Free Family Events in the Piedmont Triad

Today is the start of the Arts on Sunday Festival in downtown Winston-Salem.  Every Sunday in September, enjoy arts, crafts, and music on N Liberty St in downtown Winston-Salem.

Later this evening, you can enjoy concert band music by the Winston-Salem Community Band Concert or jazz at LeBauer Park.

Next Saturday, September 8, there are twelve free family events listed on our calendar!  NC Folkfest is a weekend of fun in Greensboro, the 14th Festival of Books & Authors takes place throughout downtown Winston-Salem, the 3rd Annual Hi-Fest will be at the Mendenhall Transportation Terminal in High Point, and Kernersville is celebrating the Annual End of Summer Fest.

These events and many others for you to enjoy with your family without spending a penny.  Of course, most of these events will have food and other items for sale, but you can have a lot of fun for free!

 

The Piedmont Triad in the News!

 








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The Big Chill 2018

On a hot summer Sunday afternoon in Winston-Salem, a crowd came together to chill out, listen to live music, and enjoy many different homemade ice creams!  Entry was free, donations were appreciated.

Held on National Ice Cream Day, The Big Chill Ice Cream Festival and FUNdraiser was held at Bailey Park.  Local churches and organizations passed out little cup samples of homemade ice cream.  Adults and children wandered from tent to tent tasting many different flavor, while live music played on the stage.  Food Lion was there with a big freezer chest of complimentary ice cream sandwiches and fudge bars!  Each table sported a cup for donations, which were to benefit The Shalom Project in Winston-Salem.  The Shalom Project provides a Medical Clinic & Pharmacy, Food Pantry, Clothing Closet and Welcome Table programs.

Bailey Park is a unique urban green space in downtown Winston-Salem.  Bailey Park has a large grassy lawn, covered stage, restroom facilities and a food truck court.  Bailey Park hosts many free community events including music series and special events, outdoor movies, and yoga on the grass.

Week of June 13, 2016 FREE Family Fun in the Piedmont Triad!

Planning your week? 

Here are a few highlights for family fun in the Piedmont Triad!

FREE - no admission charge but there may be items and/or food/drinks for sale

$ cost of admission under $20 for a family of four
$$ cost of admission over $20 for a family of four

Monday, June 13

GSO  6:00pm-7:00pm  FREE Fitness by the Fountain at Center City

Wednesday, June 15

GSO  12:00pm-1:30pm   FREE   Lunchtime Music Downtown Greensboro

GSO  5:00pm-7:00pm     FREE   Family Night ArtQuest at Greenhill

GSO  6:00pm-7:00pm     FREE   Fitness by the Fountain at Center City  

Thursday, June 16

W-S   4:00pm-4:30pm     FREE    Art in the Overlook Gallery

W-S   5:30pm-7:30 pm    FREE    Thursday Night in Old Salem

GSO   5:30pm-9:00pm    FREE    Greensboro: The City Market

GSO   6:00pm-7:00pm    FREE    "Murals" City Market

Friday, June 17

WS    4:00pm-7:00pm      $            Family Friday Night at SciWorks

HP     6:00pm-8:00pm    FREE      The Ignite High Point Whistle Stop Concert Series

WS    6:00pm-9:00pm    FREE      Live Jazz Outdoors DTWS   

Saturday, June 18

Rural Hall   10:00am-3:00pm       Junkies Vintage Boutique's Spring Junk Revival Flea Market

Colfax   11:00am-4:00pm   FREE    Wingfest 2016 by The Arc of High Point

WS     12:30pm-3:00pm   FREE    Saturday ART Jam

WS    7:00pm-10:00pm   FREE    Summer on Liberty

Sunday, June 19

FATHER'S DAY

GSO   5:00pm-7:00pm     FREE     Music Series at Barber Park

Details are on our calendar.  If you have questions about an event, please contact the sponsor directly.  All information is correct and accurate at the time of it's posting.

