📘A Must-Try New Noodle Restaurant

Hi Cary!

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

• Chinese Lantern Festival’s Record-Breaking Year

• Cary Digest is Hiring!

• New Noodle Restaraunt

• Return of The Soccer Tournament (TST)

• More Weekly Events

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Chinese Lantern Festival Wraps Up Record Year

Clean-up is getting underway at Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary after the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival wrapped up its 10th season, and organizers say it was another record-breaking year. More than 249,000 people attended the festival, which featured hundreds of handcrafted lanterns lighting up the venue over the course of the season.

Visitors came from all 50 states and eight different countries, with 22 nights completely sold out. Organizers say the festival will return to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in November, bringing an entirely new collection of lanterns for guests to enjoy once again.

Cary Digest is Hiring!

In case you missed my last email, Cary Digest is hiring.

I’m looking for somebody who has a passion for local journalism, writing, and Cary/the Triangle. This is open to anyone of all ages and experience backgrounds, but I think the ideal candidate is somebody like myself 5 years ago:

• In college, pursuing a humanities degree (preferably something in Journalism).

• Experience with writing and editing news-style content, even if only in a college class.

• Interest in growing with Cary Digest and evolving what you do for the newsletter as time goes on

If that sounds like you or somebody you

know, I encourage you to check out this job posting and apply here. If that sounds like somebody you know, maybe your kid, grand-kid, or friend, please forward this email to them.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: The Noodle Smith

New to Cary on Maynard, The Noodle Smith is the kind of spot you find once and immediately start telling people about. The focus here is on hand-pulled noodles, and you can taste the care that goes into them from the first bite. Bowls come out steaming and generous, with rich broths, springy noodles, and toppings that feel comforting but never boring. It is casual, unfussy, and perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner when you want something warm and satisfying.

What really makes The Noodle Smith stand out is how consistently good everything is. Whether you go for a classic noodle soup or branch out into something a little spicier, it all feels thoughtfully made. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, the kind of place where you can slurp noodles without judgment and leave full and happy. If you are craving real-deal noodle comfort in Cary, this is absolutely a place to keep in your regular rotation.

Town Updates

Community Events

The Soccer Tournament (TST) 2026 Dates Set!

The Soccer Tournament will return to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary earlier than usual in 2026 because of the World Cup. The 7v7 event runs from May 27 through June 1 and features $1 million winner-take-all prizes for both the men’s and women’s divisions. Pre-sale tickets go on sale Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. The state has awarded a $6.8 million grant to keep the tournament in Cary through 2029. Last year, Bumpy Pitch FC and the U.S. Women won their divisions, each taking home $1 million.

Weather

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, January 27

Art Cart
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, East Park Street, Cary, NC
Description: Free drop-in arts and crafts activities for kids and families in the park.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_art-cart-196

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: Hangout Bar and Grill, Cary, NC
Description: Local and regional comedians test new material in a casual open mic setting.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-comedy-open-mic-cary-nc-tickets-1544789780819

Trivia Night at Amberly Local
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Amberly Local, Cary, NC
Description: Free team trivia night with rotating categories and prizes.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com

Wednesday, January 28

Winter Bird Adventure
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Guided walk exploring local winter bird species and habitats.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_ENVI0061_002

Speed Puzzling Night
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Timed jigsaw puzzle competition open to beginners and experienced puzzlers.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_GAME0015_004

Tai Chi in the Park
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Slow, flowing tai chi movements designed to improve balance and focus.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_FITN0053_079

The Line Launch Party
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Matthews House, 317 West Chatham Street, Cary, NC
Description: Community gathering celebrating the launch of a new local storytelling project.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-line-launch-party-tickets-1979668833773

Thursday, January 29

Art Cart
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, East Park Street, Cary, NC
Description: Hands-on creative activities for kids with all supplies provided.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_art-cart-195

Zumba Fitness Class
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: High-energy dance fitness class set to Latin and pop music.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_FITN0052_074

Handmade Valentine’s Card Workshop
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Craft workshop focused on making personalized Valentine’s cards.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_EDUC0063_101

Music Bingo
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, Cary, NC
Description: Bingo-style game where players identify songs instead of numbers.
Link: https://www.fortnightbrewing.com/event-calendar/

Jazz Jam Night
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary, NC
Description: Open jazz jam welcoming musicians and listeners alike.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/bond-brothers-eastside-cary/

Friday, January 30

Rotary Club Chili Dinner
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary, Cary, NC
Description: Annual community chili dinner fundraiser hosted by the Cary Rotary Club.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/caryrotary/photos/the-23rd-annual-rotary-club-townebank-chili-dinner-is-just-around-the-corner-joi/1301771411989979/

Dungeons and Dragons Night
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Tabletop roleplaying game night open to new and experienced players.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/event/dungeons-dragons-in-the-park-2/

Meet the Artist: Christopher Evans
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary gallery space, Cary, NC
Description: Artist talk and informal meet and greet with local visual artist Christopher Evans.
Link: https://downtowncarync.org/events/2026-01-30/

Anniversary Live Music Night
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Live music performance celebrating the brewery’s anniversary week.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/bombshell-beer-company/

Karaoke Bingo Night
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary, NC
Description: Bingo night combined with karaoke for a high-energy social event.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/event/komana-brewing-company-cary/

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