While you're lunching at the Page-Walker, be sure to stroll through the pollinator garden, the Anne Kratzer Educational Garden, and the Children's Sensory Garden. The interior of the Page-Walker will be available for self-guided tours. Classic cars will also be on display at the Page-Walker and at some of the homes on the tour.

Cary Garden Tour (31 May 2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT