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June 16, 2026

Presented by Goodwill NWNC

A MESSAGE FROM GOODWILL NWNC

What Does Goodwill Actually Do?

Most people think Goodwill is just a thrift store. But the store is actually the means to the end — it funds the entire mission: employment and training programs that help people find hope, opportunity, and jobs. And they've been doing exactly that for 100 years, starting in 1926 with nothing but an idea and $500.

A Century of Impact:

• 1926: A local church launches Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC with just $500 and an idea: help adults with disabilities help themselves through work.

• 1942: Goodwill joins the national WWII home front effort, collecting and donating scrap materials to support troops and joins the National Association of Goodwill Industries to strengthen its broader impact.

• 1961: A 60,000-square-foot Rehabilitation Center opens at the corner of Coliseum Drive and University Parkway, combining medical care and job training under one roof.

• 1963: Goodwill opens North Carolina's first residential facility for adults with disabilities and becomes a national training hub for future Goodwill leaders.

• 1986: The mission evolves to place anyone facing barriers, not just those with disabilities, into competitive, long-term jobs.

• 1994: Services expand to 31 counties and 16 retail stores, bringing opportunity to rural and urban communities alike.

• 2024: Goodwill serves nearly 29,000 people after Hurricane Helene through community hub sites, helping with FEMA claims, unemployment filing, and more.

• 2025: Serves over 33,000 people and places 4,183 in jobs ranging from CNAs to truck drivers.

Behind this timeline are real people and life-changing programs. Here are a few of them:

• Veterans Services: Helped Freeman, a veteran three years into a five-year plan with little progress to show for it, finally land full-time employment at the VA Hospital and get his life back on track

• Youth OneLife Program: Provided real-life preparation and career planning for Aurora, a high schooler in the foster system

• Skills Training Programs: Helped Terry, a single dad of three, earn a forklift certification and gain the skills a high school diploma alone couldn't provide — so he could build a better future for his family

• Ability Services: Helped Jeremy, whose disability benefits were expiring and whose stutter made interviews feel impossible, land his dream job as a Veterinary Medical Technician at the Forsyth Humane Society

As Goodwill NWNC enters its next century, the mission remains the same: help people find hope, opportunity, and jobs. So shop at Goodwill, donate what you no longer need, and share what they actually do, so they can help the next person.

👨 Father’s Day Done Right

Father’s Day is this Sunday! Ditch the shirt-and-tie gift ideas and give him an experience he won’t forget.

• Tour Broad Branch Distillery | Go behind the scenes at one of Winston-Salem's best-known distilleries and sample locally crafted spirits!
  
  

• Join a Cocktail Class | Learn to make all the classic dad drinks at easytalk this Sunday — Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and martinis!
  
  

• Hunt for Old Records | Take Dad crate-digging for his favorite music artist at Low Five Analog Archive and Whoatone Records.
  
  

• Give Him the Sauna Treatment | Even dads need self-care. Pure Sweat and Sweat Sesh are your go-to spots for saunas and cold plunges!
  
  

• Sip & Sway | Country music, a glass of wine, and food trucks — this Sunday at Old Homeplace Vineyard sounds like a laid-back afternoon Dad will love.
  
  

• Take Him Out to the Ball Game | Truist Stadium celebrates Father’s Day with pregame live music this Sunday.
  
  

• Play Softgolf | The whole family can join in on this family-friendly version of golf at Tanglewood! Just make sure you let Dad win :)

⚾️ The Dash host cross-town rivals Greensboro Grasshoppers this week. Here's what's on deck:

• Thursday, June 18: Margaritaville Night brings tropical tunes from Jerry Chapman, icy drinks, Day Fresh Budweiser special, and laid-back island vibes to the ballpark.

• Friday, June 19: The Dash make their season debut as the spicy Carolina Reapers, followed by post-game fireworks.

• Saturday, June 20: 90’s Country Night with live pre-game music from Bryce Hensley, a Sweetteas dance performance, Murphy the Bat Dog, and plenty of honky-tonk fun.

• Sunday, June 21: Spend Father’s Day at the ballpark with the special 4-pack ticket and meal deal, plus post-game catch on the field.

Spend a night at the ballpark this week! Get your tickets here.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, June 18

• Piedmont Pops - Movie scores, Broadway showtunes, and patriotic songs performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony at Incendiary Brewing! Free to attend. 7:30 PM

• Volunteer - Lend a hand at Bashavia Creek Preserve with trail building, habitat restoration, litter cleanup, and more. 9 AM - 12 PM

Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth)

• Kernersville Juneteenth - Explore Black history at Körner's Folly, then head to Harmon Park for live music, vendors, fireworks, and a drone show! 4-9:30 PM

• Freedom Moves - Poetry, powerful speeches, and dance come together in a moving performance inspired by Black writers and leaders at the Family Justice Center. 11 AM

• Back to Trade - Party band Moxie brings soul, R&B, Motown, and funk to Downtown Winston-Salem's new music series at 6th & Trade. 7-10 PM

• Summer Sale - Hunt for deals on clothing, books, toys, and more at the Fostering Faith Foundation's annual sale. Runs through Sunday.

Saturday, June 20

• Summer Social - Get ready for a full-on summer block party at 500 W 5th on June 20, featuring live music from Sonny Miles, a vendor market, yard games, and yes, even an ice cream truck.*

• Juneteenth Festival - Celebrate with live music, spoken word, food trucks, vendors, and more at Bailey Park and Biotech Place! 12-7 PM

• Public Ropes Day - It’s time for an adventure. Take the kids ziplining and rock wall climbing at Miracle Heights Adventures on Crossnore’s campus! 10 AM - 12 PM

• Speed Friending - Meet new people through quick, low-pressure conversations hosted by Saya from Mac & Cheese Productions! 6 PM

• Dogs & Yoga - Stretch, unwind, and make a few furry friends during this yoga class at Forsyth Humane Society. Rescheduled from last Saturday. 3 PM

🗞 Other News

• 🚗 Travel: Summer is one of the most dangerous times to drive. With a higher risk of serious auto accidents, it's important to know your options before you need them. If the unexpected happens, Deuterman Law Group has your back with a free case consultation.*
  
  

• 😁 Giveaway: Win a 30-minute, spa-like, professional teeth whitening session. Locally owned by a dental hygienist with 30 years of experience, WhitenUp is enamel-safe and actually effective. Enter our giveaway on social media for a chance to WIN!*
  
  

• ️⚽️ World Cup: Team USA takes on Australia this Friday! Watch the match at Truist Stadium before the Dash game, JOLO Vineyards (free tickets include a tapas buffet), or these other local watch parties.
  
  

• ☕️ Now Open: Viva Barista Cafe is serving up specialty coffee at 229 W. 5th Street, with beans roasted in-house by recent high school graduate Ricky Hidalgo. The space has plenty of seating, a study nook, and even a convertible ping-pong/pool table.
  
  

• 🏛️ Civic: Starting June 22, the city’s Youth Protection Ordinance restricts anyone 17 and younger from public places and businesses between 10 PM and 6 AM through October 12. There are several exceptions for situations like work travel and emergencies. The measure was approved in response to increasing unsupervised late-night youth gatherings.

👀 Poll results: When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?

• Last week - 28%

• Last month - 20%

• Within the past year - 17%

• Over a year ago - 36%

Lauren L. sent a handwritten letter last week and shared, “I know how wonderful it feels to receive personal mail, so I try to spread the same feeling of joy by sending some.”

🌀 The Wrap

• 👋 Meet AK, the newest member of The Go-To! AK will help run our social media and is a photographer, designer, author, and big-time coffee lover. We’re excited to have her on the team!

• 🗺 Guide of the Week: Your Guide to Kernersville

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 15, 2026

🌳 A Tour of Tanglewood

Most people know Tanglewood Park for the Festival of Lights, but for the other 10 months of the year, this 1,100-acre gem in Clemmons is one of the best parks in the area. Use our guide to plan your next trip!

Here's what's actually inside:

• Backstory: Before it was a park, Tanglewood was the private estate of William Neal Reynolds, brother of R.J. Reynolds. When he died in 1951, he left the whole property to Forsyth County as a public park.
  
  

• On the Water: Take a pedal boat out on Mallard Lake, fish at Skilpot Lake (kids under 12 fish free!), or cool off at the Aquatic Center, which has a main pool, a splash pad, and a winding lazy river.
  
  

• On a Horse: Tanglewood Stables offers guided trail rides (ages 6+), pony rides, riding lessons, and hayrides for up to 25 people — including seasonal themed rides like the pumpkin patch hayride. Call (336) 766-9540 to book; cash or check only.
  
  

• On a Trail: There's a 3.16-mile paved multi-use trail, 2 nature trail loops, mountain bike trails for beginner to advanced riders, and a BMX track.
  
  

• On the Playground: Two spots to let kids explore: one near Mallard Lake (shaded) and a newly rebuilt one by Shelter #4. Don't skip the historic train next to the Aquatic Center (a kid favorite).
  
  

• On the Green (and Court): Tanglewood covers all the bases with golf courses, tennis courts, family-friendly Softgolf, and a state-of-the-art disc golf area opening late summer 2026.

✅ Those home updates you've been putting off? It's finally time. Worth Painting can take care of it.

• Those shutters that are peeling… and you never even liked the color.

• That fence you put in years ago — unstained, still waiting.

• Your faded and worn deck that you've been hesitant to host on this summer.

• Your front door that's seen better days and is due for a fresh coat.

• Your whole home, looking dull, ready for a big transformation with fresh paint or limewash.

Check that project off your list. Get a free quote today.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, June 16

• Baseball - Cheer on the Dash as they play the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Theme highlights include the Carolina Reapers rebrand, ‘90s Country Night, and Father’s Day! Daily games through Sunday.

• Free Stroller Workout - Join Fit4Mom Piedmont for a workout class designed for moms at Liberty Plaza. 9:30 AM

Wednesday, June 17

• Jump Into Romance - Learn about popular and emerging romance authors from Bookmarks’ staff, plus bedazzle a book of your choosing! 4 PM

• Wine Tasting - Try various wines with a rep from American Premium Beverage at Mat’s Place! Don’t sleep on the bar snacks. 6 PM

• Speed Dating - Meet your match at Game On Brewpub, hosted by Jared & Katie from 107.5 KZL! Groups for ages 21-35 or 30-49. 6 PM

• DIY 4th of July - Create a themed door hanger with Coco’s Art Lounge at Ciener Botanical Garden. 6 PM

• Kids World Cup - Kids take on soccer challenges, make a recycled soccer ball, and design their own flag at Kaleideum! 2 PM

Thursday, June 18

• Song & Story - Discover the legacy of 7 African queens, presented by Piedmont Opera. 7:30 PM

• Mahjong 102 - Level up your game with Camel City Mahjong at Chick-fil-A Peace Haven! 9:30 AM

• Live Band Karaoke - Join Whiskey Mic on stage at Village Square Tap House! 7 PM

Calling all moms! Here are 4 ways Salem Plastic Surgery and Renewal Med Spa can help you feel your best: 

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Tightens core muscles and removes excess skin — perfect for restoring confidence post-baby

• Breast Lift | Restores a youthful, natural shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding — so you feel like you again

• Laser Hair Removal | Silky-smooth skin and long-lasting results — because busy moms don't have time to shave

• Core Floor | Strengthen your pelvic floor and sculpt your core at the same time with the Emsella + Emsculpt NEO combo

🗞 Other News

• 🎉 It’s Back: Local Roots Coffee Shop reopened in a mobile shop permanently parked at 104 Harmon Lane in Kernersville, just a few months after closing its brick-and-mortar due to rising operating costs. Their summer menu looks amazing — we’re eyeing the Blueberry French Toast.
  
  

• ✏️ Education: WS/FCS will move students from The Special Children's School to Ward Elementary starting in the 2027–28 school year. The decision will save the district money since The Special Children's School building is leased. (WFDD)
  
  

• 🚣‍♀️ Activity: Kayaking is back at Salem Lake! You can rent single and tandem kayaks for $4 per hour through the end of September. Check out team member Stevie’s kayaking adventure!
  
  

• 🏀 Save the Date: Modern Hope Autism Center hosts a free Basketball Drill Day on July 11 at Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center! Kids ages 3–10 with special needs will learn basketball drills, movement, and teamwork.
  
  

• ✈️ Aviation: JetZero broke ground today on a $4.7 billion aerospace manufacturing facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The facility will produce the Z4 — a fuel-efficient, all-wing commercial aircraft — and bring more than 14,500 jobs to the region. (WXII)
  
  

• 🎖 Did You Know: Active-duty military personnel and their families can visit Kaleideum for free this summer as part of the Blue Star Museums program!

✉️ Snail Mail

Local author Virginia Evans just won the Women’s Prize for Fiction for “The Correspondent,” her debut novel told through an elderly woman’s letters. Feeling inspired to slow down and write one yourself? Meet the Sunday Letter Project.

• What: The Sunday Letter Project is a worldwide writing initiative with a simple premise: Every Sunday, write a letter to a family member, friend, or pen pal.
  
  

• Pen Pal: Want to write to someone new? The Letter-Keeper network connects you with a pen pal without requiring you to share your home address — participating establishments receive and hold letters on your behalf. Good news: Athena Stationery and Cafe just joined the network.
  
  

• Zoom Out: Analog activities like letter writing have grown in popularity as people look for ways to slow down and connect offline.

👀 Poll results: What’s your favorite way to cool off?

• Hitting the pool - 71%

• Tubing down a river - 10%

• Kayaking/canoeing - 3%

• Visiting a waterfall or watering hole - 16%

Carolina B. prefers visiting a waterfall or watering hole and shared, “There’s nothing better than fresh, cold mountain water on a hot day! Plus, I can bring my dog to cool off, too!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Summer Social - Get ready for a full-on summer block party at 500 W 5th on June 20, featuring live music from Sonny Miles, a vendor market, yard games, and yes, even an ice cream truck.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🏒 The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup, claiming their second championship in franchise history, 20 years after their 2006 title. Go Canes!

• 👔 Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21. Team member Christy picked up a card for her husband at Athena Stationery & Cafe!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 10, 2026

💧 Your Guide to Cooling Off

This weekend’s forecast: toasty. Here are some of the best spots to cool off, from local waterfalls and swimming pools to rivers and lakes!

Watering Holes

• Shacktown Falls | 1400 Styers Mill Rd, Yadkinville | No hiking required. Less than 100 feet from the parking lot, this 10-foot waterfall stretches across a wide stream and is perfect for wading.

• Carter Falls | 921 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Elkin | A half-mile hike gets you to one of the area's best waterfalls and swimming holes. If you decide to explore, watch your step: those rocks are slipperier than they look.

Pools

• Tanglewood Park Aquatic Center | There are lots of options here: a wading pool, a splash pad, a large main pool with slides, and a winding tubing river. Good to know: They offer season passes!

• Kernersville Family YMCA | Members get access to the only YMCA in the region that has an outdoor pool with slides.

• City Pools & Splash Pads | Take advantage of Winston-Salem’s 8 public pools and 10 splash pads!

Water Activities

• Pedal boats at Tanglewood Park | Explore Mallard Lake at your own pace and soak up the views.

• Kayaking at Salem Lake | Glide across the lake on single or tandem kayaks. Note: Rentals for the 2026 season are not available yet.

• Tubing | Go down the Dan River or Yadkin River on a tubing adventure!

🎶 Celebrate the official start of summer at 500 W 5th’s free Summer Social on June 20 from 4–7 PM!

• Music: Hear the catchy, rhythmic, and versatile music of Winston-Salem native Sonny Miles, who once had a track land on Barack Obama’s favorite songs playlist!

