Kids may get to chat with pilots and other aircraft personnel. | Photo courtesy of Jim Shaw Ace Academy
Things are taking flight at Smith Reynolds Airport this weekend. The Skybound Flight Fest is back after a five-year hiatus. The event is organized by Alexandria Shaw, who took the lead after her grandfather and renowned member of the community, Jim Shaw Sr. founded the aviation program in 2011.
The festival will take ground at Forsyth Tech Aviation Lab (2739 Aviation Dr., Winston-Salem, NC) on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family-friendly event is open to all ages and is free to attend. Attendees will get to see drone demos, flight simulators, aircraft displays, hot air balloons, and engage in hands-on STEM activities.
The event celebrates innovation, while also serving as a fundraiser to support youth programs in aviation and aerospace education year-round.
Alexandria says she plans to expand Shaw Ace Academy and host aviation programming at schools and community groups, primarily targeting middle and high school students in Winston-Salem.
From aches to action: Your back deserves better care
Presented by Novant Health
Back pain slowing you down? | Photo provided by Novant Health
Back pain isn’t one-size-fits-all — it can come from a herniated disc, pinched nerve, arthritis, or even issues outside the spine. Symptoms range from tingling arms to radiating leg pain, which is why it helps to have a care team that works together to figure it out.
Surgery isn’t usually the first step: nonopioid pain management, physical therapy, and other options often come first. From conservative care to surgery if needed, Novant Healthhas your back with same-day or next day appointments.
NCMA, Winston-Salem will occupy a new space downtown as the campus on Marguerite Drive is scheduled close for renovations in 2026. You can expect museum exhibitions, immersive programs, and opportunities to interact with artists. We’ll share when the new location will open in a future newsletter.
Coming Soon
The Twin City’s coffee scene is brewing. Viva Barista Coffee plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop at at 229 W. 5th St. in downtown Winston-Salem. Owned by a young entrepreneur, the coffee shop will serve beans from El Salvador. We’ll keep you posted on an opening date. (What Now)
Biz
And business keeps booming. Sheetz plans to open to a new location on Lewisville-Clemmons Road. The gas and convenience store will sit on over 6,000 sqft. of space, with seven fuel pumps and 44 parking spaces. The business will operate in the shopping center near the Legacy Traditional School Clemmons that is coming soon. (Triad Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
The Cook Out Clash at The MadHouse is back, and tickets are on sale. The NASCAR Cup Series exhibition returns on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 with some familiar faces. Weekend passes and one-day passes are available to see the car racing event. Pro tip: secure your parking spot as spaces fill up fast.
Real Estate
Calling all first-time home buyers. Forsyth County will host its first Homebuyer Resource Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Forsyth County Central Library Auditorium. Drop by any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn about down payment, closing cost assistance, student loan help, and banking needs.
Regional
Forget the house, dream bigger.This NASA facility located just three hours outside of Winston-Salem, is on sale. The 192-acre property has over 30 buildings, a planetarium, and 25+ optical telescopes. The historic site received one of the world’s first color photos of the full Earth from space. The price tag? Well, we’ll let you find out.
Announced
Womp womp. the Wizard of Oz Drone Light Show scheduled to take place at Truist Stadium on Friday, Oct. 24 has been canceled, due to the FAA furlough. If you bought a ticket, email WS Dash to request a refund or exchange it for the December Drone Light Show.
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.
I’m so stoked for the 2026 Cookout Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium next year. I got to meet Chase Elliott after his big win during the Clash at this year’s competition. Hopefully he’ll be back for another round of madness in Winston-Salem.
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