📘Southern Cooking Done Right

Plus: Lazy Daze is Almost Here!

Good Morning, Cary.

I hope you’re all doing well and staying dry. It looks like Hurricane Erin will spare us this time around, and it couldn’t be at a better time: Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts festival is next week!

Today’s issue of Cary Digest breaks down all the info you need plus gives you some tips on the best parts of the festival (and when to go). So read on!

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

  • Lazy Daze info

  • Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

  • Pollinator census

  • Plenty of events to get you through the week

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

🎨 Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival Returns

Cary’s biggest art celebration is back! The 49th Annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival takes over the Cary Town Hall Campus in Downtown Cary on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 250 artists from across the country will showcase their work, alongside live performances, food, and family-friendly activities.

This year comes with a mix of fan favorites and fresh new features:

  • Demo Daze (Friday, Aug. 22, 6–9 p.m., Downtown Cary Park): Kick off the weekend with an evening preview full of live artist demos and hands-on activities.

  • The Chalk Walk: Thirteen large-scale interactive chalk murals will connect the festival grounds to Downtown Cary Park for an immersive art stroll.

  • Kid Collectors Market: Kids ages 6–12 can shop for $5 donated artwork (no parents allowed!) while supporting Cary’s Play It Forward scholarship fund.

  • Quiet Hours (Sunday, Aug. 24, 9–11 a.m.): A sensory-friendly time to explore the festival at a calmer pace.

  • Updated Shuttle Service: Free Park & Ride shuttles now run from South Hills Plaza, delivering attendees straight to the festival entrance.

📍 Location: Cary Town Hall Campus, Downtown Cary
⏰ Dates: August 23–24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🔗 More info: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/special-events/lazy-daze-arts-crafts-festival

Here’s What a 1-Day Gutter Upgrade Should Cost You

Today, seniors (even on a fixed income or pension) can afford a modern gutter guard, along with 1-day installation and a 100% no-clog guarantee.

With this new website, you can ‘skip’ the middleman, design a gutter guard that’s right for you, and get (fair) local pricing.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

If you’re craving Southern comfort food with a modern twist, Cary’s Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen should be on your radar. Tucked away on Tryon Road, this local favorite elevates traditional dishes with farm-fresh ingredients and a chef-driven seasonal menu.

Inside, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance; it’s upscale enough for a date night, but relaxed enough for Sunday brunch with friends or family. On warm evenings, the Garden Terrace patio is a can’t-miss spot for outdoor dining.

The menu celebrates the best of the South. Standouts include Skillet-Fried Chicken with collards and mashed potatoes, Shrimp & Grits with smoky Tasso ham gravy, and their signature Jambalaya loaded with shrimp, chicken, and sausage. Vegetarians aren’t left out, either. Dishes like Black Bean Cakes and Charred Hispi Cabbage are just as thoughtfully crafted.

Brunch is also a highlight, with hearty plates, craft cocktails, and plenty of hospitality. And if you’re in a hurry, their “Get Lucky & Go” option makes it easy to take favorites home.

With polished service, soulful food, and a welcoming vibe, Lucky 32 has earned its place as one of Cary’s true dining gems.

Community Events

🐝 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census

Become a citizen scientist with the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County during the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 22–23, 2025. All it takes is 15 minutes to count pollinators and contribute to important conservation research. It’s fun, family-friendly, and you can participate from your own backyard or at one of several Cobb County demonstration gardens.

Join us at sites like the Wright Environmental Education Center, Chattahoochee Nature Center, McFarlane Nature Park, and more across Marietta and Roswell. Stop by anytime during the event windows—each count only takes 15 minutes! Learn more and find full details at gsepc.org or cobbmastergardeners.com.

Weather

Tuesday

72🌡️84 | ⛈️ 30%

Wednesday

71🌡️86 | ⛈️ 30%

Thursday

69🌡️86 | ⛈️ 30%

Friday

69🌡️82 | ⛈️ 30%

Weather

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, August 19

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Social run with 2–5 mile routes for all paces, followed by craft beer.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Regal Summer Movie Express
Time: 10:00 AM (first show)
Location: Regal Crossroads 20, 501 Caitboo Ave, Cary, NC
Description: $1 family movie screenings for kids and parents.
Link: https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions/summer-movie-express

Travis Holp – Psychic Medium Live
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Interactive show with psychic medium Travis Holp providing readings and spiritual insights.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/comic/travis+holp/