• Food & Drink: Food trucks, ice cream, plus beer and wine will be available

• Vibe: Yard games, vendors, and space for your blanket or chair

The event is free and open to all, but RSVPs are appreciated!*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Saturday, June 13

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting. 6:30-9:30 PM*

• Art Workshop - Create dandelion prints inspired by Winston-Salem’s newest sculptures with NCMA Winston-Salem at a local park! 11 AM - 2 PM

• Pride Festival - Head downtown for the annual parade, a food truck rodeo, and live entertainment. 10 AM - 5 PM

• Night Market - Face painting, food trucks, and 21+ vendors at Incendiary Brewing Lewisville — this is a perfect family outing! 5-8 PM

• Cars & Coffee - Check out hundreds of classic cars and custom builds at Truist Stadium! 8-11 AM

• Hands-On History - Step back to the 18th century with craftsman demos, historic building tours, and a chance to explore archaeological ruins at historic Bethabara Park. 1:30-4:30 PM

Sunday, June 14

• Workshop - Learn the art of bonsai at Fiddlin’ Fish and take home your very own tree. 12 PM

• Supper Club - Share a cookout-themed community meal with Camel City Supper Club at Easy Tiger Beer Garden. 5-8 PM

• Vintage Market - Dig through racks of vintage clothing and find retro treasures at Wise Man Brewing! 12-6 PM

• Cocktail Class - It’s tequila time. Try various tequilas and learn how to use them in your cocktail creations at easytalk. 2 PM

Monday, June 15

• Behind the Scenes - Discover how the former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant was transformed into Salem Bottleworks with Preservation Forsyth! 6 PM

🤝 Goodwill isn't just a second-hand store. Here's an example of the good they do. Meet Lester:

• As a retiree ready to return to work, Lester needed help navigating online job applications. Goodwill helped him, and he landed a full-time job at Walmart.

• Goodwill didn't stop there. Lester wanted to keep his digital skills sharp. Through Goodwill's computer recycling program, they got him a laptop so he could keep growing long after starting his new job.

Every item you donate or purchase funds stories like Lester's. Shop their stores or donate today to keep the cycle going.*

🗞 Other News

• 🏡 Home: Your dream home might already be on the market! First-time buyer? Country Club Estates is calling. Specifically this home with a fully fenced backyard for your pups. Ready to downsize? LRB's got the low-maintenance lifestyle you've been looking for.*
  
  

• 🦫 Upcoming: We’re one step closer to Buc-ee's. A groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier today at the new location’s future site in Mebane, about an hour from WS. The 74,000 sq. ft. gas station is projected to open in late 2027. (WFDD)
  
  

• 💙 Support: More than 42% of Forsyth’s working families are struggling to keep up with rising costs. To help, United Way of Forsyth County has launched Forsyth Forward, a campaign focused on connecting families with support, services, and opportunities they need for long-term success.
  
  

• 📣️ Announcement: The Salem City Beasts plan to join the national pro ranks in 2028! The team has been competing in the semi-professional USL2 league since 2023.
  
  

• 📜 History: Old Salem celebrates the life of Peter Oliver this Saturday with a guided tour, pottery demos, and a special “Sounds of Salem” concert. Oliver was an enslaved Moravian potter who purchased his own freedom in 1800. The upcoming Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery will tell his story and impact on our city.

🎤 Saturday Concerts

It's outdoor concert season! Here are 3 shows to catch this Saturday.

• Summer on Fourth | 7 PM | Free | Phase Band brings R&B, funk, and soul to the first Summer on Fourth event of the season.
  
  

• Coalpit Live | 7 PM | Free | Purple rain, purple rain. Grab a pizza from Cugino Forno and drinks from Incendiary Brewing while The Vagabond Saints Society performs the music of Prince!
  
  

• Wise Man Brewing | 7:30 PM | Free | Enjoy a night of rock covers and indie/alt originals with Barefoot Modern, plus bites from the La Callejera food truck.

👀 Poll results: You can only have one this summer. Which are you picking?

• Hot dogs - 12%

• Corn on the cob - 14%

• Watermelon - 39%

• Ice cream - 34%

Lorette P. picked watermelon and shared, “Watermelon is the perfect summer treat. Cool and juicy, and natural sugar.”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Summer Social - Get ready for a full-on summer block party at 500 W 5th on June 20, featuring live music from Sonny Miles, a vendor market, yard games, and yes, even an ice cream truck.

🌀 The Wrap

• ☕️ Local Roots Coffee Shop is returning! The beloved Kernersville coffee shop closed in April due to rising costs. We'll share more details as soon as they're announced.

• 🎭 Team member Jacob is stoked to see “Much Ado About Nothing” with his friends this Saturday!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 9, 2026

Presented by the Winston-Salem Dash

️A MESSAGE FROM THE WINSTON-SALEM DASH

What's Hot at the Dash

We caught up with the Winston-Salem Dash to find out what fans are loving and what's coming up that you won't want to miss.

What People Are Loving:

• Food & Drink: The menu is bringing serious heat this season. Fan favorites include Fried Apple Empanadas, non-alcoholic mocktails, and Toasted Ravioli — plus the Reaper Tender Challenge for the brave (finish them all and your photo earns a spot on the Wall of Champions).

• The Sweetteas: The Dash's professional dance troupe brings the energy to every Saturday home game.

• Easy Parking: Complimentary spots are available at Dash off-site lots.

What's Coming Up:

• 🤠 Father's Day Weekend (June 20-21): 90’s country night on Saturday and celebrate your dad on Sunday.

• 🇺🇸 America's 250th Birthday Celebration (July 2-4): Three nights of patriotic fun, special on-field jerseys, and the city's largest firework show.

• 🩲 Touch a Truck (August 9): See and touch all kinds of trucks — military transport, construction equipment, emergency and first responder vehicles, and more.

• 🪄 Harry Potter Night (August 29): The first 500 fans through the gates get a randomized Hogwarts™ house scarf.

️☀️ Summer Bucket List

There’s no shortage of things to do in Winston-Salem this summer! Create your own bucket list so that you don’t miss out. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Pick Sunflowers | Brighten up your home with freshly picked sunflowers from flower farms like The Fields at Sunflower Trail and Dewberry Farms! Each farm varies, but generally sunflowers are in season from mid-summer through early fall.

• Play Tennis or Pickleball | Whichever racquet sport you prefer, we’ve got you covered with an extensive guide to the city’s courts. Don’t forget to grab your tickets for the WS Open, taking place August 22-29!

• Enjoy Frozen Treats | Satisfy your sweet tooth at one (or several) of these 15+ ice cream spots! Team member Jacob plans to get a scoop of Twin City Sweets’ graham cracker ice cream this weekend.

• Watch an Outdoor Movie | There's nothing quite as nostalgic as watching a movie under the stars with a bucket of popcorn in hand. Our pick: “Captain America” at Truist Stadium on June 27!

• Relax at a Winery | Unwind with a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by beautiful views. Over 10 vineyards and wineries sit less than an hour from Winston-Salem — plenty of options for a scenic afternoon escape.

Summer is dangerous. At least according to NCDOT data. It shows a major spike in serious auto accidents during the summer months. Deuterman Law Group suggests how to stay safer this season:

• Maintain: Heat can wear down tires, batteries, and cooling systems, so don’t skip routine maintenance. 

• Stay Alert: Summer means more traffic, road construction, and distracted or inexperienced drivers. Slow down, stay focused, and keep the phone out of reach.

• Be Prepared: Review your insurance coverage before a trip, and if you’re in an accident, don’t speak with insurance adjusters without legal advice.

If the unexpected happens, contact Deuterman Law Group for a free case consultation.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, June 11

• World Cup Kickoff - Catch World Cup matches at local restaurants and breweries around town!

• Pottery Sale - Shop hundreds of perfectly imperfect handcrafted pieces from Sawtooth at the Generations Center. 4-7 PM

• Craft Night - Create a custom sun catcher with The Social Craft Society at Joymongers. 6:30 PM

Friday, June 12

• Karaoke & Caricatures - Bring your pup to Tucker’s Tap Yard for a caricature (and belt out a few songs while you're at it). 6-9 PM

• Poetry Slam - Perform your original poetry at The Bookhouse. Winners receive cash prizes! 7 PM

• Juneteenth Celebration - Join in community-led singing at the Delta Arts Center. Free to attend; registration required. 5:30 PM

• Outdoor Movie - Ready to visit Radiator Springs? Innovation Quarter screens “Cars” at Bailey Park! Movie starts at sunset.

Saturday, June 13

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting. 6:30-9:30 PM*

• Tour de Llama - Take a bike ride through scenic Yadkin County and enjoy wine tasting, food trucks, and llama visits at Divine Llama Vineyards. 8:30 AM

• Free Shakespeare - Watch a wedding go off the rails in “Much Ado About Nothing” at Salem Academy & College! Free to attend, but registration required. Additional performances on Sunday.

• Night at the Museum - Explore Körner’s Folly after hours with scavenger hunts, a picnic-style meal on the lawn, interactive activities, and glow-in-the-dark Softgolf! 5-8 PM

• Monster Trucks - Watch monster truck competitions and bike races at the WS Fairgrounds. You can even catch a ride in one of the trucks! 6 PM

• Dogs & Yoga - Unwind in a yoga class surrounded by pups at Forsyth Humane Society. 3 PM

🗞 Other News

• 🚚 Non-Profit: Three weeks on FB Marketplace. Zero offers. We've all been there. Skip the hassle and donate it to Goodwill, where donations support job training and community programs. Schedule a furniture or large item pickup right from your home!*
  
  

• 🛹 Project: A new skatepark could be coming to downtown. The Skate WS Foundation is proposing "Hiwatt Skatepark," a multi-use space between 7th and 8th Streets with a skate plaza, pump track, playground, and walking path. Many of the skatepark’s features would be built by volunteers. (WFMY 2)
  
  

• 🇩🇪 New Food Truck: German Mike’s serves up bratwurst, currywurst, schnitzel, German-style fries, and more. Catch them next at Brouwerij DuBois this Sunday — the Germany vs. Curaçao game will be on!
  
  

• 📅 Save the Date: The Carolina Classic Fair returns October 2-11! This year’s theme is “Red, White, and Moo,” a nod to America’s 250th anniversary. Competitive entry dates for contests and exhibits open July 1.
  
  

• ⚽️ Local Roots: Two former Demon Deacons are competing in the World Cup! Mark McKenzie is playing for Team USA, and Alistair Johnston is playing for Team Canada. This will be Johnston’s 2nd time in the World Cup.
  
  

• 🎓 University: Forsyth Tech is one of 10 finalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize, the most prestigious award in community college education. The winner gets $1 million and will be announced April 2027.

👀 Poll results: What’s your soccer experience?

• I played when I was little - 38%

• I played competitively / at an elite level - 11%

• I currently play in adult leagues - 5%

• I’ve never played soccer - 46%

Hannah L. shared, “I never played soccer, but my dad grew up in Brazil and was in consideration for their U-17 national team and then played for his college team when he moved to the US, so we always watched it growing up!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Summer Social - Get ready for a full-on summer block party at 500 W 5th on June 20, featuring live music from Sonny Miles, a vendor market, yard games, and yes, even an ice cream truck.

🌀 The Wrap

• ⚽️ Team members Christy and Stevie attended the German Men’s National Team’s training yesterday. They both had an incredible experience; Stevie’s favorite part was seeing how local kids got to interact with the players!

• 🌭 Guide of the Week: Where to Find Hot Dogs

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 8, 2026

️⚽️ World Cup in Winston

The German Men’s National Team arrived in Winston-Salem today to begin training for the World Cup! We asked team member Stevie, our resident soccer expert, to share his thoughts about the upcoming tournament.

• Background: Stevie has played professionally in Chile, Mexico, and Germany! He runs his own training company, The Complete Footballer, and has coached soccer at multiple local schools.
  
  

• His Take: Stevie is excited for WS to host Team Germany, and as a Canadian, he’s obviously rooting for Team Canada! He’s eager to see so many cultures gather in North America and hopes the event fosters a sense of unity.

  • “To me, that is the power of sport, the power of events like this, and, even more uniquely, the power of soccer because it is such a worldwide sport.”

Where to Watch

• Fiddlin’ Fish | Showing all matches and hosting watch parties.

• Small Batch | Showing all matches with raffles, giveaways, and drink specials for each match. All ages welcome. They’re also selling Small Batch USA jerseys!

• Que Viva Latin Street Grill | Showing all matches with food and drink specials for each match, including specialty dishes when Latin American countries are playing.

• Radar Brewing | Showing all matches and hosting watch parties in collaboration with local businesses. The watch parties will have special giveaways!

🏡 Explore LRB's hottest new listings!

• Clemmons | This suburb delivers spacious neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and an easy drive to downtown. This listing of the week is on a quiet cul-de-sac. 

• Ardmore | One of those neighborhoods people fall hard for: walkable, close to hospitals, close to everything. Love the area but can't find the one? This week's listing is your chance to build exactly what you've been looking for.

• Buena Vista | Tree-lined streets that feel like they belong in a storybook. One of Winston's most picturesque neighborhoods — and this week's listing is a 5-bedroom showstopper. 

Real estate is personal. That's why Winston-Salem trusts LRB to guide them home.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, June 9

• Latin Dance - Learn the salsa with Triad Social Dance at East of Texas. Only a few more classes before their summer break! 6 PM

• Tanglewood Walk - Go for a stroll with Step Sisters Walk at Tanglewood Park; pets and kids are welcome! Recurs weekly. 10 AM

• Paint & Sip - Want to visit Kernersville after last week’s feature? Paint a sea turtle at The Brewer’s Kettle! 7 PM

• Voices Across Borders - Listen to refugees share their personal stories at Bookmarks! No registration required. 7 PM

Wednesday, June 10

• Language Exchange - ¿Estás listo? Practice your Spanish in a judgment-free zone at the Vecino Center! All skill levels welcome. 6 PM

• Picnic Food Fest - Food trucks, local vendors, and outdoor games at Bailey Park every 2nd and 4th Wednesday through October! 5-8 PM

• Farmers Market - It’s time for your midweek stock-up. Shop for essentials at Cobblestone’s Wednesday market! 8:30-11 AM

• Ribbon Cutting - Celebrate the new dandelion sculptures at the city’s special ceremony held behind Truist Stadium on the Twin City Trail! 10 AM

Thursday, June 11

• Mahjong 101 - Intimidated by all the rules? Camel City Mahjong teaches you the basics at Foothills Brewpub! 6 PM

• Wine Dinner - A taste of Tuscany. Join The Caviste at Salem Bottleworks for a 5-course, wine-paired dinner. 6 PM

• Singles Social - Skip the apps and meet local singles over free bourbon tastings and craft cocktails at Broad Branch Distillery. Ages 25–40 at 6 PM, ages 41+ at 7 PM.

😎 Summer break is here — and so is "mom, I'm bored." We know juggling childcare and work schedules can feel like a never-ending game of Tetris. Good news: it's not too late to sign your kids up for YMCA camp.

• Day Camps: Full-day camps for preschool, elementary, and middle schoolers, plus LEGO and art. Half-day sports camps are available too. Financial scholarships are available.

• Camp Hanes: Overnight or day camp options — the first week is happening right now, and your kid can still join next week. Day camp includes transportation.

Our local YMCA makes summer easy for you and fun for kids.*

🗞 Other News

• 👗 Coming Soon: Boutique Be Loved opens at 3524 Yadkinville Road this Wednesday, created by friends Debbie Doub and Debbie Peterson. Expect coastal/classic styles with lots of gift items like candles, frames, jewelry, and bags!
  
  

• 🎵 Music: Trace Adkins and Aaron Tippin are coming to Bowman Gray Stadium on August 14! This is believed to be the first major concert held at Bowman Gray since Patti LaBelle’s performance in 1984. Get your tickets starting this Friday.
  
  

• 🚗 Civic: Watch out for downtown detours. Streets near the RJ Reynolds Building will be closed June 9–25 while crews replace the building’s signage. Separately, a lane of Marshall Street is closed from now through September 13 for the Stevens Center renovation.
  
  

• 🏆 Ranked: Mission Pizza Napoletana ranked No. 19 in 50 Top Pizza USA, making this the 6th consecutive year Mission Pizza has appeared on the list! Learn more about MPN in our interview with owner Peyton Smith.
  
  

• 😋 Menu Updates: Grandpa Joe’s Slaberia now serves a rotating selection of focaccia sandwiches, and Theodore’s has added lactose-free soft serve ice cream to its menu!

🚶‍♀️ Women on the Move (Literally)

"Women come for the miles, but they stay because they found people who know their name." That's how Devone Hart describes Step Sisters Walk, the Winston-Salem walking community that just celebrated its 1st anniversary.

• Backstory: Devone started walking for her health in 2017. During quarantine, she logged 500 miles in 4 months and started bringing women along. She saw they were craving community, so when an opportunity arose in 2025, she created Step Sisters Walk.

  • The group now has chapters in Kentucky and Washington, with more in the works!
    
