Art has been woven into the fabric of Winston-Salem since its founding. Established by the artistically skilled Moravians, the city has long been a beacon for creativity—a legacy strengthened by the creation of America’s first arts council and the founding of UNC School of the Arts, the nation’s first public college for the performing arts.

That spirit of innovation thrives today through a dynamic calendar of performances, festivals, and exhibitions—all helping validate Winston-Salem's standing as the City of Arts & Innovation. This guide delves into the city's arts scene, exploring its standout annual events and year-round offerings across various disciplines, from live theater and film festivals to music, dance, visual arts, and more.

Live Theatre Events

Experience the electrifying energy of Black theater at the International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF), a biennial celebration that transforms Winston-Salem into a global stage. Founded in 1989 by Larry Leon Hamlin, with Dr. Maya Angelou as the inaugural chairperson, the festival has become a cornerstone of cultural enrichment, drawing over 65,000 attendees every other year.

The six-day event features over 100 performances across multiple venues, including theater workshops, film festivals, a Midnight Poetry Jam, and the lively International Vendors Market. While the next IBTF is scheduled for July 27–August 1, 2026, the North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NC Black Rep) ensures that Black theater isn’t just a biennial event in Winston-Salem—it’s a year-round presence. As the state's first professional Black theater company, founded by Hamlin in 1979, NC Black Rep stages productions throughout the year, keeping Black storytelling, creativity, and culture alive on Winston-Salem's stages.

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MORE THEATRE OPTIONS

• Live theatre thrives year-round in Winston-Salem, thanks to a vibrant mix of performing arts groups. In addition to NC Black Rep, the city is home to over a half-dozen theatre ensembles, including Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance, known for bold, diverse productions; the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, the area’s oldest performing arts company; and Spirit Gum Theatre Company, specializing in thought-provoking performances. Check our events calendar for upcoming live theatre shows!

• UNCSA’s School of Drama stages dozens of live theatre productions each year, showcasing the talents of its nationally ranked drama students. Most performances take place at the school’s multi-stage Performance Place complex, with stunning sets, costumes, and lighting designed by students from the School of Design & Production. For theatre lovers, it’s a rare chance to see future Hollywood and Broadway stars before they make it big. 

Film & Cinema

Springtime means showtime in Winston-Salem as the RiverRun International Film Festival brings Hollywood glitz to town. Now in its 27th year, RiverRun has grown into one of the Southeast's premier film events, screening 150+ films across diverse genres over 10 days. From gripping documentaries to powerful dramas, indie gems to narrative shorts—there’s something for everyone.

So, what sets RiverRun apart? It’s an Academy Award-qualifying festival in the Animated and Documentary Shorts categories, adding to its prestige. Film enthusiasts also get rare opportunities to engage with 100+ filmmakers, actors, and industry pros through Q&As, panels, and exclusive meet-and-greets. Beyond screenings, RiverRun offers thought-provoking panels, lively parties, elegant galas, and free outdoor films for the community. The event is typically held in mid-April. 

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MORE FILM EVENTS

• Queer Fear Film Festival, the South’s only queer horror festival, celebrates five years of boundary-pushing, dark genre storytelling at a/perture cinema. Held each October, the event features dozens of new films, guest filmmakers, and the coveted Golden Unicorn award, highlight everything from campy thrills to mind-bending terror. Get more details on the festival website.

• A/perture Cinema's outdoor film series A/ Mobile, brings outdoor movies to locations across the city nearly every Friday from June to September. Among the series are Innovation & Cinema at downtown's Bailey Park and Big Backyard Movie Nights @ Crossnore Children's Home. Bring a chair, grab a bite, and enjoy the show. Get details on upcoming films on A/perture's website.

Music & Dance

Winston-Salem’s music scene is packed with standout events, from the rock-fueled Gears & Guitars festival to the smooth sounds of Downtown Jazz (both detailed below). But unlike these seasonal highlights, one musical experience is available nearly year-round—the Winston-Salem Symphony.

Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Michelle Merrill (pictured above), the first woman to hold the position, the WSS brings music to life with a diverse range of performances. From classical masterworks by Mozart and Brahms to Pops concerts featuring tributes to legends like Fleetwood Mac and R.E.M., their lineup offers something for every listener. Family-friendly programs, holiday concerts, and the awe-inspiring Cirque de la Symphonie—where acrobats and aerialists perform alongside the orchestra—add even more variety to the mix.

With most performances held at the historic R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium, visitors can expect an unforgettable night of music. The symphony’s season runs from September through May, so whenever you visit, chances are good there’s a concert on the calendar. Explore upcoming concerts on the symphony's website.