Downtown Jazz Season Begins in Winston-Salem

FREE Live music is abundant in downtown Winston-Salem!
The season has begun for the Downtown Jazz series!

Downtown Jazz concerts begin at 6pm Saturday nights and last until 9pm.  


Brian Simpson & Elan Trotman headlined last night's show with opening performer Reggie Buie.

Bring a lawnchair.  There are food trucks on site!

June 10:   Brian Simpson & Elan Trotman
Opening performer – Reggie Buie


June 24:  Matt Marshak
Opening performer – Titus Gant


July 8: Eric Darius
Opening performer – Saundra Crenshaw

July 22: Urban Jazz Coalition & Will Donoto
Opening performer – Will Donato


August 12:  Dee Lucas
Opening performer – Vince Crenshaw


August 26:  Joey Sommerville
Opening performer – Galvin Crisp

Details of this and other FREE family events are on our calendar.  If you have questions about an event, please contact the sponsor directly.  All information is accurate at the time of it's posting.

Visit DowntownWS here

Photo Credit: Dave Hampton

Week of June 6, 2016 FREE Family Fun in the Piedmont Triad!

Planning your week? 

Here are a few highlights for family fun in the Piedmont Triad!

FREE - no admission charge but there may be items and/or food/drinks for sale
$ cost of admission under $20 for a family of four
$$ cost of admission over $20 for a family of four

Monday, June 6
GSO 6-8pm  FREE Fitness by the Fountain at Center City

Tuesday, June 7
WS 7pm  $$ All You Can Eat at the Winston-Salem Dash. Pay regular price for game and eat FREE
WS 7:30pm FREE Concert at Old Salem

Wednesday, June 8
GSO 12-3pm FREE Lunchtime Music Center City Park Downtown Greensboro
GSO 5-7pm FREE Family Night ArtQuest at Greenhill
GSO 6pm FREE Fitness by the Fountain at Center City

Thursday, June 9 
WS 3:30-4:30pm FREE Art in the Overlook Gallery
WS 5:30-7:30pm FREE Thursday Night Music in Old Salem
WS 6-8:30 pm FREE Concert Band Family Evenings at Bethabara

Friday, June 10
WS 11am-11pm $ Twin City Rib Fest Adults $7, Children 12 and under FREE
HP 6-8pm FREE The Ignite High Point Whistle Stop Concert Series
WS 6-9pm FREE Live Jazz Outdoors DTWS

Saturday, June 11
Pinnacle 11am-3pm FREE Baa, Moo, & Cock-A-Doodle-Do! at Horne Creek Farm
WS 11am-11pm $ Twin City Rib Fest Adults $7, Children 12 and under FREE

Sunday, June 12
WS 11am-11pm $ Twin City Rib Fest Adults $7, Children 12 and under FREE
GSO 5-7pm FREE Music Series at Barber Park
WS 3-6pm FREE Second Sundays on 4th


Details are on our calendar.  If you have questions about an event, please contact the sponsor directly.  All information is correct and accurate at the time of it's posting.

Fun Afternoon with Walk and Roll in Downtown Winston-Salem

Walk and Roll was a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  This event, which takes place during National Bike Month, started at  Research Parkway and Third Street. In it's third year, traffic was closed on Research Parkway and people were able to walk, cycle, skateboard or skate in the street.

There was a bounce castle, hula hoops, bike decorating, face painting, performers and more. Free helmets were given to the children and they were asked to say a pledge to always wear it. We're always happy when Kona Ice is available and Camel City Grill, a local food truck, was in attendance.

Looking down Research Parkway toward Third

Bike Rodeo

As we entered the festival

Face painting by Girls, Inc.    #ROAR

Hula hooping

Sporting the free bag and helmet

FREE GSO: Center City Cinema 2015 Lineup

Center City Cinema

Center City Park has announced it's 2015 Lineup.  

Mark your calendars now!