    

• What: You can join Step Sisters Walk on Tuesdays at Tanglewood Park and every other Saturday at various local spots! Step Sisters is more than just a walking group — Devone also hosts wellness workshops, journaling experiences, and social gatherings like game nights.
  
  

• Get Involved: Join the Facebook group or sign up for the email list to find out about upcoming events.

👀 Poll results: How well do you know Kernersville?

• I live there - 19%

• I visit frequently - 21%

• I’ve been a few times - 48%

• Never been - 12%

Ashley S. lives in Kernersville and shared, “I grew up in Clemmons and never came to Kernersville till I moved here in my 30s. I love the laid-back atmosphere and sense of community!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.

• Summer Social - Get ready for a full-on summer block party at 500 W 5th on June 20, featuring live music from Sonny Miles, a vendor market, yard games, and yes, even an ice cream truck.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🌯 Team member Christy stopped by Trade Street Farmers Market this weekend and enjoyed one of Robert Rust Foods’ delicious burritos!

• 🇩🇪 Graylyn’s walking paths and vehicle entrances will be closed from June 7 to July 18 to ensure Team Germany’s privacy and security.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 3, 2026

🧭 Discover Kernersville

Looking for a small-town experience? Don’t sleep on Kernersville — it’s home to a quaint downtown, plenty of parks, and the best news? It’s only 15 minutes away.

Attractions | Landmarks that define the area.

• Explore the rooms at Körner’s Folly on a self-guided or private tour and stop by for their seasonal events, like the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration!

• Stroll through the beautiful Ciener Botanical Garden and take the kids to their monthly storytime. The next one is June 9.

Get Outside | Kernersville does parks right. Honestly, you could spend a whole day just visiting all of them!

• Rent a rowboat or go fishing at Kernersville Lake Park.

• Watch an outdoor movie in downtown’s Harmon Park; up next is “Grease” on July 17.

• Play disc golf on the 18-hole course at Triad Park and walk, run, or bike on its extensive trail system. There are also 3 large playgrounds for the kiddos!

Where to Eat | Locally owned and full of character.

• Grab a classic breakfast or lunch at Fitz on Main.

• Snap a pic in front of the iconic mural and treat yourself to a cupcake at Cake and All Things Yummy.

• For a proper night out, The Gaslight on Main delivers with hanger steak, snow crab, and a serious wine list.

• Follow it up with homemade ice cream at Blue Skies Creamery.

Where to Drink | Perfect for your morning pick-me-up or an evening hanging out with friends.

• Sip on coffee (roasted in-house) at Kyle’s Coffee and let the kids entertain themselves in the play zone.

• Find your community at Little Brother Kernersville with their weekly run club, trivia, music bingo, and yoga.

• Enjoy the cozy, laid-back atmosphere at The Brewer’s Kettle. Stop by in the morning to grab a latte from Pot Heads, the coffee bar located inside.

We love control, so it’s surprising that over 60% of Americans leave their assets vulnerable. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly; it ensures:

• Your children or pets are cared for if tragedy strikes

• Someone you trust makes medical decisions if you can’t

• Your assets are preserved and go exactly where you want

Bell, Davis & Pitt P.A. makes sure you don't leave any of this to chance. Get started today with their Estate Planning Guide.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Saturday, June 6

• Disco Cowboy Party - Dust off your boots for an afternoon of themed cocktails, music, and a best-dressed contest at The Porch! 12 PM

• Soccer - Don’t miss the Salem City Beasts’ match at Reynolds Stadium! Come early for inflatables, food trucks, and fan gear to celebrate the club’s 33rd anniversary. Celebration at 6 PM, game at 7 PM.

• Guided Hike - Can you name the trees around Salem Lake? Let local experts teach you how on a Tree Trail walk! Free, but registration required. 10 AM

• Flamenco - Spain comes to Winston-Salem. Experience a live flamenco performance at Manolo’s Boutique Wines — pair your evening with tapas, charcuterie, and sangria! 6 PM

• Comedy Night - The lineup and venue? Top secret. Don’t Tell Comedy emails you the location the morning of the show! 8:30 PM

Sunday, June 7

• Cocktail Class - Love espresso martinis? Learn how to craft one during this hands-on class at easytalk! 12 PM

• Historical Stroll - Take a walking tour through our city's history with MUSE WS, from our colonial roots to the present day. Additional dates in June and July.

• Farmers Market - Support your local producers by shopping fresh fruit and veggies, baked goods, and more on Trade Street! 10 AM - 2 PM

• Anniversary Party - Authoring Action turns 24! Celebrate with spoken word, DJ P.S. Edekot, and an open mic for poets and musicians at Coffee Park. 4 PM

Monday, June 8

• Cornhole Tournament - Compete at East of Texas for free dessert! Tournaments are happening every Monday and Thursday in June; no registration required. 6 PM

Men, we see you. June is Men's Month at The VISTA — and we've got three treatments that actually deliver.

• CoolTone | Muscle Toning: FDA-cleared to strengthen, firm, and tone your muscles

• miraDry | Underarm Sweat: The only FDA-cleared treatment that permanently reduces underarm sweat. No surgery, no downtime.

• Nutrafol | Hair Growth: Clinically shown to improve thickness and scalp coverage — real results you can see.

🎁 BONUS: Buy a CoolTone package of 5 at standard pricing and get 2 treatments free — 7 sessions total.*

🗞 Other News

• 😢 Closed: No more mechanical bull rides. Dolly's Honky Tonk, formerly known as Whiskey Dawgs, has closed after 6 years. While the bar is no longer open to the public, the space is still available for private events while it's up for sale.
  
  

• ⚽️ World Cup: Team Germany arrives in WS on Monday, June 8! Stay tuned for next week’s guide, where we’ll highlight local spots with World Cup watch parties.
  
  

• 👨‍🍳 Relocation: Southern Home & Kitchen moved into its new space! No worries, it’s still in Thruway, just a few doors down from Trader Joe’s. Attend Saturday’s grand opening for giveaways, raffles, and prizes.
  
  

• 🏉 Sports: The WS Rugby Football Club is launching the area's first high school girls team this fall! The team is open to students from any local school — no experience required. The season runs August through October.
  
  

• 🚑 For the Parents: Learn summer safety at Happy Hill Park this Saturday, including first aid basics, hydration tips, and best practices for helmets and water play.

👕 Vintage Vibes

Winston-Salem's vintage pop-up scene has been quietly growing these past few years. If you haven't gone digging yet, consider this your sign.

• VNTG SHW | Local business Still Grimey has been running these pop-ups at Wise Man Brewing since 2022. The next pop-up is June 14. Team member Stevie snagged a vintage soccer jersey on a recent visit!
  
  

• Winston Vintage Market | Created by Juan Velaz in April 2024, this market pops up at Incendiary Brewing and ALV Nightclub; they’ll be at ALV this Saturday! Team member (and resident nerd) Jacob found a Star Trek shirt at WVM that he used for a Halloween costume.
  
  

• Pro Tip: Each vendor has their own payment preferences, so we recommend bringing cash just to be safe.

👀 Poll results: Which do you consider the start of summer?

• Memorial Day - 60%

• End of school - 21%

• Beginning of June - 7%

• Summer solstice (June 21) - 12%

Tami C. shared, “Let’s be real… summer starts with the Winston-Salem Greek Festival!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.

• Summer Social - Get ready for a full-on summer block party at 500 W 5th on June 20, featuring live music from Sonny Miles, a vendor market, yard games, and yes, even an ice cream truck.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🌙 Just so you know: Silver Moon Saloon has temporarily closed for maintenance and updates.

• 🥃 Speaking of drinks… we love this behind-the-scenes tour of Broad Branch Distillery!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 2, 2026

🌼 The Story Behind The Dandelions

By now, you’ve probably heard all about the new dandelion sculptures along Salem Parkway. We're breaking down everything you need to know about the project!

• Background: This installation was funded through the City of Winston-Salem's 2018 Bond Package — a $122 million referendum covering 5 bond issues (including "Street and Sidewalk”) approved by voters on November 6, 2018.

  • The package was financed through a 4-cent increase in the property tax rate, separate from the city's annual operating budget.
    
    
    

• Did voters specifically approve this project? Not directly — but according to Principal Planner Kelly Bennett, that's standard practice. Bond referenda typically appear on the ballot as broad project categories, with detailed breakdowns of each project made available to the public beforehand.

  • The 2018 Bond Package included 5 broad categories, including "Street and Sidewalk Bond," under which more than 9 projects were listed — including Business 40 Corridor Enhancements.

  • Those materials outlined approximately $3.5 million for the enhancements, covering clear noise walls, public art foundations and installations on 7 bridges, pedestrian-scale lighting, and enhanced landscaping.

  • Voters approved the overall categories, which covered all projects within each. View a 2018 sample ballot here.
    
    

• The Sculptures: After a national art call, a local artist group was selected to create the installation along Salem Parkway, from the Peters Creek Parkway exit to the Church Street bridge. They chose dandelions to symbolize resilience and hope within the Winston-Salem community. The team included:

  • Chad Cheek (former owner of Elephant in the Room)

  • Adam Sebastian (Stitch Design Shop)

  • Drew Gerstmyer (Architect)

  • Andrew Viator (Viator Design & Construction)
    
    

• Fun Facts:

  • Each seed stands 5 feet tall and weighs 5.6 lbs

  • The main dandelion puff features 86 seeds, with nearly 40 scattered on the ground near the off-ramp

  • The primary sculpture weighs 4,347 lbs
    
    

• Up Next: The ribbon-cutting ceremony is June 9.

🏠 Real stories, real homes! See how Piedmont Federal Bank helped these locals on their home-buying journey.

• Susan turned to Piedmont Federal Bank after challenges with another lender and found more than a mortgage. "They helped me through the highs and lows and made me feel supported every step of the way."

• The Coopers needed a personalized solution their previous bank couldn't offer. A HELOC gave them the flexibility to buy before selling — and close during the holidays, avoiding a major tax penalty.

Banking should feel personal. At Piedmont Federal Bank it is. See what's possible.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, June 4

• Baseball - The Dash faces the Hub City Spartanburgers, featuring theme nights like the Hooch Pooches rebrand and K-pop Night! Daily games through Sunday.

• Outdoor Yoga - Unwind with a free yoga class led by Lotus Yoga Academy at Bailey Park. 6 PM

• Clothing Swap - Bring gently used clothing to Art SHAC and (sustainably) refresh your wardrobe! 2-5 PM

Friday, June 5

• Nerd Nite - Feed your curiosity with rapid-fire talks covering everything from regenerative medicine to classic movie monsters at Kaleideum. 6 PM

• Summer Party - Celebrate summer with live music, food trucks, a custom hat bar, cornhole, and giant Jenga at Wise Man Brewing! Runs through Saturday.

• Opening Reception - Meet the artists behind Delta Art Center’s “Black by Design” exhibit, featuring the work of Black graphic designers. 6-8:30 PM

• Whodunit Musical - You decide how it ends! Experience “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” at Hanesbrands Theatre. No two performances are exactly alike! Runs through June 21.

• Comedy Show - Enjoy a night of laughter at Simply Sonya’s! Performances at 7 and 9:30 PM.

• Summer Reading Kickoff - Get the kids excited about reading with face painting, lawn games, and a fossil dig at Central Library! 6 PM

Saturday, June 6

• Book Binding - Create your own journal or sketchbook using 18th-century techniques at Old Salem. 1:30 PM

• Anime Fest - Cosplay, panels, screenings, and merch from your favorite shows — all at The Hawthorne Inn. 10 AM - 5 PM

• Summer Shindig - Welcome in summer with food trucks, live music, a mobile arcade, and foam cannons at the Jerry Long Family YMCA! 5-8 PM

💻 It’s summer break, and suddenly your home office is overrun with snack requests and sibling negotiations. Flywheel Coworking is here to help with:

• Wi-Fi that isn’t competing with cartoons and gaming

• Coffee you didn’t have to reheat three times

• A productivity-focused environment so you can get things done, then get back home

Book a tour with Community Manager Becca.*

🗞 Other News

• 🎨 Opening: New gallery alert! The Art Room celebrates its grand opening Friday at 204 W. 6th Street. Created by local artists Amanda and Kelly, the space will also host workshops like the recent Critique Night!
  
  

• 💰 Civic: The city officially adopted the $700.9 million budget for 2026-27, which goes into effect on July 1. The budget was reduced by $2 million since its original proposal, changing the average citizen’s property tax increase from $5.42/month to $4.51/month.
  
  

• 🎭 Save the Dates: The International Black Theatre Festival returns July 27 to August 1! The biennial event features professional theater shows, films, poetry, and workshops at various venues. Tickets for the 20+ mainstage shows are already on sale!
  
  

• 💙 Nonprofit: Support Samaritan Ministries’ “45 Items for 45 Years” campaign! Purchase high-priority items off their Amazon wish list to help them continue providing food and shelter to our neighbors in need. They could also use volunteers in their soup kitchen!
  
  

• 👕 Now Open: Looking for vintage clothing? Lucky Dog just opened at 633 N. Trade Street! Owned by Trevor Shue and Sarah Caudle, the shop carries 1,200+ vintage essentials, including shoes, accessories, bags, home goods, and decor.
  
  

• 👟 Races: Runners have options this Saturday! Choose from the 1-mile Brunch Run (pancake breakfast included), Fleet Feet's Big Run, or Chase the Dream's glow-in-the-dark race.

🗳 I Voted

When you go to the polls this November, you’ll get an “I Voted” sticker designed by a local 11-year-old!

• What: Paloma K. won the Forsyth County Board of Elections’ “I Voted” Sticker Contest! Her design spells out the word “Vote” in sign language.
  
  

• Background: Paloma’s design faced off against 44 other submissions from K-12 students. The Board of Elections narrowed down the submissions to 12 finalists, and then the public voted for the winner!
  
  

• Participate: Get your sticker when you vote in person on November 3! In-person voter registration closes October 9. Whether you love it or hate it, the dandelion project is proof that your vote matters.

👀 Poll results: What do you think of the new dandelion sculptures on Salem Parkway?

• Love them - 66%

• They’re okay - 16%

• Not a fan - 18%

Grace T. shared, “They are cute, but we could have spent the money on something better,” and Becky C. wrote, “Nice to see creative, positive, one-of-a-kind art in WS!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🍓 Looking for a taste of summer? Team member Jacob recommends the strawberry iced tea at Sayso Coffee!

• 🚎 Guide of the Week: Unique Ways to Explore Winston-Salem

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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June 1, 2026

Presented by ICON Custom Builders

A MESSAGE FROM ICON CUSTOM BUILDERS

Stress-Free Remodeling at its Finest

There's a reason you see our signs all over town. ICON Custom Builders is transforming homes across the greater Winston-Salem area.

What sets ICON apart: One design-build team manages every step — no juggling subcontractors, no miscommunications, no gaps in quality. Just a seamless, turnkey experience from start to finish.

What clients are saying:

• "From initial design to the final inspection, the ICON team thought of and took care of everything."

• "Every detail was handled with exceptional care and craftsmanship."

• "Stress-free remodeling at its finest."

Why start this summer: With kids out of school and families often away on vacation, major renovations like kitchen or bathroom remodels can happen with fewer interruptions to daily life.

See ICON's work:

• Buena Vista Addition: Refreshed the entire home — adding nearly 1,000 sq. ft. of living space, including a primary suite and screened-in porch.

• Sherwood Forest Basement: Turned a bare-bones basement into a finished space with a media center, office, and dry bar.

• West End Kitchen: Transformed a century-old kitchen into a modern, fully functional space complete with a walk-in pantry and custom coffee bar.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Festivals, outdoor concerts, late-night museum adventures — June events are bringing the heat!

🎊 Festivals

• Pride Festival | June 13 | Arts District | Head downtown for the annual parade and food truck rodeo.
  
  

• Juneteenth | June 18-20 | Various Locations | Triad Cultural Arts hosts a community concert, mural painting, fireworks, and the annual Juneteenth Festival.
  
  

• Street Party & Food Truck Festival | June 20 | Shallowford Square, Lewisville | Grab a bite from 20+ food trucks and enjoy live music from The Entertainers.
  
  

• 1Love Festival | June 25-27 | The Enterprise Center and The Ramkat | Experience African diasporic culture through music and the Restorying Institute’s immersive conversations and hands-on experiences.
  

