📘Triangle Oktoberfest This Weeknd!

Good Morning, Cary.

Happy Friday!

The weather is finally starting to cool down (and stay cool!) which means it’s a great time to attend some of the many outdoor events and activities in today’s newsletter.

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

• Oktoberfest!

• Activate Good Charity

• Lochmere Drive Bridge Repair Project

• Plenty of other activities

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

11th Annual Triangle Oktoberfest Returns to Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre

The 11th Annual Triangle Oktoberfest returns to Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre, bringing the largest and most authentic German festival in North Carolina. Hosted by the Apex Sunrise and Cary MacGregor Rotary Clubs, this event celebrates German culture while supporting local and global charities. Enjoy live music from the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band, exciting Wiener Dog Races, and fun competitions like stein hoisting and hammer striking. A German Meetup Spot with dignitaries from Wiesbaden, Germany, adds an international touch.

With over 50 beers, including German classics like Hofbrau and Paulaner, plus local craft options, there's plenty to sip and savor. Traditional Bavarian foods from Wandering Wolf, Annelore’s German Bakery, and The Butcher’s Market will satisfy your appetite. This family-friendly festival is a highlight of the fall season and a perfect way to celebrate German heritage while giving back to the community.

Sponsored J.M. Edwards!

Big news for Cary! J.M. Edwards is now under new ownership. The store is proud to announce that longtime jewelry professional Christian Hale has taken the reins. With decades of experience in the industry, Christian has built his career on helping customers find the perfect piece while ensuring every detail meets the highest standard of quality.

Christian is committed to carrying on the J.M. Edwards tradition of excellence while bringing his own vision for outstanding service. Whether you are looking for fine jewelry, custom designs, or expert repairs, you can trust that Christian and his team will provide a welcoming experience and unmatched attention to detail.

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

Charity of the Week Spotlight: Activate Good

This week we’re shining a spotlight on Activate Good, a Raleigh-based nonprofit that has been energizing the Triangle community since 2005. Their mission is to connect volunteers of all ages with meaningful service opportunities across Wake, Durham, Orange, and surrounding counties. Whether you're looking to lend a hand for an hour or commit to a long-term cause, Activate Good helps match people with local needs, making it easy to give back in a way that fits your life.

With over 600 community partners, Activate Good supports everything from food banks and education initiatives to environmental cleanups and crisis response. They also run youth and family-focused programs, helping to instill the value of service in the next generation. Businesses, schools, and individuals alike can get involved—through volunteering, hosting service events, or donating to support their mission. If you’re looking for a way to make a real difference close to home, Activate Good is a great place to start.

Town Updates

Lochmere Drive Bridge Repair Project

Starting September 29, crews will begin essential concrete repairs on the Lochmere Drive Bridge, which spans the lake spillway. These upgrades are part of an ongoing effort to maintain Cary’s infrastructure and extend the bridge’s lifespan. To ensure the safety of drivers and construction workers, there will be lane closures Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with flaggers stationed to guide traffic through the area.

These improvements are critical for keeping traffic moving smoothly while maintaining the safety of the bridge for years to come. For more information on this and other bridge maintenance projects in Cary, visit the town’s website.

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, October 3

Triangle Oktoberfest
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Authentic German festival with traditional Bavarian food, local beers, Wiener Dog races, live music, and family fun.
Link: https://triangleoktoberfest.org

Bands, Bites and Boats Concert: Kai Wilson
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Bond Park Boathouse, 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert by local singer-songwriter Kai Wilson, with food trucks on site and optional boat rentals on the lake.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/bands-bites-boats-bond-park-cary/

First Fridays Night Market (Holly Springs)
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Leslie-Alford Mims House, 100 Avent Ferry Rd, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Monthly night market featuring food trucks, artisan vendors, live music, and kid-friendly activities in downtown Holly Springs.
Link: https://downtownalivehs.com/event/first-fridays/2025-10-03/

Fall Play: Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” (Apex)
Time: 7:30 PM (also Sat 7:30 PM & Sun 3 PM)
Location: The Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Neil Simon’s classic romantic comedy about newlyweds adjusting to married life in a tiny NYC apartment, performed by Apex’s Peak Ensemble Players (showtimes all weekend).
Link: https://thehalle.org

Karaoke Bingo Nights (Cary)
Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, 1020 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Friday-night fun combining karaoke singing with bingo games and prizes at KōMANA Brewing’s taproom.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/komanabrewing/events

Saturday, October 4

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 E Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Weekly open-air market with fresh produce, local crafts, baked goods, and live music in downtown Cary.
Link: https://caryfarmersmarket.com

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Community farmers market offering local produce, meats, artisanal foods, and more in the heart of Holly Springs.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/576/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Community-focused market with a variety of local vendors, seasonal produce, and handmade goods in downtown Apex.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Wings Over Springs Airshow & Drone Race (Holly Springs)
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Family-friendly charity event featuring radio-controlled model airplane demos and drone racing, plus food trucks and a raffle supporting a local children’s foundation.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wings-over-springs-charity-fly-in-2025-tickets-1594166427699

Bottle Theory’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest (Apex)
Time: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Bottle Theory, 3675 Green Level W Rd, Apex, NC
Description: All-day Oktoberfest party with authentic German beer, traditional music, games and contests, and live tunes in a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-oktoberfest-tickets-1734664641639

Sunday, October 5

Mark Viera Comedy Show
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Stand-up comedian Mark Viera (seen on HBO and Comedy Central) brings his high-energy, Latin-flavored humor to Cary in a one-night-only show.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Cary Underground Market
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Pop-up outdoor market with 40+ local makers and vendors, live bands, food trucks, craft beer, and family fun.
Link: https://makrs.com/cary-underground-market

Manhattan Short Film Festival
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Global short film competition screening where the audience watches ten finalist films and votes for the winners.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/manhattan-short-film-festival-2025-2/the-cary/cary/

Shakespeare Live: As You Like It
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:10 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s comedy “As You Like It,” presented by local teens from Applause! Youth Theatre—perfect for a picnic in the park.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/applause-cary-youth-theatre/

Bluegrass Open Jam
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Bring an instrument or just enjoy listening as local bluegrass musicians gather for a free informal jam session at Bond Brothers’ Eastside taproom.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/bond-brothers-eastside-cary/

Thanks for reading Cary Digest! If you enjoyed the newsletter, please share it! I’ll send you another email in a few days. If you’ve read a few issues, and want to support local news and the Cary community, please considering buying a paid subscription to show your support.