18 Favorite Annual Winston-Salem Events

It’s that time again — here are our 18 favorite annual Winston-Salem events. Discover all the area has to offer throughout the year and put your favorites into your calendar.

Celebrate the season with these December events

Spectacular Holiday Blooms at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden: (Through Dec. 21) A dazzling garden display featuring 10,000+ glowing “flowers” and illuminated trees, including recycled tulip sculptures. Perfect for families and couples looking for a unique light experience.

Tanglewood Festival of Lights: (Through Jan. 1st) One of the Southeast’s largest drive-through light displays, featuring 80+ illuminated scenes and over a million lights along a 5-mile route. Families can stop at the Gift Village for shopping and s’mores at “S’moresville.”

Körner’s Folly Holiday Tours: (Through Jan. 3rd) Known as the “strangest house in America,” Körner’s Folly transforms into a Victorian-inspired holiday wonderland with 22 elaborately decorated rooms. Evening “Christmas by Candlelight” tours add extra magic.

Running of the Lights 5K: (New Year’s Eve) A festive New Year’s Eve tradition where runners dash through the Tanglewood Festival of Lights route, surrounded by more than a million sparkling displays. The race begins late on December 31, letting participants “run out the old year” and cross the finish line just in time to welcome the new one.

And speaking of New Years Eve …

Millennium Center’s New Year’s Dance Party: Looking to raise the bar on your New Year’s celebration? Dance into 2026 with us! Complimentary champagne toast and breakfast. Cash bar. General admission and VIP tables. 

Winter annual events to cheer you up

January – Miles for HOPE: (Jan. 25th) Each year Justin Bailey runs the number of miles that correspond with his birthday to raise funds for local charity Help Our People Eat. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or 1 mile run to raise money and awareness – or go the full distance with Justin!

February – Triad Cultural Arts Heritage Tours: (Throughout February) Since 2007, Triad Cultural Arts has hosted immersive tours highlighting Winston-Salem’s African American legacy. Guests explore landmarks such as Freedman’s Graveyard, NC’s first urban Rosenwald School, historic churches, neighborhoods, and public art. Options include trolley, bus, and walking tours, plus virtual 360° tours for remote audiences.

Celebrate Spring events in Winston-Salem

March – Spectacular Tulip Bloom – Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden: (late March into April) Each spring, the garden bursts into color with thousands of tulips in full bloom, creating one of the most photographed seasonal displays in the Piedmont Triad. 

April – Piedmont Earth Day: (April 18) Held at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, it’s the largest Earth Day celebration in North Carolina.

April – Gateways Music Festival: (April 20-23) This classical music festival features concerts, community performances, and events by chamber musicians. Winston-Salem is where the festival was originally founded.

May – Gears and Guitars: (May 23 & 24) Held in Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter, this weekend event combines world class cycling and live music. It’s the biggest party on two wheels!

Annual Summer events in Winston-Salem

June – Salem Arts Festival: (June 5-7): A free, family‑friendly multi‑day arts festival featuring a makers’ marketplace, pop‑up exhibitions and gallery showcases, live performances (music, dance, theatre), interactive art‑making activities, a “mural slam” street‑art competition, and public art installations — all designed to celebrate community creativity.

June – Pride Winston-Salem: (June 13) Expect a lively street parade, food-truck rodeo, live music and entertainment, vendors, and a festive, inclusive atmosphere in the Downtown Arts District of Winston-Salem.

July – International Black Theatre Festival (July 27 – Aug. 1) IBTF transforms Winston-Salem into a hub of performance arts for a week. Expect 100+ performances across multiple venues, including theatre productions, film screenings, workshops, poetry jams, and a lively vendor marketplac.

August – Winston-Salem Open: (Aug. 22-29) Held at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex, this annual tennis tournament serves as the final ATP Tour stop before the US Open. See all the greats at this international tennis event.

Fall for these Winston-Salem events

September – Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors: (Sept. 26) This is the largest annual book and author festival in the Carolinas. Each year it brings together dozens of authors and thousands of readers in downtown Winston-Salem.

October – Carolina Classic Fair: (Oct. 2-11) One of the largest fairs in NC, this annual event offers something for all ages: carnival rides and games, food, craft exhibits, livestock, live entertainment and more. All the hallmarks of a classic fair.

November – Piedmont Craftsmen Fair: (The weekend before Thanksgiving) Held at the Benton Convention Center, this two-day fair features over 100 fine artisans from across the US. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind works for your home – or for someone special on your holiday gift list.

These are just a few great Winston-Salem annual events. Learn more about what the area has to offer with our Insider’s Guide. And if you need accommodations, here’s a lineup of downtown hotels.

And whatever time of year, Millennium Center is the perfect place for your grand wedding, nonprofit gala, or major corporate event in Winston-Salem. Contact us to schedule your tour.