📘Free Fun on Valentines, Floral Frames, and Some Local Jazz

Hey Cary!

Happy Tuesday. I hope your week is off to a great start! There are some fun things going on in Cary this week that I’m excited to tell you about. The weather is pretty dark and rainy, but Friday might just give us a nice evening.

First, however, I have a question for you. One of your fellow Cary Digest readers pitched a new section to include in the newsletter, but I want your opinion on it first. Would you be interested in a monthly recap of Cary’s real estate market? Nothing too long, and certainly no advertising, just the high-level details like property value changes, average list time and sale price, stuff like that. Let me know by answering the poll below, and if you think you have a better idea for a section, reply to this email and let me know about it! I may just let you write it.

Anyway, here is what you’ll see in today’s issue:

• A fun way to spend this Valentine’s Day

• An incredible Jazz concert

• New brunch location in Cary

• Some other fun, free, community events

• Oh, and you can now like and comment on this newsletter if you’re reading on the web!

Hope you enjoy!

— Jake from Cary Digest

Valentine’s Date Night in the Park

Spend a magical evening with your partner at Valentine’s Date Night in the Park! This free event is all about unwinding, connecting, and embracing creativity in a cozy outdoor setting.

Set the mood with live music from Alex Gordez, whose mix of classical, Latin, Tango, Flamenco, Gypsy, and Jazz will create the perfect romantic backdrop. Then, dive into hands-on fun with mini terrarium building, led by Izzy Hall of Garden & Gather, or test your artistic skills in the Paint Your Partner challenge with Lauren Likes. Plus, enjoy a variety of free crafts to spark creativity and laughter.

Want to make the night even more special? Shoomee’s Flowers will have gorgeous bouquets available for purchase. And when hunger strikes, Empanadas and More will be onsite with delicious bites.

If you go, take a picture and tag us on Facebook and Instagram.

Restaurant of the Week: Brunches Cary

Looking for a new brunch spot? Brunches just opened in Cary at Crossroads, serving up a relaxed, welcoming vibe with a focus on personalized service. The staff goes beyond just taking your order—they actually take the time to get to know your preferences, offer drink recommendations, and make you feel like family. It’s brunch with a personal touch.

Open daily from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Brunches features a menu full of brunch classics, including their signature chicken and waffles, plus creative cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys to complete the experience. If you’re a brunch fan, this might just be your new go-to spot.

Town Updates

New GLOW Installment

Another new installment from the GLOW art project we discussed in last week’s issue has been completed in the downtown Cary park. This one features beautiful bright rings on one of the park’s many walkways, complete with rail lighting.

It isn’t just for nighttime, though. During the day, the reflective material of the rings also reflect sunlight, creating glowing halos that are just as mesmerizing.

Community Events

A Night of Neo Soul Jazz with Al Strong & Chip Shearin

Celebrate Valentine’s with an evening of smooth vibes and soulful jazz! Experience the incredible Neo-Soul Jazz sounds of trumpeter Al Strong and bassist Chip Shearin in a special concert that’s all about love—whether it’s for someone special or just great music.

Get ready for a night filled with groove, joy, and incredible music. Bring or date, or even come by yourself to relax!

Cary Art Cart

Today from 12 - 4 PM, there’s a free public Art Car in the downtown Cary park! There will be free crafts, supplies, and workstations up for anyone to use at their leisure. This is a great way to spend some time outdoors with the kids, weather-permitting.

Pressed Floral Frames @ DCP Academy Pavilion, 5:30 - 7 PM

Wednesday night, the DCP Academy Pavilion is hosting a floral frame pressing events for participants to create 8×8 frames with unique and permanent floral art. Learn the delicate art of flower preservation and take home a wonderful masterpiece to enjoy for years to come.

Note: This activity is designed for people with disabilities, but all are welcome.

Free Events 💰

Cary Umstead Gravel Bike RIde | February 12th, 6 PM (More info)

• Location: 2036 Renaissance Park Place

• Description: Bring a bike light and a few bottles of water for this twilight ride on Wednesday!

School BreakOUT! | February 17, 10AM - 2 PM (More info)

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Enjoy a day of excitement with lawn games, crafts, and the magical world of shadow puppetry with Matt Sandbank.

Music and Shows🎵

Valentine's Date Night in the Park | February 14, 5 PM (More info)

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Celebrate Valentine's Day with live music, mini terrarium building, and a 'Paint Your Partner' challenge. Enjoy the enchanting tunes of guitarist Alex Gordez.

The Colors Within @ Cary Theater | February 16, 6 PM (Tickets)

• Location: Downtown Cary Theater

• Description: Check out this animated film following high school girl who sees people's emotions as colors forms a band with two classmates, forging deep friendships and uncovering hidden feelings through music.

Marvelous Music Mainstage Series: Johnny Folsom 4 | February 21, 7 PM (Tickets)

• Location: Cary Arts Center

• Description: Experience a tribute to the Man in Black with this Johnny Cash cover band. Part of the Marvelous Music Mainstage Series.

Food 🧑‍🌾

Cary Sip + See | February 15, 5:30 - 7 PM (Registration)

• Location: FACE FOUNDRIE @ Fenton Square

• Description: Enjoy a nice drink while you discover the secrets to stunning eyes through their curated products and treatment services.

Cary Farmers Market | February 15, 9 AM (More info)

• Location: East Park Street, next to Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Shop for fresh produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods. Children can participate in the Eat-A-Rainbow program and receive a Farmers Market Passport.

Thanks for reading Cary Digest! If you enjoyed the newsletter, please share it! Let’s meet again on Friday so you can find something to do over the weekend!