May 22     The Hunger Games

June 12     Dirty Dancing

June 26     Muppets from Space

July 10     Empire Records

July 24     Journey 2 The Mysterious Island

August 14     Talladega Nights

August 28     The Notebook

September 25     Iron Man

Center City Park, located in the heart of downtown Greensboro, fills the block between North Elm and North Davie Streets and is bordered on the south by West Friendly Avenue and on the north by the Renaissance Tower office building. The Park's main entrance is at 200 North Elm Street.

Events: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in the Piedmont Triad 2015

FREE, WS: Discussion About "Freedom Riders". Jan. 17, 2pm. Old Salem Museums & Gardens in partnership with Wake Forest will host a discussion based on clips from the movie “Freedom Riders” in the James A. Gray Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center at 2pm. The discussion is part of the National Endowment for the Humanities to screen films from their “Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle” series. The film tells the terrifying and moving, story of when white and black students rode a bus into the Deep South to protest segregation and Jim Crow laws. The event is free and open to the public.
 

FREE, GSO:  Jan. 19 Beginning at 10am, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum  will be celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Admission is free, but there is a suggested $5 donation.  There are daylong events.  Please click onto their website for full details and times for each event.

FREE, HP:  Jan. 19, 10:30am.  MLK Annual Balloon Launch.  In honor and remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 86th birthday, 86 balloons will be released by attendees.  Join us for this uplifting family event, which will also feature a speakr, dance groups and light refreshments.  Washington Terrace Park & Community Center, 101 Gordon St, High Point.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will be held on Monday, January 19, 2015 beginning at 11:00am. Held on Martin Luther King Drive in Greensboro, this annual celebration honors the immeasurable contributions of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as pays homage to others that continue his legacy.

FREE, WS: MLK Noon Hour Commemoration. Jan. 19, 12pm. The 35th Annual observance of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr.. The MLK Dare to Make A Difference Award will be presented to NC Senator Earline Parmon. The Twin City Choristers are musical guests. The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Noon Hour Commemoration founded and organized by Mutter D. Evans is the city’s longest on-going local observance. Free and open to the public.

FREE, WS: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Concert. Jan. 19, 4pm. The Presbyterian Men of Grace Presbyterian Church will sponsor the `Twin City Choristers` in concert, in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthdaY on the above date. The Choristers are directed by Dr. Fred D. Tanner. The general public is cordially invited to attend. Edward Allen is moderator of the Grace Men’s ministry. Rev. Toure’ C. Marshall is the senior pastor. Willie C. Gray is the vice moderator and program committee chairman. Free Concert, offerings will be accepted

FREE, GSO: Jan.19, 6pm.  MLK Day Candlelight Vigil at the ICRCM.  

FREE, WS: On Common Ground: If Not Now, When? Tuesday, Jan. 20. 7pm Social activist, author and comedian, Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory will present the 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day keynote speech at 7 pm in K.R. Williams Auditorium at Winston-Salem State University. In conjunction with Wake Forest University. The event is free and open to the public.

FREE, WS: MLK Young Dreamers Award. Jan. 20, 7pm. Each year, the Winston-Salem Human Relations Commission awards one male and one female the Martin Luther King, Jr. Young Dreamer Award in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.The Young Dreamers Award is given to citizens between the ages of 18 and 40 who have made a tangible difference in the lives of others which include fostering positive race relations, vocalizing or acting against an injustice, leading inclusiveness amongst individuals, embracing those who are perceived as different, and celebrating religious diversity. Free and open to the public.

Advice for the Disney World Traveller

By Ray Fleckles

Winter has its icy grip upon us and many families are starting to plan their Spring and Summer vacations.  This time of year many people’s thoughts turn to Florida, the warm weather, sandy beaches and of course Walt Disney World.

