🎭 What's Next for the Stevens Center
The next and final phase of the Stevens Center has been revealed!
Rendering courtesy Jenkins Peer Architects and Steinberg Hart
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
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!
🎓 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