Happy (early) Valentine’s Day, Cary!

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

— Jake from Cary Digest

Downtown Cary Park has launched Cary’s first Chronolog, a citizen-science photo station that invites visitors to help document seasonal changes in the park’s landscape. Installed along the walkway between the lower pond and The Walker building, the four-by-four post includes a small platform where guests can place their phones, follow posted instructions, and upload a photo. Each image is automatically added to a continuously updated, crowd-sourced time-lapse that captures how the park’s plants, wildlife, and scenery evolve through different seasons and weather conditions. Since its installation, the project has collected 85 photos from 73 contributors, with no planned end date.

The Chronolog focuses on the ecosystem of the park’s lower pond, particularly the growth of native American lotus, or Nelumbo lutea. The fast-growing aquatic plant plays an important role in water quality by absorbing excess nutrients from stormwater before it reaches the Walnut Creek drainage system, helping reduce algae growth and improve clarity. The lotus also shades the water to keep it cooler and provides habitat for invertebrates that help control mosquito populations. Because the plant spreads quickly through runners and tubers, Cary’s horticulture team manages the colony each year, and tracking its growth over time is a key goal of the new installation.

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If you have not checked out Matsumoto Craft Ramen yet, consider this your sign. This cozy downtown spot has built a loyal following for doing one thing exceptionally well: deeply flavorful, carefully crafted ramen that tastes like it simmered all day, because it did. The broths are rich and layered without feeling heavy, the noodles have that perfect springy bite, and every bowl looks as good as it tastes. Whether you go for a classic tonkotsu, a spicy miso, or one of their rotating specials, you can tell there is real attention to detail in every component.

Beyond the ramen, the small plates and sides round out the experience, making it easy to turn a quick dinner into a relaxed night out. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with an open kitchen that adds a little buzz without overwhelming the space. It is the kind of place you can bring a first date, meet friends after work, or settle in solo at the bar with a bowl and forget about your inbox for a while. In a city full of great food, Matsumoto Craft Ramen continues to stand out as a local favorite for good reason.

George Wallace Comedy Show
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Legendary veteran comedian George Wallace headlines a 4-show weekend of stand-up.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Valentine’s Day ’80s Prom at Fortnight Brewing
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Totally tubular 1980s-themed prom night at the brewery with music, costumes, dancing, and brews.
Link: https://www.fortnightbrewing.com/event-calendar/

Karaoke with Harryoke (Holly Springs)
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Lively karaoke night hosted by the one-and-only “Harryoke” at Holly Springs’ popular brewery.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 E Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly open-air market with fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal foods, and live music next to Downtown Cary Park.
Link: https://caryfarmersmarket.com

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Award-winning community farmers market featuring local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/576/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Community-focused market with seasonal produce, food vendors, and crafts in downtown Apex.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Mardi Gras Live! (Cary)
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sports & Social, 301 Fenton Gateway Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Free Mardi Gras party at Fenton’s Sports & Social with specialty cocktails, Creole eats, beads, masks, and a King Cake eating contest.
Link: https://sportsandsocial.com/cary

Valentine’s Date Night in the Park
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor Valentine’s outing for couples with arts & crafts activities, live romantic music, and tasty food truck fare under the stars.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/valentines-date-night-downtown-cary-park/

Valentine’s Night Jazz & Funk with Chip Shearin
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bassist Chip Shearin leads an energizing Valentine’s concert fusing smooth jazz, soulful R&B, and funk grooves.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/valentinesday

A Raisin in the Sun (Film)
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Special $8 screening of the classic 1961 drama “A Raisin in the Sun,” presented as part of Cary’s Black History Month film series.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com

Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: A fabulously fun Broadway-themed drag brunch where talented queens and the audience belt out hits from the musical Wicked.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/event/wicked+sing-along+drag+brunch/14732063/

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