How’s your Tuesday going, Cary?

I have an important update for you: there will not be a Cary Digest issue on Friday

I’ll be out of town on vacation, and after writing over a hundred consecutive issues without taking a day off, I’ll be breaking my streak.

Don’t worry, though: this issue is extra informative to make up for it. It includes events that both issues would cover, so you’re not missing out on any events or things to do. As for news, I’ll cover anything that happens over the week in the next Tuesday issue.

See you next week!

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

• Get your free tree

• Public Safety Day

• Latino Art Event

• A WEEK’s worth of events!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Register for Your Free Native Tree

Cary residents can once again take part in the My Tree, Our Tree program, which is now open for registration. This free community forestry initiative offers five types of native trees—Fringe Tree, Silky Dogwood, Spice Bush, Basswood, and Black Gum—available while supplies last.

Tree pickup will be held on November 8 at the Herb Young Community Center, and the program is open to all Cary citizens. Don’t miss your chance to add a little more green to your yard and help keep Cary thriving for future generations.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: The One Nine

Tucked in the heart of Cary, NC, The One Nine is a culinary destination where modern American cuisine meets Southern-inspired flavors. With an inviting atmosphere that blends contemporary design and comfort, this restaurant quickly captures the essence of the town’s vibrant dining scene. Known for its creative menu and attention to detail, The One Nine offers dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite bursts with freshness and flavor. From hearty brunch options to elegant dinner plates, the seasonal menu has something for everyone, including inventive vegetarian and gluten-free options that showcase the chef's talent for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary creations.

A standout feature of The One Nine is its commitment to pairing exceptional food with an extensive selection of craft cocktails and local beers. The bar’s mixologists are always crafting something new, from refreshing, citrus-forward cocktails to rich, spirit-forward concoctions. The ambiance is casual yet refined, making it perfect for everything from a relaxed lunch with friends to a special evening out. Whether you’re indulging in their signature burger or savoring a perfectly grilled steak, a meal at The One Nine feels like a celebration of flavor and hospitality, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers in the Triangle.

Community Events

Apex Latino Arts Festival

Downtown Apex is about to come alive with color, music, and culture at the Apex Latino Arts Festival. Taking place at the Historic Depot and throughout downtown, this annual celebration highlights the rich heritage of Latin America. Guests can enjoy a parade of flags, vibrant folklórico dance performances, mariachi music, salsa, and cultural booths representing countries from across Central and South America. Local food vendors will be serving authentic bites, making this a full-sensory experience that blends flavor, music, and community pride.

Beyond the performances and food, the festival creates a welcoming space for families with kids’ crafts, activities, and cultural storytelling. It’s an immersive way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to connect with neighbors while learning more about Latin traditions. Whether you’re there for the live bands, the art, or the food, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve traveled without ever leaving Apex.

Cary Public Safety Day

Cary’s Public Safety Day is more than just sirens and flashing lights—it’s a chance for the whole community to meet the men and women who keep the town safe. Families can climb into fire trucks, explore police cruisers, and even see EMS vehicles up close. Hosted on South Academy Street in downtown Cary, the event mixes serious demonstrations with plenty of family fun: think food trucks, inflatable games, and interactive exhibits.

The best part? It’s all free. Parents will appreciate the focus on education—kids walk away understanding safety in a way that’s exciting instead of intimidating. Add in giveaways, meet-and-greets with first responders, and hands-on activities, and you’ve got an event that manages to be equal parts fun fair and community classroom. Cary turns safety into a celebration, and it’s a can’t-miss Saturday outing for families.

Things to Do This Week (September 23 – 29)

Tuesday, September 23

Mt. Joy – Hope We Have Fun Tour
Time: 7:30 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Popular indie-rock band Mt. Joy performs under the stars on their national tour.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/mt-joy-1

School BreakOUT!
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free all-day family event during a school break, with STEM activities, art stations, lawn games, and open play for kids of all ages.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Wednesday, September 24

Sunset Music Series at Waverly Place: The Amazing Lounge Lizards
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Waverly Place (The Promenade), 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert featuring high-energy party band The Amazing Lounge Lizards as part of Waverly Place’s fall music series (bring lawn chairs and enjoy food & wine specials).
Link: https://waverlycary.com