If you’ve been paying attention lately you may have noticed that something has changed in the Magic Kingdom.  No, not the new attractions.  Not the refurbishment of several of the resorts.  I’m talking about Disney’s new MyMagic+ system.  As I look over the posts from several Disney World Facebook posts I’m met with confusion and consternation as people try to figure out this new system.  No longer do you wait until you get to the parks to book your Fastpasses.  No longer do you show up at a restaurant and just sit down for a meal.  Now Disney World requires planning!

Restaurant reservations are now made up to 180 days before your visit.  Restaurants such as Cinderella’s Royal Table (and most character meals for that matter) may require persistence and luck to secure a table.  Ride Fastpasses can be booked up to 60 days in advance, but only up to three per day.  After you’ve used all three you can get another Fastpass, but only one at a time and only at kiosks in the parks.

There’s even an app now (Android and iOS) that you can use to keep track of your reservations and Fastpasses.  You can even make additional reservations (if available).

Also gone are the wandering characters, barring a very few.  They now have fixed locations and of course the attendant long lines.  Of course, you can get Fastpasses for those now too.  If your little ones really want to meet the princesses, or Anna and Elsa make sure you book those Fastpasses early as they do run out!  The same holds true for some of the newer or more popular rides. 

Disney World has gone from one of the simplest vacations for a person to book, to one of the most involved.  Rivalling even some international travel for its complexity and frustration. 

Of course, all is not lost.  Because of this newfound complexity many travel agencies are offering their services for free to assist people with their planning if you book through them.

Raymond Fleckles Vacation Specialist Kernersville, NC

T: (336)992-0167 E: rfleckles@cruiseone.com

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Website: www.CruiseOne.com/rfleckles Family Cruises: www.family-cruises.net/rfleckles Luxury Cruises: www.SeaLuxe.com/rfleckles

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A Cappella Jam for Hope

RJ Reynolds Auditorium

301 Hawthorne Road

Winston-Salem 27104

10th anniversary A Cappella Jam For Hope 

Minimum $5 donation.  

All proceeds go toward Summer Scholarships for Students. 

Free Family Event - 3rd Annual Hooper Bowl

Everyone is invited!  

Maple Springs UMC, Craven Hall

2569 Reynolda Road

Winston-Salem 27106

Admission is FREE, canned food donations for the Maple Springs Food Pantry will be collected. 

Hoops will be provided, but if you have one please bring it. Hoops will also be available for purchase with a percentage of proceeds going to the Food Pantry. 

Hula hooping is a fun way to get a jump start on the daily recommended 60+ minutes of activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle! 

For more information contact Monica Casey (monkeyhooper@gmail.com) or Mary Taylor Setliff (marytaylor@maplesprings.org).

Fall on the Coast of North Carolina

The leaves are starting to change, and people's minds are shifting from spending time on the water to spending time watching from the shore with friends enjoying a campfire. Living on the coast of North Carolina means comfortable temperatures year-round, yet in the fall the temperatures do start to drop a little, pushing many people off of the water and back on the shore. When you are no longer enjoying the pool and the water activities, here are some popular fall activities to enjoy.


Take a Hike

The leaves are turning breathtaking colors this time of year, and in the coast they change just as they do further inland. This is the time to grab the family and go for a hike through the woodlands along the Albemarle Sound. Along the coast you will find beautiful, untouched woodlands to explore.


Campfires by the Water
What makes fall on the water so enjoyable? For many it is the campfires. Strike up a fire with friends or family and have the water as your backdrop as your roast s'mores and swap stories. The cooler evenings in fall are the ideal time to enjoy this common activity.

Fishing
Fishing is a year-round activity on the North Carolina coast, and in the fall, many of the tourists have headed home, leaving you to enjoy better fishing. Grab your gear, head out to your favorite dock or your boat and catch a trophy this fall.

Play Some Golf

Who wants to play golf in the middle of summer heat? When the fall weather comes, coastal North Carolina offers the ideal climate for a round of golf. Grab your clubs and head out to the golf course to play a round or two, and enjoy the cooler temperatures of fall.



