📘$700 Million Development Is Incoming

It’s finally Friday, Cary!

Before we get into today’s newsletter, I want to ask you a quick question:

Have you ever shared Cary Digest with somebody? The newsletter has grown a lot lately, and I’m trying to get a better picture of how much word of mouth is playing a part. So if you don’t mind, let me know your experience in the poll.

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

• Life sciences Wake County development

• Charity spotlight

• Public transit week

• Yin Yoga in the park

• Awesome events over the weekend

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Wake County Reaps Rewards from Life Sciences Boom

Wake County is experiencing significant growth thanks to major biotech investments, particularly with the $700 million Genentech facility currently under construction in Holly Springs. This facility, set to generate hundreds of jobs, is part of a larger wave of life sciences expansion across the region.As biotech giants continue to pour resources into Wake, the entire region is transforming into a thriving hub of opportunity.

The Genentech facility alone will bring 1,500 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions once operational, further solidifying Wake County’s status as a biotech powerhouse. From Holly Springs to Raleigh, local businesses like Bombshell Beer Company are preparing for increased foot traffic and new neighbors, with co-founder Ellen Joyner eager to welcome newcomers. Wake County Economic Development officials highlight the county’s strong track record in life sciences, with 3,700 jobs created and $5 billion in investments over the past decade. With a growing talent pool and a flourishing biotech sector, Wake County is poised to continue leading the way in this high-growth industry.

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

Charity of the Week: Habitat of Humanity Wake County!

Charity Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity of Wake County

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County has been helping families build strength and stability through affordable housing. By partnering with local residents, they create opportunities for safe, decent homes and offer repair programs that keep families in the houses they already own.

Habitat Wake also runs ReStores across the Triangle, where donated furniture, appliances, and building materials are sold at discount prices. Proceeds go directly toward building new homes while keeping usable goods out of landfills. In addition, they advocate for policies that expand housing affordability across Wake County.

You can support their mission by volunteering on a build, donating items to a ReStore, or making a financial gift. Every contribution helps more families in our community achieve the security of a place to call home.

Town Updates

Try Transit Week: Explore the Benefits of GoCary’s Fare-Free Service

Participate in Try Transit Week and discover the convenience of riding the fare-free GoCary bus service! This week is all about showcasing the benefits of public transportation, including saving on commuting costs, reducing your carbon footprint, and enjoying stress-free commutes.

Throughout the week, special events will be held across the GoCary system, and Cary will be celebrating its exceptional staff. Share your favorite GoCary employee’s story with the town by emailing [email protected] to win a surprise gift!

Event Schedule:

• Cary Depot – Learn About the New Service: Tuesday, Sept 23, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 211 N. Academy St.

• Cary Senior Center – Senior Home Fair: Wednesday, Sept 24, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 120 Maury O'Dell Pl.

• Cary Regional Library – Wake Transit Plan Update: Thursday, Sept 25, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 315 Kildaire Farm Rd.

• Public Safety Day: Saturday, Sept 27, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Academy Street, Downtown Cary.

Community Events

Fall Equinox Sunset Soundbath & Yin Yoga

Date: Today at 6:30 PM!
Location: Stoney Acres Farm, 620 Winter Breeze Ct, Cary, NC 27513-6696

This special event combines the calming practice of Yin Yoga with the restorative power of a sound bath, all set within the peaceful, natural surroundings of a family-run farm in the heart of the Triangle.

What to Expect:

• A slow, grounding Yin Yoga session (open to all levels)

• A deeply relaxing sound bath to reset your nervous system

• Time to breathe, reconnect, and set intentions for the new season

• Friendly farm animals (after the sound bath), golden hour light, and a welcoming atmosphere

Important Details:

• All levels welcome—no yoga experience needed! Just bring your body, breath, and an open heart.

• Outdoor event—weather permitting, so bring layers to stay comfortable.

• Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat, towel, blanket, and any props you like (blocks, bolster, eye pillow, etc.).

