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Happy Halloween, Cary.

I hope you have some fun and spooky plans this evening! I’ve got some great events to enjoy your weekend with as well as a brand new restaurant and an exciting beginning to the annual Gingerbread House Competition!

Let’s jump in.

News

Sweet Traditions Return: Gingerbread House Competition & Display in Downtown Cary

From December 6–14, Downtown Cary will be sweetened by an annual favorite: the Gingerbread House Competition and Display! Local businesses will host a whimsical trail of gingerbread creations, and for the first time in 2025, participants can enter either a judged competition or a festive, just-for-fun display. Judged entries (due Dec. 4) follow strict construction rules and compete for prizes like a stay at The Mayton and tickets to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival. Display entries (due Dec. 5) allow for more creativity and are eligible for the People’s Choice award.

Registration runs from October 20 to November 23, and the winners, including judged categories and People’s Choice, will be showcased at the Cary Arts Center from December 16–31. Whether you're a baker, a voter, or a casual stroller, this sweet showcase is the perfect way to kick off the holidays in Cary. Businesses interested in hosting displays can contact Cary’s arts office.

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Restaurant Spotlight: Andhra2America Indian Restaurant

Andhra2America serves bold, traditional South Indian dishes with a focus on the rich and spicy flavors of Andhra-style cooking. The menu features items like Gongura chicken, Hyderabadi biryani, crispy dosas, and a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries made with regional spices.

Located in Cary, the restaurant offers a casual, welcoming space for dining in or taking out. Each dish is prepared with attention to authenticity, highlighting the culinary traditions of southeastern India.

Town Updates

GoCary Expands Service with New Routes and Schedule Updates
Beginning November 1, GoCary will roll out two new routes: Route 2 and Route 9. Route 2 will link downtown Cary with NC State University and the State Fairgrounds, while Route 9 will replace the Apex-Cary Express with a full-service route offering 34 stops between downtown Cary and downtown Apex. These additions aim to improve regional connections and transit access.

GoCary will also adjust its schedules for Route 3 and enhance service on Route 1 to better meet rider needs. The updates are part of a broader effort to expand transit accessibility and efficiency across Cary and surrounding communities.

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, October 31

Discover Dance: Thriller Choreography
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC)
Description: Free Thriller-themed Zumba dance party led by instructor Tameka Pettigrew on the Great Lawn of Downtown Cary Park.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/discover-dance-downtown-cary-park/

Final Friday Art Crawl
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary (various galleries and venues)
Description: Monthly evening art crawl with local galleries, live music and creative arts activities throughout downtown Cary.
Link: https://caryartloop.org/event/final-friday/

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (Movie)
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Sequel to the cult classic mockumentary, following the rock band Spinal Tap on a final concert tour (comedy).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com

Saturday, November 1

Taste of China Festival
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free Chinese food and cultural festival with authentic Asian cuisine, dance, music, martial arts and kids’ activities.
Link: https://www.tasteofchina.org

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 160 E. Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly market with fresh produce, local crafts, baked goods and live music.
Link: https://caryfarmersmarket.com

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W. Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Year-round Saturday market featuring local produce, meats, artisan foods and community activities.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Depot Plaza (220 N. Salem St), Apex, NC
Description: Community market with local produce, meats, baked goods and crafts (winter hours).
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Western Wake Farmers Market – Sweet Potato Day (Morrisville)
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Morrisville Healthy Food Hub (260 Town Hall Dr), Morrisville, NC
Description: Celebrate North Carolina sweet potatoes with free tastings and farm-to-table fun at Western Wake Farmers Market.
Link: https://westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Western Wake Farmers Market – Pumpkin Drop-Off (Morrisville)
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Morrisville Healthy Food Hub (260 Town Hall Dr), Morrisville, NC
Description: Bring non-painted pumpkins to feed local farm animals as part of the Western Wake Farmers Market Halloween activities.
Link: https://westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Touch-a-Truck & Chili Cookoff (Holly Springs)
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W. Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Kids can explore emergency vehicles and compete in the annual “Battle of the Badges” chili cookoff at Holly Springs Farmers Market.
Link: https://hsfarmersmarket.com

Concert Singers of Cary – “Something Wicked This Way Comes”
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center (101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC)
Description: Halloween-themed choral concert featuring spooky and seasonal music from Concert Singers of Cary.
Link: https://concertsingers.org

The Librarians (Documentary Film)
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Documentary following librarians fighting censorship and book bans (educational film).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com

Sunday, November 2

Cary Underground Market
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company (202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC)
Description: Monthly pop-up market and concert with 40+ local vendors, live music, food trucks and craft beer.
Link: https://makrs.com/cary-underground-market

Mark Paul: The Daddy Ball Tour (Comedy Show)
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv (1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC)
Description: Stand-up comedian Mark Paul brings his family-friendly “Daddy Ball Tour” to the Raleigh Improv in Cary.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Classical Concert Series – Solomon Eichner, piano (Apex)
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center (237 N. Salem St, Apex, NC)
Description: Apex’s Halle Cultural Arts Center presents pianist Solomon Eichner in a mix of classical and popular music pieces as part of their annual concert series.
Link: https://thehalle.org

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