Hi Cary!

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

— Jake from Cary Digest

The 8th Annual Pimento Cheese Festival is back this Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park. More than 50 vendors will be serving up creative pimento cheese dishes, along with local brews, live music from The Embers, a cheese sculpting contest, and a few extras like a golf simulator and the Pimento Cheese Lounge. It’s a full afternoon to snack, hang out, and catch some music in the park.

If you’re heading out, plan for a road closure on Academy Street between Dry Avenue and Park Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking will be available around downtown, including the Cedar Street Parking Deck, with accessible parking at the Cary Arts Center lot.

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SAAP brings something different to the Cary dining scene with a focused Laotian menu built around bold, balanced flavors. The space feels modern but comfortable, with plenty of natural light and a relaxed atmosphere that works for anything from a casual dinner to a small night out. Service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the flow of small plates makes it easy to settle in and try a few things.

The food leans into fresh herbs, bright acidity, and a steady level of heat that keeps each dish interesting. Favorites include papaya salad, grilled skewers, and noodle dishes that carry deeper, richer flavors. Sharing is the way to go here so you can sample a range of textures and sauces in one visit. It is a strong pick if you are looking to switch things up from the usual options around Cary.

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Cary is celebrating Earth Month all April with a mix of outdoor events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities focused on sustainability, conservation, and community engagement. Residents can take part in hands-on programs, learn about local environmental efforts, and connect with others through activities designed for all experience levels.

Events to know:

Tuesday, April 7
Toddler Tuesday: Jr. SportsPlay
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (DCP Arena, Park Street Courts), 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free parent-child sports class with baseball-themed games for kids (ages 6 and under) at Downtown Cary Park.
Link: https://raleighfamilyadventure.com/event/toddler-tuesday-jr-sportsplay/

Wednesday, April 8
CaryVan: Symphony Under the Stars
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Free CaryVan family shuttle and picnic outing to an evening jazz concert at Koka Booth Amphitheatre (jazz by local NC artists, with reserved seating and provided picnic dinner).
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/25919/3405

Kate McGarry/Keith Ganz Quartet (Booth Amphitheatre KBA Jazz)
Time: 5:45 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Jazz concert featuring vocalist Kate McGarry and guitarist Keith Ganz as part of the Booth Amphitheatre’s Jazz series.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events

Free Children’s Movie at Holly Springs Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center (Main Hall), 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free family-friendly children’s movie screening at the Holly Springs Cultural Center (weekly free movie morning, concessions available).
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=14422&month=4&year=2026&day=8&calType=0

Thursday, April 9
Live at Lunch: Zach Burrus
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Great Lawn Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free lunchtime outdoor concert featuring singer-songwriter Zach Burrus (bring lunch or picnic – part of the weekly Live at Lunch music series).
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/26242/3405

Thursday Night Music Club: Emily Scott Robinson
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Live acoustic concert with Emily Scott Robinson (folk/Americana singer-songwriter) at The Cary Theater’s weekly music series (21+ event).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/27072/

Friday, April 10
Movie Night – The Princess and the Frog
Time: 6:00 PM (movie at dusk, ~7:45 PM)
Location: Great Lawn, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor screening of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog under the stars at Downtown Cary Park (preshow activities from 6–7:30 PM; bring blankets/chairs).
Link: https://www.downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_movie-night-9

Cary Players – Deathtrap (Play)
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre Lawn or Cary Arts Center (check venue) – 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Thrilling stage production of Deathtrap by the Cary Players (mystery-comedy play with twists, adults/adolescents).
Link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12716/cary-theatre

Cary Theater – Ghost Elephant (Movie)
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Family-friendly animated fantasy film (Ghost Elephant) screening at The Cary Theater (includes popcorn; suitable for kids and adults).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/27131/

Peak City PigFest (Barbecue Festival)
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Apex Town Hall Campus (Parking Lot), 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
Description: Annual BBQ festival in Apex with Kansas City BBQ judges, live music, and a Friday-night beer garden (family-friendly, proceeds benefit local charities; bring lawn chairs/blanket).
Link: https://www.peakcitypigfest.com/

Live Music – The Humble Braggers (Mike Gangi)
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Peak of the Vine, 301 N Salem St Ste 102, Apex, NC
Description: Live blues/rock music by Mike Gangi and The Humble Braggers (energizing evening concert at Apex’s Peak of the Vine restaurant/winery).
Link: https://www.peakofthevine.com/event-details/live-music-w-the-humble-braggers-mike-gangi-guests-2026-04-10-20-00

Storytime & Crafts (Morrisville)
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Location: Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 Town Hall Dr #B, Morrisville, NC
Description: Kids’ storytime followed by a themed craft project (free event to inspire reading and creativity, ages preschool+).
Link: https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/Events-directory/Storytime-Crafts

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