Winston-Salem Dash 2026 Gameday Guide
Plan your perfect game day with can’t-miss promotions, theme nights, food, and insider tips for the 2026 season.
There’s no game in town quite like a Winston-Salem Dash game. The 2026 season runs from April through early September, with 66 home games, 30+ theme nights, 25 fireworks shows, and nightly promotions—from Thirsty Thursdays to Fireworks Fridays.
An affiliate of the MLB’s Chicago White Sox, the Dash take the field at award-winning Truist Stadium, named the #1 ballpark in the nation by BaseballParks.com. It’s the kind of place where the experience goes well beyond the game: skyline views at sunset, the carousel spinning beyond center field, local brews at the outfield bar, blankets across the berm, and ballpark bites that hold their own. Add in high-energy theme nights, between-inning fun, and a steady stream of future MLB talent, and there’s something here for just about everyone.
From must-try eats and can’t-miss promos to insider tips on parking, seating, and where to snap the perfect photo, here’s how to make the most of a Dash game in 2026.
KNOW THE BEST NIGHTS TO GO
Promos, themes, and rebrands to catch in 2026
Weekly Promo Nights
The Dash are keeping things lively all season long with daily promotions at every home game, mixing new weekly deals with returning fan favorites. From dollar dogs to family-friendly perks and postgame traditions, each night brings its own reason to head to Truist Stadium. Here are the promotions and themed experiences to plan around in 2026:
Dollar Dog Tuesdays (New)
New the 2026 season, Tuesdays are all about the classics. Grab hot dogs for just $1 all game long and settle in for a laid-back night at the ballpark.
Kids Eat Free Wednesdays (New)
Another new addition for 2026, Wednesdays make it even easier for families to get out to the game. Kids 12 and under receive a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, turning a night at the ballpark into a budget-friendly outing.
Thirsty Thursdays + Pups in the Park
Two fan favorites return on the same night. Thirsty Thursday features $2 draft beers throughout the stadium, while Pups in the Park brings the four-legged crowd into the mix. Lawn seats start at just $7, and a $5 “pooch pass” gets your pup in, with proceeds benefiting the Forsyth Humane Society. After the final pitch, leashed dogs and their humans are invited onto the field for a lap around the bases..
Fireworks Fridays & Saturdays
Back again this season, the Dash light up the sky after both Friday and Saturday home games. Expect a quick turnaround after the final pitch, then sit back and enjoy one of the most popular traditions at Truist Stadium. Special weekend theme nights only add to the fun. (See theme night highlights below.)
Sunday Funday 4-Pack
Sundays are built for families. This value-packed deal includes four tickets, four hot dogs, chips, and drinks for $60. New this year, arrive early for pregame autographs with select Dash players, then stick around after the game for a postgame catch on the field.
- Every Game: Run the Bases: One tradition that never gets old. After every home game, kids 12 and under are invited onto the field to run the bases, a simple but unforgettable way to end the night.
Rebrand Games to Watch
Rebrand nights are a Minor League Baseball tradition, and the Dash lean all the way in. For select games, the team takes on a completely new identity, complete with themed uniforms, exclusive merchandise, and a ballpark experience to match. A few 2026 highlights:
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Carolina Reapers | This year’s headlining rebrand is a nod to the Carolina Reaper, one of the world’s hottest peppers, grown right here in the Carolinas. | June 19, July 24, Aug 7 & 30
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El Humo | Celebrates Hispanic and Latino cultures, with a name that translates to “The Smoke,” a reference to the city’s industrial roots. | April 12, June 2, Aug 26
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Hype Hens | A fan-favorite rebrand that earned national recognition in 2024, built around the city’s often-misunderstood punctuation. (Say 'hype-hens' out loud, and it starts to sound like “hyphens.”) The stadium even has its own “hype hens,” a small flock of real chickens near the Kids Zone year-round.| May 29 & 30
Theme Nights to Know
The Dash pack the schedule with dozens of themed nights that turn a ballgame into a full-on experience. Here are a few standouts from the first half of the season.
April Highlights
Saturday, April 11 | Bump & Run Night
This racing-themed night celebrates the city's deep motorsports roots, with a racing simulators, meet-and-greets with Bowman Gray drivers, and interactive fun all game. (Reminder: stick around for post-game fireworks each Friday and Saturday.)
Friday, April 17 | Grateful Dead Night
Dead Heads unite for a night of music and baseball. The first 750 fans receive a limited-edition poster, with a pregame performance by Grateful Dudes NC.
Saturday, April 18 | Princess Night
Meet Disney princesses throughout the ballpark, enjoy themed fireworks, and take part in extras like horse-and-carriage rides. A pregame Princess Tea Party upgrade package is also available.