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MORE MUSIC & DANCE

• UNCSA School of Dance has given rise to some of the world’s most celebrated performers. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top 10 dance programs, the School of Dance presents several major shows each year that captivate the community. Annual highlights include the school's Spring Dance, Fall Dance, Winter Dance, and Emerging Choreographers events. However, the school is best known for its annual rendition of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition for nearly 60 years. The show is typically held in the Stevens Center in downtown yet has temporarily moved to Greensboro’s Tanger Center while the venue undergoes a multi-year renovation. For the latest details on these and other dance performances, visit UNCSA’s website.

• The Piedmont Wind Symphony brings bold, high-energy performances to Winston-Salem, blending traditional and contemporary wind band music. Performing around a dozen times each year, the ensemble’s dynamic sound highlights woodwinds, brass, and percussion for a distinctive concert experience. The symphony collaborates with local and national artists, delivering performances ranging from classical to big band. Visit their website for upcoming shows.

• Piedmont Opera brings high-quality opera productions to Winston-Salem, blending international talent with local artistry. Known for staging two major productions each year—one in fall and one in spring—they’ve temporarily moved performances to alternative venues while the Stevens Center undergoes renovations. With a history of bold productions like The Light in the Piazza and Silent Night, Piedmont Opera continues to captivate audiences. Visit their website for upcoming shows and locations.

• Summertime Concert Series: When the weather warms up, Winston-Salem’s music scene hits its stride with an incredible lineup of festivals and concert series—many free to attend. From the uniquely immersive 1Love Festival to the action-packed Gears & Guitars to the smooth sounds of Downtown Jazz, summertime means party time around here. For more on some of the top annual music events, check out our writeup on the 6 Can't-Miss Concert Series.

Visual Arts

Reynolda House Museum of American Art isn’t just a place to see great works—it’s a place to step into history and creativity at once. Originally built in 1917 by tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine, this 64-room estate became an art museum in 1967. Today, it houses one of the nation’s most impressive collections of American masterpieces, featuring works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Grant Wood, Mary Cassatt, and Andy Warhol—all displayed within the elegance of the historic home.

Beyond its permanent collection, Reynolda brings in remarkable rotating exhibitions, typically showcasing a signature exhibit each spring and fall in the Babcock Gallery. This season, visitors can explore a special presentation of works by Andrew Wyeth, on display through May 25. To make a full day of it, guests can stroll through Reynolda Gardens or visit Reynolda Village for boutique shopping and dining. Check Reynolda's website for hours, exhibits, events, and more.

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MORE VISUAL ARTS

• NC Museum of Art (formerly SECCA) celebrates contemporary creativity with dynamic exhibits and experiences. Housed in the former estate of textile magnate James G. Hanes, NCMA showcases global, national, and regional artists in its sleek modern gallery. The museum also hosts concerts, artist talks, and family workshops. Check NCMA’s calendar for hours, current exhibits, and upcoming events.

• MESDA (aka the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts) holds the world’s premier collection of antebellum Southern objects, with pieces dating back to the 1600s. Located in Old Salem, MESDA's labyrinth of galleries showcases antiques, ceramics, metalwork, paintings, and handcrafted furniture. Pair your visit with an All-In-One ticket to Old Salem for full access.

• The Downtown Arts District is one of the best places in the region to experience dazzling visual art within just a few blocks. Home to artist studios, vibrant galleries, and unique shops, it also serves as an open-air gallery with striking murals, sculptures, and installations. Explore public art throughout the district with our Public Arts Guide, and get tips on spending a Weekend in the Arts District here.

Block Parties & Craft Fairs

Art Crush is the Downtown Arts District’s signature monthly block party, celebrating creativity through art, music, and live performances. Held third Fridays, April through December, it transforms Trade and Sixth Streets into a lively arts hub from 7–10 p.m. Browse local artists’ work, enjoy live performances, and explore extended gallery hours—artists keep 100% of sales. With 15,000+ attendees and nearly 200 artists annually, Art Crush keeps growing. Each month's event features a different theme, from Juneteenth to Hispanic Heritage to Battle of the Bands and more. You can get details on each month's featured theme, artists, and more on the Arts Crush website.

Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair has been a cornerstone of Winston-Salem’s arts scene for more than six decades, drawing craft lovers from across the Southeast. Held each November at the Benton Convention Center, this juried fair features 100+ top artisans, showcasing exceptional jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and metalwork. Meet the makers, watch live demos, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts. Named a Top 10 craft fair by American Style Magazine, it’s a must for craft enthusiasts.

The Ardmore Art Walk transforms Winston-Salem's historic Ardmore neighborhood into a vibrant open-air gallery each fall. Typically held in early November, this juried event showcases over 100 local artists displaying handcrafted jewelry, paintings, pottery, and more. Attendees can enjoy live music performances, savor offerings from food trucks, and engage with the community. It's a delightful kickoff to the holiday season, celebrating local art and culture. 

More Arts, More Events
 

Explore more of Winston-Salem's arts scene more by checking out the Performing Arts section of our website, and stay up-to-date concerts, exhibits, and other art-themed events by checking out our Events Calendar