🎶 Outdoor Concerts 

• Summer on Fourth | June 13 | In front of Foothills Brewpub | Phase Band
  
  

• Back to Trade | June 19 | 6th & Trade Streets | Moxie
  
  

• Downtown Jazz | June 26 | Corpening Plaza | Alex Bugnon and Titus Gant
  
  

• Wise Man Brewing | June 13, 20, 26, and 27 | Various musicians

🚴‍♀️ Interactive

• Tour de Llama | June 13 | Divine Llama Vineyards | Ride through scenic Yadkin County and enjoy wine tasting, food trucks, and llama visits!
  
  

• Night at the Museum | June 13 | Körner’s Folly | Explore the historic house and grounds after hours with scavenger hunts, a picnic-style meal on the lawn, interactive activities, and glow-in-the-dark Softgolf!
  
  

• Hands-On History Day | June 13 | Historic Bethabara Park | Interact with 18th-century craftsmen, tour historic buildings, and discover archaeological ruins!

🌭 Baseball season is in full swing, and the Dash are home all week taking on the Hub City Spartanburgers (Tuesday–Sunday). Here are 4 highlights:

• Tuesday, June 2: El Humo de Winston-Salem rebrand night celebrates local Hispanic culture all game long — with $1 hot dogs to match

• Friday, June 5: Special bundle for Hooch Pooches rebrand night (exclusive t-shirt + Hooch cocktail), plus postgame fireworks to close it out

• Saturday, June 6: K-pop Night brings special appearances, inspired music, electric in-game entertainment, and fireworks

• Sunday, June 7: Stand Up 2 Cancer, a day to honor those who have fought and continue to fight, plus first 1000 kids will receive a free youth replica jersey

Purchase your tickets in advance and save.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, June 2

• Publisher Takeover - Meet author Amin Ahmad at Bookmarks as he discusses his new mystery, "A Killer in the Family” — plus get book recs from his publisher! 6:30 PM

• Improv Music - New weekly event! Settle in for a night of spontaneous jazz at Fair Witness. 8-10 PM

• Puppets & Music - Giant puppets and your favorite movie soundtracks; don’t miss Paperhand Puppet Project and Salem Band’s collaborative performance in Salem Square! Free to attend. 7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 3

• Keep NC Weird - Dive into North Carolina’s strangest stories and eerie folklore with a storyteller at Central Library. Free to attend. 6 PM

• Cocktail Class - Shaken and stirred. Learn how to make popular cocktails at Earl’s! 7 PM

• Line Dancing - Two left feet? No problem. Learn the basics with Jackie Phillips before open dancing kicks off at Last Lap Bar & Grill. 7 PM

Thursday, June 4

• Mahjong - Guided or open-play sessions with Camel City Mahjong at 500 W 5th! While you’re there, grab a bite or drink from The Downtown Grille. 6 PM

• DIY Lamps - Design your own mosaic lamp at Hammer & Stain! 7 PM

🗞 Other News

• 💪 This Month: Strengthen, firm, and tone your muscles with CoolTone at The VISTA. Each 30-minute session delivers thousands of muscle contractions designed to enhance strength and definition. This month, you can save big. Buy a package of 5 at standard pricing and get 2 treatments free — 7 sessions total.*
  
  

• ️💻 Summer: Did summer break turn your home office into chaos? Flywheel Coworking has quiet workspaces, reliable Wi-Fi, coffee you can actually drink while it’s hot, and more. Book a tour with community manager Becca to check it out.*
  
  

• 😢 Closed: Toasted WS has closed its doors. The Arts District soup-and-sandwich shop opened in April 2025, but owner Chris Eastwood shared that unforeseen circumstances led to the closure.
  
  

• 🍅 Shop: Need a midweek produce fix? Cobblestone Farmers Market is launching a Wednesday market, running 8:30-11 AM! The Saturday market will continue as usual from 8:30 AM - 12 PM.
  
  

• 📚 Announced: Bookmarks revealed the first round of authors coming to this year’s Bookmarks Festival on September 26! The lineup includes local Abrea Armstrong, the debut author of “Ferry Tales.”
  
  

• 🛋️ Now Open: JD Salvager is a new vintage salvage warehouse at 1004 Rundell Street! Discover refurbished designer furniture and vintage modern pieces, with new items arriving daily.

👀 Poll results: What would you perform at an open mic night?

• Music - 51%

• Poetry - 15%

• Comedy - 26%

• Other - 8%

Shane H. picked comedy and shared, “I actually did a stand-up routine once; my nerves were so shot I had to leave right after my set and couldn’t watch the other comics!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.  

🌀 The Wrap

• 🧙‍♂️ Team member Christy loved throwing her son a Lord of the Rings-themed birthday party, complete with an adorable hobbit outfit. If you’re also a LOTR fan, you’ll love Twin City Sweets' theme this weekend.

• 🤩 We’re fangirling a bit — basketball legend and WS native Chris Paul responded to our comment on ESPN FC’s recent post! Find @Monarchy71’s comment to see the exchange.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 27, 2026

🎤 Mic Check

Open mic nights are a low-pressure way to share your talent! Whether you play an instrument, write poetry, or perform standup, Winston-Salem has plenty of welcoming spots to get on stage.

• Wise Man Brewing | Every Wednesday | A wide variety of musicians turn out each week, playing covers and originals.
  
  

• The Bookhouse | Every 2nd Thursday | Hosted by Winston-Salem Writers, this one's for the word nerds. Bring original creative writing in any genre — fiction, memoir, poetry, experimental, you name it.

  • Looking for a purely poetry-focused night? Poetry Slam is held the 2nd Friday of every other month. Bring 3 poems and compete for cash prizes!
    
    

• Chad’s Chai | Every 3rd Saturday | Musicians, poets, comedians, and other performers are all welcome! We think the cozy atmosphere makes Chad’s Chai a perfect place for first-time performers.
  
  

• The Grackle | Bimonthly | Hosted by The Healing Pen at Lot 63, this storytelling collective invites people from all walks of life to share their stories! Apply to be a future speaker.
  
  

• Earl’s | Every Monday | Most folks share songs at this open mic night, but all talent is welcome. Pair your performance with a bite of their Southern comfort food!
  
  

• Willow Ridge Farmstead | Every Thursday | This small Clemmons family farm’s open mic night is open to all types of performers. They even serve homemade pizza and ice cream during performances!

🏠 Your best curb appeal starts with Worth Painting. Check out these recent exterior transformations.

• A fresh stain on these garage doors transformed the entire look of the home.

• A worn deck made to look brand new with a new stain.

• Painted stucco that gave this home a whole new personality.

Flawless results and a stress-free experience. Get a free quote today.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Saturday, May 30

• Green Home Tour - Take a self-guided tour of sustainable homes and gardens, chat with homeowners, and pick up practical ideas for making your own home a little greener. 11 AM - 2 PM

• Pups & Popsicles - Watch K-9 units in action and cool off with free popsicles at Tanglewood Park! 11 AM - 2 PM

• Book Fair - Meet 12+ local authors and discover your next great read at Central Library! 11 AM - 2 PM

• Workout For a Cause - Play a round of Softgolf at Tanglewood Park while connecting with working professionals under 40. Proceeds support Jim Shaw ACE Academy. 10 AM

• Rose Show - Wander through hundreds of award-winning roses, pick out fresh-cut bouquets, and get expert gardening tips at the WS Fairgrounds. 12-4 PM

• Explore History - Dive into the details of George Washington’s Southern tour (including his 2-night stay in Salem) at this Old Salem lecture. 1 PM

• Vendor Market - Shop local vendors, grab a bite from food trucks, and soak in live music at Wise Man Brewing. 12-4 PM

Sunday, May 31

• Plunge Club - Recharge with sauna sessions, cold plunges, yoga, cupping, and compression therapy at Summit Holistic Healing! 4-7 PM

• Cars & Coffee - A car lover's dream! 200+ cars and local coffee from Sippity Sips at the Jerry Long Family YMCA. 7-10 AM

• Outdoor Play - Watch Shakespeare’s classic love story, “Romeo & Juliet,” unfold under the open sky at Ciener Botanical Garden. 6 PM

• Sipper Club - Try 6 hand-selected red wines at Pleasants Provisions’ first-ever wine tasting event! 3:30 PM

Monday, June 1

• Dino Day - Kids can build their favorite dinosaur for free using the bulk LEGO bins at Bricks & Minifigs Kernersville! Drop by anytime from 10 AM - 7 PM.

• Italian Dinner - Indulge in a 7-course dinner paired with craft cocktails and wine at Broad Branch Distillery. 6 PM

💬 Flywheel Coworking is great. But don't just take our word for it:

• "Everything from the environment and amenities to the community managers... EVERYTHING lifts my spirits. I'm very productive here.” - Kristie (Reserved Desk Member)

• "From someone who has experienced so many different co-working spaces — this is an excellent one." - Devin (Community 5 Member)

• "It's the best place to work and the community is invaluable." - David (Community 10 Member)

Schedule a tour with Becca and see what all the hype is about!*

🗞 Other News

• ️🎆 Celebrate: Happy Birthday, America! Celebrate 250 years in style at Truist Stadium, July 2–4. Grab your early bird tickets now for three nights of patriotic fun, a special America 250th on-field jersey, and Winston-Salem's biggest fireworks show — before prices go up.*
  
  

• 🎉 Now Open: Meet The Daily Bowl! A new açaí and smoothie bowl trailer created by WS native Taylor Dolan, who wanted to introduce a light, health-forward option to the food truck scene! All the bowl names are NC-inspired; we’re eyeing the Purple Panther bowl.
  
  

• 💕 Health: Robinhood Integrative Imaging is now open, bringing radiation-free, compression-free breast health screenings designed for early detection to the area.
  
  

• 🎨 Opening: Local artists Jessica Hale and Jerald Roberts are opening The Living Room this Saturday at 1001 S Marshall Street, a creative rental space for podcasting, live music, and photography. RSVP to attend the grand opening!
  
  

• 🎓 Good to Know: Expect traffic if you’re driving down Deacon Boulevard tomorrow or Friday. The WS Fairgrounds is hosting over a dozen high school graduations! Attending a graduation? Check out the parking details.

🕯 Candle Crafting

Pour, mix, and create your own custom soy candle at Lizzie’s All Natural Products!

• What: A hands-on experience where you’ll pick the scent, vessel, and other creative elements for a candle that’s uniquely yours. Grab a seat at this Friday’s class!
  
  

• Background: What began with owner Christen making eczema-friendly laundry detergent for herself in college has grown into a beloved local shop featuring skincare, soaps, essential oils, candles, beard oil, their popular eczema butter, and more.
  
  

• Our Take: Team member Stevie created custom blends for his candles: frankincense with lemon dates and saffron with eucalyptus.

👀 Poll results: When you’re hot, do you turn the AC “up” or “down”?

• Up - 33%

• Down - 67%

Emily S. chose "up” and shared, “Turning the AC 'up' = providing more AC.”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.  

🌀 The Wrap

• 🥳 Happy birthday to team member Christy’s son, Luke (May 28), and team member Jacob (May 29)! Christy is throwing Luke an adorable Lord of the Rings-themed party.

• 🐱 The votes are in. The NC Zoo’s adorable sand cat kittens have been named Ziri and Zayn!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 26, 2026

Presented by Bell, Davis & Pitt P.A.

A MESSAGE FROM BELL, DAVIS & PITT P.A.

3 Ways a Lawyer Can Make a Difference

Think a lawyer is only for emergencies? Think again. Here are three important ways Bell, Davis & Pitt can support you and your family.

1. Plan Ahead For Your Loved Ones | Estate planning isn’t just about passing on assets — it’s about protecting your loved ones and honoring your wishes.

   • Get a complimentary estate planning guide to get started!

2. Protect and Grow Your Business | From hiring and managing your team to safeguarding your brand and staying compliant, Bell, Davis & Pitt helps your business operate confidently.

3. Welcome New Beginnings | Whether you’re pursuing adoption or planning for the future with premarital or postmarital agreements, a family lawyer can guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.

💦 Splish Splash

It’s no secret summers in North Carolina are hot! We rounded up Winston-Salem’s pools and splash pads so you can spend less time sweating and more time cooling off.

🩱8 Public Pools: Bolton Pool and Winston Waterworks are open for the season! Both have concessions.

• Opening May 30: Kimberley Park, Long Creek, Parkland, Polo, and Reynolds Park pools (Long Creek has concessions).

  • Mineral Springs Pool will open on June 8.

• Tips & savings:

  • Grab a pool pass if you plan to go more than once. Kids get a discount on Tuesdays and Thursdays, excluding Bolton and Long Creek.

  • Bolton Pool features Olympic-sized swimming lanes + multiple diving boards! This is the city’s most popular pool, so expect there to be crowds.

  • Winston Waterworks has a waterslide and a lazy river!

• Fees (cash or card): Infants free | Ages 3–17: $3 | Adults: $5 | Seniors: $5 or free with senior ID

💦 10 Public Splash Pads: All splash pads are open for the season!

• All are free except Polo Park Splash Pad, which requires an entry fee.

• Good to know:

  • Sprague Street Splash Pad is the newest addition — it features a slide!

  • Hathaway Splash Pad is open, but note that the surrounding park is still under construction.

• Save the date: Fun in the Sun Jam at Sprague Street Splash Pad on July 25, 4–8 PM!

🏊 New This Year: Senior Swim has been renamed Adult Fitness Swim.

• Open to anyone 18+ looking to get a workout in the water at Bolton, Parkland, and Polo pools. Sessions are $5 (in addition to entry fees) and run Monday–Friday, 11 AM – 12 PM.

⚾️ Celebrate the end of the school year the right way — at the ballpark!

• Wednesday: Kids eat free with the purchase of any adult meal.

• Thursday: $2 drafts all game long plus Pups in the Park — bring the whole family, four-legged members included.

• Friday & Saturday: Watch a live performer juggle real chainsaws, then stick around for postgame fireworks during Hype Hens rebrand weekend.

• Sunday: The dinosaurs are taking over the ballpark! Plus, meet special guests from the Kernersville Reptile Zoo, snag pregame player autographs, and stick around for a postgame catch on the field.

Start summer off right! Purchase your tickets in advance and save.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, May 28

• Collage & Comedy - Cut, paste, laugh. Create collages and watch a comedy show at Culture WS! Free to attend. 6-10 PM

• Night at the Farm - Live music by Martha Bassett and Colin Allured, dinner from Native Root, and yard games — all at Mossy Hill Farm. 5:30-8:30 PM

• Women’s Business Brunch - Grab a plate and make a connection. The S.H.E. Connection is hosting a buffet brunch and interactive activities for local businesswomen at Coffee Park Airstream! 10 AM

Friday, May 29

• Senior Prom - No, we’re not talking about high school seniors. Active older adults are invited to hit the dance floor at Robinhood Road Family YMCA! Free to attend; registration encouraged. 7 PM

• Dinner & Show - Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner and a comedy act at Willow Ridge Farmstead. Dinner at 5 PM, show at 8 PM.

• Movie Night - Take the kids to see “Coco” at Davie County Community Park! Movie starts at sunset.

• R&B and Poetry - Spoken word, hip hop, and R&B come together for a soulful night at Bar Nola. 8 PM

• Dueling Pianos - Uptown Dueling Pianos brings their all-request show to Gypsy Road Brewing! 7 PM

• Park Hangs - Tre. Charles takes the stage at Bailey Park for NCMA's reimagined House Hangs series. 5-8 PM

• Irish Dance - Experience the story of the Irish pirate queen in the Carroll Academy’s annual show! Additional performances on Saturday.

Saturday, May 30

• Blooming Together - A full day of art classes, workshops, and demos at the Generations Center! Free to attend; just make sure to pre-register. 10 AM - 2 PM

• Groove Lab - Leave the phone behind. Get fully immersed in Groove Lab’s blackout techno dance party at Bar Nola. 10 PM - 2 AM

• Soccer - Cheer on our local Salem City Beasts as they play the Charlotte Eagles at Reynolds Stadium. 7 PM

• DIY Soaps - Craft 6 bars of custom soap while sipping on tea or champagne at Lizzie’s All Natural Products. 3 PM

🗞 Other News

• ️🌄 Vacation: Lake or mountains? New build or historic gem? ICON Custom Builders has completed both: a brand new custom lake house and a full gut renovation of a 6,000 sq. ft., century-old mountain home. In Winston-Salem and beyond, ICON's full-service design-build team transforms any space into one of lasting beauty and delight.*
  
  

• ☀️ Summer: Summer break is here — and so are the kids. When working from home gets a little chaotic, Flywheel Coworking is your hub for serious productivity and the company of fellow adults. Take a tour this week!*
  
  

• 🎉 Opening: Athena Stationery & Cafe celebrates its grand opening this Friday at 1004 Brookstown Avenue! You’ll find journals, postcards, washi tape, stickers, pens, and so much more. Plus, they serve drinks from Okay Coffee and Chad’s Chai!

