April 2026 Can't-Miss Events
Things are springing to life here in Winston-Salem. Our April Events Guide details 37+ big events happening this month.
Spring is in full swing in Winston-Salem. April brings longer days, colorful adventures, and a fresh lineup of events—ranging from captivating theatre performances and inspiring art exhibits to one of the Southeast's premier film festivals. This month also welcomes back several warm-weather favorites, including Dash baseball, Bowman Gray racing, and the return of Phuzz Phest. Keep reading for details on nearly two dozen can't-miss events happening this April.
April 3, 10
Carolina Thunderbirds Hockey. 7:30 p.m. The Carolina Thunderbirds, Winston-Salem's pro hockey team, wrap up their 2025-26 season at the W-S Fairgrounds Arena with home games on consecutive Friday nights: April 3 against the PeeDee IceCats, and April 10 against the Blue Ridge Bobcats. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on the team website or at the door.
April 3–4, 8–12
Jagged Little Pill - The Musical. 7:30 p.m. Wake Forest University presents this Tony Award–winning musical inspired by Alanis Morissette’s landmark 1995 album. The story follows a seemingly perfect family confronting addiction, identity, and healing. Held at Scales Fine Arts Center on the WFU campus. Tickets are $10–$20. (NOTE: Sunday, April 12, show will be at 2 p.m.)
April 4
CraftHalf Half Marathon & 5K. This popular downtown race and party takes place outside of Foothills Brewpub on Fourth Street. The half marathon begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the one-mile fun run and 5K. Recently ranked among the nation’s top 5K events by USA Today, the event also features a free block party starting at 9:30 a.m. with live music, food, and craft beer from local breweries. Race registration details and pricing are available on the event website.
April 4
Chicken n Egg Festival at ROAR. Celebrate Easter weekend at downtown’s ROAR (633 N. Liberty St.) with live music, a DJ, games, an Easter egg hunt, and a wing-eating contest. Food specials and family packages will be available, including bowling or mini golf. Visit ROAR’s website for ticket details.
April 4–5
Winston-Salem Card Show. Explore a collector’s paradise at Truist Stadium as 175+ vendor tables fill the concourse with sports cards, Pokémon, comics, memorabilia, and more. Buy, sell, trade, and browse rare finds in this family-friendly show. Admission is $5 adults; kids 12 and under free.
April 4–5
Easter EGGstravaganza at Smith Hollow Farm. April 4: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; April 5: 1–5 p.m. Celebrate Easter with all-day egg hunts, hayrides, crafts, animal viewing, and dozens of farm games and activities at Smith Hollow Farm in Kernersville. Photos with the Easter Bunny and concessions available. Admission $17 ($15 cash); free for kids under 2. No reservations required.
April 5
254th Annual Easter Sunrise. 6:15 a.m. Held annually in Old Salem, this springtime spectacle is the nation’s largest and longest-running Easter sunrise service, dating back to 1772. The service begins shortly before dawn outside of Home Moravian Church in Old Salem before proceeding to God's Acre.
April 7-12
W-S Dash Season-Opening Homestand. Baseball returns to award-winning Truist Stadium this month as the Dash kick off the 2026 season with a six-game series against the Frederick Keys. The homestand features new promotions like Kids Eat Free Wednesdays (April 8) alongs with returning favorites such as Pups in the Park/Thirsty Thursdays (April 9) and weekend fireworks. See the full promo schedule and purchase tickets on the Dash’s website.
April 8
Bookmarks Presents: Kate Bowler. 7–9 p.m. Spend an evening with NY Times bestselling author and Duke professor Kate Bowler as she discusses her latest book, Joyful, Anyway, in conversation at downtown's First Baptist Church. Tickets are $35 and include a signed copy of the book.
April 8–12
UpDog International Finals. Tanglewood Park hosts this five-day international disc dog championship, where elite canine athletes and their handlers compete in fast-paced flying-disc games that test speed, agility, and teamwork. Teams from across the U.S. and beyond qualify all year for a chance to compete.
April 9
NCMA Field Trip: West Salem Art Hotel. 6 p.m. NC Museum of Art Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA) launches its new Field Trips series with a visit to the West Salem Art Hotel, an art-forward boutique hotel and gallery space. Guests can explore the creative hub, view a new exhibit by local artist Corrie Beck, and connect with fellow art fans. Admission follows NCMA’s “Pay What You Want” model.
April 9–11
Phuzz Phest. After a decade-long hiatus, this beloved indie music festival returns to Winston-Salem. This year's event features 40+ concerts spread over three days, held at multiple venues throughout downtown. Single-day passes start at $49; weekend passes are $129. See the full lineup and ticket options at phuzzphest.com.
April 11
Wheels & Squeals (Clemmons). 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Village Point Greenway in Clemmons hosts this family-friendly event focused on bike safety and outdoor fun. Bring your bike for a free safety check, then join a community ride along the greenway. Activities include Touch-a-Truck, a petting zoo, face painting, games, music, and food trucks. Admission is free.