Vance Joy – North American Tour 2025
Time: 6:30 PM (Doors 5:30 PM)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy (known for hit song “Riptide”) brings an evening of folk-pop favorites, with special guests Hazlett, Jonah Kagen, and Kyle Schuesler.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/vance-joy

Thursday, September 25

Summer Vibes in the Park: Shannon Baker & Sometime Soon
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Harold D. Ritter Park, 301 W Lochmere Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert featuring bluegrass/country band Shannon Baker & Sometime Soon, with tasty BBQ and local craft beer available as you relax under the evening sky.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12379/19

Explore S’more (Apex)
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Apex Nature Park Amphitheatre, 2600 Evans Rd, Apex, NC
Description: Take a Child Outside Week family night – enjoy a guided nature walk, interactive outdoor games, a campfire, and of course gooey s’mores under the stars.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=11256

Friday, September 26

Friday Nights at Sweetwater (Apex)
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Town Center, 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC
Description: Lively family-friendly gathering on the lawn with a local vendor market, live music, food trucks, beer & wine, and fun games for all ages.
Link: https://shoplocalraleigh.org/friday-nights-at-sweetwater

Final Friday Cary Art Loop
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary (multiple galleries & venues along Chatham St & Academy St)
Description: Self-guided art crawl on Cary’s Final Friday – downtown galleries and shops stay open late with art exhibit receptions, live music, and even a free drum circle and fire-spinning show at the old library site.
Link: https://caryartloop.org/event/final-friday/

Cary Players presents Grease (Musical)
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Community theater production of the high-energy musical Grease, as Rydell High’s teens sing and dance through classic ‘50s rock ’n’ roll hits in this beloved romantic comedy.
Link: https://www.caryplayers.org/grease

Saturday, September 27

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 200 E Chatham St (Ivey-Ellington House), Cary, NC
Description: Shop an open-air market brimming with fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts, and live music in the heart of downtown Cary.
Link: https://caryfarmersmarket.com

Holly Springs Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Award-winning community farmers market featuring farm-fresh produce, local meats, handmade products, food trucks, and weekly special events for all ages.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/576/Farmers-Market

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: The Depot, 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Community-focused farmers market with seasonal fruits and veggies, local food vendors, artisans, and family activities in historic downtown Apex.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Western Wake Farmers Market (Morrisville)
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 260 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC
Description: Producer-only farmers market offering a wide selection of locally grown produce, pastured meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, and artisanal products every Saturday morning.
Link: https://westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Cary Public Safety Day
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: South Academy St, Downtown Cary, NC
Description: Free community festival hosted by Cary Police and Fire – explore police cars, fire trucks, and EMS vehicles up close, meet first responders, enjoy food trucks, kids’ inflatables, giveaways and safety demos in a fun, educational environment.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/services-publications/police/special-operations/public-safety-day

Cary Really Really Free Market
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Walnut Street Park, 1420 Walnut St, Cary, NC
Description: Everything is free at this “Really Really Free Market”! Bring gently used items you no longer need and pick up any treasures you can use – toys, clothes, books, household goods – all given and taken for free in the spirit of community sharing.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/cary-really-really-free-market/

Apex Latino Arts Festival
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Apex Historic Depot & Downtown, 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant festival featuring live Latin music and dance (mariachi, salsa, folklórico), cultural booths highlighting Latin American countries, a parade of flags, kids’ crafts and activities, and delicious food vendors from across Latin America.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/LatinoArtsFestival

Southern Wake Players present Disaster! (Holly Springs)
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Campy 1970s “disaster movie” spoof musical set aboard a floating casino – this comedic show throws earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos (and piranhas!) at a groovy cast of characters, all set to a nostalgic disco soundtrack.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11356

Manhattan Short Film Festival 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Be a film critic for the night at this special screening of 10 international short-film finalists – part of a global festival where audiences in 500+ venues vote for Best Film and Best Actor. (Ballots will be provided to all attendees.)
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/manhattan-short-film-festival-2025/the-cary/cary/

Sunday, September 28

D.L. Hughley Comedy Show
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Original King of Comedy D.L. Hughley headlines a 5-show weekend of sharp, politically savvy stand-up – don’t miss this final show to cap off a laugh-filled weekend with one of America’s top comedians.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Silent Film: The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Experience the classic silent horror film Phantom of the Opera on the big screen – starring Lon Chaney as the masked phantom – with live musical accompaniment in honor of National Silent Movie Day.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/events-list/ (see Silent Movie Day screening)

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