  
  

• 🎨 Behind the Scenes: Who’s paying for the dandelion sculptures coming to Salem Parkway? The project is funded through a voter-approved bond initiative, not the city’s annual tax budget. Even better: the city tapped local architects, fabricators, and creatives to bring the sculptures to life, keeping the investment right here in Winston-Salem.
  
  

• 📅 Save the Date: NCMA's downtown campus opens July 16. Its first exhibit, "Unboxed," spotlights NC artists from the museum's Portable Gallery program. NCMA’s main campus closed at the end of last year for an extensive 2-year renovation. (WFDD)
  
  

• 🌧 Outdoors: We’ve got a few rainy days ahead of us, but once the sun is back, we recommend checking out Bamboo Lounge’s patio space!

👀 Poll results: Are you traveling abroad this summer?

• Yes - 32%

• No - 68%

One of our readers shared, “Visiting our families in Europe — Germany, Slovakia, and a trip to Greece.”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Kaleideum After Dark - Experience Kaleideum without the kids! Grab your friends and enjoy an after-hours, 21+ event with live music, henna, and glitter face painting on June 13.  

🌀 The Wrap

• 🥐 Team member Jacob’s current sweet treat obsession: Bobby Boy’s morning buns. IYKYK.

• 🥬 Did you know you can find fresh produce just minutes from downtown? Fair Share Farm has salad greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and more!

• 🥤 Guide of the Week: Where to Find Smoothies

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 25, 2026

☀️ Parent Hack Summer

School’s out this Wednesday! If you’re wondering how to keep your young kiddos entertained this summer, we’ve got you covered with low-effort ideas.

• Libraries

  • Preschool Crafts | Thursdays at the Clemmons branch. Recommended for ages 3-6 and their caregivers

  • LEGO Storytime | Monthly on Tuesdays at Paddison Memorial branch. Recommended for children ages 2-5.

  • Robotics | 2nd and 4th Tuesday in June at the Central and Clemmons branches. Recommended for ages 8-12.

  • Storytime | Baby, preschool, family and toddler storytimes at numerous branches.
    
    

• Local Stores

  • Bricks & Minifigs | Build for free and compete in challenges every Thursday at the WS location.

  • The Bookhouse | Weekly storytime on Mondays where coffee and tea are $1 off!

  • Home Depot and Lowe’s | Free hands-on project workshops!
    
    

• For Mom & Child

  • Well Natured Walks | Weekly nature walks for women with young kids that rotate through various spots in the Triad. DM their Instagram to find out where they're heading next.

  • Her Hive | Weekly Tuesday meetups for moms with kids that alternate between Kyle's Coffee in Kernersville and West Salem Public House.
    
    

• Outdoor Activities

  • Splash Pads | Cool off at one of Winston-Salem’s 10 splash pads.

  • Strawberry Picking | Strawberry season is here for a little longer! If you want to make a full day of your trip, Armstrong Artisan Farm has hayrides, a petting zoo, and plenty of games.

  • Softgolf | An easily accessible version of golf, located at Tanglewood.
    
    

• Movies

  • The Grand | Free kids' movie showings every Tues and Wed, starting June 2 with “The Wild Robot.”

  • AMC Hanes | $3 movies every Mon and Wed, starting June 22 with “Paddington in Peru.”

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, May 26

• Baseball - Cheer on the Dash as they take on the Rome Emperors at Truist Stadium. Don’t forget about $1 hot dogs on Tuesdays! Daily games through Sunday.

• Cooking in the Garden - Learn how to use Swiss chard in your cooking at Simon’s Community Garden! Free to attend. 6:30 PM

Wednesday, May 27

• DIY Decor - Paint a garden paver inspired by your favorite book cover with Coco’s Art Lounge at Ciener Botanical Garden. 6 PM

• Moms Run Club - Lace up and join The Mom Walk Co. for a stroller-friendly, 2-mile run at Salem Lake. 5 PM

• Opening Reception - Check out local artist Emily Cassidy’s animal portraits at the Start Gallery in Reynolda Village. The exhibit is only open through Friday! 4-6 PM

Thursday, May 28

• Glass Blowing - Learn the art of glass blowing and create one-of-a-kind ornaments at Hammer & Stain. 7:15 PM

• Winston Under 40 - Meet fellow young professionals over drinks at Foothills Tasting Room. Stick around afterward for music bingo! 5-6:30 PM

🗞 Other News

• ️⛳️ Opening: New golf course! Old Field opens in Mocksville this Friday! The 6-hole short golf course features a Himalayan-style putting green and a driving range. Local golfer and founder of Twilight Golf Club, Stephen Edwards says the course is “intended for everyone from golf enthusiasts to beginners and families.”
  
  

• 📅 Save the Date: Samaritan Ministries’ annual Tour de Llama is June 13 at Divine Llama Vineyards! Ride through scenic Yadkin County and enjoy wine tasting, food trucks, and llama visits back at the vineyard!
  
  

• ☕️ Feel Good: Meet Bob Baker, a local who visits a new coffee shop every week with his friends, who call themselves the Coffee Lovers! Inspired to follow in Bob’s footsteps? Check out our coffee shop guide.
  
  

• 🍽 Upcoming: Our next Dinner Club is July 23! Get paired with 5 fellow readers of “The Go-To” and connect over dinner at a local restaurant. “What a fun, no-stress way to meet new people in Winston! Our group had an awesome time, and I look forward to doing this again!” - Katie D.
  
  

• ❓ Asked: “What’s the best drink you’ve recently had around town?” We posed this question to our social media followers, and here are some of their answers: the Strawberries and Cream Latte at Louie and Honey, the Raspberry Matcha from Dough-Joe’s, and the Espresso Martini from The Remedy.
  
  

• ☔️ Postponed: Due to forecasted rain, the Paperhand Puppet Intervention show originally scheduled for tomorrow has been moved to June 2. Don't miss giant puppets and your favorite movie soundtracks in Salem Square.

🍗 Comfort Classics

Sooooul Good Eatz & Treatz has gotten so much love from the Winston-Salem community that they recently had to upgrade to a bigger truck. Here's why it's a must-visit:

• What: Sooooul Good Eatz & Treatz serves up loaded fries, fried fish, rasta pasta, smashburgers, quesadillas, egg rolls, and more from their rotating menu of Southern favorites.
  
  

• Background: Owned by husband-and-wife team Gevontae and Whitney Hardy, this Black-owned truck grew from Whitney’s dessert business into a comfort food go-to.

  • Check their Facebook for the location and daily menu.
    
    

• Our Thoughts: Team member Stevie declared the buffalo chicken loaded fries his new guilty pleasure food.

👀 Poll results: What do you call the highway that passes Truist Stadium and cuts directly through downtown?

• 421 - 27%

• Business 40 - 43%

• Old 40 - 8%

• Salem Parkway - 19%

• Other - 3%

Veronica W. calls it Old 40 and shared, “Depends on how long you’ve lived in the area and who you might be speaking to.”

🌀 The Wrap

• 🇺🇸 Today we remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Thank you for your service. May we never take it for granted.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

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May 20, 2026

🎧 Local Listens

According to our recent poll question, over half of you listen to podcasts each week! Listen to one of these locally produced shows next.

• The Less Desirables | Weekly | Local podcast producer Tim Beeman (known as “The Podfather”) started this show in February 2010, making it North Carolina’s longest-running pop culture podcast!
  
  

• Twin City Talk | Weekly | Discover the stories behind your favorite local spots and businesses, hosted by Suzy Fielders and actor Burgess Jenkins. Team member Christy was featured in an early episode!
  
  

• Mama’s Gonna Make It | Weekly | Real talk from two local neurodivergent moms on parenting, friendship, and figuring it all out.
  
  

• Inside the Writer’s Studio | Hosted by local, bestselling author Charlie Lovett. The show wrapped in 2024, but the archive is a treasure trove of interviews with well-known writers like John Grisham and Louise Penny!
  
  

• Forsyth Mags | Weekly | Love Forsyth Woman Magazine? This one’s for you. Listen in on publisher Brooke Culler’s conversations with the people behind local nonprofits and businesses; the latest episode features Washington Park CrossFit!
  
  

• First and Main | Monthly | The city’s official podcast! Get quick takes on everything from the Carolina Classic Fair and transportation to their most recent episode on pools, parks, and camps.

Note: This isn’t a comprehensive list — hit ‘reply’ to tell us about your favorite local listen!

⚠️ The average driver is in an accident every 18 years, so it's wise to be prepared.

• When to get a lawyer: Talk to a lawyer anytime you’re hurt (even if symptoms show up later), fault is unclear, you missed work, or the insurance company is rushing you to settle.

• What a lawyer can do: Insurance companies have a strategy, and you should too. A lawyer can value your claim, handle the insurance pressure, and protect the evidence that matters.

Before signing anything, get expert advice with a free car accident evaluation.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Saturday, May 23

• Gears & Guitars - Get ready for cycling races, food trucks, and free concerts, including headliner Saint Motel! All day in Bailey Park.

• Serb Fest - Dig into Serbian delicacies, watch traditional dances, play bocce and cornhole, and tour St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church! Runs through Sunday.

• Luau Party - Grab your Hawaiian shirt and welcome in summer with cocktail specials at Bamboo Lounge. 3-8 PM

• Soccer - The Salem City Beasts are back! Cheer them on as they play Appalachian FC at Reynolds Stadium. 7 PM

• Line Dancing - Grab your boots and learn to line dance for free at Wise Man Brewing (5 PM) or East of Texas (8 PM)!

• Opening Day - Shop fresh produce, baked goods, florals, and more at the Kernersville Farmers Market! 8 AM - 12 PM

Sunday, May 24

• Food Truck Festival - Come hungry. Try bites from 20+ food trucks and shop locally-made goods at Mixxer’s Maker Market! 1-7 PM

• Free Ride - Join the RideUnited community for an indoor cycling ride set to high-energy music! All levels welcome. 10:30 AM

• Sunday Funday - Bounce houses, games, ice cream specials, and wine sales at Buie’s Market! 1-4 PM

• Live Music - Nick Branscome and The BPM perform at Incendiary Brewing Lewisville! It’s the perfect place to take the whole family. 2 PM

Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)

• Tiki Talk - Hot dogs, kiddie pools, and cocktails from a special guest bartender — easytalk is kicking off summer in style. 3-8 PM

• Memorial Day Ceremony - Honor our fallen soldiers with a presentation of colors, wreath laying, and a special speaker at The Carolina Field of Honor. 11 AM

• Military Appreciation Concert - Presentation of colors, food trucks, and beach music by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard at Shallowford Square. 6 PM

🗞 Other News

• 💦 Seasonal: It's pool time! Kernersville Family YMCA's outdoor pool opens this weekend! If your little ones don't know how to swim yet, sign them up for lessons — offering Parent/Child, Preschool, Youth, and 13+.*
  
  

• 🎓 University: Wake Forest University has named Peter Rodriguez its 15th president! Rodriguez currently serves as dean of Rice University’s School of Business and will begin his new role on July 1, 2026. He succeeds Susan R. Wente, who announced her plans to step down last fall.
  
  

• 📜 History: A new NC Civil Rights Trail marker will be unveiled at the YWCA Best Choice Learning Center next Saturday, honoring the landmark 1914 State v. Darnell decision, which limited cities’ ability to enforce residential segregation. Explore other markers across the state.
  
  

• 🎉 Now Open: The new airnasium at the Robinhood Road Family YMCA opened today, featuring weight racks and three pickleball courts available on a first-come, first-served basis. Team member Christy was at the ribbon cutting and said the space looks beautiful!
  
  

• 🚶‍♂️ Tour: High sell-out risk! MUSE Winston-Salem added more dates for its Semiquincentennial Stroll due to high demand! Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on a walking tour through Winston-Salem’s history, from its colonial roots to the present day.
  
  

• ✈️ Learn: Traveling abroad this summer? The Vecino Center offers French for Travelers June 1-10 and Italian for Travelers July 7-16! Because knowing how to order wine in Italian just hits different.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day

In honor of Memorial Day this Monday, we’re highlighting the history behind Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (LJVM).

• Who was Lawrence Joel? The Coliseum is named for Winston-Salem native Lawrence Joel, a Vietnam War Army medic who received the Medal of Honor for saving 13 fellow soldiers during a 1965 Viet Cong attack despite being shot twice.
  
  

• Honor the fallen by visiting the stone markers on the Coliseum’s East and West Promenades, which honor over 500 local service members dating back to WWI.

  • You can also visit The Carolina Field of Honor, the largest memorial honoring veterans on the East Coast outside of Washington, D.C.

👀 Poll results: Are you traveling for Memorial Day?

• Yes - 18%

• No - 82%

Nicole J. shared, “Going to Louisville, KY, to explore the bourbon trail for my husband’s birthday!”

🌀 The Wrap

• 🇺🇸 We hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

• 💒 Team member Jacob will be traveling up to New Jersey for his cousin’s wedding this weekend!

• 👀 Workhouse Fitness is celebrating their 3rd anniversary with a $200 Lululemon gift card giveaway!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 19, 2026

🚴 Gears & Guitars

One of the country's most prestigious cycling events is back this weekend! The 13th annual Gears & Guitars takes over downtown Winston-Salem with professional cycling races, community rides, and free live music.

Friday, May 22

• Criterium racing (multi-lap races on a closed course with tight corners) on a new route starting at Merschel Park | 6:30-9 PM

• Free concerts at Merschel Park and Kaleideum, featuring Black Light Idols, River Shook, and Ruston Kelly | 6-9 PM

Saturday, May 23

• Fondos (long-distance group rides) starting at Bailey Park | 68-mile, 42-mile, 15-mile, and 7-mile distances | Departing from 8-10 AM

• Criterium racing on the Winston-Salem Classic course, a challenging route that loops up and around Bailey Park | Amateur races from 11 AM - 5 PM | Professional races from 5:15-8 PM

• Free concerts at Bailey Park, featuring Ears To the Ground, High School Reunion, Gods of Grunge, and Saint Motel | 12-9 PM

• Food trucks and beer garden (21+)

Good to Know

• Riders of all levels are welcome to sign up for the fondos or races! Entry fees vary based on the ride.

• Free parking is available Friday at the 4th Street parking garage and the 5th & Spruce parking lot; free parking is also available Saturday at the Church Street parking garage.

• 3rd and 4th Streets will close Friday night, and streets surrounding Bailey Park will be closed on Saturday.

• Bring chairs and blankets to Saturday’s concerts in Bailey Park!

• Coolers and outside food and alcohol are not allowed.

🏠 Whether it's a single space renovation or a major home transformation, ICON is here to turn your vision into reality!

• Small scope project: Turn an outdated primary bath into a more functional and beautiful space within the existing layout.

• Medium scope project: Update the entire main floor by reimagining the kitchen layout and design, and renovating the dining and living areas.

• Large scope project: Custom-build a 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home on Lake Norman with 1,200 sq. ft. of patio and porch space.

Start your next home project this summer!*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, May 21

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Listen to singer-songwriter Gregg Cagno perform while enjoying free desserts by Cafe Gelato and INTI House at 500 W 5th! 5-7 PM*

• Vinyl Night - Bring your favorite vinyl to Brouwerij DuBois and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. 5-8 PM

• Book Talk - Frank V. Tursi visits MUSE Winston-Salem to discuss and sign his new book, “Tar Heel Boys of Summer” — a look at North Carolinians who made it to the big leagues. Free to attend; registration required. 6:30 PM

Friday, May 22

• Gears & Guitars - Watch high-speed cycling races and jam out at free concerts in downtown Winston-Salem. Runs through Saturday.

