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BUD Newsletter: April 2026

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This Month's Headlines:

MAYOR’S 2026 STATE OF CARY ADDRESS

Mayor Weinbrecht’s annual State of Cary highlights shared accomplishments and progress being made in alignment with the Council’s vision for the Town. Watch the 2026 recorded presentation, review slides, and read the address online at carync.gov/stateofcary. Interested community organizations are invited to request a State of Cary presentation by the Mayor for their group.

HERBFEST
May 3 | noon – 4 p.m. | Page-Walker Arts & History Center

Herbfest is a perennial favorite, held sprinkle or shine on the beautiful grounds of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Festivalgoers will stroll through booths selling a wide variety of garden-related items, including home care products, soaps and lotions, edible treats, garden products, and crafts. Herbfest is for the whole family, with a craft for kids, a food truck, and a butterfly release. carync.gov/herbfest

ANNUAL WATER DISINFECTION CHANGE

Each year, Cary joins neighboring communities to temporarily suspend the use of ammonia in our water treatment process. This follows the state’s recommendation that all water systems that use chloramines (a compound of chlorine and ammonia) for disinfection temporarily switch to chlorine only. During the process, we also release water from fire hydrants to help ensure chlorine flows through the entire system. These short-term changes are an important part of maintaining our water system and help ensure our award-winning water remains safe.

If you use water for kidney dialysis, fish aquariums, and other chlorine-sensitive uses, be aware that from February 27 – April 6, the water may contain chlorine or a mixture of both chlorine and ammonia. While the water may have a more distinct chlorine odor during this time, it remains safe to drink.

Have a question? Call 311 within town limits or (919) 469-4000 if outside Cary, or visit: carync.gov/waterchange.

CARY BOARD, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Are you a resident of Cary and looking for a way you can make a difference in your community? The recruitment period to serve on a Cary Council-appointed Board, Commission, or Committee is open now! Board members volunteer their time and expertise to assist the Council in making informed decisions and policies for our community. Apply at carync.gov/boards by June 30 to be considered for appointment.

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE
May 25 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Veterans Freedom Park

Join us at Veterans Freedom Park for a ceremony honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This free event brings residents together for a patriotic program featuring remarks from local leaders and veterans, as well as moving musical tributes. Attendees are invited to visit the Freedom Tower Monument at the park and partake in complimentary refreshments before and after the ceremony. carync.gov/memorialday

WANDS AND WONDER
May 2 | 4 – 10 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park

Step into a world where magic stirs in every corner of the Park. Explore herbology gardens, craft your own wand, and meet fantastical creatures. Test your house spirit through spellbinding challenges, then join in more whimsical fun and surprises around every turn. Enchantment, mystery, and wonder await witches, wizards, and magical beings of all kinds! carync.gov/wizardry

WHEELS ON ACADEMY
May 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | North Academy Street

Wheels on Academy is rolling into town for a high-energy, family-friendly event you won’t want to miss! Come experience a lively car show featuring everything from vintage classics to modern hot rods and exotic vehicles, explore the EV showcase, and enjoy hands-on “Touch-a-Truck” opportunities with public safety and service vehicles. With live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages, Wheels on Academy offers an exciting way to connect with the community and celebrate innovation on the road. carync.gov/wheels

THE CARY THEATER | thecarytheater.com

LEGACY OF JAZZ: LET’S BE FRANK
May 6 | 7 p.m.

THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB: THE BAREFOOT MOVEMENT
May 7 | 7:30 p.m.

COMEDY SHOW WITH GRANT LYON
May 15 | 8 p.m.

THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB: RACHEL SUMNER AND TRAVELING LIGHT
May 21 | 7:30 p.m.

RITMO LATINO FESTIVAL
May 9 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | North Academy Street

Ritmo Latino Festival, presented by Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, is a vibrant, free community celebration that brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latino culture to Downtown Cary for a full day of music, dance, and connection. Guests can enjoy live performances, folkloric dance, and interactive experiences, along with a variety of food vendors, artisan booths, and family-friendly activities. The festival is a welcoming, high-energy event that invites everyone to come together, explore different cultures, and celebrate the diversity of our community. carync.gov/ritmo

TIPS FROM TOWN OF CARY I.T.

Remember to pause before clicking on a link in your emails! Cybercriminals often create a sense of urgency and fear to trick people into acting before thinking. Messages that claim your account will be locked or that a payment is overdue are good examples of this scam. If you encounter an email like this — pause! If you aren’t expecting the message, treat it with caution, even if it looks legitimate. When in doubt, contact the sender or organization with a trusted number or directly through the website.

APPLAUSE! CARY YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS: JULIUS CAESAR
May 17 | noon – 1:30 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park

Join Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s teen performers for Shakespeare Live!, a performance series that highlights abridged 90-minute productions of Shakespeare’s classics. Julius Caesar is a political tragedy that details the conspiracy against the Roman leader, his assassination, and the resulting civil war. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free theatre in the park! carync.gov/shakespeare

NATURE IS NUTS!
May 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Bond Park

Let’s learn about nature and then go on an exciting scavenger hunt in the woods! This family-friendly experience is perfect for age four and up eager to explore the great outdoors. Our nature guide will lead you through a fun and educational adventure, teaching you about local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Price includes up to four family members. carync.gov/register

JOIN US IN BUILDING A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE!

HOME ENERGY SAVINGS LUNCH AND LEARN | May 1

Interested in reducing your carbon footprint, saving energy, and creating a cooler home this summer? Cary experts are helping you prepare for warming temperatures with this free online class. Sign up at carync.gov/solar.

COMMUNITY GARDEN OPEN HOUSES | May 2

Explore a community garden! Our staff experts will be at McCrimmon Community Garden from 9 – 11 a.m. and Carpenter Community Garden from noon – 2 p.m. Come with your gardening questions, learn about what grows best in the region, and discover how Cary’s plot rental programs work — no signup required. Learn more at carync.gov/gardens.

INTERNATIONAL COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK | May 3 – 9

Join in a worldwide initiative at the local level and learn how composting can create a greener future. We’re offering a variety of activities during this weeklong celebration, all relating to the 2026 theme Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us. Take a class at Hemlock Bluffs, explore the Compost Education Center at our Open House, learn about free composting services through Cary’s drop-off program, and don’t miss your chance to purchase a backyard bin! A full list of events can be found at carync.gov/compost.

KEEP MOSQUITOES IN CHECK THIS SPRING!

Spring is back — and so are mosquitoes. You can help reduce mosquito activity around your home by taking a few simple steps: empty containers that collect standing water, repair leaky outdoor faucets, refresh birdbaths and pet bowls at least twice a week, and keep gutters clean and free-flowing. For additional mosquito prevention tips or questions, visit carync.gov/mosquito.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Town of Cary holds regular public hearings on important matters such as the Town budget, comprehensive plan, rezonings, and more. These hearings give residents a chance to share their thoughts before key decisions are made. We believe an informed, engaged community is the foundation of effective government. carync.gov/publichearings

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Citizens and businesses — share your budget priorities with Cary at any point in the year, and we’ll share what we hear with Town Council through quarterly reporting. Cary‘s fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. 

How to share your thoughts:

  • Email: budgetinput@carync.gov
  • Call us at (919) 469-4307
  • Message us on social media
  • Speak at a Town Council meeting

Visit carync.gov/budget for more information.