📘What's The Best BBQ in Cary?

Happy Friday, Cary!

It’s supposed to be a foggy morning. Of course, I write this the night before, so I have no idea if that’s actually true, but you do! So look out your window and let me know if I got that right.

Tonight is the return of the Cary night market. It lasts from 5 to 9 and is a wonderful experience and also a great chance to watch the sunset. Go check it out!

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

• New WCPSS Safety Measures

• What’s the best BBQ spot?

• Carolina Ale House

• Cary Night Market

• More events and things to do, like usual.

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Wake Schools Weigh New Safety Measures

Wake County school officials are looking at both what’s working and what needs to change to keep students safe. At Tuesday’s Safety and Security Committee Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said new challenges like social media require updated approaches, while Senior Director of Security Kendrick Scott pointed to weapons detection systems as one of the most effective tools currently in use.

The district also outlined upcoming enhancements, including adopting a Standard Response Protocol for lockdowns in 2026–2027, improving reunification processes, upgrading physical security infrastructure, and conducting regular security reassessments. Large-scale event security received special attention following a recent shots-fired call at Southeast Raleigh High’s football jamboree, with officials stressing the need for planning, community awareness, and coordination with law enforcement.

Community involvement remains a key piece, as leaders emphasized that keeping schools safe depends on both strong systems inside campuses and awareness of what’s happening beyond school grounds.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Carolina Ale House

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of laid back vibes, great food, and wall to wall TVs for game day, Carolina Ale House in Cary should be on your radar. This neighborhood favorite serves up hearty pub classics like burgers stacked high, crispy wings with plenty of sauce options, and sharable apps that disappear fast when friends are around. The beer list doesn’t disappoint either, with rotating taps featuring both local NC brews and national staples.

It’s family friendly, sports fan approved, and big enough to handle a crowd without losing that cozy, everyone knows your name feel. Whether you’re there for a Panthers game, a casual night out, or just a plate of nachos and a pint, Carolina Ale House hits the spot.

Community Events

Local Market Night in Cary

Skip the big box stores and shop local this week at Cary’s evening market. From 5 to 9 p.m., vendors will be set up across the park offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to beard oil, sourdough bread, ginger brew, and custom press-ons. It’s a perfect spot to pick up essentials, grab a treat, and start checking holiday gifts off the list.

Shoppers will find vendors spread across Bark Bar, the Great Lawn, Fountain Lawn, Café Patio, and Food Truck Row. Highlights include Oak City Hot Sauce Co., Imperfect Tense Pottery, Soul Sista Body Essentials, Black Cap Ginger Brew, Stella Cake, Fiori Pizza, and True North Poutine—plus plenty of artisan goods, local art, and handmade soaps.

Whether you’re after festive décor, a unique gift, or just something delicious to snack on, the Cary market has you covered.

Weather

Friday

57🌡️81 | 🌫️Foggy

Saturday

59🌡️82 | ⛅

Sunday

62🌡️83 | ⛅

Monday

low🌡️high | ⛅

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, September 12

Beyond: The Cary Film Festival
Time: Various showtimes (Sept 11–14)
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Annual short film festival featuring 24 independent short films plus workshops and panel discussions, running through Sunday.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/beyond-the-cary-film-festival/

Cary Night Market
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 319 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Food trucks, artisan vendors, live music, and family fun under the stars at Cary’s monthly night market in the new downtown park.
Link: https://thenightmarketcompany.com/plan-your-visit-market-info

Summer at the Springs: On The Rocks (Holly Springs)
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free outdoor concert series finale featuring high-energy party band “On The Rocks,” with a food truck rodeo and local beer on site.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=9986

Cigars & Brews Night at Fortnight Brewing
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Enjoy craft brews and cigars on the patio at Cary’s British-inspired brewery – bring a cigar or buy one on-site for this laid-back evening gathering (21+).
Link: https://fortnightbrewing.com

Saturday, September 13

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 local produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live music in the heart of 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: Award-winning farmers market featuring local produce, meats, baked goods, and more every Saturday morning.
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 seasonal fruits and veggies, local farm products, and handmade crafts in downtown Apex.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Western Wake Farmers Market (Morrisville)
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Indian Creek Trailhead Park, 101 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC
Description: Family-friendly market offering fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, baked treats, and more from local farmers and vendors.
Link: https://www.westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Carolina Circus Festival
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Free full-day circus arts festival with aerial acrobatics, fire and LED performances, interactive workshops for all ages, games, and an arts market.
Link: https://carolinacircusfestival.com

Cary Vintage Market
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: West End Biergarten, 510 Old Apex Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Monthly vintage market featuring curated vendors selling retro clothing, records, accessories, housewares, plus food trucks, craft drinks, and live music in a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Link: https://allevents.in/cary/cary-vintage-night-market/200028692542126

Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (VIP entry at 4PM, General Admission at 5PM)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: An “elegant evening in the pines” celebrating Southern flavors with unlimited whiskey and wine tastings, great BBQ and open-fire grilling, live bluegrass/Americana music, and bonfires & fire performances (21+ ticketed event).
Link: https://cary.whiskeywinefire.com

Live Music: Ryan Mullaney at Bombshell Beer Company (Holly Springs)
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free outdoor rock concert at Holly Springs’ women-owned brewery – enjoy classic hits from local musician Ryan Mullaney along with great craft beer and food truck fare.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com

Sunday, September 14

Fenton Art Festival
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Fenton, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: New! A juried fine arts market at Cary’s Fenton district showcasing 50+ local artists in painting, sculpture, mixed media and more, with live art demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages (free admission).
Link: https://www.fentonartfestival.com

Laurie Berkner Live (Kids’ Concert)
Time: 3:00 PM (Doors open 1:00 PM)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Beloved children’s music star Laurie Berkner brings her Greatest Hits Solo Tour to Cary for a fun family concert – sing along to favorites like “We Are The Dinosaurs” and “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)” in a lively outdoor setting.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/laurie-berkner-live

Marcus D. Wiley Comedy Show
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: National touring comedian Marcus D. Wiley (as heard on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show) headlines a special 3-night engagement, blending clean humor with uplifting messages – final show of the weekend.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Bluegrass Open Jam
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Free weekly bluegrass jam – bring an instrument to join local pickers or just kick back with a beer and enjoy traditional bluegrass tunes in this welcoming community jam session.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com

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