• Concert - Country artists Chris Janson and Easton Corbin take the stage at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds! 7:30 PM

• Bonsai Workshop - Learn the art of bonsai at Coffee Park Airstream and take home your very own tree. 6 PM

• Dueling Pianos - You request it, they play it. Blazing Keys Dueling Pianos performs at Old Homeplace Vineyard! 7 PM

Saturday, May 23

• Board Gaming - Shop for games, compete in play-to-win tournaments, or play your own games with friends in Kernersville! Runs through Monday.

• Pig Pickin’ - It doesn’t get more Southern than slow-roasted BBQ and Lowcountry boil. Gather for a communal meal at Körner's Folly! Registration required. 12-3 PM

• Tea & Bloom Bar - Create a unique floral tea blend and peony bouquet at My Garden Blooms. 2 PM

• Freedom Day - Commemorate Salem’s enslaved residents learning of their freedom with guided walking tours and a hands-on brick-making demo at St. Phillips Moravian Church. 10 AM - 4 PM

Summer is unpredictable — travel, kids home, schedules out the window. Let your workout be the one thing that stays yours. Make RideUnited your constant this summer.

Try it free on the following dates:

• Thursday, May 21 @ 6:45 PM

• Sunday, May 24 @ 10:30 AM

• Tuesday, May 26 @ 6:45 PM

• Thursday, May 28 @ 6:45 PM

How to grab your spot:

• 1️⃣ Head to their website and click "book now"

• 2️⃣ Select location

• 3️⃣ Find "free community ride" on the calendar and hit "reserve"

• 4️⃣ Create an account or login with your credentials*

🗞 Other News

• 🚗 Support: If you’ve been in a car accident and find yourself asking if you need a lawyer, that’s a sure sign you might. Deuterman Law Group offers a free guide that clearly explains when legal help makes sense, and how it can benefit you.*
  
  

• 😁 Smile: Skip the toothpaste and strips. Whiten your smile the right way. Get real, lasting results with no sensitivity, all in a relaxing spa environment. New customers save 50% on their first session at WhitenUp Teeth Whitening Spa: family-owned, professional results, and just in time for summer. Book your appointment today.*
  
  

• 🏆 New Record: Seventeen-year-old Slate Myers became the youngest driver to win a Twin Modified race at Bowman Gray Stadium this past Saturday! He’s also the fourth generation of the Myers family to win a race at Bowman Gray. (WXII 12)
  
  

• 🤝 Connection: Join REACH Women’s Network to grow your community of women! Membership includes industry- and life-stage-specific monthly meetups, a quarterly speaker series, and conversation partners to help you develop new relationships. Attend their info session in Old Salem this Thursday to learn more!
  
  

• 🐱 Vote: Help name the NC Zoo’s sand cat kittens! Cast your vote by tomorrow at 5 PM and start planning a day trip to see them. Fun Fact: The NC Zoo has been named the #1 zoo in the nation for two years running!
  
  

• 📅 Save the Date: The Green Home Tour is May 30! Explore sustainable homes and gardens on this self-guided tour, chat with homeowners, and pick up practical ideas for making your own home a little greener.

🌼 Petals on the Parkway

Have you seen these poppies on I-40 (Stratford Road’s on-ramp)? They aren’t there by accident!

• Background: The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) started the Wildflower Program in 1985 to beautify our highways! The idea came from Dottie Martin, wife of former Governor Jim Martin, after she read about a similar program in Texas.

  
  

• Fun Fact: The program is primarily funded through personalized license plate sales. Now you have the perfect excuse to get a colorful license plate.
  
  

• Learn: NCDOT even has a booklet to help identify the planted roadside blooms and naturally occurring wildflowers!
  
  

• Note: The flowers are pretty, but don’t stop on the highway to pick them or snap photos.

👀 Poll results: How many podcast episodes do you listen to each week?

• 0 - 35%

• 1-4 - 41%

• 5-8 - 11%

• 9+ - 13%

Rhianna W. listens to 9+ podcasts a week! Her favorites include ‘A Slight Change of Plans,’ ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast,’ and ‘The Science of Happiness.’

🌀 The Wrap

• 🍔 Team member Christy drove by the upcoming Shakeburger and found out they plan to open in July. Stay up-to-date on new and upcoming openings!

• 🦈 Team member Jacob wants to try Lot 63’s new summer drink, “Jaws.” It’s a blood-red sparkling lemonade topped with gummy sharks!

• 🍷 Guide of the Week: Vineyards Near Winston-Salem

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

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May 18, 2026

🧀 Adulting Made Fun

Mac & Cheese Productions founder Saya Hillman is helping locals get connected and form friendships! You might know her from her posts in the Winston-Salem Facebook group, where she’s known as the "Excited to take the trash out for the first time in her life" ex-Chicago girl.

• Background: Saya started Mac & Cheese Productions in Chicago in 2004 and moved to Winston-Salem with her husband last July!
  
  

• What: Saya describes Mac & Cheese Productions as a “lifestyle business that helps people find fulfillment, ease, and connection to others, to opportunities, and to themselves.” She hosts events like:

  • Speed-Friending - Make new friends speed-dating style

  • Idea Potluck - Show-and-tell for adults

  • Comfy Club - Work on a personal craft among fellow crafters
    
    

• Why? “I was a sixth grader standing in the cafeteria, unsure where to sit, self-consciously holding my tray, looking around for a friendly face… I witness adults still waiting for that "Oh, thank god” wave over — so I decided to become the wave.” - Saya
  
  

• Our Thoughts: “As someone who doesn’t love formal networking events, speed-friending was a great, low-pressure way to meet new people!” - Team member Jacob
  
  

• Up Next: There are a few seats left for tomorrow’s Idea Potluck, and the next Comfy Club is May 29!

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, May 19

• Idea Potluck - Think show-and-tell for adults. Eight locals share their stories, passions, and projects at this monthly Mac & Cheese Productions event! 6 PM

• Dance Social - Learn the bachata with Triad Social Dance at East of Texas, followed by social dancing! 6-9 PM

• Symphony Solos - Wind instruments take center stage in this intimate performance at Körner’s Folly. Performances at 6 and 7:15 PM.

• Baseball - The Hickory Crawdads and Charleston RiverDogs play at Truist Stadium this week! Daily games through Sunday.

Wednesday, May 20

• Game Night - Join the Camel City Board Game Enthusiasts at Joymongers for a drop-in game night. Come solo or bring your friends! 6-10 PM

• Paint & Sip - It’s time for a midweek break. Grab a drink and unwind with a casual painting session at Breathe Cocktail Lounge. 6 PM

• Cooking Class - Whip up ramen bowls from scratch at Taste Buds Kitchen! 2 PM

• Mahjong 101 - Do your friends keep asking you to play? Learn gameplay basics with More Than Mahjong at Maddie Cakes Bakery! 6 PM

Thursday, May 21

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Listen to singer-songwriter Gregg Cagno perform while enjoying free desserts by Cafe Gelato and INTI House at 500 W 5th! 5-7 PM*

• Yoga Flow - Start your morning right with an all-levels class at Oasis at the Mill. 9 AM

🗞 Other News

• 🖌️ Curb Appeal: Give your home the TLC it deserves. From limewashing brick, plaster, stone, and wood to repainting siding that's lost its vibrancy, the right touch transforms dull and faded into something the whole neighborhood will notice. Reach out to Worth Painting for a free quote.*
  
  

• ☀️ Tip: The #1 skincare tip: wear sunscreen daily. It's so essential there's actually a National Sunscreen Week — and it's this week. The VISTA carries world-class sunscreen products to keep you protected all day. Plus, purchase 2 EltaMD products and receive a free lip and mini face SPF.*
  
  

• 🎶 Event: One of Winston-Salem's biggest weekends is here! Gears & Guitars takes over downtown this weekend with free concerts, food trucks, a beer garden, and pro and amateur cyclists racing through the streets. Check out Friday's and Saturday's schedules!*
  
  

• 🗣 Announced: Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is the final addition to Face to Face Speaker Forum’s Season 6 lineup, joining big names like “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Season tickets are on sale now, with individual tickets dropping August 1.
  
  

• ✏️ Education: Hello, new school maps. The WS/FC Board of Education approved new residential boundaries for the 2027–28 school year, marking the first redraw in 30+ years. Officials say the changes will cut transportation costs and streamline feeder patterns. Moving forward, maps will be reviewed at least every 5 years. (WFDD)
  
  

• 🏆 Winner: Local wine cocktail brand On Holiday received a $50,000 grant from NC IDEA! Founders McCabe and Kiernan launched On Holiday in November 2023; you can find their canned cocktails at local spots like Fiddlin’ Fish and Buie’s Market.

📚 Readers’ Responses

Last week, we asked readers to share the best book they’ve read this year. Here are some of your answers!

• “Too many to name, but ‘Theo of Golden’ and ‘The Correspondent’ were quite good, and I’m also reading a series of books about WWII.” - Lisa C.
  
  

• “‘The Paper Palace’ has been my favorite so far. Loved it!” - Nancy W.
  
  

• “Best book thus far has definitely been ‘Project Hail Mary,’ with 'The Shining' as a close second.” - Josh U.
  
  

• “‘Our Missing Hearts’ by Celeste Ng.” - Annalena T.
  
  

• “My favorite so far this year is ‘The Glorians’ by Terry Tempest Williams.” - Sharon B.

See one that catches your eye? Pick it up at a local bookstore!

👀 Poll results: Are you a morning lark or night owl?

• Morning lark - 54%

• Night owl - 46%

Michael R. is a night owl and shared, “Even having children who wake up at the crack of dawn hasn’t deterred my late nights, sadly.”

🌀 The Wrap

• 🎉 Happy birthday to team member Stevie and congratulations to all the students who graduated this weekend!

• 🎨 Sign up for one of Sawtooth’s summer classes! There are 400+ options, including one-day workshops and kids’ camps.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 13, 2026

Presented by Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate

A MESSAGE FROM LRB

Hot New Listings

The market is moving — and Leonard Ryden Burr is bringing some of the best listings to you.

• Forever Home: Checks every box with a bonus room, finished basement with a full kitchen, and an open layout in the desirable New Sherwood neighborhood.

• Private Oasis: Minutes from the highway but tucked away on 1.1 acres with a large backyard, gated pool for safety, and poolhouse.

• Young Family: Spacious layout (rare in Ardmore) and a fully fenced backyard. Plus, minutes to hospitals and top amenities.

• Top School District: A peaceful, quiet neighborhood perfect for kids playing outside, districted for some of the best schools around.

• Aging in Place: A custom-built gem on a quiet lot, handicap-accessible with a bonus room ready for the grandkids.

• Among the Trees: Walk to Bobby Boy from this wooded retreat in Buena Vista with a home theater and treehouse-style deck.

🎤 Summer Concert Series

Nearly half our readers said they want more live music in last Wednesday’s poll. Looks like your wish came true; check out this summer’s concert lineup!

• Lewisville Live | Shallowford Square | Up next: Camel City Yacht Club on July 11 | Lewisville’s annual Street Party & Food Truck Festival on June 20 features The Entertainers!
  
  

• Coal Pit Live | The Coal Pit | Up next: The Tan and Sober Gentlemen on May 30 | Grab a pizza at Cugino Forno and a drink at Incendiary Brewing before the show starts!
  
  

• Park Hangs | Bailey Park | Up next: Tre. Charles on May 29 | Formerly known as “House Hangs,” this NCMA WS event series has relocated to Bailey Park!
  
  

• Summer on Fourth | In front of Foothills Brewpub | Up next: Phase Band on June 13 | The lineup is built to get you up and dancing!
  

• Back to Trade | Intersection of 6th & Trade | Up next: Moxie on June 19 | This is a brand new concert series from Downtown WS Partnership!
  
  

• Salem Band | Salem Square | Up next: Collaboration with Paperhand Puppet Project on May 26 | These are great concerts to bring your kids to!

😊 Looking good and feeling great is the ultimate combo. Renewal Med Spa’s services accomplish both, and these three all take less than an hour!

• Emsculpt | The first and only non-invasive procedure that builds muscle and reduces fat by up to 30%.

• Emsella | A weakened pelvic floor is disruptive, but this non-invasive treatment helps restore bladder control, stability, and overall quality of life.

• Silhouette Instalift | Lift and sculpt cheeks and jawline with this FDA-cleared procedure. Results can last up to 2 years!

Schedule a free consultation with a specialized team member.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Saturday, May 16

• Barn Bash - Shop fresh produce, explore a vendor market, and take a tour of Fair Share Farm. 10 AM - 3 PM

• Plant Symposium - Ever wanted your own Venus flytrap? Check out unique carnivorous and exotic plants at Ciener Botanical Garden. Runs through Sunday.

• Free Boxing Clinic - Train with a former WBO Women’s Featherweight World Champion at Salem College! Registration required. 10 AM

• Art in the Park - Create paper mache clouds in this all-ages workshop with NCMA WS at Merschel Plaza. Drop by anytime from 10 AM - 1 PM.

• Dino Dig - Is your kid in their dinosaur phase? They’ll love digging up fossils at Washington Park’s dino-themed playground! 10 AM

Sunday, May 17

• The Art of Brunch - Connect with local artists over brunch at The Shaffner Inn, then shop a small art market featuring their work. 12:30 PM

• Ice Cream Social - Roll up your sleeves to help make ice cream and explore the historic Nissen House! 2 PM

• Pickleball Social - Casual play at Little Creek Park + post-play social at East of Texas with Average Joe Pickleball. 10 AM - 12 PM

• Band Concert - The Winston-Salem Community Band performs its first concert of the season at Miller Park Amphitheater! Free to attend. 6:30 PM

Monday, May 18

• Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center. 5 PM*

• Tequila Dinner - Date night idea. Pair your tequila tasting with a gourmet 4-course meal at Trophy Room! 6 PM

• Book Signing - Influencer Landon Bryant (@landontalks) will be signing his new book, “Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern,” at Mast General Store! 4-6 PM

🗞 Other News

• 🍔 Food: Taste your way through some of the best burgers in town! Join Yelp's Triad Burger Bosses through May 28. Sign up for individual events and enjoy free tastings at spots like Heff's and Earl's while meeting fellow foodies.*
  
  

•  🎾 Sports: It’s that time again! Tickets for the 15th annual Winston-Salem Open went on sale today. Held August 22-29, this tournament is one of WS’s largest events — over 30,000 fans attend each year.
  
  

• 🎨 Arts: Have you seen Delta Arts Center’s new exhibit? “Black by Design” spotlights the work of Black graphic designers, whose work is often overlooked within their industry. Connect with the featured artists at the opening reception on June 5!
  
  

• 🎉 Opening: Celebrate Aqua-Tots’ grand opening at 5047 Country Club Road on Saturday with bounce houses, face painting, games, and more! The swim school offers lessons for kids 4 months to 12 years old.
  
  

• 🔨 Project: Curious how work on The Grounds is going? The walking bridge opens at the end of summer, 500+ parking spaces have been added, and the office and apartment buildings are starting to take shape! Check out their latest post for more details.
  
  

• 📋 Hiring: SpayKind is hiring an executive director. Founded in 1999, the nonprofit reduces pet overpopulation by providing low-cost spay-neuter services. Learn more and apply!

👀 Poll results: How many books have you read this year?

• 0 - 6%

• 1-5 - 27%

• 6-10 - 20%

• 11+ - 47%

Wow, a lot of you are avid readers! Abigail R. shared, “I just finished my 50th on Sunday!”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Listen to singer-songwriter Gregg Cano perform while enjoying free desserts by Cafe Gelato and INTI House at 500 W 5th on May 21!

🌀 The Wrap

• 🏛 Weigh in on Winston-Salem's annual budget at the City Council's public hearing this Monday.

• 🇬🇷 Fun Fact: Team member Christy is part Greek (not much, but she grew up around Greek family traditions). This weekend’s WS Greek Festival is her favorite event of the year! She highly recommends the baklava ice cream.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 12, 2026

📚 Local Literature

Your favorite book might have been written down the street. Check out these authors that call Winston-Salem home!

Note: This list is not comprehensive. Winston-Salem is home to many, many fantastic authors!

• Virginia Evans | Contemporary fiction | Evans grew up on the East Coast and moved to WS after earning her master’s degree in Ireland! Her debut novel, “The Correspondent,” has spent 27 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list.

  • Team member Jacob has her book on hold at the library; he can’t wait to read it!
    
    

• Sarah McCoy | Contemporary and historical fiction | As the daughter of an army officer, McCoy lived all over the US and abroad before making WS her home!

