Fest in the West is created and produced by ChesterGoodtree in partnership with the Town of Cary.
About Fest in the West
In 1970, Cary had a population of 7,686. Today, the population is over 180, 000. In the last 20 years, most of that growth has been west of NC 55, AKA “West Cary”. While it’s a beautiful area to live, there is no central gathering place, and no Cary festivals take place there.
We created Fest in the West in 2016 to fill that void. After seven years of producing this event, our team is making some changes to keep up with growth in the West.
Changes for 2025
New Location
USA Baseball was a great location for several years but recent construction eliminated the grassy field, an integral part of Fest in the West. After two years at Thomas Brooks Park, we are moving to the HEART of Western Cary, Mills Park, the future home of the Mills Park Community Center. We are coordinating with Wake County Public Schools and the Town of Cary to host the event on the football field and track behind Mills Park Middle School.
New Theme
One of the biggest successes of Fest in the West through the years has been our Kids Corral. For 2025 we will expand that theme to the entire festival.
We are expanding the Kids Performance Stage to two separate stages, one for music and one for dance. On the Big Field, you will find tumbling, martial arts, robotics the petting zoo, an obstacle course bounce house, aerialists, and free play games. There will be something to watch or participate in for everyone.
Triangle 411 interview with Fest in the West festival director, Lindsey Chester
About ChesterGoodtree
Our mission is to connect the Cary community. We published CaryCitizen, Cary’s original online news service from 2009-2022. Owner and Emmy-award-winning filmmaker, Hal Goodtree, produced Cary 150, a 30-minute documentary about Cary’s history which was produced for Cary’s 150th anniversary celebration.
Hal’s partner, Lindsey Chester has served on several Town boards and commissions including the town’s Festivals Committee. She has produced and worked on events in Cary since 2007, including the original Cary Scavenger Hunt from 2010- 2017, Fest in the West, The Mayton Holiday Market, Cary Meet Yourself, Train Day, Ole Time Winter Festival, and the Farmers Fall Festival . We also publish the Downtown Cary Map.