📘The Chinese Lantern Festival is Back!

Good morning, Cary!

It’s a cold one today, make sure to bundle up and stay warm. This is my favorite time of the year!

Before we get into the rest of the newsletter, I have a question for you all. A fellow newsletter operator out of Raleigh reached out and discussed running a meet and greet for Cary Digest readers sometime in December. This was very popular with his readers, but I wanted to gauge your interest before reaching out to a venue or making any plans.

Is this something you would be interested in? Build some community, share your thoughts on the newsletter, and enjoy a night together. Let me know by answering the poll.

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

• The Chinese Lantern Festival is back!

• Downtown Cary eats

• .

• More events to fill your week

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Chinese Lantern Festival Lights Up Cary for 10th Year

The Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, November 15, bringing back one of Cary’s favorite holiday traditions. Now in its 10th year, the festival runs through January 11, 2026, and features all-new handcrafted lanterns, including a massive 164-foot floating display on Symphony Lake. With glowing themes like Chinese culture, mythical creatures, and interactive art, the walk-through experience offers something magical for everyone.

More than 50 Chinese artisans and performers come to Cary each fall to hand-build the lanterns using silk, steel, and thousands of LEDs. Each night, the festival hosts live performances like foot juggling, diabolo spinning, acrobatics, and the elegant Peacock Dance. It’s an evening full of lights, movement, and fun for all ages.

Sponsored by Aidan Marie Jewelry

At Aidan Marie Jewelry, every piece begins with intention. Local jeweler Aidan shapes gold and gemstone into designs that balance simplicity and quiet strength, creating pieces that feel as timeless as they look.

From subtle bands to bold statements, each creation carries her signature precision and warmth, meant to be worn and loved for years to come.

This holiday season, give something that endures with free. Enjoy your thoughtfully made gift with complimentary gift wrapping on every order.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Academy Street Bistro!

Right on Cary’s historic main street, Academy Street Bistro serves seasonal American food with French and Southern influences. The space feels warm and intimate with a cozy dining room and a patio that’s perfect for sunny afternoons or a relaxed evening out.

The menu changes often to reflect fresh ingredients. You might find braised short ribs, seared scallops, or house-made pasta, all plated with care. The bar keeps things classic with well-made cocktails and a solid wine list. It’s an easy place to settle in and enjoy a good meal in the middle of downtown.

Community Events

Truck Day at Bright Horizons

Bright Horizons is hosting Truck Day this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at 800 Weston Parkway in Cary. Families can explore a variety of big trucks, enjoy food vendors, listen to music, and check out interactive exhibits. The event kicks off with a sensory-friendly period from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, with no lights or loud sounds, making it more accessible for children with sensory sensitivities. It’s a free event and open to the public, so bring the kids and enjoy a morning full of fun.

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, July 15

Children’s Bingo in the Park
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Great Lawn Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free drop-in bingo games for kids with fun prizes.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/event/childrens-bingo/

Wine and Cheese Education Night
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Stanley Dentistry, 3731 NW Cary Parkway, Cary, NC
Description: Sample wines and cheeses while learning about dental health in a relaxed session.
Link: https://www.carymagazine.com/event/wine-and-cheese-education-night/

Summer Appetizers & Small Plates (Cooking Class)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Home for Entertaining, 119 W Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Hands-on cooking class focused on seasonal appetizers and summer fare.
Link: https://thetriangleweekender.com/event/summer-appetizers-small-plates/

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

Open Mic Night at Salem Street Music Club
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/

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

Wednesday, July 16

Summer Vibes in the Park (Live Music)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor summer concert featuring local musicians.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/concerts/summer-vibes-concert-series

Paper Quilling Workshop
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Creative crafting workshop using paper quilling techniques.
Link: https://www.eastcityart.com/workshops-and-classes/quilling/

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 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.
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

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 specials while you shop.
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Thursday, July 17

Pub Trivia at Doherty’s Irish Pub (Apex)
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 5490 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Description: Weekly pub trivia night with DJ music and prizes.
Link: https://www.dohertysirishpubnc.com/eventcalendar

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 with post-run brews.
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.
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 social (21+).
Link: https://fentonnc.com

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.
Link: https://allevents.in/cary/pinoy-bbq-cotton-house-cary/200028484693638

Friday, July 18

Single Mingle – SPLASH!
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Adults-only splash pad night and social with games and music at The Nest (ages 21+).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_single-mingle-splash

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre Presents: The Tempest
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Talented local youth present a magical stage version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/arts-culture/youth-theatre/upcoming-productions/the-tempest

Desperately Seeking Susan (40th Anniversary Screening)
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this beloved Madonna classic on the big screen.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/desperately-seeking-susan/the-cary/cary/

Materialists (Film)
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: New foodie romantic comedy starring Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/materialists-4/the-cary/cary/

The Unholy Trinity (Film)
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Gritty Western film with an all-star cast and suspenseful plot.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-unholy-trinity-6/the-cary/cary/

Sweetwater Town Center Evening Pop-up Market
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Town Center, 2701 Lawnview Lane, Apex, NC
Description: Free night market with local artisan vendors, live music, and food trucks.
Link: https://apexchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/sweetwater-town-center-evening-pop-up-market-11948

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