Hello, Happy Friday! Hope you were able to stay safe in the weather last night. Wanted to share a quick update on the Dinner Club announcement last week.

A few of you asked about the paid ticket, so I wanted to address that. The ticket covers the platform, paying the small team behind it, plus it covers the time spent putting together and marketing the evening so that each table actually has people to talk to.

That last part is the real kicker.

Getting a few dozen strangers to the same place on the same night is difficult at the best of times but a paid ticket keeps everyone committed once they've said yes. Fewer no-shows, mean better tables, and a better night for everyone involved.

And don't worry, not everything will be ticketed. Free events and more accessible options are coming, this is just a format that past attendees really seemed to enjoy.

If you’re still interested: Take the matching quiz and buy a ticket, but seriously, no pressure if it isn’t up your alley.

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

— Mason from Cary Digest

A proposed moratorium on data centers went before Town Council Thursday night, and it's worth a closer look.

The short of it is that data centers and crypto mining operations aren't currently defined anywhere in Cary's Land Development Ordinance, which is the rulebook for what can be built where. That's a problem, because the Triangle is drawing developer interest for these projects due to available land, power, and high speed connections like fiber. Without a definition, there's no clear answer on where they'd be allowed or what standards would apply for things like noise, water use, and energy.

The proposed pause would run through February 2028 and cover rezonings, development plans, and building permits for these projects. Meanwhile, the town would study the issues, gather input from the community and regional partners, and finalize a recommendation for the LDO. Council directed staff to draft this back in May 2026.

It is important to understand that this is aimed at large standalone facilities, not usage from hospitals, education, government services, or other similar uses.

If I see any future updates, I’ll keep you posted.

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It’s been a busy month for Downtown Cary restaurants and another corner of downtown is about to get busy too.

K38 Baja Grill opens tomorrow, Saturday the 29th, on 147 E. Chatham Street. The name comes from a surf spot on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. The first location opened in Wilmington back in 1993, with this being their 7th location, all in North Carolina.

Their menu is a West Coast flavor, brought to the East with seafood focused dishes such as fish tacos, grilled street corn, and even a few sushi-like fish rolls.

If you’re stopping by this weekend, be sure to reply and let me know how it is. Also, their Instagram is actually the spot with the most info (linked below) but be sure to visit their website as well.

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Two items landed at Cary Tennis Park just as the national pickleball tournament arrives Monday (more on that below). The first is a state awarded grant of up to $984,850 tied to the tournament, with most going to the Professional Pickleball Association and about $35,000 offsetting costs Cary had already budgeted.

The second is a $4.14 million bid to rebuild the courts. The asphalt has outlived its 20-year lifespan, so staff recommended replacing it with concrete that would lower long-term maintenance costs, plus $1.15 million for new lighting.

Closer to downtown, staff proposed banning on-street parking on East Cedar Street between N. Academy and Walker to keep traffic moving.

As with the data center item, I can't confirm the full effect of everything but I will share what else I hear in the future.

A great lineup this weekend, especially those of you making it out Friday night.

Friday, August 28th: Cary Night Market - 5PM to 9PM · Downtown Cary Park hosts the monthly evening market. Between 45 to 50 hand-picked vendors with food trucks and more onsite. Free, rain or shine. Looks like this moved from last week to tonight.

Friday, August 28th: Final Friday Art Crawl - 6PM to 9PM · Downtown Cary galleries and studios open their doors, including the Fine Arts League, The Cary Theater, Ikigai Studios, and more. Free, plus it's just a block over from the Night Market.

Friday, August 28th: Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors - 6PM · Koka Booth Amphitheatre stacks three 90s radio staples on one stage. Be mindful of traffic getting to and from the show this week especially.

Saturday, August 29th: Cary Farmers Market - 8AM to 12PM · East Park Street near Downtown Cary Park hosts the weekly farmers market. The vendor list updates every Friday, so check before you go

Sunday, August 30th: Bluegrass Jam w/ the Eastside Ramblers - 4:00PM to 7:00PM · Bond Brothers Eastside closes out the weekend with an hour long set of great bluegrass, mixed with an open jam from 5 to 7PM.

Monday, August 31st - Sunday, September 6th: Veolia Pickleball National Championships - Times Vary · Cary Tennis Park hosts this event which serves as the official kickoff for the 2026/27 season. Almost $1.7 million in payout will be awarded at this tournament, based on performance and contracts.

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