📘The BEST July 4th Events and Celebrations in Cary

Happy July, Cary!

This year is just flying by, but the weather is cooling down a bit and just in time for July 4th! This issue is full of fun things to do this weekend as well as all of the awesome events, markets, and things to do in Cary.

I’ve also got a spotlight on a new restaurant in Cary that I think you’ll love. I’ll even be visiting this week to make some Instagram and Facebook content, so go follow Cary Digest there if you haven’t already!

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in today’s issue:

• Scoliosis Awareness in Cary

• Aqui Mero! Mexican Restaurant

• Great ways to spend July 4th

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Wake Forest Teen Champions Scoliosis Awareness After Beating the Odds

This month, Wake Forest’s own Lauren Herb is using her personal battle with scoliosis to shine a light on the condition for Scoliosis Awareness Month. Diagnosed at 14 after her soccer coaches noticed her posture looked off, Lauren faced a tough road: her spine was curved in every direction possible. In April 2023, she underwent major spinal surgery and stepped away from competitive soccer—a hard hit for an athlete. But, in true Lauren fashion, she was back on the field just four months later, feeling stronger than ever.

Now a rising senior at Heritage High, Lauren isn’t content to just share her story—she’s taking action. After noticing a lack of local awareness events, she organized the inaugural Straighten the Path 5K at WakeMed Soccer Park this Sunday, bringing together 170 runners and raising thousands for scoliosis education. Lauren is passionate about early detection and encourages parents to have their kids screened as early as age five, hoping others can catch and treat the condition sooner than she did. As she eyes a future playing collegiate soccer, Lauren’s determined spirit is already making a difference in our community.

Restaurant Spotlight: Aqui Mero! Mexican Restaurant

Aqui Mero! on Ashville Avenue brings fresh, bold Mexican flavors to Cary, in the lively spot formerly home to O’Charley’s. The relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere and attentive service earn high praise—Yelp reviews note "everything was so good!! Staff was great and the food and mango margarita was excellent!! We will be back".”

Open daily—with extended hours on weekends—its welcoming vibe invites lunch, dinner, or a casual hangout with friends or family .

Aqui Mero! shines with a variety of crowd‑pleasing dishes that range from traditional comforts to creative takes on Mexican cuisine. Here are some customer favorites worth trying:

• Queso Dip – Rich, house‑made queso perfect for sharing.

• Chori‑Queso Dip – A twist on the classic, with spicy Mexican sausage.

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn topped with mayo, Cotija cheese, and Tajín.

• Sopa de Pollo – Comforting chicken soup with avocado, rice, cilantro, and onions.

• Pozole – Hearty pork and hominy stew simmered in guajillo broth—ideal for cooler evenings

• Mango Margarita – Fresh, fruity, and a local hit.

Whether you're craving something familiar or eager to try vibrant new flavors—paired with refreshing cocktails—Aqui Mero! has quickly cemented itself as a go‑to spot in Cary.

Town Updates

Community Events

July 4th Celebration at Koka Booth!

Celebrate America’s birthday in style at one of Cary’s favorite July 4th traditions! Head to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for an evening of patriotic music and family fun. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., and the North Carolina Symphony takes the stage with classic favorites, toe-tapping tunes, and a salute to the red, white, and blue. There will be plenty of activities for kids and a spectacular fireworks display over Symphony Lake at 9:25 p.m.

Admission is free for lawn seating—no ticket required! Reserved tables (with parking) are available in limited supply for those who want a premium spot for the concert. Heads up: table seating offers a great view of the stage, but fireworks sightlines may be partially blocked by trees or structures.

Want the latest updates during the event? Text JULY4 to 51597 for exclusive alerts. Don’t miss this unforgettable night under the stars!

July 4th Fishing Tournament

Celebrate July 4th in true Cary style with the annual Independence Day Fishing Tournament at Bond Park Boathouse! Anglers young and old are invited to cast their lines for a morning of friendly competition and summer fun. Registration opens bright and early at 7 a.m., with the tournament running from 8 to 11 a.m.

Bring your own gear and your best fishing stories—there are prizes for both the longest and the shortest fish caught in each age group. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just learning, it’s a great way to kick off your holiday, enjoy the outdoors, and maybe take home a prize!

