🎉 Events & Festivals in Winston-Salem

RiverRun International Film Festival

One of the premier film festivals in the Southeast, RiverRun brings independent films, documentaries, and shorts from around the world.

RiverRun is one of the fastest-growing regional film festivals in the U.S., and a premier film festival in the Southeast. Held every year in Apirl, this Academy Award-qualifying film festival showcases a variety of narrative, documentary, student, animated, and short films from all genres.

📍 Various theaters and venues around downtown

🌐 https://riverrunfilm.com

Juneteenth Festival

A powerful celebration of freedom, history, and African-American culture — with food, music, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Juneteenth Culture Fest is a soul-stirring celebration of freedom, culture, and music that moves you. Feel the power of live performances that blend the deep roots of gospel, blues, and R&B with the smooth grooves of neo-soul and funk. This years performance will include a musical tribute to Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, Luther Vandross, Johnnie Taylor, Frankie Beverly, Tony! Toni! Toné! and more!

📍 Innovation Quarter & Downtown

🌐 https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com

Summer Music Series at Bailey Park

Enjoy free live music under the stars with food trucks, lawn seating, and a buzzing local atmosphere.

📍 Bailey Park, Downtown Winston-Salem

National Black Theatre Festival

A nationally celebrated event held every two years, showcasing dozens of performances from Black playwrights and artists across the globe.

This free, public event celebrates the arrival of fall and features a variety of activities, including live music from regional performers, historical demonstrations by 18th-century craftsmen, colonial games like Robinson’s Racing Pigs, face painting, craft vendors, and food trucks.

📍 Multiple venues across Winston-Salem

🌐 https://ncblackrep.org/international-black-theatre-festival/

Carolina Classic Fair

Rides, games, food, concerts, and competitions — the region’s largest fair draws crowds of all ages.

The Carolina Classic Fair is an annual event returning for its 143rd year from October 3–12, 2025, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Known for its lively atmosphere, the fair offers thrilling amusement rides, a variety of delicious food options, live entertainment, and competitive exhibits.

📍 Winston-Salem Fairgrounds

🌐 https://carolinaclassicfair.com/

Apple Festival at Historic Bethabara Park

Enjoy live bluegrass music, food vendors, handmade crafts, and of course, everything apple-themed in a historic park setting.

The annual Apple Festival at Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, public event celebrates the arrival of fall and features a variety of activities, including live music from regional performers

📍 2147 Bethabara Rd

Tanglewood Festival of Lights

Drive through a glowing wonderland of over a million holiday lights — a magical experience for all ages.

The Tanglewood Festival of Lights is an annual holiday drive-through light display held at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, North Carolina. The event is a major attraction in the Triad region, drawing an estimated 300,000 visitors each year.

📍 Tanglewood Park, Clemmons

🌐 https://tanglewoodpark.org/Parks/Tanglewood/article.aspx?NewsID=28149

Downtown Winston-Salem Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

A cozy kickoff to the holiday season with floats, live music, and visits from Santa Claus.

The Downtown Winston-Salem Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is a major annual event celebrating the holiday season. The parade, organized by the Winston-Salem Ambassadors.

📍 Fourth Street & Corpening Plaza

🌐https://www.downtownws.com

📌 Local Tip

Want to catch what’s happening during your stay? Check the Visit Winston-Salem Events Calendar for updated schedules and ticket links.