May Highlights
Sunday, May 3 | Star Wars Night
Meet costumed characters, take part in a ballpark-wide bounty hunt, and upgrade to the Jedi Training package for on-field instruction and a light-up bat.
Friday, May 15 | Shag Night
Celebrate the Carolinas’ signature dance with live music from Chairmen of the Board, a beach hat giveaway for early arrivals, and postgame fireworks.
Sunday, May 31 | Dinos at the Dash
Always a hit with families, this 'Dino-Mite' event features dinosaur anamatronics, interactive exhibits, and friends from the Kernersville Reptile Zoo.
June Highlights
Saturday, June 6 | K-Pop Night
New this season, K-Pop Night brings high-energy music, themed entertainment, and a lively in-game atmosphere, capped with postgame fireworks.
Thursday, June 18 | Margaritaville Night
A Thirsty Thursday with island vibes, featuring tropical music, themed entertainment, and a pregame performance by a Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
Saturday, June 20 | 90s Country Night
Break out the boots. This throwback night features country hits, high-energy in-game entertainment, and a postgame fireworks show.
- You can find the complete lineup of theme nights here,
America 250 Celebration Week
The Dash go all out for Independence Day with a multi-night celebration that blends America’s 250th anniversary with one of the most anticipated weeks of the season. From June 30 through July 5, Truist Stadium becomes the center of the action, highlighted by themed games, specialty experiences, and three straight nights of fireworks. Throughout the series, the Dash will take the field in special America 250 jerseys all series. Game highlights include:
- July 2 | Boston Tea Party Night: Step into the American Revolution with live reenactors, themed in-game entertainment, and a postgame fireworks show.
- July 3 | Americana Night: A nostalgic nod to classic Americana, featuring retro-inspired entertainment, throwback vibes, and a fireworks show equal in scale to July 4.
- July 4 | 250th Celebration: The main event. Expect a packed ballpark, a pregame flyover, and the largest fireworks show in Winston-Salem following the game.
Insider Tip: This is one of the most in-demand stretches of the season and tends to sell out. Plan ahead and take advantage of early-bird pricing available through June 1. Get your tickets here.
Free Movie Nights at the Ballpark (New)
Not every great night at the ballpark requires a first pitch. The Dash’s Signature Community Nights Series brings fans together for free outdoor movie nights inside Truist Stadium, complete with big-screen showings, themed extras, and a laid-back, bring-your-crew atmosphere.
- Friday, April 24 | The Sandlot: A classic baseball favorite, shown where it feels most at home—right on the field.
- Saturday, June 27 | Top Gun: Maverick: High-flying action on the big screen, followed by a post-movie fireworks show.
- Saturday, August 1 | F1: The Movie: Racing meets the ballpark with a pre-movie car show and adrenaline-fueled feature.
Note: These events are free, but tickets are required. In addition to the in-season games above, a screening of Monsters Inc. is also set for Oct. 30. Visit the Dash's Movie Night page for details and reservations.
DASH 101: An Inside Guide to Attending Games
Where to park, where to sit, what to eat, and more.
KNOW THE BEST SEATS
Sure, there's no such thing as bad seats at Dash games. Whether you watch from behind homeplate or an outfield bar, you'll get a great view and feel close to the action. But here's the scoop on what tickets to get if you want to beat the heat, catch a foul ball, or be up-close to the action.
Best value seats (especially for families): THE BERM. For a lot of groups, the best seats in the house aren't actually seats. They're on a grassy berm just beyond the left field wall. That's where you can spread out a blanket, casually take in the action, maybe even snag a home run. The berm also offers easy access to the Kid's Zone, the Wicked Weed outfield bar, plus a misting station — perfect for cooling off on hot days. It's also the most affordable place to sit in the stadium, with tickets costing a mere $8.
Best place to hangout and grab a beer: (TIE) You can't go wrong in either of the two outfield bars, both of which offer some of the best sightlines of any stadium bar in America. The newer of the two is the Foothills Flight Deck, where you'll find patio furniture, high-top tables, and a birds-eye view thanks to a balcony added in 2024. The Flight Deck complements the stadium's other bar area, the Wicked Weed Outfield Bar, a multi-leveled deck bar overlooking left field. Both bars are open to anyone — no special ticket required — provided your at least 21.
All-around best seats: CLUB SEATS. You don't have to be a VIP to have the best seats in the house. Unbeknownst to many, anyone can purchase club-level seats at Dash games, which offer premium sightlines along with a number of other perks — in-seat wait service, easy bathroom access, plus passes to the air-conditioned Flow Club, where a fully stocked bar and all-you-can-eat buffet awaits. Club seats cost $20, slightly higher than regular reserved seats in the grandstand ($11-$17). But considering the added amenities, it's quite a bargain.
