Good morning, Wake Forest.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host a free online Esports tournament called Battle in the Forest featuring Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate on Saturday, Sept. 20 — registration is open until Wednesday, Sept. 17. Players ages 10 and older will compete in one-on-one double-elimination matches that may extend to two days if more than 32 participants join and prizes include a HORI Split Pad Pro Controller.

Thousands of college students are returning to Triangle campuses this weekend as NC State moves in its largest freshman class of 6,000 new students—while UNC-Chapel Hill and NC Central complete their move-ins and Duke will begin later today.

Tariffs made move-in day harder for families across the Triangle, as prices for laptops, bedding, soap and shampoo were higher for students moving into college on Friday.

At NC State, parents like Liz Stephenson and Robin Gallagher said that the higher costs — which economist Gerald Cohen from the UNC Kenan Institute noted increased from last year — led many to plan their purchases early.

Halcyon Listening Room - Album Release & Soundbath

7-9 p.m. — MK Creative Arts Studio — Experience a meditative sound journey with composer Julian Hartwell and sound healer Kirk Jones.

Ash Taylor Listening Room Show

7 PM – 1 AM — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Ash Taylor in an intimate listening session with a down-to-earth performer.

Wake Forest Comic-Con 2025

10:00-11:30 a.m. — Flaherty Park Community Center — Free entry — Discover a vibrant showcase of comics, anime, toys, and collectibles from over 30 vendors.

The Bat-Signal Suncatcher Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MK Creative Arts Studio — Ages 10+ — Create your own glowing Bat-Signal suncatcher in this artistic workshop.