📘Town of Cary's Annual Burning?

Good Morning, Cary!

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

• GLOW returns to Cary

• Annual controlled burn at the bluffs

• Haveli Indian Cuisine!

• Weekend events

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

GLOW Returns to Cary for 5th Consecutive Year

GLOW has returned to downtown Cary for its fifth year, bringing a series of light-based pop-up art installations to Academy Street through mid- to late March. The exhibition features seven illuminated works designed to surprise and delight, ranging from a multi-story floral sculpture made of glowing tubes to projected spring flowers on the historic Ivey-Ellington House. Six installations are currently on display, with a seventh scheduled to debut in mid-February as a replacement at the Ivey-Ellington site.

Presented by Academy Street Artwork Projects, GLOW was conceived during the COVID lockdown as a way to encourage residents to get outdoors and connect through art. This year’s exhibition launched with the Under the Silver Moon community lantern parade in Downtown Cary Park, where nearly 1,200 participants marched with handmade lanterns. Town of Cary Public Art Program Supervisor Denise Dickens said the project aims to brighten the darkest days of winter and create lasting memories for the community.

The first pet rewards credit card with free pet insurance, meet Nibbles

Vet bills aren’t getting any cheaper. Costs have jumped more than 60% in the last decade, and pet owners are feeling it. But one new card is actually helping lighten the load.

The Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card offers 3x rewards on pet purchases - from vet visits to toys - and even includes free pet insurance for one eligible pet, with no annual fee. It’s a smart way to save while keeping your best friend happy and healthy.

^{Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply.}

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Haveli Indian Cuisine!

Haveli Indian Cuisine offers a welcoming introduction to traditional North Indian cooking, combining familiar favorites with a thoughtful presentation. The menu features a wide range of classic dishes, including creamy butter chicken, richly spiced lamb curry, and a variety of vegetarian options such as chana masala and paneer tikka. Freshly baked naan arrives warm from the kitchen, while fragrant basmati rice provides a perfect complement to the bold, layered sauces. Each dish is well balanced, with spices that build depth without overwhelming the palate.

The dining experience at Haveli is equally inviting, with attentive service and a calm, comfortable atmosphere suited for both casual meals and special occasions. Portions are generous and thoughtfully plated, encouraging sharing and exploration across the menu. Whether guests are longtime fans of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Haveli Indian Cuisine delivers a consistent and satisfying experience that highlights both tradition and hospitality.

Town Updates

New Annual Prescribed Burn

Cary will conduct its annual prescribed burn at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve sometime between now and April 2026, weather permitting, as part of the Town’s long-term fire management plan. The burn will be carried out and supervised by North Carolina State Parks, with logistical support from Cary staff and a Cary fire truck on site throughout the operation. While short sections of select trails may be temporarily closed during the burn, the preserve will remain open, and closures will be clearly signed and monitored by staff to ensure public safety.

Prescribed burns are a proven wildfire prevention tool that reduce excess vegetation, support fire-adapted ecosystems, and improve wildlife habitat. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a registered State Natural Area, and Cary continues to invest in professional fire management practices to protect both natural resources and nearby structures. Previous prescribed burns at the preserve have been completed safely and without incident, reinforcing the Town’s ongoing commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

Weather

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, February 6

Ravel & Riffs Piano Performance
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Free live piano concert blending classical music, improvisation, and modern techno-inspired sounds.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/events/2026-02-06/

Sid Thakur Papercutting Art Exhibit (Gallery Viewing)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (gallery hours vary)
Location: Cary Arts Center Principal’s Hall, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Intricate hand-cut paper art exhibition showcasing detailed contemporary designs.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/events/2026-02-06/

NC Chinese Lantern Festival (Nearby Cary/Raleigh area)
Time: Evening hours (varies by entry time)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Large-scale illuminated lantern displays, cultural performances, and nighttime walking experience.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/connect-engage/calendar

Live Music Night at Fortnight Brewing (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free live music performance with local musicians and craft beer atmosphere.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/events/

Carolina Ballet Presents Carmen Suite (Triangle region)
Time: Evening performance (check listing for exact showtime)
Location: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh, NC
Description: Dramatic ballet performance featuring the iconic Carmen score and choreography.
Link: https://thisisraleigh.com/raleigh-events-february/

Saturday, February 7

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/events/2026-02-07/

Gold Medal Games at Downtown Cary Park
Time: Daytime hours (see schedule)
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Olympic-themed interactive games and family-friendly activities celebrating winter sports.
Link: https://bestofraleigh.com/blog/bor-blog/top-events-happening-in-raleigh-and-the-triangle-this-february-2026-guide

Lover’s Lane Valentine Market
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Rosecomb Beer Garden, 947 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Pop-up market with local vendors, food, drinks, and live music celebrating Valentine season.
Link: https://www.wral.com/news/local/february-events-raleigh-durham-cary-2026/

Painting with a Twist: A Lovely Starry Night
Time: Evening session (check listing for exact time)
Location: Painting with a Twist Cary, 106 Kilmayne Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Guided painting class with a social, bring-your-own-drinks atmosphere.
Link: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/cary/event/4187170/

Live Music at Southern Peak Brewery (Apex)
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Southern Peak Brewery, 950 Windy Rd #100, Apex, NC
Description: Free local live music performance paired with craft brews in a relaxed setting.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/events/

Live Music: RAAD O.G. (Holly Springs)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum Dr, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free live music show featuring high-energy performance and local craft beer.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/events/

Duke vs UNC Watch Party (Cary)
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Beer Box, 1008 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Community sports watch party with drinks, social atmosphere, and big-screen viewing.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/events/

Free Social Dance Classes
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: VFW Post 7383, Cary, NC
Description: Beginner-friendly social dance class designed for fun and community interaction.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc--cary/events/

Sunday, February 8

NC Chinese Lantern Festival (Final weekend dates)
Time: Evening hours (varies by entry time)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Immersive lantern installations and cultural entertainment perfect for families and date nights.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/connect-engage/calendar

Cary Downtown Historic Guided Walking Tour
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: 114 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Guided walk exploring Cary’s historic downtown architecture and local stories.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc--cary/events/

Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt (Cary)
Time: Multiple start times available
Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center area, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Description: Interactive outdoor scavenger hunt adventure designed for teams and families.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc--cary/events/

Meal with Strangers Sunday Brunch (Triangle area)
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Cary/Raleigh area restaurant (see event page)
Description: Social brunch event designed to meet new people over shared meals.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc--cary/events/

Full Frame Road Show Film Screening
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Documentary film screening as part of the traveling Full Frame Road Show series.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events-list/

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