A few handpicked happenings that might be under your radar (until now).

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th

@ Hanes Auditorium, Elberson Fine Arts Center / Salem College
>> Abandoned America – artist presentation & book signing  
Matthew Christopher’s journey to document abandoned sites began a decade ago while researching the decline of the state hospital system. Realizing that words alone could not adequately convey the harsh realities of institutional care, Christopher embarked on a journey to visit and photograph the crumbling state schools and asylums in our midst. Ten years later, Christopher’s focus has broadened to include the ruins of American infrastructure, as realized in his best-selling book Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences. Tonight, Matthew will give a presentation of his work on the picturesque campus of Salem College, followed by a reception and book signing. The Abandoned America exhibit runs through October 16th.
(6p – 8p // FREEEE! / details)

@ Marriot Downtown Winston-Salem
>> Kickoff of Winston-Salem Fashion Week
Winston-Salem Fashion Week (WSFW) is a multicultural community event that is devoted to providing a forum for local emerging designers, artists and industry professionals to grow and showcase to a broad audience of investors, media, bloggers, and fashion influencers. The mission of WSFW is to place Winston-Salem on the map as a community that supports and develops the entirety of the Arts. Find more info here. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Project “Up!” – a local organization that invests in empowering and making positive life changes for homeless women and women with children living in shelters.
(7:30p / details)

@ Old Salem Visitors Center
>> Community Staged Reading of It All Started with a Dog
This feel good story focuses on Rachel Springer, a tough Washington, D.C. lawyer, who has spent a lifetime protecting her heart from the dangerous possibilities of love. Her life starts to change when she finds a ragged stray dog and decides to takes him home, which starts a sequence of life-changing events and leads her down a path she’s never explored. Can this dog be the key that allows her the opportunity to fully open the door to her heart? Join the local, all-volunteer cast of characters to find out. Sharon Agnew serves as director of this wonderful benefit production, which has been adapted as a staged reading from the book, It All Started with a Dog written by Leigh Somerville. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to No to O(varian Cancer).
(7p // $15 at door)

@ Coffee Park Arts
>> September Shuffle
Winston-Salem’s only talent show that pays the winner! Talent signups are at 7p and the show starts at 8p. Expect three rounds of music, spoken word, storytelling (and more!) with local folks and artists vying for the cash. Musicians, poets, dancers and artists perform their 5-min or under original works; three judges from the audience score. Bring a crowd and show ’em what you got!
(8p // $5 – winner receives 50% of door proceeds)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1st

@ Old Salem Museum & Gardens
>> Yoga by the Barn
Start October on the note of “ommmmm” and join us in gorgeous Old Salem for Yoga by the Barn. This all-levels, donation-based class will be led by Deanna Dzybon of Rock Water Yoga in the Tavern Meadow adjacent to the Tavern Barn. Find a map to the class location here. A $5 minimum donation is encouraged and all proceeds will benefit our town’s privately funded historic gem, Old Salem Museum and Gardens. Find event details here – and can’t wait to see you there!
(9a // FREEEE! – $5 suggested donation)

>> Cobblestone Farmers Market
After you say ‘namaste’, walk over to our favorite weekly farmer’s market for post-workout hydration from Village Juice, Chad’s Chai or Updog Kombucha. Pick up your power greens from Fair Share Farm, your grass-fed meats over at Meadows Family Farm and some fermented goodness from Gnomestead Hollow Farm and Forage. Check Cobblestone’s Facebook page for a weekly update of all the goodies by vendor.
(9a – noon // FREEEE!)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2nd

@ Winston-Salem Fairgrounds & Annex
>> Dixie Classic Fair
Back for its 134th year, the Dixie Classic Fair kicks off this weekend. Whether you’re out for blue-ribbon bragging rights, high-flying rides or sampling loads of (fully fried) snacks, this Winston-Salem fall tradition is your ticket to homegrown nostalgic fun. Here is a complete look at the festivities and attractions. And click here for a listing of special admission days to help you save a buck or two.
(Sunday: 11a – 11p // find ticket info here)

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