Winston-Salem has great events year-round. Check out the list below to see what major festival or event might be happening while you’re here.
National Black Theatre Festival – July 29 – August 3, 2019
The 16th biennial National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF) rolls out the purple carpet July 29 – August 3, 2019 in Winston-Salem, transforming North Carolina’s city of arts and innovation in a mega-performing arts center with over 130 performances in a number of the city’s venues. Theatre workshops, films, seminars, a teen poetry slam and a star-studded celebrity gala all work together to accomplish the goal of making the National Black Theatre Festivals one of the best…
Hispanic League-Fiesta-September 14, 2019
Organized by the Hispanic League, FIESTA is the annual FREE street festival which has become a downtown tradition in Winston-Salem and is the biggest fundraiser for the Hispanic League, expecting over 22,000 people each year. Food and music from many countries representing Latin America will line the streets Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in Downtown Winston-Salem. All the funds raised from FIESTA sponsors, vendors, and donations- support cultural, health,…
Gears and Guitars, May 23-26, 2019
Gear up for the fourth annual Gears and Guitars Fest in downtown Winston-Salem — the biggest party on two wheels! Hosted in Wake Forest Innovation Quarter May 23-26, 2019, Gears & Guitars is an outdoor concert series held in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic. Music lovers gather at Bailey Park for nightly concerts featuring Grammy-award winning Stone Temple Pilots. Before the sun sets and the stage lights up, enjoy the Cycling Classic where hundreds of athletes twist…
Pride Festival and Parade: October 19, 2019
A weeklong celebration of love, unity, and the equal rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pride Winston-Salem (Pride WS) kicks off Sunday, Oct. 13 and continues with six days of exciting special events, all hosted in Winston-Salem, leading up to Saturday’s Pride Festival and Parade in the heart of the Downtown Arts District. Check out the full Pride WS schedule: Sunday, Oct. 13 Macy’s Drag Fashion Show Time: 6 – 10 p.m. Location: Hanes Mall, 3320 Silas Creek…
Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors – September 26, 2020
Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors, the largest book and author festival in the Carolinas celebrates 16 years with the 2020 festival in downtown Winston-Salem September 26. This year, the festival celebrates “the power of story,” encouraging reader and attendees to “travel all over the world” exploring a wealth of subjects and issues. The four-day festival takes place primarily along Spruce Street and inside the contemporary Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. Special events are also…
The Nutcracker: December 13-22, 2019
For nearly 50 years the first public music conservatory in the country has brought nationally prominent faculty, UNCSA students and icons of the American Ballet Theatre together for the stirring holiday event at the historic 1929 Stevens Center. Experience the lush score, vivid staging, and magnificent performances that have made UNCSA’s The Nutcracker a holiday tradition in Winston-Salem. For the first time guest conductor, Karin Hendrickson will conduct UNCSA’s popular…
Carolina Classic Fair – October 2 – 11, 2020
Celebrating 135 years, the Carolina Classic Fair (formerly the Dixie Classic Fair) is the second largest agricultural fair in North Carolina, averages 325,000 visitors each year. The 10-day annual fair features a world-class carnival with numerous rides and games, nationally known musical entertainment, delicious food and beverage, and exhibits of livestock, poultry, fine arts and crafts. The 2020 Carolina Classic Fair is scheduled for October 2 – 11, 2020. For more information on the Carolina…
Winston-Salem Open – August 22-29, 2020
Entering its ninth year, Winston-Salem proudly hosts the Winston-Salem Open (WSO) at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex. In December 2016 the Winston-Salem Open received international attention when the ATP announced the WSO as one of their 2016 ATP World Tour Tournaments of the Year. The WSO is the last ATP World Tour 250 event prior to the U.S. Open. Each year more than 40 of the world’s top 80 players compete for a chance to be named champion. Past athletes to play…
The Annual North Carolina Wine Festival – May 23, 2020
The 20th Annual North Carolina Wine Festival takes place May 23, 2020. The NC Wine Festival is the largest wine festival in North Carolina and takes place just outside of Winston-Salem at Tanglewood Park. Gates open at 11 a.m. and and more than 100 varieties of NC wine, from sweet to dry, continue to pour until 5 p.m. Tickets provide you tasting from all wineries, artist and crafter displays, great food choices and live music. You may also purchase by the glass, bottle or case and…
RiverRun International Film Festival – March 26 – April 5, 2020
One-On-One in Winston-Salem presents: RiverRun International Film Festival 20th Anniversary (2018 Festival) After showcasing some of the best in independent film for the last 20 years, it comes to no surprise that USA Today 10Best named RiverRun International Film Festival as one of “10 Amazing Film Festivals Worth Traveling For.” Celebrate and explore the wonderful works of film presented during RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem, NC.…
Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair – November 22 – 24, 2019
More than 100 of the finest artisans from across the southeastern U.S fill the booths at Piedmont Craftsmen’s 56th Fair in Winston-Salem. The fair presents a sampling of the finest work available in artist-designed handmade home goods, wearables, jewelry, furniture and decorative items. To receive the V.I.P. Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair getaway, see our Special Offers section and fall getaway packages. To get a sneak peek of the festival, check out the video below. …
Texas Pete Spirits of Summer – June 1, 2019
Summer’s hottest new festival kicks off its second year Saturday, June 1, 2019. Texas Pete Spirits of Summer Festival invites you to savor the tastes of North Carolina wine harvests, find a favorite local craft brew, and wake up your taste buds in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C.! The fiery festival puts the spotlight on local chefs, Yadkin Valley winemakers, craft brewmasters, and national recording acts for one sizzling summertime festival. Take a seat in Restaurant Pavilion where chefs…
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights – November 15, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights Tanglewood Park’s rolling countryside transforms every holiday season into a shimmering Winter Wonderland with more than a million twinkling lights aglow. Entering its 28th season, the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park is open nightly from 6-11 p.m. starting Nov. 15 – Jan. 1, 2020. Festival of Lights attendees enjoy listening to festive tunes on the interactive musical displays in which the music is original compositions from the UNC School…
