Plus, your guide to local coffee shops.
 
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Today’s Forecast

70º | 86% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:22 a.m. | Sunset 8:32 p.m.
 

📸 Lights. Camera. Action.
WStoday: Actors performing on stage during International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem
The festival has contributed more than $200 million to the economy in Winston-Salem since it first started. | Photo by Campus Wide via Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County
Get ready for the largest theater festival in the City of Arts and Innovation. Starting Monday, July 29, NC Black Rep will take center stage with live entertainment and thought-provoking performances during the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival.

The event draws 65,000 theater lovers to the Twin City and encompasses films, spoken word poetry, youth programming, informative workshops, academic discussions, and a vendor’s market.

Theater + films

Choose from over 120 theatrical performances, including “Coconut Cake,” “Blues is the Roots,” and “Love Warrior” at various locations across the city. Tickets range from $10 to $60. You can also watch a film at a/perture cinema for free every morning.

Workshops and seminars

Actors aged 50+ will share their craft and how they continue to thrive in the art industry. Participate in rhythmic dances or watch dancers perform. Check out the full schedule here.

WStoday: Woman wearing a gold dress with open arms stands on red carper during International Black Theater festival opening night gala.

Keep an eye out — you might meet some celebrities at this big event.

|

Photo via Triad Cultural Arts, Inc.

Auditions + networking

Sign up for an opportunity to perform for Disney Live Entertainment, including at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Disney Cruise Lines at Benton Convention Center (Lower Level, Piedmont Three). Pro tip: Make an appointment first.
  • Wednesday, July 31 – Friday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m.–1p.m.
Aspiring theater professionals will also get to network and meet other like-minded peers in the industry.

Get social

The opening gala will take place on Monday, July 29 at the Salem Ballroom of the Benton Convention Center (301 W. 5th St.). Tickets cost $275 per person.

Shop

Find paintings, photographs, books, jewelry, home decor, clothing items, and more at the The IBTF Vendors Market located in the Winston Ballroom on the upper level of the Benton Convention Center. Here’s when it’s open to the public:
  • Wednesday, July 31: 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 3: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. + 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Download the NC Black Rep app to make navigation easier during the six-day festival.
 
Asked
 

What are you most excited for?
A. Theater + films
B. Workshops and seminars
C. Auditions + networking
D. Social events like the night gala
E. Shopping experiences
 
 
Events
 
Wednesday, July 24
  • “Hickory Smoked Murder” Themed Party | Wednesday, July 24 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Joymongers Barrel Hall, 480 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | $25 | Join an immersive night of suspense, mystery, and sizzling smoked barbecue.
Thursday, July 25
  • Artist Reception | Thursday, July 25 | 5-7 p.m. | Camino Bakery, 310-B W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Free | Enjoy wine tasting + complimentary Camino treats while hearing from NC artists Rene Vasquez, Hannah Goff, and Les Caison.
Friday, July 26
  • Opening Night: “Cinderella” (Broadway Version) | Friday, July 26 | 8 p.m. | Stained Glass Playhouse, 4401 Indiana Ave., Winston-Salem | $10-$20 | Experience a twist to this classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical featuring songs like “In My Own Little Corner.”
Saturday, July 27
  • Public Ropes Course Day | Saturday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Miracle Heights Adventures, Crossnore Communities for Children, 1001 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | $29 | Explore the course with ziplines, climbing walls, a giant swing, and an aerial adventure park.
Sunday, July 28
  • Community Gardens Tour | Sunday, July 28 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | NC Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center, 1450 Fairchild Rd., Winston-Salem | Free, RSVP | Take a look at five gardens across the North and East Wards — email mscoggi@ncsu.edu to reserve a seat on the traveling van.
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Travel
 

⚽️ Heading to Columbia, SC for Rivals in Red?

A look at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC.
Columbia, SC is welcoming soccer fans to the sports-loving city with friendly locals, cold drinks, delicious cuisine, and more. | Photo by Forrest Clonts
Make it your goal to live like a local while you’re in Columbia, SC for Rivals in Red: Manchester United vs Liverpool FC. Here’s what to do before and after the match:
Won’t be at Williams-Brice Stadium? Watch the game at Market on Main or The British Bulldog Pub.
 
News Notes
 
Transit
  • The City of Winston-Salem bought its first four Teslas as part of the city’s plan to transition half of its fleet to electric vehicles by 2030. The utility department + facility maintenance staff will use three vehicles. One will be available for city officials — each one cost ~$43,000. (ABC45 News)
Travel
  • Ready to breeze through airport security? Travelers can schedule to enroll for TSA PreCheck at Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) between Monday, Aug. 12 and Friday, Aug. 16. Bring your ID and proof of citizenship to the in-person event which is expected to take less than 10 minutes.
Featured
  • Winston-Salem is among Southern Living’s “8 Under-The-Radar Southern Cities To Visit This Summer” list. The publication listed the Twin City for its rich culture, entertainment options, and schools.
Sports
  • An American teenager seeking his first ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) title is returning to the Twin City. Rising star Alex Michelsen will play during the 2024 Winston-Salem Open that will take place at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex Saturday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 24.
Giveaway
  • Your creativity could win you a free pair of glasses. Help design Eyes on Trade Street’s next cleaning cloth by creating your artwork here. Drop the form off at the shop (604 Trade St. NW) or email your design to radglasses@eyesontrade.com by Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Cause
Wellness
  • Grieving the loss of a loved one? Trellis Supportive Care will host a “Retreat for Adults” on Friday, Aug. 2 at the Generations Center (114 30th St.). Register to learn about creative and mindful grief practices, share memories, and explore coping skills in a supportive environment from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
 
Drink
 

Things to sip while reading WStoday
WStoday: iced coffee from Debeen Espresso Winston-Salem
For those environmentally-conscious coffee drinkers, Debeen Espresso serves its drink in recyclable cups. | Photo by WStoday
For richer or pour over, Winston-Salem has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in the city.

Best bites

  • Washington Perk & Provisions, 301 W 4th St., Winston-Salem | This coffee shop gives you the most bang for your buck with an all-day breakfast menu that includes avocado toast, sandwiches, and bagels. Pro tip: Look out for lunch specials.

Where to cool off

  • Recess, 101 N. Chestnut St., Ste. 99, Winston-Salem | Located at the edge of downtown, take in the view while enjoying your drink on the outdoor seating.

Perfect for a date

  • Bobby Boy Bakeshop, 1100 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | Located in Buena Vista, what better way to wow your date than by treating them to delicious, fresh-made pastries? Plus, choose from a wide range of wine at The Caviste Wine Shop inside if drinks are more your speed.
 
The Buy
 
The perfect shoe for the rest of summer: Birkenstock’s waterproof slide sandal, which comes in bright and cute colors like purple fog, coral peach, and popcorn.
 
6AM City In-house
 
The Wrap
 
WStoday: Kellina Wanteu

Today’s edition by:
Kellina
From the editor
I’m excited to see the new musical “Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom” during the festival. The performance tells the story of Lynda Blackmon, the youngest person to walk all the way from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama on the Voting Rights March in 1965. Admission is free on Wednesday, July 31 and will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Benton Convention Center.
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