  • Her most recent novel, “What Ever Happened to Lori Lovely?” unravels the mystery of why a rising movie star left Hollywood behind to become a nun.
    
    

• Charlie Lovett | Mystery | Born and raised in WS, Lovett has published numerous novels, such as “The Enigma Affair,” where a librarian ends up on the run after becoming entangled in an international mystery.

  • Lovett owns a typewriter that belonged to the author of “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland”!
    
    

• S. Jae-Jones | Young adult fantasy | Jae-Jones is originally from LA, and according to her bio, “she now lives on the wrong coast, where she can’t believe she has to deal with winter every year.”

  • The final book in her “Guardians of Dawn” series releases this August!
    
    

• Ed Southern | Nonfiction | Southern and his wife, Jamie, are key figures in NC’s literary scene — he leads the NC Writers’ Network, and she directs Bookmarks.

  • His book, “Fight Songs,” examines how sports shape Southern identity, rivalries, and values on and off the field. Sounds like a perfect Father’s Day gift.
    
    

• Other Local Authors | The renowned Maya Angelou (who passed away in 2014), Laura Whitfield, Dale Pollock, Gary Chapman, Eric Munger, Elizabeth Mowry, and Sylvia Leontaritis.

✅ YMCA hacks you should be taking advantage of:

• Childcare: Free supervised care while you exercise. Need longer care? Drop-off care up to 3 hours, available at 4 locations.

• Saunas & Steam Rooms: Available at many locations — including brand-new facilities at Winston Lake!

• Indoor Pools: Swim laps, sign your children (babies to adults) up for swim lessons, or let your kids get some energy out during dedicated slide and shallow time at Jerry Long.

Not a member yet? Join today and start taking advantage of everything your local YMCA has to offer.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, May 14

• Birthday Bash - Born in May? Brouwerij DuBois is throwing you a party, complete with a complimentary bubbly drink and cupcakes! 6-8 PM

• Live Music - Groove to jazz and swing with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at The Ramkat! 8 PM

Friday, May 15

• Greek Festival - Opa! Try authentic Greek dishes, watch dance performances, and tour Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church! Runs through Sunday.

• Japanese Night - A late-night blend of flavor and beats at Noodle Ju’B. Expect onigiri, new dumpling creations, and music by DJ P.S. Edekot! 6-10 PM

• Art Crush - The Arts District turns into a block party with 35+ creatives, live music, and hands-on fun for all ages! 7-10 PM

• Lyrics by the Lake - Poetry, live music, and local art collide in one of Winston-Salem’s signature cultural nights at Hanesbrands Theatre! 7-9 PM

Saturday, May 16

• Fireweed Dinner - Connect with strangers over a 5-course meal by Native Root at West Salem Public House. 6 PM

• Speed Friending - Skip the small talk awkwardness and meet new people in a guided social experience hosted by Saya from Mac & Cheese Productions! 6 PM

• Mahjong - Join Camel City Mahjong for an open play session at Radar Brewing! 12 PM

• Songbird Supper Club - A night of music, poetry, and storytelling paired with dinner by Robert Rust Foods at Camel City Playhouse! 7 PM

🎆 The first fireworks of the season are this weekend! Here's what else is happening:

• Shag Night (Friday): Grab a Dash-branded beach hat (first 500 fans) and kick off the night with pre-game beach music from Chairmen of the Board.

• Armed Forces Day (Saturday): Honor our military heroes, snag a Murphy the Bat Dog bobblehead (first 1,000 fans), and meet WWE Hall of Famers Arn & Brock Anderson.

• Oldies Night (Sunday): Sunday Funday deal (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, chips, and drinks), the greatest hits from decades past, pre-game autographs, post-game catch on the field, and kids run the bases.

They’re taking on the Wilmington Blue Rocks May 12–17; grab your seats and make a night of it!*

🗞 Other News

• 📜 Protect: Taxes are done, now let's care for what matters most. Bell, Davis & Pitt P.A. can help you create or update your will and estate plan, so your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your assets are secure.*
  
  

• 🎵 Music: Downtown Winston-Salem announced its Summer Music Series! Downtown Jazz and Summer on Fourth are returning, along with a new addition this year: Back to Trade. We’ll feature even more summer concert series in tomorrow’s newsletter!
  
  

• 👨‍⚕️ Medical: Forsyth Tech broke ground on their on-campus health clinic! Created in partnership with Novant Health, the clinic will provide 24/7, unlimited care to students for $20 per semester starting this fall. (WFDD)
  
  

• 💯 Feel Good: Winston-Salem residents who are 100 years of age and older will be recognized on Independence Day at Truist Stadium and at the city council meeting on July 6! Know someone who qualifies? Complete the recognition form by June 1.
  
  

• 🎬 Movies: Catch three outdoor movies this Friday: “Jurassic Park: Rebirth” at Shallowford Square, “Elio” at Harmon Park, and “Talladega Nights” at Bailey Park. Bonus: Meet Bowman Gray race car drivers before the Bailey Park screening begins!

👀 Poll results: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

• Introvert - 78%

• Extrovert - 22%

Chris T. said he’s an “extrovert who works an introvert job and [is] married to an introvert who works an extrovert job.”

A MESSAGE FROM PIEDMONT FEDERAL BANK

Banking is Personal

Banking is personal, which is why you should know your bank and your bank should know you. That's how it is at Piedmont Federal Bank, and it's the people who make it that way. Get to know them.

Tell us about a moment where you truly made a difference:

• "Two women came to me wanting to buy a local mom-and-pop shop to expand it. Most banks never even returned their calls. They were hitting wall after wall. We connected and made it happen. We made them feel seen, helped their business, and created clients for life.” - Dana V., Business Banker

What's one unexpected thing you love about working here?

• “The culture. Cinco de Mayo-themed lunch, March Madness brackets (which I failed spectacularly at), Halloween costumes, and Teammate Appreciation Week have been awesome. We truly have fun.” - Josh H., Senior Commercial Banker

Name one of your favorite moments:

• "When our team used our 'holiday' to volunteer all around our community. We truly care and volunteer every chance we get." - Carledward R., Branch Manager

This is Piedmont Federal Bank. People who make you feel seen, have fun, and care about our community. Bank local and you'll be greeted by one of these friendly faces.

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center on May 18.

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Listen to singer-songwriter Gregg Cano perform while enjoying free desserts by Cafe Gelato and INTI House at 500 W 5th on May 21!

🌀 The Wrap

• 🖊 As an aspiring fantasy and science fiction author, team member Jacob loved writing about local authors. Check out this short story he wrote! It has lots of dragons :)

• 📕 Guide of the Week: Local Bookstores

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 11, 2026

🫒 Small Plates Guide

Want to catch up with friends without committing to a full sit-down meal? These local spots are perfect for eating, drinking, and yapping.

• Vintage Sofa Bar | 1001 Burke St | Take a seat, grab a drink, and enjoy steak empanadas, truffle fries, or even gluten-free flatbreads!
  
  

• The Caviste | 1100 Reynolda Rd | Choose from hundreds of wines and pair your pick with fresh bread, shareable plates like raw oysters, and rotating entrees from the Bobby Boy team.
  
  

• Little Pep | 533 N. Trade St | Located in the heart of the Arts District, this cozy wine bar’s menu includes prosciutto toast, rotating cheeses, cured meats, and dips.
  
  

• The Dutch Light | 450 N. Patterson Ave, Suite 230 | Pair their crafted cocktails and mocktails with charcuterie, dips, or a cookie skillet!
  
  

• Mat’s Place | 5395 US-158, Advance | This new wine shop from the Maddie Cakes team rotates bar snacks weekly: charcuterie boards, a flatbread of the week, beignets, and more.

📜 You organized everything for tax season, but don’t stop there. Bell, Davis & Pitt P.A. can help you create or update your will and estate plan.

• Confidence: Give your family clarity, security, and fewer difficult decisions.

• Current: Update your plan every 5 years or after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new children, loss of a loved one).

• Control: Without a plan, the state may decide who receives your assets, who cares for your children, and who makes decisions for you.

Bell, Davis & Pitt P.A. will help you check this off your to-do list in no time.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, May 12

• Baseball - The Dash takes on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at Truist Stadium this week! Daily games through Sunday.

• Tanglewood Walk - Go for a stroll with the Step Sisters Walking Social Group at Tanglewood Park; pets and kids are welcome! Recurs weekly. 11 AM

Wednesday, May 13

• Bandages & Brews - Going on outdoor adventures this summer? Learn wilderness first aid skills at Fiddlin’ Fish! Free to attend; registration required. 5:30-6:30 PM

• Maker Meetup - Bring your sewing machine or project and get help from an expert at Mixxer. 4-7 PM

Thursday, May 14

• Girls’ Night Out - Grab your girls and join Forsyth Woman Magazine for dinner, dessert, and drink specials at Midtown Cafe & Dessertery. 5 PM

• Pints for a Purpose - Face painting, cornhole, ladder golf — head to Incendiary Brewing for a family outing! Donations support Senior Services. 5-7 PM

• Cooking Class - Date night idea. Make a rustic Italian meal together at Taste Buds Kitchen! 6:30 PM

📅 One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to Winston-Salem!

• What: The Winston-Salem Foundation's Annual Community Gathering brings together 1,000+ community leaders for an evening with U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón — whose work explores belonging, resilience, and home.

• Details: Socialize with fellow community members, enjoy a hands-on art activity with Sawtooth, then hear Limón's keynote and join the conversation.

May 18 at Benton Convention Center, 5 PM social + 6 PM keynote. Be in the room with the leaders of Winston-Salem and secure your ticket.*

🗞 Other News

• 🏠 Home: Your dream home might already be on the market! Maybe this Sherwood Forest home that checks all the boxes or this Ardmore charmer? An experienced LRB agent makes sure you're first in line when the right one appears.*
  
  

• 🍔 Food: The "Big Bubba Dubble" at Heff's Burger Club is calling your name! RSVP to try it free, Wednesday through Sunday as part of Yelp's Triad Burger Bosses. Can't make it? Sign up for one of their other burger events this week!*
  
  

• 🎉 Opening: Local designer Windsor Dalton is opening his showroom this Friday at 642 N. Cherry Street! Explore a curated selection of furniture, lighting, textiles, antiques, and more. RSVP to attend the grand opening!
  
  

• 💧 Civic: Forsyth County’s drinking water has met or exceeded all state and federal standards for 25+ years! Our county’s three treatment facilities use water sourced from the Yadkin River and Salem Lake to produce up to 91 million gallons of drinking water each day.
  
  

• ⚾ Baseball: Don’t miss this Saturday’s Dash game! The first 1,000 fans receive a Murphy the Bat Dog bobblehead, and VIP ticket holders can meet wrestling legends Brock and Arn Anderson!
  
  

• 😢 Closed: Reboot Arcade Bar, one of Winston-Salem’s oldest arcades, has closed. Missing it already? Set a new high score at Camel City BBQ and Dive Bar’s arcades, and stay tuned for Boxcar Bar + Arcade’s upcoming WS location.

👀 Poll results: Winston after dark needs more:

• Dance parties - 21%

• Live music - 47%

• Late-night food - 32%

💬 Reader Response

After last week's poll on Winston's nightlife (see above), a few readers shared what they're missing — and the good news is, most of it already exists. Here's where to find it.

Jordan K. is looking for “live music where kids can be included.”

• Incendiary Brewing Lewisville, Old Homeplace Vineyard, East of Texas, and Foothills Tasting Room have live music every weekend and plenty of space for kids to run around!

One of our readers is looking for Latin dance nights.

• Triad Social Dance and SonCaribe Latin Dance host recurring dance socials! Find the details in our dancing guide.

Von G. is looking for “live jazz & smooth R&B venues for mature adults!”

• Footnote Coffee | Siren Series Jazz on Mondays at 6 PM

• Easy Tiger Beer Garden | Jazz improv by Vintage Astronaut every Thursday at 7 PM

• East of Texas | Jazz on Sundays at 1 PM

• Bar Nola | Hosts R&B and Poetry once a month

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center on May 18.

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Listen to singer-songwriter Gregg Cano perform while enjoying complimentary desserts by Cafe Gelato and INTI House at 500 W 5th on May 21!

🌀 The Wrap

• 🧺 Team member Christy spent her first Mother's Day at Tanglewood Park enjoying a picnic, watching the horses, and exploring the trails!

• 🎨 Have you seen these new murals at the Jerry Long Family YMCA? The Clemmons community helped create them during two public paint days!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 6, 2026

🎵 Winston-Salem's Dance Party

Taylor Lively was tired of driving to Charlotte and Raleigh for electronic music shows. So she brought them to the Triad.

• What: Groove Lab is a pop-up series of high-energy 18+ dance parties hosted at local venues like Bar Nola’s The Edison!
  
  

• Growth: Groove Lab’s first event in 2023 had 100 people; now the average event sees 150-300 attendees!

  • “A lot of those early attendees were first-timers or people who happened to wander in at the right moment, and many of them 3 years later are still coming to Groove Lab parties.” - Taylor
    
    

• Community: Taylor described Groove Lab’s community as a family that’s formed over the past 3 years.

  • “We've all bonded over a shared love for music and dancing, but it goes beyond that. There is something so special [about] being surrounded by people who genuinely value experiences, who show up to feel something, to be present and to enjoy life together.” - Taylor
    
    

• Looking Ahead: Taylor hopes for Groove Lab to expand to more venues, bring in bigger artists, and eventually host its own boutique-style festivals in the Triad!
  
  

• Next Up: Jam out with Groove Lab this Saturday from 9 PM - 1 AM, surrounded by the glowing artwork projections of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience! Grab your tickets.

✨ A French inspired estate near Reynolda Village just hit the market for $1.9M.

• About: Designed by Wilmington architect Henry Johnston in 1988.

• Layout: The home spans 6,562 square feet with four bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths on 2.33 acres. 

• Features: Main level primary suite with private courtyard and dual baths, tile roofing, stone terrace, and French doors. 

Listed by Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate agents Mary Preston Yates and Sarah Keiser.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Saturday, May 9

• Cardboard Boat Regatta - Watch competitors race homemade cardboard boats across Winston Lake! 10 AM - 12 PM

• Cars & Coffee - Admire hundreds of classic cars and custom builds, sip a coffee, and meet fellow car enthusiasts at Truist Stadium! 8-11 AM

• 2nd Saturday - Sculpt city buildings out of clay in NCMA WS’s all-ages workshop at Winston Square Park! 11 AM - 2 PM

• India Fest - Celebrate Indian culture with henna, authentic cuisine, music, and dancing at Corpening Plaza! 12-5 PM

• Art & Yoga - Unwind in a yoga class surrounded by immersive projections of Van Gogh’s artwork! 8:30 AM

• Plant Sale - Browse houseplants, veggies, herbs, flowers, and more at Crossnore’s Miracle Grounds Farm! Preorders available. 2:30-5:30 PM

• Mom at the Farm - Pick fresh strawberries, explore a vendor market, and grab a bite at a food truck at Robertson Family Farm! 10 AM - 4 PM

• Flower Bar - Build a beautiful bouquet for (or with) Mom at The Porch! 12-2 PM

Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day)

• Mother’s Day Brunch - Native Root pops up at The Dutch Light! We’re eyeing the strawberry shortcake French toast sticks. 10:30 AM - 1 PM

• Vendor Market - It’s the 10th annual Mother’s Day Market! Shop candles, plants, jewelry, baked goods, and much more at Wise Man Brewing. 12-5 PM

• For Dog Moms - Visit Tucker’s Tap Yard for a special gift and a rose! 1 PM

Monday, May 11

• Sun Catchers - Create your own pet-themed sun catcher at Hammer & Stain. Choose from over 50 dog breed designs! 7 PM

🧖‍♀️ Skip the flowers this Mother's Day. Treat her to something that actually lasts.

• DiamondGlow: A luxurious treatment that simultaneously exfoliates, clears pores, and nourishes skin with a beautiful, lasting glow.

• Skincare products + consult: Their aestheticians take the guesswork out of skincare with a personalized product recommendation just for her.

• Chemical Peels: Ideal for sun damage, these peels gently remove dull surface cells to restore brighter, healthier skin.

