Happy Friday, Cary.

Thanks for joining me again this morning. Let’s waste no time and get straight to the good stuff.

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

• Great events

• An important town update

• Cary Art Daze

• Women- and veteran-owned brewery

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Calling All Cary Nonprofits: Apply Now for a Cary Art Daze Grant

The Cary Art Daze Grants program is back for 2026, and local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity to support art-based projects that enrich the Cary community. Funded by proceeds from the Town’s signature Spring Daze and Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festivals, the program will distribute $40,000 in grants to nonprofits working to inspire, uplift, and connect through the arts.

Eligible Cary-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are invited to submit applications by the November 16 deadline. Priority will be given to proposals that emphasize cultural arts, align with Town of Cary initiatives, or strengthen downtown Cary’s cultural landscape. The grant application period is now open and awards will be distributed in January 2026. Since its inception, the Cary Art Daze Grants program has awarded over $950,000—don’t miss your chance to be part of Cary’s creative future.

Sponsored By Finance Buzz: Costco’s Best-Kept Secrets: 10 Weird Tricks Only Superfans Know

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out their list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest this summer? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Pet Adoption Event at Pet Supplies Plus (Cary)

Stop by Pet Supplies Plus in Cary this Saturday from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM for a special adoption event. Meet a group of adorable, adoptable dogs and puppies who are ready to find their forever homes. It’s the perfect chance to make a new furry friend and support a great cause.

And get this: on October 22nd, Shake Shack in Waverly Place will be contributing 25% of all purchases towards the charity! Just use promo code “DONATE” at checkout!

Volunteers are always welcome to help during events by holding leashes or assisting visitors. If you’d like to get involved, email [email protected]

Restaurant Spotlight: Beer Box Cary

If you’re in the mood for a relaxed neighborhood taproom with a focus on local brews, head to Beer Box Cary at 1200 Gathering Park Circle, Suite 100. The bar features craft beers from North Carolina breweries, including women-owned, veteran-owned, and smaller operations, and it rotates its draft selection regularly.

The vibe at Beer Box Cary is casual and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating and a setting that works for friends catching up, trivia nights, or just trying something new. You’ll also find fun events like karaoke, Music Bingo, and food-truck nights.

Town Updates

Cary Crews Gear Up for Winter with Annual Snow Rodeo

Cary’s A-Team is back at it this week for the annual Snow Rodeo, a hands-on training exercise to prepare for winter weather. Residents may notice plows, brine trucks, and leaf equipment across town as crews test routes, update neighborhood maps, and sharpen their storm response skills. With more than 300 staff, 75 plows, and 3,000 tons of salt on standby, Cary is ready to keep roads safe this winter. Now’s a great time for residents to prep too—sign up for alerts at ReadyWake.com

Community

Want a Free Tree?

Cary’s My Tree, Our Tree program is now open for registration! Two native species: Basswood and Black Gum—are still available while supplies last. Cary residents can reserve a free tree for pickup on November 8 at the Herb Young Community Center. This annual program promotes local forestry and a greener Cary. Learn more and register at carync.gov/mytreeourtree

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, October 17

Cary Night Market: Boozilla
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Local vendors, a pet costume parade & contest, food trucks, live music, and more spooky fun at Cary’s Halloween-themed night market (costumes encouraged).
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/cary-night-market/

Oktoberfest Party at The Backyard Bar (Apex)
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Backyard Bar, 2901 US-64, Apex, NC
Description: Dust off the lederhosen for a high-energy Oktoberfest bash with the Oak City Polka Kings, featuring beer-hall singalongs, lively polka tunes, and plenty of German cheer.
Link: https://thebackyardbarnc.com/event-details/oak-city-polka-kings-oktoberfest-party

Apex Community Dance
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Family-friendly community dance with a live band and caller, featuring easy square and contra dances taught on the spot; no experience needed and all ages welcome (tickets $2).
Link: https://apexnc.org/2082/Apex-Community-Dance

Michael Longfellow Comedy Show
Time: 7:00 PM & 9:15 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Stand-up comic and new SNL cast member Michael Longfellow delivers sharp wit and hilarious observations in two back-to-back evening shows at Cary’s improv comedy club.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/comic/michael+longfellow/

Saturday, October 18

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 200 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly open-air market with fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, and live music in the heart of downtown Cary.
Link: https://www.caryfarmersmarket.com

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Local produce, meats, artisan foods, and more, plus occasional live music and kids’ activities at Holly Springs’ bustling Saturday market.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Community-focused farmers market featuring seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, homemade goods, and live music in downtown Apex.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Harvest Fest at Good Hope Farm
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 1580 Morrisville Carpenter Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free fall festival on Cary’s historic teaching farm with live music, kids’ activities, farm tours, local sustainable vendors, food trucks, craft beer, and more celebrating agriculture and community.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/good-hope-farm-cary/

Fenton Makers Market
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Fenton Square, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Monthly pop-up market showcasing 40+ local artists and makers, live music, and family fun at Cary’s new Fenton district (free admission).
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/fenton-cary/

Dead Serious Drawing (Teen Halloween Sketching)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Academy Plaza), Cary, NC
Description: Teens-only urban sketching session where young artists draw a real skeleton model in fun poses – a spooky, creative Halloween art meetup (materials provided if needed).
Link: https://raleighfamilyadventure.com/event/dead-serious-drawing/

CaryLive! Concert: TAE & The Neighborly
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Great Lawn), 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert series finale featuring soulful vocals and feel-good grooves from indie-soul band TAE & The Neighborly to cap off the season under the stars.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/cary-live-concert/

Sunday, October 19

Buddy Walk (Holly Springs)
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Community “Buddy Walk” festival celebrating individuals with Down syndrome – enjoy a fun walk, music, games, bounce houses, food vendors, and family activities in support of the NC Down Syndrome Alliance.
Link: https://www.ncdsalliance.org (event info)

Hocus Pocus Drag Brunch
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: A campy, family-friendly* drag brunch extravaganza with a Hocus Pocus Halloween theme – enjoy brunch fare and fabulous drag performances that will leave you spellbound (*under 18 allowed with adult).
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/event/hocus+pocus+drag+brunch/14538973/

Jazz’d Up Sundays: The Noel Freidline Quartet & Maria Howell
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Great Lawn Pavilion), 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free jazz concert in the park featuring acclaimed pianist Noel Freidline and vocalist Maria Howell delivering smooth, world-class jazz to wrap up Cary’s fall Sunday series (bring chairs or a blanket).
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/jazzd-up-sundays-cary/

Lead Singers of Classic Rock
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Jason Scheff (Chicago) and Tommy DeCarlo (Boston) unite their legendary high-tenor vocals for an evening of ’70s–’90s rock hits – an unforgettable classic rock concert with full band at Cary’s lakeside amphitheatre.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/legends-of-classic-rock

Thanks for reading Cary Digest! If you enjoyed the newsletter, please share it! I’ll send you another email in a few days. If you’ve read a few issues, and want to support local news and the Cary community, please considering buying a paid subscription to show your support.