Space is limited, so don’t wait—this one will fill up quickly!

Weather

Friday

63🌡️87 | ⛅

Saturday

64🌡️82 | ⛅

Sunday

61🌡️77 | ⛅

Monday

64🌡️80 | ⛅

Things to do this weekend

Friday, September 19

American Dance Festival: Made in NC
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor dance showcase featuring four world-premiere works by North Carolina choreographers, presented on the Great Lawn Pavilion.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/american-dance-festival-downtown-cary-park/

Fridays at Sweetwater (Apex)
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Town Center event lawn, 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC
Description: Family-friendly outdoor gathering with local vendors, live music, craft beer & wine, and kids’ activities under the stars.
Link: https://shoplocalraleigh.org/friday-nights-at-sweetwater/

Holly Springs Art Walk
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Holly Springs (various venues on Main Street)
Description: Stroll through downtown Holly Springs to view local artists’ works at multiple pop-up galleries, with live music, refreshments, and meet-the-artist opportunities.
Link: https://allevents.in/holly-springs/art-walk-hosted-by-arts-holly-springs/200028792570637

Karaoke Bingo Nights (Cary)
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Late-night mashup of karaoke and bingo at a local kombucha brewery, complete with sing-along fun, craft drinks, and prizes for bingo winners.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/komana-brewing-company-cary/

Saturday, September 20

Cary Farmers Fall Festival
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Harvest-season edition of the Cary Farmers Market featuring 100+ farm, food, and craft vendors, live music on the lawn, a kids’ village with games, and a pie-eating contest.
Link: https://www.caryfarmersmarket.com/fff-2025/

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Weekly open-air market with fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats, artisan foods, baked goods, and more in the heart of Holly Springs.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Community-focused market offering seasonal fruits and veggies, farm-raised meats, eggs, flowers, and crafts from local vendors each Saturday morning.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Asia Fest & Dragon Boat Festival (Cary)
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: All-day celebration of Asian culture with 100+ cultural exhibits, live performances, international street foods and kids’ activities, plus exciting dragon boat races on Symphony Lake.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/10th-annual-asia-fest-with-dragon-boat-racing

Festa Italiana (Apex)
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Apex Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
Description: Free Italian heritage festival featuring live music and folk dancing, Galbani culinary stage cooking demos, a cannoli-eating contest, kids’ games and face painting, authentic Italian food vendors, and wine & beer.
Link: https://festanc.org

Morrisville International Festival
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 Town Hall Dr #B, Morrisville, NC
Description: Global cultures come together with international food trucks, traditional music and dance performances, and dozens of artisan vendors celebrating Morrisville’s diversity (shuttle parking available).
Link: https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/recreation/parks-recreation-cultural-resources/special-events/international-festival

Fenton Makers Market (Cary)
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Fenton, 855 Cary Towne Blvd, Cary, NC
Description: Outdoor market at Cary’s new Fenton district showcasing 35+ local artisans and makers, along with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun in the plaza.
Link: https://fentonnc.com/event/makers-market-21/2025-09-20/

Sunday, September 21

Kanikapila – Free Ukulele Lesson (Cary)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Bring a ukulele (or borrow one) and learn to play in this fun Hawaiian-style group lesson and jam session, open to all ages and skill levels.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/komana-brewing-company-cary/

Classical Concert: Oak City Brass (Apex)
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: A brass quintet kicks off Apex’s Classical Concert Series with an intimate “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue” program blending classical favorites and modern tunes (tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors).
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1956/Classical-Concert-Series

Bluegrass Open Jam (Cary)
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Bluegrass musicians and fans are invited to a casual open jam session – bring an instrument or just come listen and enjoy some pickin’ on the patio (no cover charge).
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/bond-brothers-eastside-cary/

Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe (Film)
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Special screening of a new documentary-concert film in which world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli tells his life story in his own words, featuring archival footage and performances of his most beloved songs.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/andrea-bocelli-because-i-believe/the-cary/cary/

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