September 23, 2026
👋 Meet the Locals
Today, we're revisiting a few recent features — and asking for your help finding the next one.
Saya Hillman brings adults together for real connection through the events and workshops at Mac & Cheese Productions.
Jordan Rainbolt blends her Indigenous heritage with global flavors at Native Root, her pop-up restaurant.
Adam Andrews built local favorites like Young Cardinal Cafe, Twisted Pine, and The Mercantile Chophouse.
Veronica Smith turned her love of storytelling into The Healing Pen and The Grackle, spaces where locals can share their own.
Jefferson Nicholson put his love of video games on wheels with Dash City Gaming, a fleet of mobile arcade trailers and buses.
Who should we feature next? Hit reply and tell us about a local who deserves the spotlight and why!
🎃 Forget the flimsy, overpriced costumes from the pop-up shops. Goodwill has everything you need for a fraction of the price.
Not sure what to be? Their new costume generator pairs you with ideas based on a brief quiz about your vibe (Pop Culture, Cool, Funny), effort and weirdness level.
Working with what you've got? Tell the generator what's already in your closet (i.e. Hawaiian shirt, jean jacket) and it'll build a costume around it.
Find your full look, then find the pieces at your local Goodwill!*
🗓 Events
Saturday, September 26
Bookmarks Festival - The largest (free) book festival in the Carolinas returns to downtown WS! Get books signed by 45+ authors, attend panels, and shop 100+ local vendors. 10 AM - 5 PM
Winston Junction Market - After a brief hiatus, this beloved market is back with 20+ local vendors. 11 AM - 4 PM
Renaissance Festival - Hear ye, hear ye! Travel to The Brewer’s Kettle in the land of Kernersville for medieval combat, turkey legs, and a vendor market. Starts at 1 PM; family-friendly until 8 PM.
Outdoor Concert - It's the final Back to Trade of the year! Jam out to Ears to the Ground at the corner of 6th and Trade. 7-10 PM
Middle Eastern Festival - Try cultural dishes and join in traditional dances at Bible Church of Clemmons. Plus, there’s a kids’ zone with bounce houses and face painting! Runs through Sunday.
Hot Rod Show - Check out dozens of vintage hot rods and custom cars along Patterson Avenue. 12-5 PM
Sunday, September 27
Book Talk - Bestselling author Jodi Picoult discusses her new book with Virginia Evans at Wait Chapel to close out the Bookmarks Festival. 3 PM
Candle Workshop - Create a custom soy candle with Lizzie’s All Natural Products at The Dutch Light. Try one of the bar’s fall cocktails! 3 PM
Frozen Fun - Take the kids to Kaleideum's new Ice Venture exhibit for frosty crafts, a museum-wide snowball fight, and a visit from their favorite “Frozen” characters. 1-4:30 PM
Cocktail Class - Make a classic negroni and craft your own take on the drink at easytalk. 2 PM
We’re officially just TWO weeks away from 10 days of food, rides, music and shows. The Carolina Classic Fair returns Oct. 2–11! Here are a few things you won’t want to miss:
🎸 Grandstand Shows: The Band Perry (Oct. 6) and We Are Messengers (Oct. 7) take the big stage
🌭 Hot Dog Eating Contest: Legendary competitive eater Joey Chestnut will be there running the contest (Oct. 8)
🍺 Beer Garden: Grab a cold one, kick back and catch the game on the big screens without missing any of the Fair action
Get moooooving so you don't miss the presale savings — a family of 4 can save $30+ by buying tickets in advance instead of at the gate!*
🗞 Other News
🎙 Opening: Ever wanted to start a podcast? Attend The Groove Studio’s launch party at Flywheel Coworking on September 30 to meet the co-founders, tour the space, and get your podcasting questions answered!
🏆 Ranking: No. 34. That’s where Wake Forest ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the nation’s top universities. That’s a 17-spot leap from last year’s No. 51 ranking!
☕️ Coffee: We have less than 20 Coffee & Tea Passes left! Grab yours before they're gone to score a FREE coffee drink of your choice at 10 local spots.
🗳 Vote: Are you registered to vote in the midterm elections? Election day is November 3, with early voting October 15-31. The local ballot includes Forsyth County Sheriff and 9 WS/FCS school board seats.
😢 Closing: Boutique marketplace Eclection closes October 1 after 15 years in business. Owner Kim is stepping away for a new opportunity that will let her spend more time with family. Go treasure hunting before Eclection closes for good!
📜 History: Know a spot with a story worth telling? The city's Historic Marker Program is now accepting applications for 2027 markers, due October 31.
🎗 St. Baldrick’s Day
This Saturday, 50+ people will shave their heads to help raise funds for childhood cancer research!
Photo courtesy of Amy Creason
The Cause: St. Baldrick’s Day benefits the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S. This is the Winston-Salem event’s 20th anniversary!
Family Fun: Beyond the head-shaving, expect a dunk booth, face painting, a giant appliance box maze, visits from Disney princesses and Star Wars characters, and a disco dance afterparty.
Details: Saturday at Incendiary Brewing, 11 AM - 4:30 PM
Get Involved: It’s not too late to sign up to shave your head! You can also make a monetary donation to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
👀 Poll results: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Make coffee - 17%
Open your phone - 23%
Go to the bathroom - 56%
Other - 4%
Lori F. has coffee first thing in the morning and shared, “I set my coffee pot the night before so the coffee is made and ready when I get up. A great way to start the day!”
SPONSORED
Upcoming Events
Fall Parade of Homes - Take a self-guided tour of 30+ newly constructed homes across Winston-Salem and surrounding areas on October 11-12 and 17-18. Presented by the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem.
🌀 The Wrap
🍂 Today's cooler weather caught team member Christy off guard; her 16-month-old has zero pants that fit. Looks like a shopping trip is in her near future.
🛶 Glide across Salem Lake one last time before kayak rentals close for the season this Friday!
