Hi Cary,

Here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• MLK Jr. Dreamfest Weekend

• Town Closures on Monday

• Brunches Cary

• Weekend events!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Dr. Martin L King Jr. Dreamfest Celebration Weekend

Cary will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Dreamfest 2026, taking place January 16–19, with a weekend of events centered on this year’s theme, “The Beloved Community: Honoring Dignity and Uplifting Humanity.” The annual celebration brings the community together through a variety of meaningful and engaging activities designed to reflect Dr. King’s vision of unity, service, and justice.

Dreamfest events include an art exhibition, an Interfaith Service, the 5K Walk for Hope, and the Village Dining and Discussion community dinner featuring an interactive learning experience. Many events are open to the public and encourage community participation. A full schedule and event details are available at carync.gov/dreamfest.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Brunches Cary

If you’re serious about brunch in Cary, Brunches belongs on your short list. This locally loved spot is known for generous portions, fast service, and a menu that fully commits to the assignment. Classic breakfast favorites are done right, paired with indulgent brunch staples that make the wait worth it. The vibe is casual, welcoming, and busy for a reason.

The menu leans into comfort food with fluffy pancakes, omelets packed with fillings, crispy bacon, and popular eggs Benedict options. Coffee keeps flowing, plates come out hot, and most people leave full, often with leftovers. Whether you’re fueling up for the weekend or meeting friends for a laid-back morning, Brunches delivers exactly what it promises: a proper brunch without gimmicks, just solid execution.

Town Updates

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closures

Town Hall and most staffed facilities in Cary will be closed Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with curbside collection delayed by one day and the Citizen’s Convenience Center closed. GoCary will run fixed routes on a Sunday schedule, Cary 311 will be closed for calls (online requests remain available), and while most parks stay open, community centers, The Cary Theater, and Stevens Nature Center will be closed. Cary’s annual Dreamfest, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., runs January 16–19, with most events free and open to the public.

Weather

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, January 16

New Year, New Laughs: Kiki’s Comedy Club Showcase
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Academy Pavilion), 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Kick off 2026 with nonstop laughs at a high-energy comedy showcase featuring Kiki Wynns and a lineup of her favorite comedians (21+ only; tickets $10).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_EVEN0042_001

MLK Black Author Exhibit & Creative Contest Presentation (Apex)
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Apex Senior Center, 63 Hunter St, Apex, NC
Description: Meet local Black authors and hear K-12 contest winners present their works at Apex’s free kickoff event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1657/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Weekend-Events

John Lewis: Good Trouble (Film Screening)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Free screening of the acclaimed documentary on civil rights icon John Lewis, followed by a discussion, as part of Cary’s MLK Dreamfest (ticket required in advance).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
Description: NHL action on home ice – cheer on the Canes as they face off against the Florida Panthers in an exciting regular-season matchup.
Link: https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/schedule

Saturday, January 17

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 160 E Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly open-air market with fresh local produce, baked goods, artisanal foods, crafts, and live music next to the Downtown Cary Park (winter hours).
Link: https://caryfarmersmarket.com

MLK Unity March & Breakfast Reception (Apex)
Time: 8:00 AM (March at 9:00 AM)
Location: Begins at Apex First Baptist Church, 419 S Salem St, Apex, NC (ends at Apex Senior Center)
Description: Join the community for a unity march through downtown Apex honoring Dr. King, followed by a free breakfast reception with speakers at the Senior Center.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1657/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Weekend-Events

Dreamfest Children’s Program
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Description: A free, family-friendly morning of storytelling and crafts celebrating Dr. King’s values, designed especially for young children as part of Cary’s Dreamfest.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/dreamfest

Yoga in the Park (Cary)
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Start your Saturday with a free outdoor yoga session for all fitness levels – just bring a mat and stretch out in the new downtown park.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_FITN0050_156

NC Vintage Bazaar
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Expo Center, NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC
Description: Day one of North Carolina’s largest vintage market – a two-day extravaganza of 100+ vendors selling vintage clothing, retro décor, vinyl records and more (different vendors each day).
Link: https://ncvintagebazaar.com

Free Pickleball Class
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Sanderford Road Park, 2623 Sanderford Rd, Raleigh, NC
Description: Learn the basics of pickleball in a free beginner-friendly clinic – paddles and balls provided – a great chance to try out the fastest-growing sport in America.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/pickleball-coaching-goodman/

Live Music: Relay Relay at Peak of the Vine (Apex)
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Peak of the Vine, 301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Sip wine and enjoy a free indie-pop/rock show by local band Relay Relay at Apex’s cozy wine bar and music lounge (21+ venue).
Link: https://www.peakofthevine.com

Sunday, January 18

MLK Community Worship Service (Apex)
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Apex First Baptist Church, 419 S Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: A special Sunday worship service open to all, featuring a community choir and uplifting message to honor Dr. King’s vision of unity and hope.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1657/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Weekend-Events

Soma Breath Energized Breathwork
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (The Gathering House), 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Reset and recharge with a guided breathwork meditation journey in the park’s cozy indoor space – a free wellness session to energize your mind and body (registration required).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_FITN0089_001

Holly Springs MLK Unity Walk & Celebration
Time: 2:30 PM (Walk), 3:30 PM (Program)
Location: Starts at Oak Hall Shopping Center and ends at Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Join the community for a “Unity Weekend” march through Holly Springs followed by an inspirational afternoon program of music, dance, and speakers celebrating Dr. King’s legacy.
Link: https://hsmlk.org

MLK Interfaith Service
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut St, Cary, NC
Description: A heartwarming interfaith worship service bringing together diverse faith communities to reflect on Dr. King’s dream of peace, equality, and the “Beloved Community.”
Link: https://www.carync.gov/dreamfest

MLK Community Dinner & Discussion
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: First Cary United Methodist Church, 117 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Share a free community dinner with neighbors and engage in guided table discussions about unity and service – an interactive event to connect and learn (registration requested).
Link: https://www.carync.gov/dreamfest

Mojo Brookzz Comedy Show
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Social media sensation Mojo Brookzz headlines a night of stand-up on his “I Know You F*ckin Lying” tour – delivering raw, side-splitting comedy in his final show of the weekend.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

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