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Good morning, Cary.

How’s your week going? I hope it’s off to a lovely start as the weather starts to cool down a bit.

Today’s issue is packed with info. We’ve got veterans events, a charity spotlight, and even some news about a new sushi restaurant replacing Red Lobster in Crossroads!

I hope you enjoy.

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Rock Your World in Cary 🎵

Cary residents filled Fenton Gateway Drive on Sunday for the annual Rock Your World concert. The free, family-friendly event featured live sets from the Rae Raddick Band, Band of Brothers, and the American Bombshells. Along with enjoying the music, attendees supported local nonprofits including U.S. Veterans Corps, a Raleigh group that helps the military community with housing, toy drives, and disaster relief.

For U.S. Veterans Corps, the anniversary of 9/11 is especially meaningful. Many of their younger members joined the military in response to the attacks, and spokesperson Andrew Ladner says the group sees this concert as both a celebration and a reminder of sacrifice. Beyond their work with veteran housing, the organization also helped Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene last year by sending volunteers to support relief efforts.

Red Lobster Out, Umi Sushi In at Crossroads Plaza 🍣

Another big restaurant shake-up is coming to Cary. The longtime Red Lobster at Crossroads Plaza has closed, and the space will soon be home to Umi Sushi, a new concept led by restaurateur Hugo Gao. The location is right on Walnut Street next to Olive Garden and Chick-fil-A, making it a prime spot for Cary diners.

The closing reflects a larger trend triggered after Red Lobster’s sale to private equity firms. Under past owners, including Golden Gate Capital and Thai Union, the chain shuttered more than 100 locations and grappled with mounting debt brought on by costly leasebacks and financial missteps following the private equity purchase. The stress on operations, partly blamed on unsustainable promotions like its “endless shrimp” deal, played a role in its 2024 bankruptcy filing. Umi Sushi now steps into that spot, offering a vibrant new option in the heart of Cary.

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Charity of the Week: The Green Chair Project

Sometimes a home needs more than four walls. That is where The Green Chair Project steps in. This Raleigh-based nonprofit collects gently used furniture and household items, then redistributes them to families in Wake County who are rebuilding their lives after homelessness, crisis, or disaster. Every couch, bed, and dining table makes a new space feel like home again.

Beyond furniture, the group runs programs that ensure children have safe beds to sleep in, families have essentials for daily living, and homes are restored with dignity. Volunteers help refurbish donated items, donors provide the pieces, and local agencies refer families in need. The result is a simple but powerful cycle: community members helping neighbors find comfort, stability, and hope.

👉 Learn more or get involved: https://thegreenchair.org

Community Events

Fall Enrichment Workshops at YWI ✍️

Calling all storytellers, poets, and budding authors: the Young Writers’ Institute in Cary is kicking off its fall enrichment workshops starting September 17 at 312 West Chatham Street. The program runs through May 2026 and is designed to meet writers wherever they are—whether you’re brimming with ideas, just getting started, or struggling to find your voice.

Workshops are open to all ages and skill levels, making it a great opportunity for kids, teens, and adults to flex their creative muscles in a supportive space. With a full calendar of offerings, the Institute provides a chance to grow as a writer while connecting with others who share a love of words.

👉 Learn more and register here: https://trianglekidswrite.net/school-year

Weather

Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Thursday

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Friday

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Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, September 9

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Social run with 3 or 5 mile routes for all paces, followed by craft beer.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Toddler Tuesday – Toddler Painting
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Great Lawn Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free drop-in painting activity for toddlers and young children.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Salem Street Music Club Open Mic
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Salem Street Music Club (at Oaklyn Springs Taproom), 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Local musicians perform at a relaxed open mic night.
Link: https://allevents.in/apex/salem-street-music-club-open-mic/

Trivia Night at Abbey Road (Apex)
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Abbey Road Tavern & Grill, 1700 Center St, Apex, NC
Description: Free team trivia hosted by Not Rocket Science Trivia, with gift-card prizes.
Link: https://allevents.in/apex/trivia-night/200028472359909

Wednesday, September 10

Sunset Music Series at Waverly Place – Bantum Rooster
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert by high-energy party band Bantum Rooster, plus food and drinks on-site.
Link: https://waverlycary.com/events/sunset-music-series/

Summer Vibes in the Park – EG Peters Band
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Jack Smith Park, 9725 Penny Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert featuring tropical tunes, with a food truck and local beer available.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/summer-vibes-music-series-cary/

Music Bingo at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Bark Bar Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Music-themed bingo night with prizes and plenty of tunes.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_music-bingo

Bond Brothers Trivia Night
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Free team trivia night with prizes for the top teams.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Bailey’s Wine Wednesday
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, 1 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Complimentary wine tastings and specials while you shop.
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Thursday, September 11

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival (Opening Day)
Time: 2:00 PM (festival events throughout the afternoon and evening)
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Annual short film and screenplay festival kicks off with screenings, workshops, and an opening night party.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/beyond-the-cary-film-festival/

Pinoy BBQ at Cotton House
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cotton House Craft Brewers, 307 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Authentic Filipino barbecue from the Pinoy BBQ food truck, serving grilled meats and traditional sides.
Link: https://allevents.in/cary/pinoy-bbq-cotton-house-cary/200028484693638

Trivia Night at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bark Bar Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free live trivia competition under the stars, hosted by local trivia masters (all ages welcome).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Bombshell Beer Run/Walk Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free social run/walk for all paces, ending with craft brews in the taproom.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events/Bombshell-Beer-Run-Club

Drop-In Art Cart
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free creative arts and crafts activities for kids to enjoy in the park after school.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Line Dancing at Sports & Social Cary
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Sports & Social, 301 Fenton Gateway Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Free country line dancing lesson and open dance session (ages 21+).
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Friday, September 12

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival (Day 2)
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Short film screenings, filmmaker workshops, and panel discussions continue all day as part of Cary’s annual film festival.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/beyond-the-cary-film-festival/

Cary Night Market at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: A monthly evening market featuring 50+ local artisan vendors, food trucks, desserts, and live music under the string lights.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_cary-night-market

Marcus D. Wiley Stand-Up Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Live stand-up comedy show by comedian Marcus D. Wiley, delivering laughs with his unique storytelling style.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/comic/marcus+d.+wiley/

North Carolina FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Professional USL Championship soccer match – cheer on North Carolina FC in an exciting home game.
Link: https://www.northcarolinafc.com

Summer at the Springs – On The Rocks
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center Lawn, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert featuring local band “On The Rocks” (classic hits and rock favorites), with food trucks on site and beer/wine for purchase.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/1417/Summer-at-the-Springs

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