Salem Street Music Club Open Mic
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Salem Street Music Club, 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/

Pottery Painting Workshop at Bombshell Beer
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Create and paint pottery pieces while enjoying craft beers (all materials provided).
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events

Yoga at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor yoga session suitable for all levels, led by Flowtious Soul Yoga (limited mats available).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Karaoke Bingo at KōMANA Brewing
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Lively bingo night combined with karaoke rounds – sing along and win fun prizes.
Link: https://komanabrewing.com

Spades Group at Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern, 107 Edinburgh S Dr #213, Cary, NC
Description: Free weekly meet-up for spades card games, open to all skill levels for a night of cards and camaraderie.
Link: https://www.carygametavern.com

Wednesday, August 20

Summer BreakOUT!
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free family-friendly celebration packed with crafts, games, bubble art, roaming magic, character meet-and-greets, and more – ending with an outdoor movie under the stars.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Movie Night: Wicked (Part One)
Time: Activities at 6:00 PM, Movie at Sunset (~8:30 PM)
Location: Great Lawn, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor screening of Wicked (Part One) with themed pre-show activities, food trucks, and special character appearances.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Regal Summer Movie Express
Time: 10:00 AM (first show)
Location: Regal Crossroads 20, 501 Caitboo Ave, Cary, NC
Description: $1 family movie screenings for kids and parents.
Link: https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions/summer-movie-express

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, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Complimentary wine tastings and shopping specials in the store.
Link: https://fentonnc.com

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 with plenty of tunes and prizes – fun for all ages.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_music-bingo

Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting: Dive Into Greece
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Umstead Hotel & Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Guided tasting journey through Greek wines led by the Umstead’s sommelier, featuring unique grape varieties and light pairings (ticketed event, ages 21+).
Link: https://www.theumstead.com/events

Thursday, August 21

Toad the Wet Sprocket: Good Intentions Tour
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Live outdoor concert by ’90s alt-rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket with special guests KT Tunstall and Sixpence None the Richer.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/toad-the-wet-sprocket

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 cuisine from the Pinoy BBQ food truck, served at the downtown taproom.
Link: https://allevents.in/cary/pinoy-bbq-cotton-house-cary/200028484693638

Bombshell Beer Run/Walk Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free weekly social run/walk for all paces, starting and ending at the brewery (with post-run beers on the patio).
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events/Bombshell-Beer-Run-Club

Music Bingo at Fortnight Brewing
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free music bingo night at the English-style brewery – listen to song clips, mark your card, and win prizes.
Link: https://www.fortnightbrewing.com/event-calendar/

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 – drop in anytime and get crafty with provided materials.
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 on the big floor (ages 21+ after 9pm).
Link: https://fentonnc.com

“Sorry, Baby” (Film)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Indie black comedy-drama about a young woman coping with life after a traumatic event (Rated R).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/sorry-baby-6/the-cary/cary/

Friday, August 22

Demo Daze at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free preview event for the Lazy Daze Arts Festival featuring live art demonstrations in various mediums, interactive craft stations, and a kids’ “Doodle Daze” art zone.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Shin Godzilla (Film)
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Screening of the acclaimed 2016 Japanese Godzilla reboot Shin Godzilla (in 4K restoration) – a thrilling mix of monster action and political satire (Rated PG-13).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/shin-godzilla-4k/the-cary/cary/

Eddington (Film)
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Western drama set in 2020, portraying a tense standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor (Rated R).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/eddington/the-cary/cary/

Steve Byrne 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 by Steve Byrne – the veteran comedian and star of the sitcom Sullivan & Son – performing two back-to-back shows (21+).
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/comic/steve+byrne/

Painting with a Twist: “Natural State Waterfall”
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Painting with a Twist, 329 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Instructor-led painting class where you’ll create a scenic waterfall artwork on canvas; BYO wine or beer for a fun, creative night out (ages 18+).
Link: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/cary/event/4061474/

Bland Sawyer Live at Abbey Road
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Abbey Road Tavern & Grill, 1195 W Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Free live music on the patio with local singer-songwriter Bland Sawyer playing favorite rock and folk hits.
Link: https://www.abbeyroadnc.com/events

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Event at Ulta
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ulta Beauty, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC
Description: Drop-in makeup event showcasing Charlotte Tilbury products – enjoy free makeup demos, beauty tips from experts, and exclusive product offers.
Link: https://www.ulta.com/events

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