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Great American Songbook Jam Session
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Corner Tavern & Grill, 1277 NW Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Enjoy an open jazz jam featuring classic tunes from the American Songbook—musicians and listeners welcome!
URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLQDrbFsM2F/

West African Drum Class (Advanced)
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: 109 Loch Lomond Circle, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Advanced djembe and dunun players can groove with high-energy West African drumming.
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-african-ivory-coast-dance-all-levels-tickets-1335513620189?aff=erelexpmlt

Trivia Tuesdays at Amberly Local
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Amberly Local, 720 Slash Pine Drive, Cary, NC 27519
Description: Team up with friends for fun trivia and prizes in a friendly, local spot.
URL: https://allevents.in/cary/trivia-tuesdays/200028402355031#

Tuesday Trivia at Parkway Tavern
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Parkway Tavern, 982 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Test your knowledge and win prizes during this lively trivia night at Parkway Tavern.
URL: https://www.theparkwaytavern.com/

Music Bingo at Abbey Road Tavern
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: Abbey Road Tavern & Grill, 1195 West Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Play music bingo and win prizes—just mark your card when you recognize the song!
URL: https://www.abbeyroadnc.com/events/music-bingo

Barks and Bond (Dog Adoption Social)
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Meet adoptable dogs from the Wake County Animal Center and enjoy a brew with your own pup.
URL: https://allevents.in/cary/barks-and-bond/200028402385307#

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Abilities Tennis Night
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cary Tennis Park, 2727 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary, NC 27519
Description: A special tennis clinic for athletes with intellectual disabilities, volunteers, and the community—free to attend and participate.
URL: https://www.atanc.org/events#abilities-tennis-night-2025

Karaoke Night at Back Then Bar
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Location: Back Then Bar & Grill, 107 Edinburgh S Drive, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Step up to the mic for a fun night of karaoke—solo or with friends!
URL: https://backthenbar.com/

Karaoke at Parkway Tavern
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Parkway Tavern, 982 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Show off your vocal chops at Parkway Tavern’s midweek karaoke night.
URL: https://www.theparkwaytavern.com/

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Tamil Movie World Premiere (“Akkenam”)
Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 6:00 PM
Location: Hooky Entertainment, 1140 Parkside Main Street, Cary, NC 27519
Description: See the premiere of “Akkenam,” a brand-new Tamil action thriller, before anyone else.
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-premiere-show-tamil-movie-akkenam-tickets-1422185217269

Cary’s July 3rd Independence Celebration
Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (movie at dusk)
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Kick off Independence Day with food trucks, live music, and an outdoor screening of Top Gun in downtown Cary!
URL: https://downtowncarypark.com/event/july-3rd-celebration/

Morrisville Red, White & BOOM!
Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Description: Family-friendly festival featuring fireworks, live music, food trucks, games, and activities.
URL: https://www.townofmorrisville.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12366/19

Apex Fireworks Frenzy
Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hunter Street Park, 1250 Ambergate Station, Apex, NC 27502
Description: Celebrate the 4th with food, inflatables, a drone show (9:00 PM), and fireworks (9:30 PM) in Apex.
URL: https://exploreapexnc.com/event-single-post-name/fireworks-frenzy/

Patriotic Concert (Cary Town Band)
Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 7:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Enjoy marches and Americana tunes in this “On the Homefront” patriotic music concert by the Cary Town Band.
URL: https://carytownband.org/#UpcomingConcerts

Friday, July 4, 2025

Independence Day Fishing Tournament
Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (registration at 7:00 AM)
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park Boathouse, 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Cast your line for prizes in Cary’s annual July 4th fishing tournament for all ages.
URL: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/independence-day-events

Cary’s Independence Day Celebration at Koka Booth
Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, gates open 3:30 PM; Fireworks ~9:25 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518
Description: Free patriotic concert by the North Carolina Symphony plus food, family fun, and fireworks over Symphony Lake.
URL: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/independence-day-events

Apex Olde Fashioned Fourth
Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Apex (Salem Street & Chatham Street), Apex, NC 27502
Description: Celebrate the 4th with old-fashioned games, a kids’ Parade of Wheels at noon, and a firetruck splashdown.
URL: https://www.apexnc.org/532/Olde-Fashioned-Fourth-of-July

Holly Springs Salamanders “USA Celebration” Baseball Game
Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, 6:30 PM
Location: Ting Stadium, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Description: Catch a baseball game with July 4th festivities, American-themed fun, and fireworks at Ting Stadium.
URL: https://salamandersbaseball.com/promos/#july4

Tarot Share Night
Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, 7:00 PM
Location: Kuantum Life, 222 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Bring a tarot deck or borrow one and practice readings in a welcoming community setting.
URL: https://allevents.in/cary/tarot-share-night-at-kuantum-life-%E2%80%94-free-event/200028343879323#

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