The best gift is one she'd never buy herself. Purchase a gift card and give her the glow she deserves.*

🗞 Other News

• 🔄 Local: You shop local. You eat local. But where you bank? That matters too. When you bank with Piedmont Federal Bank, your dollars stay here — supporting local businesses, strengthening community programs while investing in the places you call home. Make the switch and bank local!*
  
  

• 🚐 New: Opportunity shouldn't depend on your zip code. Goodwill on the Go is bringing opportunities to your community. This cool mobile unit includes WiFi, computers, and team members to help you search for and land your next job. Take a tour of the Mobile Unit!*
  
  

• 🎭 Arts: Two UNCSA alumni were nominated for the 2026 Tony Awards! One of the nominees is Paul Tazewell, who made history in 2025 as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for costume design for “Wicked.” Awards will be announced on June 7.
  
  

• 📅 Save the Date: Native Root’s next Fireweed Dinner is May 16 at West Salem Public House! Enjoy an intimate dining experience where Chef Jordan shares the story behind every dish! Take a sneak peek at the menu.
  
  

• 💙 Support: Cash Mob is this Monday! Join JK Woodworked Creations to visit local small businesses, spending a small amount at every stop. Sign up and you’ll receive the locations via email a few days before the event.
  
  

• 🤔 Curious: Data center projects have been making headlines, such as the proposed site in Rural Hall. WFDD’s April Laissle took a closer look at how data centers could impact community health.

🍪 Cookie Fix

No more searching for Oh My Cookies’ food truck! You can now place an order online and pick up your goodies at their new kitchen.

• What: Oh My Cookies serves a rotating lineup of cookies, from classics like chocolate chip and funfetti to premium flavors like brown butter pecan and s’mores. They also have pies, puddings, cakes, and flavored lemonades!
  
  

• Background: Husband-and-wife duo Gerrod and Shannon have grown the business from a farmers market stand to a food truck to a new pickup-only kitchen with online ordering!
  
  

• Where: Track their food truck on Instagram or StreetFoodFinder or order ahead for Saturday/Sunday kitchen pickup in Clemmons at 4440 Hampton Road in Clemmons!

👀 Poll results: You can only choose one ice cream flavor; which one are you going for?

• Vanilla - 27%

• Chocolate - 36%

• Strawberry - 14%

• Other - 22%

Joel R. chose chocolate and shared, “I don't consider anything a dessert unless it involves chocolate in some way.”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center on May 18.

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Singer-songwriter Gregg Cagno takes the stage as The Downtown Grille serves up small bites at 500 W 5th on May 21.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🌸 Moms truly make the world go round. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures!

• 🐏 WSSU’s women’s track and field team won the CIAA title for the second year in a row. Go Rams!

• 🛍 Shop Primm’s Warehouse Sale this Thurs-Sat; pieces will be 40-90% off!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 5, 2026

🍦 Your Ice Cream Bucket List

This warm weather means it’s ice cream time! Stop by these spots for everything from classic scoops to indulgent sundaes.

• La Princesa Frozen Treats | 9 E Clemmonsville Rd + 3248 Silas Creek Pkwy | In addition to delicious ice cream, La Princesa also has a massive menu of sweets, including shaved ice, churros, crepes, and more!
  
  

• Twin City Treats | 2594 W Clemmonsville Rd | Outdoor seating, lawn games, and themed weekends like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter — this spot is a family favorite worth adding to your list!
  
  

• Chill Nitro | 616 W 4th St | Science meets dessert. Watch your ice cream get flash-frozen using liquid nitrogen! Spike your sweet treat with spirits if you’re feeling extra fancy.
  
  

• Dream Kreams | 102 W 3rd St | Lactose intolerant? This is the ice cream shop of your dreams: every single flavor has a non-dairy variety!
  
  

• Cafe Gelato | 845 Reynolda Rd + 1612 S Hawthorne Rd | Stop by for a rotating gelato menu. The Hawthorne location also has boba tea and dirty sodas!
  
  

• Mayberry Ice Cream | 50 Miller St | Mayberry has all the nostalgic charm of a classic ice cream parlor. Each flavor can be enjoyed as a sundae, milkshake, malt, or banana split!

You shop local. You eat local. But where you bank? That matters too. Here's why:

• Funding Local: Unlike national banks that pay taxes where they're headquartered, Piedmont Federal Bank's tax dollars stay in the Triad, supporting local businesses, community programs, and investing in places you call home.

• Local Loans: Your deposits don't sit still. They flow back into local businesses — whether that's helping a construction company buy new equipment or your favorite boutique expand with a second location.

Your money stays here. Grows here. Works here. Ready to make the switch? Open a Piedmont Federal Bank account today!*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Thursday, May 7

• Free Yoga - Roll out your mat and unwind with 2B Yoga in Bailey Park. 6 PM

• Live Music - Acoustic duo Sam and Gracie perform at Earl’s! 6 PM

• Movie Night - Watch “The Devil Wears Prada 2” at a/perture! Showings available through May 21.

Friday, May 8

• Swing Dancing - Hit the dance floor at Fair Witness! 8-11 PM

• Sawtooth Soirée - Celebrate 80 years of Sawtooth with dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a special speaker at the Millennium Center. 6 PM

• Ice Racing - Motorcycles on ice?? Watch high-speed races at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds! Races also available on Saturday.

Saturday, May 9

• Defying Gravity - The Winston-Salem Symphony plays your favorite tunes from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” and “Wicked” at Reynolds Auditorium! 7:30 PM

• MESStival - Oobleck pools, foot painting, and a foam party — sounds like a blast for kids at Kaleideum! 12 PM - 5 PM

• SummerLark - The Fray performs at Bailey Park! Proceeds benefit Atrium Health's Cancer Patient Support Program. 7 PM

• Bubbles, Brunch & Bams - Treat Mom to brunch and a beginner lesson with Camel City Mahjong at Footnote Coffee! 10 AM

• Be Kind Mother’s Day - Build a bouquet, shop a vendor market, and enjoy a sweet treat and specialty drink at Be Kind Coffee Co. 10 AM - 4 PM

• Mom & Mixing - Learn the art of winemaking and design a custom wine label with Mom at Childress Vineyards. 1 PM

• Mother-Daughter Tea - Decorate a flower-themed cake, enjoy tea and snacks, and capture sweet memories with a fun photo op at Cupcake Cuties Cafe. 3 PM

🗓️ As NCMA Winston-Salem prepares to open their new downtown space, they're bringing the fun to spots all around town this spring! Here's what's on the calendar for May:

• Art in the Park (May 16): Drop in at Merschel Park to create 2D paper-mache clouds (all-ages)

• Book Club (May 21): Travel to a dystopian Japan as you discuss Sayaka Murata's "Vanishing World"

• Field Trip (May 28): Join a community outing to Culture WS’s popular Collage Night

• Park Hangs (May 29): Live music, food, and drinks at Bailey Park

All events are free or pay-what-you-wish, but registration is strongly encouraged.*

🗞 Other News

• 🗓️ Event: Ada Limón, one of America's most celebrated poets, is coming to town. Join 1,000 community leaders at The Winston-Salem Foundation's Annual Community Gathering on May 18 for a social hour, hands-on art with Sawtooth, and keynote and conversation with Limón.*
  
  

• 📜 History: A new historical marker honors the former Patterson Avenue Family YMCA. Established in 1924 to serve young Black men during segregation, it acted as a community hub for education, recreation, and opportunity. The branch relocated in 1985 and recently underwent extensive renovations to become the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake.
  
  

• 🚣‍♂️ Results: Say hello to the Aquilla Islands! Last month, the Piedmont Land Conservancy invited the community to help name the two newly protected islands on the Yadkin River. Now designated stopping points, they give paddlers a legal place to land during river trips!
  
  

• 🎉 Opening: The Glam House, a new luxury hair salon, opens at 6655 Shallowford Road in Lewisville this Saturday! The grand opening includes a hat bar, a flower bar, food trucks, and a boutique pop-up.
  
  

• 🐑 Did You Know: Crossnore’s farm is home to goats, sheep, chickens, and other animals that are used to help children heal from trauma. You can visit! Park in the Thomas Memorial Trail parking lot and enter through the gravel road farm entrance. To protect students' privacy and safety, Crossnore asks visitors to not drive through campus. (FOX8 WGHP)
  
  

• 💐 Reminder: Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Check out our event and gift guide to plan memorable outings like creating a bouquet at The Porch or enjoying a Native Root brunch pop-up at The Dutch Light!

🏙 City Budget

A $702.5 million budget for 2026-27 was proposed at Monday’s council meeting. Here's what it means for residents.

• By the Numbers:

  • $548 million for operations

  • $49.7 million for debt service

  • $104.8 million for capital improvements
    
    

• Goal: City Manager Pat Pate said this is a “no-frills” budget — maintaining services residents count on, spending wisely, and staying on solid financial footing.
  
  

• Costs: Expect your bills to go up. Property taxes will increase by $5.42/month for the average citizen, sewer rates will rise 5% on July 1, and stormwater fees go up 4% starting in 2027. Other city fees, like park shelter rentals and road closure permits, will also increase. 

  • Pate said raising these taxes and fees is necessary to keep up with inflation.
    
    

• Go Deeper: Check out Pate’s letter to Mayor Joines and the City Council on pages x-xxi of the budget.

  • Separate from the budget, Pate recommended the City Council increase its property-tax-funded set-aside for housing, which could support both affordable housing needs and programs for people experiencing homelessness.
    
    

• What’s Next: Council members will discuss the budget during workshops on May 12, 14, and 21. You can share your thoughts on the budget during a public hearing on May 18. The budget must be approved and submitted to the state by June 30. It will go into effect on July 1.

  • Can’t make it in person? Call (336) 734-1400 with your comments or submit them here.

👀 Poll results: Who has the best margarita?

• Taco Mama - 29%

• The Porch - 29%

• East of Texas - 25%

• Other - 17%

Von G. shared, “I'll be going to all 3 for a taste test before I can vote. 😁”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center on May 18.

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Singer-songwriter Gregg Cagno takes the stage as The Downtown Grille serves up small bites at 500 W 5th on May 21.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🍪 Team member Stevie had a sweet experience with Oh My Cookies! He loved the butter pecan and chocolate chip cookies.

• 🖼 Guide of the Week: Home Decor Shops

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content

 

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May 4, 2026

🎭 What's Next for the Stevens Center

The next and final phase of the Stevens Center has been revealed!

• Background: Renovations on the Stevens Center began in November 2023. Phase 1 focused on lobby redesign and exterior repairs — hence all the scaffolding.
  
  

• Phase 2: After 2 years of planning and design, the final phase will include:

  • Art Deco design elements in the upgraded auditorium that preserve some of the original charm

  • A redesigned proscenium (the arch that frames the performance) for better acoustics

  • A new balcony positioned one floor lower than the original

  • Wider seats with more spacing

  • Upgraded audio-visual technology

  • A new 4th-floor lobby providing access to the balcony
    
    

• Cost: $85.3 million. That includes both phases and last year's purchase of the neighboring property at 411 W. Fourth Street. Aside from $900,000 raised by private donors, the project is financed by the state.
  
  

• When: Phase 2 construction kicks off February 2027, with the Stevens Center scheduled to reopen in 2029.
  
  

• Why It Matters: The Stevens Center is one of three major arts projects reshaping downtown. NCMA's downtown gallery opens in July 2026, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater follows in spring 2027. More major venues mean more reasons for locals and visitors to come downtown!

🌷 Mother's Day, graduations, and Father's Day! There are so many reasons to celebrate this season. Let The Downtown Grille be a part of it.

• The Vibe: Sun-drenched windows, an intimate dining room, and a plant-filled patio. The perfect backdrop for your celebration.

• The Food: Creativity and consistency on every plate.

• The Parking: FREE and right next to the restaurant! No circling the block or paying for a spot. Just pull up and celebrate.

Reservations are filling up fast — book your table today!*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo)

• Dance Night - Learn 5 Latin dance styles with Triad Social Dance at East of Texas. Tickets include free chips and queso! 6 PM

• Wise Man Fiesta - Tacos, margarita specials, and Latin fusion jazz at Wise Man Brewing’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! Music at 7 PM, food truck 3-9 PM.

• Tacos & Tiles - Open play with Camel City Mahjong at The Porch; proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. 5:30 PM

• Cinco de Mayo - Jam out to DJ beats and grab a bite from the Buddy System food truck at East Tiger Beer Garden! 7-11 PM

Wednesday, May 6

• Cocktail Class - Prep for your upcoming summer party. Learn to make the perfect summertime cocktails using liqueurs at Joyner’s Bar. 7 PM

• Wine Dinner - Crab salad, ravioli, grilled beef — get ready for a West Coast-inspired dinner by The Caviste at Salem Bottleworks! 6 PM

• Candlemaking - The perfect Mother's Day activity. Create 2 custom candles with Hand.The.Light at Breathe Cocktail Lounge. 6 PM

Thursday, May 7

• Used Book Sale - Discover your next great read at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds! Proceeds benefit The Shepherd's Center. Runs through Saturday.

• Mom’s Night Out - Make a pressed flower frame at Dabble Art Bar! Includes a complimentary margarita from The Porch. 6 PM

• Small Business Resource Fair - Fuel your business’s growth. Meet local organizations offering resources and guidance to small businesses at Greater Winston-Salem Inc. 4-6:30 PM

"Baby, please don't go!" Moving season is here, and whether you're heading to residency or just moving out for the summer, the last thing you need is a car full of stuff. Donate your unwanted items to Goodwill. The payoff is threefold:

• Less to haul: Lighten your load

• Less waste: Give your items a second life instead of a landfill

• More good: Your donations help people like Paula build a brighter future

🎓 Bonus: Goodwill will be on college campuses during move-out week to make donating even easier. First up, Wake Forest! Drop off your items this week (May 4–8)!*

🗞 Other News

• 💆‍♀️ Self-Care: A more youthful look in under an hour WITHOUT surgery!? Yes please! Silhouette InstaLift from Renewal Med Spa is an FDA-cleared treatment that lifts and sculpts sagging cheeks and jawlines. Book your appointment today!*
  
  

• 🥩 Reopened: Fratellis is back! The popular steakhouse closed in February for renovations, which included updating the dining room and creating a new private dining space.
  
  

• 🎨 Arts: UNCSA will hold its 50th annual production of “The Nutcracker” at Reynolds Auditorium, the site of its inaugural performance in 1966! It’s a homecoming (of sorts): the production has been held at the Tanger Center since 2023 while the Stevens Center is under renovations.
  
  

• 🍗 Now Open: Paprikas has opened at 5908 University Parkway! The restaurant serves classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, pulled pork, and oxtails. Thirsty? Try their boba teas or lemonades!
  
  

• 👓 New Series: Nerd Nite is coming to Kaleideum! This monthly series starts June 5 and features speakers sharing deep dives on everything from science and history to pop culture and niche hobbies. Reach out to be a speaker!
  
  

• 🎓 Civic: Join the City of Winston-Salem University program to learn how our city government operates! This free, 12-week course meets weekly on Thursdays starting August 20. Apply by July 6.

A MESSAGE FROM THE WS FOUNDATION

A Tradition Since 1992

One of the most celebrated poets in America is coming to Winston-Salem — and you can be in the room.

• Annual Community Gathering: The Winston-Salem Foundation has brought the community together around thought-provoking speakers every year since 1992. This year's guest: U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, whose work explores belonging, resilience, and the places we call home.

  
  

• What to Expect: A community social with drinks, refreshments, and an interactive creative station hosted by Sawtooth, followed by a powerful keynote and conversation with Limón.

  
  

• Why Go? Network with 1,000+ community leaders, learn about the Foundation's work, and leave with new ideas on how you can impact Winston-Salem.

  
  

• Details: May 18 at the Benton Convention Center | 5 PM social, 6 PM keynote | $25 tickets

 👀 Poll results: Have you bought a Mother’s Day card?

• Yes - 34%

• No - 66%

One of our readers shared, “As a mother, I think cards are overpriced... just text or call, it means just as much.”

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Community Gathering - One of America's most celebrated poets is coming to town! Join the Winston-Salem Foundation for a social hour, hands-on activity, and keynote from poet Ada Limón at the Benton Convention Center on May 18.

• Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Singer-songwriter Gregg Cagno takes the stage as The Downtown Grille serves up small bites at 500 W 5th on May 21.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🍽 Hope du Jour is tomorrow, May 5. Dine or drink at any of these 100+ local spots, and 10% of proceeds will go to Crisis Control Ministry!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content