Each of these activities is easy to enjoy in Scotch Hall Preserve, a premier luxury community on the shores of the Albemarle Sound. Schedule a visit to Scotch Hall Preserve this fall, and see what active living in a resort community looks like in North Carolina's beautiful fall.




This is a sponsored post

Restaurant Review: Monte de Rey in Walkertown

3018 Old Hollow Road, Walkertown, NC 27051  336-595-3033  

Monte de Rey opened in Walkertown only a couple of months ago, but it is quickly becoming a favorite spot for our family! The restaurant itself is spacious and brightly decorated, with amazing colorful scenes handpainted on the tables and chairs. The staff is super friendly and engaging. The menu is extensive.

As any good Mexican restaurant does, we are quickly delivered a basket of chips and a large bowl of salsa. I love that we don't have to ask for more salsa, there is usually someone walking around and refilling as needed. The salsa is tasty; just the right amount of heat so yummy!

I've had the Pollo Loco a couple of times. Delicioso! I've also had the spinach quasadilla, which is better than I've had elsewhere.

My girls like being called Princesa every time we visit. It's a very welcoming atmosphere and we love to eat there for both the food and the service.

Time visited: We've been there a few times on Friday night. We are always seated quickly and the service is quick. We've also been there on a Sunday afternoon after church and that seemed to be a much busier time for the restaurant. Still immediate seating and quick service.

This is a also a great restaurant for large parties. Plenty of tables big enough for eight or more.

• Visited July 2014

Review: Walkertown Seafood Shack

Walkertown Seafood Shack
2890 Darrow Rd
Walkertown 27051

First time at the Seafood Shack, although I live very close and the parking lot is always full enough to know I should stop in. I'm glad we did! The food and service are awesome. Huge portions. I had the broiled platter and it was amazing. Enough of everything to share around. The place was busy but our wait for a family of four was 5-10 minutes. Fried pickles are also good (the ranch dressing tastes homemade.) And everyone was smiling and friendly.

Pros: The food was amazing (really!), there was a lot of it (we'll be able to get at least another meal with leftovers) and the staff was nice.

Cons: A little expensive for my budget with a family of four.

Time Visited:  7:30pm on a Saturday night

16th Annual Sweet Potato Festival

16th Annual Sweet Potato Festival, in Surry County

on Saturday, September 21 from 10-5. 

FREE Live Music, craft vendors, blacksmith demonstrations, local authors, sweet potato pie, sonkers, country ham biscuits, chicken stew, pintos and cornbread and this year Sweet Potato Coffee.

 Call 336-374-5317 for more information.

Natural Science Center OmniSphere: Laser Holidays Show

The Natural Science Center in Greensboro is having a Laser Holidays show this Saturday, December 22!  With shows at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00pm, this must-see laser show combines holiday music and and an amazing laser light show that dances across the OmniSphere Theater's 40-food dome.  The run-time is 45 minutes. 

The Laser Holidays Light and Music show is only $5 per person, and is recommended for ages 7 and up.

The soundtrack includes 

1. Sleigh Ride
2. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
3. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Winter Wonderland
5. Deck the Halls
6. Jingle Bell Rock
7. White Christmas
8. Christmastime
9. Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)
10. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
11. Frosty the Snowman
12. Carol of the Bells
13. The Christmas Song
14. All I Want for Christmas Is You
15. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The Natural Science Center website says that seating is limited and recommends purchasing tickets ahead of time.  However, we just got off the phone with them and they've got plenty of seats left.  Just to be safe, they recommend calling by Friday to be sure you'll have a seat.  You can reach NatSci at 336-288-3769.

What is the OmniSphere Theater?  It's a renovated modern day planetarium that uses a cutting-edge Super MediaGlobe full-dome projection system to showcase full-dome digital, full-dome laser and large-format 3D capability.  Made possible through the support of Time Warner Cable, this theater is one of only two in the country that feature the Super MediaGlobe system.

To see the OmniSphere's full schedule go here.