Good morning, Cary!

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

— Jake from Cary Digest

Cary 101 is a citizen education program created after the Town Council proposed a “citizen’s college” during a 2002 planning retreat. Launched in 2003, the program gives residents a structured look at how the Town operates and how the public can participate in local decision making. Participants attend weekly sessions, meet Town staff, and get a behind-the-scenes view of planning, services, and operations.

The program is open to residents of Cary and Cary’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) who are age 16 or older. Sessions are held at Town Hall and other municipal facilities. Topics are organized around the Town Council’s priority areas.

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Apex Racing Lab in Cary brings together sim racing, craft cocktails, and a social atmosphere that works for both families and adults looking for something different to do. The 5,700-square-foot space features 16 racing simulators, including 12 full-size adult pods and 4 designed for kids. Drivers can jump into a wide range of virtual cars and tracks, including F1, INDYCAR, NASCAR, and IMSA, with onsite instructors available to help new racers get comfortable or help experienced drivers shave time off their laps.

The venue is built as much for hanging out as it is for racing. A full craft cocktail bar anchors the space, with multiple lounge areas, patio seating, and a retail pro shop. There’s also a private event and meeting space that can convert into a lounge for dinners, presentations, or group gatherings, along with site-wide audio for announcements and events. It works well for family outings during the day and shifts easily into a competitive, social environment for adult groups, parties, and corporate events at night.

La Buena Vida brings a lively Mexican dining experience to Cary with a menu that spans brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can find a mix of traditional and modern dishes including tacos, quesabirria, enchiladas, ceviche, and seafood plates. The drink menu features house margaritas made with fresh citrus and tequila, along with a range of cocktails and beers that pair well with the bold flavors on the menu.

The restaurant offers a colorful and energetic setting that works well for casual meals, weekend brunch, or group gatherings. Live music and a full bar add to the atmosphere, while generous portions and a variety of menu options make it a popular choice for both quick dinners and longer nights out with friends and family.Visit their website!

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Registration is open for the Wheels on Academy car show on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cary’s Town Hall Campus on North Academy Street. Participation is free this year, and those who register by May 2 will receive a dash plaque and event towel. Awards include Best in Show and Top 30 vehicles judged by decade, with options for competitive judging or casual display.

The event will also feature an Explore-an-EV showcase, Touch a Truck with Cary Public Works, Police, and Fire vehicles, live music from Vertigo, and food vendors including Craft Public House, Death by Taco, and Frios Raleigh. Parking is available at the Cary Town Hall Parking Deck on Wilkinson Avenue, and GoCary bus service stops nearby.

Movie Night: The Dark Knight
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 220 E Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Outdoor screening of the Batman classic The Dark Knight with pre-show activities for all ages at Cary’s new park.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/event/movie-night-the-dark-knight/

Meet the Artist: Emily Wang
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bond Park Community Center, 150 Metro Park Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Enjoy an evening of art and conversation during this free meet-and-greet reception with local oil painter Emily Wang.
Link: https://caryartloop.org/event/meet-the-artist-emily-wang-2/

Pints and Puppies Adoption Event
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Southern Peak Brewery, 950 Windy Rd #100, Apex, NC
Description: Dog adoption meet-and-greet where you can sip a beer while meeting adorable rescue pups looking for a home.
Link: https://southernpeakbrewery.com

Karaoke Bingo Nights
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Lively twist on Friday night fun – sing along to favorite songs and play bingo for prizes at a local craft brewery.
Link: https://komanabrewing.com

Karaoke with Harryoke
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum Dr, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Belt out your favorite tunes at Bombshell’s popular karaoke night hosted by the energetic “Harryoke.”
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events

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

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Local produce, meats, crafts, and more in the heart of Holly Springs, with family-friendly activities.
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 featuring local growers and vendors offering seasonal produce and goods.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Apex Underground Market
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Town Center, 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC
Description: Pop-up market with 30+ local vendors, live bands, food trucks, and more at Apex’s new Sweetwater Town Center.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/apex-underground-market/

Morrisville Holi Festival
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050B Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC
Description: Free Festival of Colors celebration with Bollywood dance performances, color powder tossing, music, and Indian food trucks.
Link: https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/Events-directory/Holi

Live Music: Shelby Merchant
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum Dr, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free outdoor live music with singer-songwriter Shelby Merchant performing crowd-pleasing hits at Holly Springs’ hometown brewery.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events

Kanikapila Ukulele Meetup
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: A casual Hawaiian-style ukulele jam session – bring a uke and strum along or just listen while enjoying a brew or kombucha.
Link: https://komanabrewing.com

Bluegrass Open Jam
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Bring your banjo, fiddle, or guitar for an informal bluegrass jam hosted by the Eastside Ramblers, or just kick back and enjoy the toe-tapping tunes.
Link: https://bondbrothersbeer.com/calendar

Carlos Mencia Comedy Show
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Renowned stand-up comic Carlos Mencia brings his bold, high-energy comedy to Cary as he headlines a 4-show weekend at Raleigh Improv.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 220 E Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Swap jigsaw puzzles and collaborate on new ones at this casual puzzle party – drop in anytime to connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/downtown-cary-park/

Coloring Vinyl Night
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Unwind with a creative twist – color on repurposed vinyl records while sipping craft beer or kombucha at KōMANA’s laid-back taproom.
Link: https://komanabrewing.com

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