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October 13, 2025

🎓 What’s Up in Higher Ed

Free tuition, a $10 million gift, and a new workforce program are making headlines at Winston-Salem’s local colleges and universities!

Wake Forest: Tuition-Free Education

• North Carolina undergrads from families earning under $200,000 will attend tuition-free starting Fall 2026. This lets qualified students attend who otherwise couldn’t afford it!
  

  • In Context: The estimated annual cost of attendance without financial aid exceeds $94,000.

Wake Forest: Change of Leadership

• President Susan Wente will step down on June 20, 2026. Wente has served as the University’s 14th president since July 2021 — she plans to return as a faculty member.
  

  • Under her leadership, Wake Forest launched its tuition-free program, developed a new campus in Charlotte, and began construction of The Grounds.

Forsyth Tech: Workforce Ready

• Forsyth Tech and Reynolds are partnering to launch the Future-Ready Workforce Alliance, designed to strengthen the local economy and address the skilled labor shortage by preparing workers for in-demand jobs.

UNCSA: New Music Program

• UNCSA received $10.1 million, the largest single gift in the school’s history, to establish the American Roots Music Institute.
  

  • The school will consult nationally recognized musicians, including Justin Poindexter and Martha Bassett, to design the program.
    

  • A minor will be offered starting Fall 2026, with a bachelor’s program planned for Fall 2028.

🎃 Forget overpriced costumes — Goodwill has budget-friendly finds that are creative, sustainable, and support a good cause. Check out these ideas and explore their Halloween Look Book Guide for more!

• Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked (Sparkly pink gown and crown OR an all-black outfit, witch hat, and round glasses)

• K-Pop Demon Hunters (White skirt and shirt, black jacket with yellow accents, boots, and accessories)

• Ted Lasso (Track jacket and pants, whistle, and mustache)

• Gym Rats (Workout gear and mouse ears)

Find a location near you.*

🗓 Events

Live Music | Recurring Events

Tuesday, October 14

• Margarita Class - Discover the secret to making a delicious margarita and craft your own at Alma Mexicana! 6 PM

• Wandcrafting - Expecto Patronum! Learn the basics of blacksmithing and forge your own metal magic wand at Mixxer. 6 PM

• Wine Tasting - Enjoy wines from an Italian winery at The Caviste. Drop in anytime from 5 to 7 PM.

Wednesday, October 15

• Mahjong 101 - Join Momahjong at East of Texas for an intro class! Registration required. 6 PM

• Beats & Brews - Feel the rhythm of the UNCSA percussion ensemble at Footnote Coffee! 6 PM

• Decor DIY - Design a moss frame for your home at M&A Design Studio! 6 PM

Thursday, October 16

• Evening in the Atrium - Talented musicians and great food. Catch de la Fonk live while enjoying small bites from The Downtown Grille at 500 W 5th. 5-7 PM*

• Fireweed Dinner - Join Native Root at West Salem Public House for a multi-course dinner cooked over an open flame! 6 PM

• Opening Reception - Celebrate the grand reopening of the Hanes Art Gallery and view Rudy Shepherd’s The Darkness, featuring a live performance by the artist. 5-8 PM

• Pumpkin Glow-Up - Decorate pumpkins with dried flowers, moss, and more at Cupcake Cuties Cafe & Bakery. 6 PM

Friday, October 17

• Art Crush - Head to the Arts District for a block party with live performances, art galleries, and local vendors & artists. 7-10 PM

• WSSU Homecoming - Watch a step show and listen to Mariah the Scientist and KCamp perform at LJVM Coliseum! 6 PM

• Hockey Match - Cheer on the Twin City Thunderbirds as they play the Pee Dee IceCats in the season opener at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena. 7:35 PM

• Line Dancing - Join Chaos Crew Line Dancing at Radar Brewing for a free beginner class followed by open dancing! 7 PM

• The Muppet Movie - Watch the Muppets get into all kinds of mishaps at Crossnore’s sports field! Screening starts at dusk.

• Candle Creation - Mix fragrances to create a one-of-a-kind soy wax candle at Lizzie’s All Natural Products! 6:30 PM

• Author Talk - Local author Sarah McCoy discusses her newest novel — “Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?” — at The Bookhouse. 6:30 PM

• Halloween Movie - Twin witches separated at birth? Find out what happens in this screening of “Twitches” at Harmon Park. Movie starts at dusk.

👀  Need a little extra holiday spending money? Enroll in product testing at Eurofins CRL, a Cosmetic and Personal Care Product Company right here in downtown Winston-Salem. Think sunscreen, makeup, lotions, and more. How does it work?

• Participate and complete a 1- to 4-day study and get paid right away

• Study compensation ranges from $110-$310

• Testing is more fun with a friend! Referral bonus opportunities up to $200.*

• Free welcome gift: Schedule a lab tour today and learn more about SPF & Cosmetic Testing. Call 336-725-6501 to schedule or download their app*

🗞 Other News

• 💬 Testimonial: Reserved desk member Paul says it best: “Flywheel is a place where you can get stuff done while meeting & engaging with people pursuing their dreams.” Find the perfect blend of focus and community at Flywheel Coworking.*
  
  

• 💆‍♀️ Self-Care: Turn back time — no surgery required. Silhouette InstaLift lifts and sculpts sagging cheeks and jawlines for a naturally youthful look, with instant definition and lasting firmness. Book this breakthrough treatment today!*
  
  

• 💪 Moving: ÉTÉ is moving to 826 W 4th Street tomorrow, October 14! The Pilates studio, which originally opened in Brookstown in January, uses infrared heat to enhance calorie burn and promote detoxification.
  
  

• 👩‍💼 Business: Locally owned startup Three Strands Recovery Wear received funding from the WSPR Fund! Founded by Leah Wyrick Smith, the company makes the Resilience Bra for women recovering from breast-related surgeries.
  
  

• 🎃 Coming Soon: Gathering Grace, a new nonprofit cafe and event space at 690 Trade Street, opens as a seasonal pop-up from October 17–31. “The Great Pumpkin Pop-Up” will feature crafts, games, and fall drinks and sweets made by individuals with disabilities.
  
  

• 🦸‍♂️ Save the Date: You’re invited to the Ronald McDonald House Character Breakfast on October 25 at Forsyth Country Club! Meet princesses and superheroes, enjoy breakfast, and listen to a musical number from “Mary Poppins.” Tickets on sale through this Friday.

SPONSORED

Upcoming Events

• Free Coworking - Experience a day at Flywheel Coworking on October 22! Explore the space, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and connect with members during the social hour.

• Halloween Bingo - Costumes, bingo, and barbecue! Join the Junior League of Winston-Salem for an exciting evening at The Nash on October 23, with dinner provided by HonkyTonk Smokehouse.

• Drone Show - Follow the yellow brick road to Truist Stadium on October 24 for a magical Wizard of Oz drone show!

• Operation Protect & Serve - Support the Winston-Salem Police Foundation in style — enjoy a catered dinner and silent auction at BioTech Place on October 29.

🌀 The Wrap

• 🎧 Did you know the City of Winston-Salem has a podcast? The latest episode of “First and Main” highlights programs that assist business owners and entrepreneurs!

• ⛸ Ice skating is back at the Fairgrounds Arena Ice Rink starting October 14! Check out the schedule for upcoming public ice skating sessions.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

* denotes sponsored content