Good morning, Cary.

I hope your week is off to a great start. I have an exciting restaurant spotlight for you today as well as some major news regarding a state-funded grant to a Cary event.

Let’s get straight into it!

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• TST awarded $6.8 million grant

• Ligano Ristorante

• Garden Club Arts & Crafts Fair

• Plenty of other events, including some Halloween ones!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

The Soccer Tournament (TST) Awarded $6.8 Million Grant

The Town of Cary and The Soccer Tournament (TST) have announced a new four-year agreement that will keep the international 7v7 soccer event at WakeMed Soccer Park through 2029. Supported by a $6.8 million grant from the NC Department of Commerce Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, the partnership highlights TST’s growing economic and cultural impact on the region. The event attracts tens of thousands of fans each year, bringing in millions in local spending and showcasing Cary’s world-class facilities on a global stage.

Since its debut in 2023, TST has become one of Cary’s signature sports events, featuring professional and international athletes, live broadcasts, and family-friendly fan experiences. The 2025 tournament drew more than 50,000 attendees and nearly 2,000 players from 34 countries. Alongside the main event, The Cary Cup youth tournament will return annually, expanding opportunities for young athletes. Town officials say the renewed partnership further cements Cary’s reputation as a national leader in sports tourism and community-driven hospitality.

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P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest this fall? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Restaurant Spotlight: Lugano Ristorante

Lugano Ristorante in Cary offers a welcoming ambiance that moves easily between relaxed and polished dining. Whether you stop by for a midweek lunch or plan a celebratory dinner with friends or family, the atmosphere adapts accordingly. Guests often appreciate the balance of comfort and style, with a space that invites both casual gatherings and special occasions.

The menu features a wide selection of Italian-inspired dishes including handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and options for those with dietary restrictions. Favorites mentioned by diners include a lobster and shrimp scampi served over parmesan polenta, penne with chicken and wild mushrooms in a tomato-cream sauce, and the classic chicken marsala accompanied by garlic-whipped potatoes. The service and attention to dietary accommodation consistently receive positive feedback.

Community Events

Cary Garden Club Arts & Crafts Fair @ Preston Pointe

The Cary Garden Club is inviting the community to kick off the holiday season at their annual Arts & Crafts Fair at Preston Pointe. This festive afternoon event will feature handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, and unique creations made by Cary Garden Club members and local artisans. It’s a great opportunity to shop early, support local makers, and enjoy a cheerful community gathering in the heart of Cary.

Takes place Wednesday, November 12th from 2-4 P.M.

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, October 28

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Social 3–5 mile run for all paces, followed by craft beer in the taproom and beer garden.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/run-club

Weekly Comedy Night & Open Mic
Time: 7:30 PM – 11:50 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, 2901 US-64, Apex, NC
Description: Free comedy show featuring a rotating lineup of local stand-up comics, followed by an open mic for performers.
Link: https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/event-details/weekly-comedy-night-open-mic-2025-10-28-19-30-5

Art Cart in the Park (Kids’ Crafts)
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Nest Pavilion), 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free drop-in arts & crafts activities for kids at the Downtown Cary Park’s Nest Pavilion.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/art-cart-oct-2025-tuesdays/100800/

Wednesday, October 29

A Little Prayer (Film)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Family drama about aging parents whose adult children move in, forcing them to confront infidelity and hidden secrets.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/a-little-prayer-2/the-cary/cary/

Misery (Film)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Stephen King thriller in which a famous author is held captive by an obsessed fan in a remote mountain cabin.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/misery

Karaoke Night
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, 2901 US-64, Apex, NC
Description: Free karaoke night to belt out your favorite hits with friends in a fun bar atmosphere.
Link: https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/event-details/karaoke-night-2025-10-29-20-00-4

Thursday, October 30

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror (Film)
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Documentary exploring the cultural phenomenon of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and its enduring legacy.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/strange-journey-the-story-of-rocky-horror-4/the-cary/cary/

Park West Village Fall Festival (Morrisville)
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Park West Village, 3400 Village Market Pl, Morrisville, NC
Description: Free Halloween festival with center-wide trick-or-treating, hayrides, an outdoor movie, costume contests, food trucks, and craft beer.
Link: https://parkwestvillage.com/events/fall-festival/

Cary Police Dept. Trunk or Treat
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC)
Description: Family-friendly trunk-or-treat event hosted by the Cary Police Department’s Downtown Team.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/trunk-or-treat/100805/

Discover Dance: K-Pop Session
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Academy Pavilion), 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free K-pop dance workshop led by DIA Dance Studio and student dance teams at Downtown Cary Park.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/discover-dance:-k-pop-session/100845/

Friday, October 31

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (Film)
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Mockumentary sequel in which rock band Spinal Tap reunites for one final concert, featuring cameos by rock legends like Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/spinal-tap-ii-the-end-continues/the-cary/cary/

Halloween Dance Party with DJ George
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, 2901 US-64, Apex, NC
Description: Outdoor Halloween disco party with DJ George, a costume contest, food trucks, and craft beer on the dog-friendly patio.
Link: https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/event-details/halloween-dance-party-with-dj-george

KPop Demon Hunters (Film)
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Animated action film where K-pop superstars secretly fight demons to protect their fans from supernatural dangers.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/kpop-demon-hunters/the-cary/cary/

Discover Dance: Thriller Choreography
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Academy Pavilion), 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free dance class teaching the iconic “Thriller” choreography, led by instructor Tameka Pettigrew at Downtown Cary Park.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/discover-dance:-thriller-choreography/100307/

Covered in Jam – Halloween Party Band
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, 2901 US-64, Apex, NC
Description: Halloween blowout with a live funk-rock jam band, costumes, contests, and a dance floor at The Backyard Bar.
Link: https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/event-details/covered-in-jam-halloween-party-band

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