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Hi Cary,

So happy to be emailing you again!

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

  • 2026 State of Cary Address

  • Top-notch Mexican food

  • Kid-friendly event at the Carolina neuroscience club

  • Tons of free and fun events!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

2026 State of Cary Address

Harold Weinbrecht delivered Cary’s annual “State of Cary” address Wednesday morning at the Prestonwood Country Club to members of the Cary Chamber and other local officials. He addressed financial challenges facing the town following the resignation of former Town Manager Sean Stegall at the end of 2025 after an audit identified financial issues. Weinbrecht outlined steps taken to increase transparency, provided an update on the ongoing investigation, and discussed measures aimed at preventing similar problems in the future. Russ Overton is serving as interim town manager.

Weinbrecht compared the town’s response to the financial issues to cleaning up an oil spill, saying the process could take weeks or months as officials work to identify and address remaining concerns. He also highlighted progress made in 2025, noting the town received about 40 awards and recognitions. Updates included developments in sports and entertainment venues, efforts to expand mixed-income housing options, initiatives to attract more businesses to downtown Cary, and continued planning despite minimal population growth.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Mezcalito!

Mezcalito is a Mexican restaurant on Walnut Street offering a menu that blends traditional Mexican dishes with Tex Mex favorites. The menu includes tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, ceviche and molcajete, along with house-made dips and appetizers. A full bar features tequila and mezcal selections, margaritas, cocktails, beer and wine.

The restaurant provides dine in service for lunch and dinner in a colorful, casual setting. In addition to its regular menu, Mezcalito offers catering and takeout options. The Cary location is part of a small regional group with other restaurants in the Triangle area.

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Community Events

Kids Night Out w/ Carolina Neuroscience Club!

The Carolina Neuroscience Club at UNC Chapel Hill is hosting a Kids Night Out on February 20 from 6 to 7 pm at Drakford Library, 203 S Greensboro St, Carrboro. This educational event is designed for children ages 7 to 12 and will feature hands on, interactive activities that introduce basic neuroscience concepts in a fun and engaging way. Planned activities include building neuron models with pipe cleaners and creating paper brain hats to explore different brain regions and their functions. Space is limited and spots are first come, first served.

Weather

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, February 17

Coffee & Connection (Cary)
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: The Williams House Craft Taproom, 210 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Casual weekly meet-up for entrepreneurs and neighbors to chat and network over morning coffee at a cozy cafe taproom.
Link: https://www.thewilliamshousecary.com

Pancake Palooza – Shrove Tuesday Dinner (Cary)
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: First Cary UMC, 117 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Family-friendly Mardi Gras pancake supper with sausage, coffee, games, and fellowship; $7 per person ($25 family) with proceeds supporting a local preschool scholarship fund.
Link: https://firstcary.com/event/pancake-palooza-shrove-tuesday-dinner/

Bond Brothers Run Club (Cary)
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Join a 3- or 5-mile group run through downtown Cary, then relax with a beer in the taproom. All paces welcome at this free weekly social run.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/run-club

Hummingbird Love – Discount Tuesday Paint & Sip (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Painting with a Twist, 329 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC
Description: BYOB painting party where adults (18+) can unwind with a drink and create a romantic hummingbird canvas artwork; special Tuesday price $32 (second seat 50% off).
Link: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/cary/event/4187179/

Lunar New Year: K-5th Adventures (Holly Springs)
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Location: Holly Springs Community Library, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Kids in grades K–5 can celebrate the Year of the Horse with stories, crafts, and hands-on activities – including painting a wooden toy horse to take home (free; space limited to 20 children).
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/lunar-new-year-wake-county-public-libraries/ (See Holly Springs Library event details)

Wednesday, February 18

Music Bingo at The Williams House (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: The Williams House Craft Taproom, 210 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Test your song knowledge in a lively music-themed bingo night. It’s free to play – listen for hits from various decades and mark your card to win prizes while enjoying craft beer or coffee.
Link: https://www.thewilliamshousecary.com

Karaoke Night at The Backyard Bar (Apex)
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, 2901 US-64, Apex, NC
Description: Grab the mic and belt out your favorite tunes at this high-energy outdoor bar. DJ Nick Driver hosts free Wednesday karaoke under the stars – a fun midweek outing with great drinks and a huge song library.
Link: https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/events

H is for Hawk (Documentary Screening – Cary)
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Afternoon screening of H is for Hawk: The Next Chapter, a moving documentary following author Helen Macdonald as she trains a goshawk in the wake of her father’s death. (PG, 1h 30m; tickets available online or at the door.)
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-color-purple/the-cary/cary/ (See Cary Theater film schedule)

Thursday, February 19

Lunar New Year: K-5th Adventures (Holly Springs)
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Location: Holly Springs Community Library, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: A second session of the kid-friendly Lunar New Year program – elementary students can learn about Chinese New Year traditions and paint a wooden horse craft in celebration of the Year of the Horse (free; first-come, first-served).
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/lunar-new-year-wake-county-public-libraries/ (See Holly Springs Library event details)

The Color Purple – Black History Month Film (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Special screening of the classic 1985 film The Color Purple starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. Celebrate Black History Month with this powerful, Oscar-nominated drama on the big screen (tickets ~$8).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-color-purple/the-cary/cary/

Trivia Night at The Williams House (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: The Williams House Craft Taproom, 210 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Put on your thinking cap for free team trivia in a laid-back cafe/bar setting. Each week brings a new theme and prizes for the top teams – enjoy local craft beverages while you play.
Link: https://www.thewilliamshousecary.com

“The Session” Jazz Jam at Bond Brothers Eastside (Cary)
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: An open jazz jam session inviting local jazz musicians to improvise together. Grab a beer and groove to everything from bebop to funk – or bring your instrument and join in. All are welcome at this free weekly jam.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com (See Eastside events)

Friday, February 20

Apex Community Dance (Apex)
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: An all-ages community contra dance featuring live folk music and a caller who will teach each dance. No experience or partner needed – enjoy easy square, English country, and line dances. Tickets are just $2 at the door for a fun night out.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/2082/Apex-Community-Dance

You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine (Cary)
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: An early evening tribute to the late singer-songwriter John Prine. This special event features performances and stories honoring Prine’s legendary songs (part of a multi-day festival of tribute events).
Link: https://www.unation.com/event/you-got-gold-a-celebration-of-john-prine-63464151/

Little Women – The Musical (Holly Springs)
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Opening night of the stage musical Little Women, presented by the Holly Springs Community Theater. This beloved coming-of-age story of the March sisters is brought to life with song and dance. (Tickets required; suitable for family audiences.)
Link: https://happeningnext.com/event/little-women-the-musical-eid3a0d7iloqm

Karaoke Bingo Night (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: It’s karaoke with a twist – literally! Every time you sing and hit certain song cues, you mark your bingo card. Sing along to popular hits, sip craft beer or kombucha, and compete for prizes in this free weekly mashup event.
Link: https://komanabrewing.com

Live Music: Todd & Kathy Duo (Apex)
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Peak of the Vine, 301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Unwind with a glass of wine and live acoustic music. The Todd & Kathy Duo will perform a mix of classic and contemporary hits in an intimate wine lounge atmosphere (no cover charge – wine, beer, and cocktails available for purchase).
Link: https://www.peakofthevine.com

Cary Town Band – “Legends and Landscapes” Concert (Cary)
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Enjoy a free concert by the Cary Town Band as they explore folklore and musical traditions from around the world. From pastoral Welsh melodies to lively folk dances, this community concert band will take you on a tuneful journey – all ages welcome.
Link: http://www.carytownband.org (See upcoming concert details)

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