Cary Spotlight | Issue #666

Lazy Daze Festival Returns to Cary, Why Cary Parents Are Choosing KinderCare, Courage and NCFC Set Records


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Question: What does the term “Ophiology” refer to?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Cary Spotlight: Extra

Your long-form companion to the Cary Spotlight newsletter is live!
This blog will align with our mission — to amplify local voices, inform residents, and showcase what makes Cary unique.

See the stories behind the headlines, explore deeper features, and stay connected with the people and places shaping our town. Read the latest on Cary Spotlight: Extra

Big Mike’s BBQ Reviews

Big Mike's BBQ is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight's readers for our Discover Cary project. If you've had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Big Mike's BBQ is a locally sourced barbecue joint and craft beer shop that serves farm-to-table smoked meats including pulled pork, brisket, and chicken alongside homemade sides and an extensive selection of Triangle-area craft beers.

Check out their menu on their website: Big Mike's BBQ

Address: 1222 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Big Mike’s BBQ (18 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (9)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😊😊😊 Never been there but I might give it a try (9)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“Their barbecue is excellent and there potato salad is the best I have ever eaten.”

“I heard it was mediocre and the service was not good.”

“We have been going to Big Mike's for years, not only is the food delicious but they also support the community with their charity work.”

Big Mike’s BBQ

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

Lazy Daze Festival Returns to Cary With 250 Artists August 23–24

Cary’s signature arts event, the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, will bring more than 250 artists from across the country to downtown on August 23 and 24. The festival runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Town Hall Campus.

Highlights include the Academy Street Chalk Walk, where 11 artists will create large-scale sidewalk art, as well as the new Inclusive Artist Market, featuring work by creators with disabilities. Family-friendly favorites such as Kids Daze, the Kid Collectors Market, Art Festival Bingo, and live entertainment across four stages will also return.

To ease congestion, the town will provide free shuttles from South Hills Plaza and Green Hope High School, in addition to fare-free GoCary bus routes into downtown. A designated rideshare drop-off and limited accessible parking will be available.

The festival is scheduled rain or shine, though updates will be shared online and by text in the event of severe weather. Surrounding streets, including Academy Street and Wilkinson Avenue, will close beginning August 22 and reopen by the evening of August 24. Read Full Report

Why Cary Parents Are Choosing KinderCare for Early Learning

KinderCare is a leading choice for early education in Cary, with seven centers that support children's growth from infancy through prekindergarten. Each location adapts its programming to the developmental stage of every child, ensuring an individualized and supportive experience.

The centers focus on more than academics, prioritizing emotional and social development within a nurturing environment. Their commitment to high standards is reflected in consistent 5-star ratings and national accreditation, reassuring parents about the quality of care and education provided.

Given the increasing recognition of the importance of early childhood development, KinderCare’s approach addresses both parental concerns and children's needs. With multiple convenient locations in Cary, access to high-quality early education is readily available for local families.

For parents seeking a nurturing, credible, and innovative early education center, KinderCare's Cary locations offer a compelling choice. To learn more about how KinderCare can benefit your child's early education, read the full KinderCare feature in Cary Spotlight: Extra

Have You Heard of KinderCare in Cary?

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Courage and NCFC Set Records

It was a lively soccer weekend in Cary as both the North Carolina Courage and North Carolina FC earned hard-fought 1-1 draws at home in front of energized crowds at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Weekend Highlights:

  • North Carolina Courage drew Portland Thorns 1-1 Saturday night, with Tyler Lussi leveling the score in the 70th minute. The match drew 7,122 fans, a new club record for a summer game.

  • Olivia Moultrie put Portland ahead in the 44th minute, but Courage keeper Casey Murphy made five saves, including her 400th career NWSL regular season stop.

  • On Friday, North Carolina FC also finished 1-1 against Detroit City FC, with Pedro Dolabella scoring his sixth goal of the season to tie for the team lead.

  • Thomas Roberts made his debut for NCFC, nearly assisting a winner late, while coach John Bradford praised the energy but called the result “disappointing.”

Cary continues to show up strong for its hometown clubs—win, lose, or draw!

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Aug 19 - 25

🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Today: Art Cart 10AM-2PM
• Today: Yoga 7PM-8PM
• Wednesday: Summer BreakOUT! 4PM-10PM
• Wednesday: Movie Night: Wicked (Part One)  6PM-10PM
• Thursday: Toad the Wet Sprocket: Good Intentions Tour 6PM
• Thursday: Fairy Frames Workshop with Kayla Albertson 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Friday: Demo Daze 6PM-9PM
• Saturday: Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival 9AM-5PM
• Saturday: CaryLIVE!: Squirrel Nut Zippers 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Sunday: Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival 9AM-5PM
• Sunday: UB40: The Relentless Tour 2025 6PM
• Monday: Carnivorous Plants – Plants that Bite Back  9AM-10AM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Ophiology is the branch of zoology that focuses specifically on the study of snakes. It falls under the broader field of herpetology, which includes the study of reptiles and amphibians. Ophiologists research snake behavior, anatomy, taxonomy, ecology, and venom, contributing to medical advances, conservation efforts, and our overall understanding of these fascinating reptiles.

Learn more here: Ophiology