Annual Events in Winston-Salem North Carolina include film festivals, arts celebrations, sporting events, cultural gatherings, fairs, and holiday traditions. Downtown Winston-Salem and surrounding historic districts host many recurring events throughout the year.
RiverRun brings filmmakers and audiences together for screenings, discussions, and special programs. The festival returns in April and features films from around the world.
Piedmont Earth Day Fair celebrates sustainability and environmental education. Visitors can explore exhibitors, family activities, food, music, and practical ideas for greener living.
The Winston-Salem Greek Festival celebrates Greek heritage each spring. Traditional food, pastries, music, dancing, and community activities are central to the event.
Gears & Guitars combines professional cycling with free live music in downtown Winston-Salem. Additionally, recreational rides and criterium racing create a full weekend of activity.
Pride Winston-Salem brings community organizations, vendors, entertainment, and a downtown celebration together each year. The 2026 festival took place along Trade Street in June.
The Triad Juneteenth Celebration highlights African American heritage through performances, exhibits, food, art, and community programs. Bailey Park and Innovation Quarter host the annual gathering.
Rock Out the Quarry is a free community event connected with Winston-Salem’s summer calendar. Music and activities provide another family-friendly way to enjoy the city outdoors.
The Winston-Salem Open brings ATP Tour tennis to the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex. The tournament traditionally takes place in late August before the US Open.
International Village celebrates the cultures represented throughout Winston-Salem. Live entertainment, global food, crafts, jewelry, and community organizations fill Winston Square Park.
¡Fiesta! celebrates Hispanic and Latin culture in downtown Winston-Salem. Music, dance, authentic food, artisan vendors, and children’s activities highlight the annual September festival.
Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors brings writers and readers together downtown. Author programs, discussions, booksellers, and family activities make literature the focus of the celebration.
Apple Fest welcomes fall with arts, crafts, live music, historical demonstrations, food vendors, and children’s activities. Historic Bethabara Park hosts the free annual event.
The Carolina Classic Fair is a major fall tradition at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Rides, agricultural exhibits, competitions, food, entertainment, and grandstand events fill the fairgrounds each October.
The Piedmont Craftsmen Fair showcases more than 100 artisans at the Benton Convention Center. Visitors can find handcrafted ceramics, glass, wood, fiber, jewelry, photography, and mixed-media works.
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts presents The Nutcracker during the holiday season. Dance, music, costumes, and theatrical production make it a longstanding local tradition.
Old Salem celebrates the holidays with historic traditions, seasonal programs, music, demonstrations, and decorated buildings. Additionally, special December activities connect visitors with Winston-Salem’s Moravian heritage.
Winston-Salem offers recurring celebrations across every season. Film, books, sports, music, history, food, and cultural traditions create a diverse annual calendar.
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