“Kat Skywalker” by artist Cheryl Ann Lipstreu has been at 723 N. Trade St. since 2020. | Photo by WStoday
Earlier this week, we asked where this mannequin is located in the Twin City, and many of you got it right. Congratulations to Dail C., Les W., and Jess H. for claiming the top spots. And now for a history lesson about these mannequins.
How it started
Stewart Knight is the artist behind several of the mannequins. He’s also the operational director for Art for Art’s Sake (AFAS), the nonprofit that manages the collaborative exhibit. An AFAS board member came up with the idea for Mannequin Shenanigans ~15 years ago. Knight worked with artist Kim Pegram on Lola, one of the first mannequins that was installed in 2013. Over a dozen have been created since.
How it’s going
Business owners and homeowners in the Downtown Arts District can connect with AFAS to sponsor a mannequin, which means having a figure installed on their building. The sponsor can decide whether to pay for the art + installation, or AFAS will fund the artist’s work.
Junior League WS Summer Recruitment | 5:30-8 p.m. | Radar Brewing Company | Free+ | Join the recruitment committee for yoga, a drink, and learn about new members’ application process.
Thursday, July 31
Harry Potter Trivia Night | 8-10 p.m. | Wine & Design | $38+ | Make it a date night or round up your fellow Harry Potter fans for a step-by-step session — choose between painting a themed design or creating a wooden door hanger.
Tyler Dodson Duo Live | 7-9 p.m. | West Bend Bar & Venue | Free | Hear the singer/songwriter’s soulful sound with a blend of Americana and country vibes in a relaxed atmosphere — food and drink will be available for purchase.
Friday, Aug. 1
$5 Friday Night | 5-8 p.m. | Kaleideum | $5 | Enjoy discounted admission to the museum, featuring water activities, music, and a variety of hands-on experiences.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Down Dogs & Dogs Yoga | 3-4 p.m. | Forsyth Humane Society | $25+ | Stretch, strengthen, and snuggle with adoptable dogs (and puppies if available) — bring your yoga mat.
🎤 Release radar: “Face to Face” single tickets drop Friday
Presented by Wake Forest University
Help broaden your child’s horizons: Kids 10 and up are welcome to attend. | Photo courtesy Wake Forest University
Single show tix for the 2025–26 “Face to Face Speaker Forum” go on sale this Friday, Aug. 1 — and this year’s conversation lineup is seriously stacked:
NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney
Former National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster
Actress + “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo (dream come true for young “Wicked” fans)
Pro tip: Some shows sold out within weeks last season. If there’s someone you’re dying to see, don’t wait to grab your seats.
Mojito Latin Soul Food announced it will close Sunday, Aug. 24. “It has truly been an honor to be part of your celebrations, gatherings, and events,” the restaurant shared on Instagram. The reason for closing hasn’t been shared, but you can stop by during open hours for a final visit.
Ranked
The report card is out. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (No. 10) and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (No. 15) ranked among the top 2025 hospitals, according to US News and World Report. Both hospitals were recognized for better patient outcomes compared to other hospitals. (Triad Business Journal)
Transportation
Winston-Salem Transit Authority is offering free bus rides to cooling stations around the city due to extremely high temperatures. These recreation centers serve as shelters to escape the heat during operating hours.
Eat
Coffee shop + food truck. If that’s your vibe, head on to Camino Bakery Brookstown starting Thursday, July 31, for a slow evening on a patio while enjoying a meal. Check out the current lineup, which will be on site from 5 to 8 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 15 on select dates.
Try This
Get paid to join a clinical research study with Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Qualifying participants can get paid up to $850 as researchers investigate a non-invasive, medication-free treatment for people who want to quit or reduce alcohol.
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Biz
Connect with our Instagram followers by partnering with WStoday for a sponsored social post. Choose between our feed or story placements — or why not both? Explore even more advertising opportunities with us + elevate your brand’s reach.
Family
Growing pains? They’re real — and more common than you might think.OrthoCarolina breaks down what parents need to know (and when it’s time to take action). Get expert insights.*
Travel
Psst — You’re making flying too complicated. Sign up for Going and get emailed when flights to your dream destination are up to 90% off.*
Real Estate
Real Estate
New level unlocked
The off-campus housing will directly connect to the larger trail system, making the area walkable for students and visitors. | Photo courtesy of Visit The Grounds
The Grounds announced its first residential project within the 100-acre mixed-use development. The Creekside at The Grounds will be located adjacent to Wake Forest University and feature 229 units with a furnished residential community tailored for upperclassmen and graduate students.
Creekside is the first building construction in the overall $215M+ planned investment in Phase One of the mixed-use development. The Grounds will also incorporate an office building, a retail village scheduled to break ground in early 2026.
“Creekside is unlike anything else in our market. It represents a bold first step for the residential vision of The Grounds, offering students walkable access to everything from football games and concerts to trails and retail to campus and class,” said Coleman Team, president and managing partner of real estate firm, Front Street Capital.
Creekside is expected to welcome students in fall 2027.
Post of the Day
The revitalization of downtown Winston-Salem | Photo by Doug Rice
Remember when Winston-Salem looked like this? Take a look at the evolution of Innovation Quarter from 2013 to 2020. Uncover the major developments that transformed our city.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Today is National Climb a Mountain Day. This editor loves discovering the outdoors, and thanks to our guide to the best hiking spots around the Twin City, you won’t have to wonder where to wander next. Bonus points if you can guess where this photo was taken.
