📘Mayor Weinbrecht Wants to Hear Your Thoughts on Cary

Happy Tuesday Cary!

I hope your week is going well, there’s tons of extra things going on across town this week for Easter! Everything from a concert at Koka Booth to the State of Cary with Mayor Weinbrecht.

Oh, and by the way— Cary Digest is looking for one new sponsor! If you run a reliable service, company, or local business, we want to work with you. More on that below.

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• When and where to see Billy Strings this weekend

• A spotlight on a local pizza tavern

• The state of Cary 2024

• Watercolor fun in the downtown park

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Billy Strings Live in Cary This Weekend!

Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience as Grammy-winning bluegrass sensation Billy Strings returns to Cary for a three-night residency at the scenic Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Mark your calendars for April 17, 18, and 19, with each show starting at 7:30 PM and doors opening at 6:30 PM.

Known for his electrifying performances and genre-blending style, Billy Strings will showcase tracks from his latest album, Highway Prayers, alongside fan favorites like “Cabin Song” and “Seven Weeks In County.” ​

🎟️ Ticket Information:

• General Admission Pit: Standing only; chairs are not provided or permitted.

• General Admission Lawn: Open seating behind the pit area.

• Reserved Table Seats: Covered seating located behind the lawn area; available in 4- and 6-seat tables.

A Message From… Cary Digest!

Our Local Readers Want Your Local Services!

You’re reading Cary Digest, so you get it—people around here support local, want real recommendations, and not spammy ads.

That’s exactly why we’re opening up a few spots for trusted local businesses to advertise.

If you offer a service and take pride in doing it right—whether it’s landscaping, massage, cleaning, financial services, or something else entirely—there’s a good chance our readers are looking for you.

And since you're already here, you know we keep things local, useful, and honest. But we’re careful about who we partner with. Our readers trust us, and only want services in Cary that:

• We’d recommend to a family member

• Have a great reputation and are local to Cary

• Actually love and care about the work and services they provide

So if that sounds like you, we’d love to discuss partnering up.

➡️Reach out at [email protected]
Let’s help Cary citizens support exceptional Cary businesses!

Restaurant of the Week Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits!

If you're craving a lively atmosphere paired with a diverse menu, Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits is a must-visit. Established locally in 1999, Ruckus has become a local favorite, offering a blend of classic and inventive dishes in a vibrant setting.

Menu Highlights:

• Specialty Pizzas: From the classic Margherita to the bold Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Ruckus offers a variety of handcrafted pizzas made to order. ​

• Creative Starters: Don't miss the Buffalo Chicken Rangoons—crispy wontons filled with house-made buffalo chicken dip, drizzled with Thai chili glaze and cilantro.

• Signature Tacos: The Brisket Tacos, featuring smoked brisket, pickled red onions, and Ruckus guacamole, are a crowd favorite.

🍹 Atmosphere & Experience:

Ruckus is more than just a restaurant; it's a gathering place. With multiple TVs, a full-service bar, and regular live music, it's an ideal spot for watching the game or enjoying a night out with friends. The outdoor seating area provides a relaxed environment for dining al fresco.​

📍 Location & Hours:

8111 Tryon Woods Dr, Cary, NC 27518​

Open daily from 11:00 AM to late night, with extended hours on weekends

Town Updates

You're Invited: State of Cary 2025 with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht!

Want to know what’s really going on in Cary? Mayor Harold Weinbrecht will deliver the annual State of Cary address on April 22 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cary Town Hall.

This is your chance to hear updates on infrastructure, sustainability, public safety, and more—straight from the top. Stick around after the presentation for a live Q&A session where you can ask questions and share your thoughts.

📍 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: April 22
🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m.
📌 Location: Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street

⚠️ Heads up: This event won’t be livestreamed. If you can’t make it, you can still catch up by viewing the presentation and reading the transcript at carync.gov/stateofcary.

Have questions ahead of time? Visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 from within Cary, or call (919) 469-4000 outside town limits.

Community Events

Paint Spring in Bloom with the Cary Arts Center

Capture the beauty of the season with the Cary Arts Center’s “Beautiful Spring Trees in Watercolor” workshop. On April 16, join fellow art lovers to learn how to paint the iconic redbud tree in full bloom. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, all skill levels are welcome and supplies are included.

Details:

• Date: April 16, 2025

• Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Location: DCP Academy Pavilion

Registration opens at 10 am two weeks prior to the event through Downtown Cary Park. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early to reserve your place.

Things to do this week and weekend

Free Events

Children’s Day Festival

• Time: Sat, Apr 19 @ 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Celebrate cultural diversity with international crafts, dance performances, face painting, and food trucks. A family-friendly event co-hosted by the American Turkish Association of North Carolina.

Cary Downtown Farmers Market

• Time: Sat, Apr 19 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: East Park St. near Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Shop for fresh produce, meats, and artisan goods. The market offers a SNAP/EBT matching program and is a great way to support local vendors.

Science in the Spillway

• Time: Multiple Dates

  • Wed, Apr 16 @ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Sat, Apr 19 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Sun, Apr 20 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Engage in hands-on science activities suitable for all ages. A perfect outing for curious minds.

Festivals & Events

Billy Strings Spring Tour

• Time: Thu–Sat, Apr 17–19 @ 7:30 PM

• Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre

• Description: Experience Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Billy Strings live. Note: The April 19 show is sold out, but tickets may still be available for April 17 and 18.

Shana Tucker Quartet

• Time: Wed, Apr 16 @ 5:45 PM – 8:30 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Enjoy an evening of chamber-soul music blending jazz and classical styles.

Spring A Cappella Concert with 'Chordination'

• Time: Wed, Apr 16 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Location: Cary Arts Center

• Description: Delight in harmonious performances by the local a cappella group 'Chordination'.

Craig Robinson (21+ Event)

• Time: Fri, Apr 18 @ 7:00 PM

• Location: Raleigh Improv, Cary

• Description: Enjoy a night of comedy with actor and comedian Craig Robinson.

Film 🎬

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

• Time: Wed, Apr 16 @ 2:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: A documentary exploring the life and career of singer-songwriter Janis Ian.

Suze

• Time: Wed, Apr 16 @ 7:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: A heartfelt film about a single mother's journey to rediscover purpose.

Easter Parade

• Time: Sun, Apr 20 @ 3:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Classic musical film featuring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.

Jesus Christ Superstar

• Time: Sun, Apr 20 @ 6:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Film adaptation of the renowned rock opera depicting the last week of Jesus' life.

Workshops & Classes

Beautiful Spring Trees in Watercolor

• Time: Wed, Apr 16 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Location: DCP Academy Pavilion

• Description: Learn to paint blooming redbud trees in watercolor. All skill levels welcome; supplies provided.

Open Paint – Pick Your Own Painting

• Time: Fri, Apr 18 @ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Cheers N Paint, 2773 NC-55

• Description: Choose your favorite painting to create in a relaxed, instructor-led session. Suitable for all ages.

Easter Sunday Events

Easter at Crosspointe

• Time: Sun, Apr 20 @ 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

• Location: Crosspointe Church, Cary

• Description: Celebrate Easter with services open to all.

Easter Brunch at Herons

• Time: Sun, Apr 20

• Location: The Umstead Hotel and Spa

• Description: Enjoy a special Easter brunch at the acclaimed Herons restaurant. Reservations recommended.

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