Hi Cary!

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

— Jake from Cary Digest

Cary is opening a new inclusive playground at Davis Drive Park, and it’s a big deal for local families. The town is hosting a celebration on April 11 from 10 a.m. to noon with free food, entertainment, and activities, but the real story is what this space represents. This isn’t just another playground. It’s designed so kids of all abilities can actually play together, not on the sidelines.

The new setup focuses on accessibility in a way that makes a real difference, with features that support different physical and sensory needs so more kids can join in. That means fewer barriers, more confidence, and more moments where kids who are often left out get to just be kids. It’s part of Cary’s bigger push to make recreation more inclusive, but honestly, this is the kind of project that speaks for itself once you see it in action.

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Just outside downtown Raleigh, The Mill delivers one of those effortlessly cool dining experiences that feels equal parts neighborhood hangout and hidden gem. The space leans into its historic roots with warm wood tones, industrial touches, and just enough polish to make it date-night worthy without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a laid-back dinner with friends or sit at the bar and pretend you’ve been coming here for years.

The menu keeps things simple but sharp, focusing on elevated American staples with a seasonal twist that actually feels intentional, not forced. Think well-executed comfort food, strong cocktails, and a beer list that doesn’t miss. Service is friendly without hovering, and the overall vibe hits that sweet spot between casual and put-together. If you’re looking for a reliable spot that still feels a little under the radar, The Mill is an easy add to your rotation.

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Cary is getting a rare sports moment this summer, and it’s not soccer. International rugby is coming back to WakeMed Soccer Park, with the USA Eagles facing Spain on July 18 as part of the new World Rugby Nations Cup. It’s the final stop of the U.S. series and the first time Cary has hosted international rugby in more than a decade.

It’s another sign that Cary keeps landing big events. WakeMed already hosts pro teams, major tournaments, and NCAA championships, and now rugby is back in the mix. For locals, it’s an easy chance to see high-level international competition without leaving town.

Movie Night: The Princess and the Frog
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Great Lawn, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC)
Description: Free outdoor family movie screening of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog on the Great Lawn (preshow kids’ activities and food trucks begin at 6 PM).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Peak City Pig Fest (Apex)
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Fri) – also Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Apex Town Hall Campus (73 Hunter St, Apex, NC)
Description: Apex’s two-day barbecue festival featuring KCBS-sanctioned rib cooking contests, live music, a Friday night beer garden, food vendors, and family activities (free to attend).
Link: https://peakcitypigfest.com

Jeff Dye Comedy Show
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv (1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC)
Description: Popular stand-up comedian Jeff Dye performs his high-energy act (as seen on network TV) at the Cary Improv theatre.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (220 E Park St, Cary, NC)
Description: Weekly open-air market with local produce, baked goods, crafts and more, plus live music – a great way to start Saturday morning in Cary.
Link: https://www.caryfarmersmarket.com

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Town Hall (300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC)
Description: Saturday morning market featuring local produce, meats, plants, jams, and artisan foods in Holly Springs.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/576/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: The Depot (220 N Salem St, Apex, NC)
Description: Community market with local vendors selling seasonal produce, baked goods, crafts and more under the Depot gazebo in downtown Apex.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Western Wake Farmers Market (Morrisville)
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Morrisville Healthy Food Hub (101 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC)
Description: Regional farmers market with a wide range of local vendors. Special event: Free kitchen composter giveaway (limit one per household) runs 8–11 AM.
Link: https://westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Pimento Cheese Festival
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S Academy St, Cary, NC)
Description: Free festival celebrating the South’s favorite cheese spread – dozens of chefs and restaurants serve creative pimento cheese dishes, plus live music, games, and cheese sculpting contests.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

SpringsFest (Holly Springs)
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Main Street (200 Block Main St, Holly Springs, NC)
Description: Holly Springs’ annual spring street festival with food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, live entertainment, and kids’ activities along Main Street.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holly-springs-springsfest-food-truck-rodeo-desserts-family-fun-tickets-1977304755752

Chalk of the Town (Holly Springs)
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center (300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC)
Description: Community chalk art festival on the sidewalks and plaza – watch local artists create chalk masterpieces and explore an art market at the Cultural Center.
Link: https://hollyspringsnc.gov/2151/Chalk-of-the-Town

Live Music: Take 10 Band at TapStation (Apex)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: TapStation (320 S Salem St, Apex, NC)
Description: Free live outdoor concert featuring the Take 10 Band (rock/country/pop covers) on TapStation’s patio. Family-friendly atmosphere with food and beer for sale.
Link: https://www.tapstationapex.com

Jeff Dye Comedy Show (Repeat)
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv (1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC)
Description: Jeff Dye performs a second Saturday night show (same comedian as above).
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Apex Underground Market
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Town Center (2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC)
Description: Monthly craft market featuring 40+ local artisans and makers, live music, and a mini food-truck rodeo in Apex’s Sweetwater center. Free to attend, family- and pet-friendly.
Link: https://www.eventeny.com/events/2026-apex-underground-market-26024

Cary Players “Deathtrap” (Theater)
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center (101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC)
Description: Community theater presents Deathtrap by Ira Levin – a hilarious thriller about a playwright with a “killer” idea. Tickets available via Cary Players (ages teens+).
Link: https://www.caryplayers.org/deathtrap

Western Wake FM Composter Giveaway
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Morrisville Healthy Food Hub (101 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC)
Description: At the Morrisville farmers market, Wake County distributes free kitchen composters (8–11 AM, limit one per household) and offers composting tips. Market continues until noon.
Link: https://westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Live Music: The Phoebes at Fortnight Brewing (Cary)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing (220 Upton Rd, Cary, NC)
Description: Free live concert by indie-folk band The Phoebes on Fortnight’s patio. All-ages event; food trucks and Fortnight beers available for purchase.
Link: https://www.fortnightbrewing.com

Monday, April 13

Sunset Hike at Umstead State Park
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Umstead State Park (2100 Harrison Ave, Cary, NC)
Description: Free guided evening hike through Umstead State Park (Big Lake loop, ~3 miles) ending at sunset. All skill levels welcome.
Link: https://umsteadcoalition.org/event-6624780

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