Hi Cary!

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

Jake from Cary

— Jake from Cary Digest

Cary is about to become the center of the pickleball universe. Cary Tennis Park will host the inaugural Veolia Pickleball National Championships, a Carvana PPA Tour "Slam," from August 31 through September 6, and it will kick off the pro tour's entire 2026-2027 season.

This is a big one. A Slam carries the largest prize money and ranking points in pro pickleball, and the field is stacked: world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters, all-time titles leader Ben Johns, and North Carolina's own Kate Fahey and Brooke Buckner are all expected to play. Organizers anticipate more than 2,000 players and thousands of fans a day, with national television and streaming coverage putting Cary in front of a global audience.

It is not just for the pros, either. Amateur registration is open for all ages and skill levels, so you can literally play where the pros play, and the week will have a festival feel with live music, clinics, food, and family activities. Tickets are on sale now.

A fitting host, too: Cary Tennis Park is North Carolina's largest public tennis facility, with 36 courts and a championship stadium, and it was recently named the nation's "Municipal Facility of the Year" for the second time.

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If you have been looking for a special-occasion spot, Cary has a striking new one. Naos Hellenic Cuisine opened in Park Place earlier this year, bringing elevated, modern Greek cooking to the Renaissance area from veteran Triangle restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias. The name nods to the Greek idea of a sanctuary, and that is the feel of the place: soft lighting, gracious hospitality, and a menu built for lingering and sharing.

Naos leans into the Greek belief that food is medicine, with fresh, simple, Mediterranean ingredients across a lineup of vegetable-forward plates, mezedes (small plates made for the table), and hearty mains from the land and sea. Diners have been raving since the doors opened.

A few standouts from the reviews:

It is dinner-only, and reservations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. There is a full bar and a deep wine list, plus a monthly Greek wine dinner series if you want to make a real night of it.

Wednesday, June 24 Live at The Bark Bar: Garland Mason 6:00 to 9:00 PM · Downtown Cary Park (free) Pop-up live music at the Park's Bark Bar. Grab a drink, bring the dog, and settle in for a laid-back evening of local tunes.

"Next of Kin" at The Cary Theater 7:00 PM · 122 E. Chatham St. The downtown theater's Eurocult Cinema series screens a cult pick. There is also a 2:00 PM matinee of "The Sheep Detectives" earlier in the day.

Thursday, June 25 Live Music at Bond Brothers Eastside Thursday evening · 602 E. Chatham St. (no cover) Cary's homegrown brewery runs free live music most Thursday nights at its Eastside taproom and stage. Check the calendar for the lineup, and grab a Bulkogi bite while you are there.

Two more at The Cary Theater 122 E. Chatham St. "Michael" at 2:00 PM and "I Love Boosters" at 7:00 PM round out the downtown marquee.

Friday, June 26 NC Symphony Summerfest: Classics Under the Stars 8:00 PM · Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy Orchestral favorites under the open sky at Symphony Lake. Bring a blanket, or reserve a table up front.

Discover Dance: AfroBeats Session 7:30 to 9:30 PM · Downtown Cary Park (free) A free, high-energy cultural dance class led by DJ Sunny Sistuki, exploring Afrobeats music and movement rooted in West, East, and Southern Africa. No experience needed, just bring your moves.

Saturday, June 27 Cary Downtown Farmers Market 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM · East Park Street, next to Downtown Cary Park (free) A Cary Saturday staple since 1994: local produce, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, and crafts from vendors within 100 miles, with live music all morning. Dog-friendly.

NC Symphony Summerfest: The Music of Billy Joel with Tony DeSare 8:00 PM · Koka Booth Amphitheatre The Piano Man gets the full symphony treatment, with vocalist and pianist Tony DeSare leading a night of Billy Joel favorites.

Sunday, June 28 (through July 5) Cary Tennis Classic Cary Tennis Park, 2727 Louis Stephens Dr. One of the area's long-running summer tournaments opens a week of competitive play. Free to watch if you love the game.

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