*Insider Tip: There plenty of other great seating options, including a Picnic Terrace overlooking right field, Party Decks, even Dugout Suites. To explore all the areas, check the Dash's Ticket Options page.
KNOW WHERE TO PARK (for free)
One of the best perks this season? The Dash are picking up the tab on parking. For 2026, all off-site lots (A–E) are free on game days, available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don’t mind a short walk, it’s the best value play. View lot locations here.
Prefer to park closer? On-site options at Truist Stadium are still available, with $10 premium parking and $25 valet, also first-come, first-served. Not sure where to go? Find parking maps, pricing, and more details on the Dash’s Gameday Parking page.
*Insider Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends. Aim to get here at least 30 minutes before first pitch to secure a spot, avoid the rush, and catch the pregame fun.
KNOW WHAT & WHERE TO EAT
Sure, you can get peanuts and Cracker Jacks at a Dash game—but you can also get so much more. From reimagined classics to over-the-top creations, the Dash keep the menu fresh each season. Among the highlights for 2026: toasted ravioli (an early favorite), loaded barbecue tots, and loaded potato skins, along with standout entrées like the Grand Slam grilled cheese, Carolina Reaper tenders, and the fried chicken “Heated Hen” sandwich with a honey-hot glaze.
Dessert and snack options bring just as much creativity, from apple pie empanadas with ice cream and cannoli nachos to Chicago popcorn and walking s’mores. On the drinks side, look for seasonal sips like the Frozen Transfusion, Spicy Margarita, and the Dash Refresher.
Fan-favorite items from past seasons are also back in the lineup, including walking tacos, Italian beef sandwiches, and deep-fried Oreos. You can find a full rundown of specialty food offerings and concession locations in the Dash’s A to Z Fan Guide.
*Insider Tip: New this season, many of these items can be found in one convenient spot at the Dash Delights concession stand, located on the concourse along the first base side.
MORE INSIDER TIPS
• Know the Best Photo-Ops. There’s no excuse for dull photos at a Dash game. But for the best pics, we suggest the raised walkway behind right field (aka, "the Bridge"). The bridge's unique angle allows you to get a selfie with the entire field as your backdrop. Not sure where to stand exactly? You'll find markers on the ground, along with a wooden post containing a phone mount. (As far as other great photo ops, check out the grassy berm overlooking left field and the 10-foot bronze statue outside the main gate.)
• Know What's New in the Stadium. Truist Stadium keeps raising the bar—and 2026 is no exception. (After all, you don’t get named one of the nation’s top ballparks without constantly leveling up the fan experience.) Recently we've seen several exciting upgrades, including a new $2 million LED videoboard (which debuted last summer) that’s 147% larger with ultra-HD clarity. Fans will also find several concession upgrades, including double-line serving station in right field to keep lines short and the Dash Delights stand (noted earlier).
• Know What's Free for Families: Looking to let your kids burn off some energy? The ballpark’s got you covered. Every game, kids of all ages can enjoy FREE admission to the Kids Zone—home to inflatables, games, and the classic carousel. And the fun doesn’t end when the game’s over—kids can run the bases after each game, high-fiving Bolt on their way to home plate.
BONUS: Know Some Dash Facts (and impress your friends)
• The nickname dates to 2009. Chosen through a citywide contest, “Dash” nods to the punctuation between Winston and Salem. Before the rebrand, the team was known as the Warthogs (1995–2008) and the Spirits (1984–1994), the latter appearing in the 1988 film Bull Durham.
• MLB Stars Start Here. As the High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, Winston-Salem is a key stop on the road to the majors. Dozens of current MLB players once donned the purple, including All-Stars Marcus Semien, Luis Robert, Carlos Rodón, and Chris Sale.
• The former ballpark still stands. From 1956 to 2009, Winston-Salem’s minor league teams played at historic Ernie Shore Field, just north of downtown. The stadium remains today as Wake Forest Baseball Park, following the university’s takeover in 2010.
• The carousel is a classic. One notable piece of Ernie Shore Field lives on at Truist Stadium: the carousel. Relocated and refurbished in 2009, it now anchors the Kids Zone and remains a fan favorite.
• Truist Stadium ranked No. 1. Opened in 2010, the downtown ballpark was named “Ballpark of the Year” by Ballparks.com. Originally BB&T Ballpark, it was renamed Truist Stadium following the 2020 BB&T and SunTrust merger.
Ready to Root, Root, Root for the Home Team?
For a look at all the 2026 promotional nights, themed games, and more, check out the Dash website. For seating options and ticket packages, check the Ticket Options section on the Dash website.
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