April 11
Kernersville Community Day. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrate the birthdays of historic Körner’s Folly (146 years), the town of Kernersville (155), and America’s 250th with a day of family-friendly fun. Enjoy historic yard games, hands-on art activities, a scavenger hunt, and special displays. Local residents receive free admission and self-guided tours of Körner’s Folly.
April 11-19
RiverRun International Film Festival. Now in its 28th year, this Oscar-qualifying festival showcases 150+ films from around the world, including narrative, documentary, and short films. Screenings take place at venues across Winston-Salem, alongside filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, parties, and free community events. Film schedules and ticket details will be available on the RiverRun website here.
April 12
Camel City Game Jam & Expo. 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Students, families, and aspiring creators can explore the world of game design at this interactive event at Atkins High School. Meet developers from Epic Games (Fortnite), Blizzard (World of Warcraft), Zynga (Words With Friends), Riot Games, Atari, and more, plus enjoy VR demos, makerspace activities, and a college and career expo. Admission is free.
April 14
Face-to-Face Speaker Series: Magic Johnson. 7:30 p.m. Wake Forest’s 2025–26 Face to Face season concludes this month at LJVM Coliseum with NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the five-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers legend who has become a successful entrepreneur, investor, and prominent voice in business and philanthropy.
April 17–19, 24–26
Theatre Alliance: A Chorus Line. 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. This Tony Award–winning musical follows dancers competing for a spot in a Broadway chorus line, revealing their personal stories, ambitions, and struggles. Performances are at Theatre Alliance (650 W. Sixth St.). Tickets are $23–$25.
April 17
A Morning in Mr. McGregor’s Garden. Young readers and families can step into The Tale of Peter Rabbit during this playful event at Reynolda Gardens. Follow Peter’s adventure along a StoryWalk® with interactive stations, then enjoy activities like seed planting and nature discovery. Two sessions are offered (10, 11:15 a.m.). $10 per child with accompanying adult.
April 17
Triple Crown Casino Night. 5:30–10:30 p.m. Try your luck at Vegas-style casino games during this lively fundraiser at Legacy Stables & Events. The evening includes a champagne reception, gourmet dinner, live auction, raffle prizes, and a Diamond Giveaway, all benefiting Pretty In Pink Foundation’s support of North Carolina breast cancer patients. Ticket details are available on the event website.
April 18
Spring Vintage Market at Körner’s Folly. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Now in its 7th year, this annual shopping market will be held on the front lawn of historic Körner’s Folly in Kernersville, featuring 45+ vendors selling handmade wares, vintage clothing and jewelry, retro finds, original artwork, and locally made foods and artisan products. Food trucks will also be onsite. Admission is free.
April 18
Piedmont Earth Day Fair. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The biggest Earth Day gathering in North Carolina, this popular event is held annually at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Enjoy food, live music, shopping, vendors, kids activities, and eco-friendly exhibitors. Admission is free. Held rain or shine; the fair moves inside the Fairgrounds Arena in case of rain.
April 19
Bowman Gray Racing Season Opener. Fresh off the NASCAR Clash, the 78th season of racing at NASCAR’s legendary “Madhouse” gets underway April 18 with a 200-lap modified race and 40-lap sportsman race. Races will continue each Saturday night through late August. Tickets are $12 adults, $2 kids (ages 6-11), and free for kids 5 and under.
April 23-26
UNCSA presents Spring Dance. UNCSA Spring Dance. UNC School of the Arts presents its annual Spring Dance, featuring an exciting mix of new works and reimagined classics performed by UNCSA’s acclaimed dance students. Five performances will be held at Freedman Theatre on the UNCSA campus (1533 S. Main St.). Tickets are $20–$25. See UNCSA’s website for show times and tickets.
April 24
Murder Mystery: Swing, Spies & Shades of Lies. 7 p.m. Step back to 1943 for this interactive murder mystery at Incendiary Brewing’s Lewisville location *5495 Williams Rd). Guests will unravel wartime intrigue surrounding a fictional USO troupe while enjoying an evening of clues, characters, and twists. Tickets are $30–$35; seating is limited. Check-in is at 6:30 p.m.
April 24–26
Dream Asia Food Festival. The nation’s largest Asian food and culture festival returns to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds with 80+ food vendors, including popular pop-ups and street food from across Asia. The three-day celebration also features lion dances, taiko drumming, K-pop dance parties, anime vendors, and activities for all ages. Tickets are $12; kids 10 and under are free.
April 25
"The Great Race" History Event. 2–4 p.m. History and automotive enthusiasts can gather at the Kernersville Auto Museum for a special presentation by Jeff Mahl, great-grandson of 1908 New York–to–Paris race winner George Schuster. The event includes a living-history talk, access to the museum’s vintage car collection, and food and beverages. Tickets are $25.
April 25
Clemmons Community Day & Farmers Market Opening. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Celebrate the start of the Clemmons Farmers Market season during this annual community gathering at the Jerry Long Family YMCA. Shop fresh produce and handmade goods from local vendors while enjoying family-friendly activities and meeting area businesses. Admission is free.
April 25
Cricket’s Nest 50th Anniversary Bash. 1–4 p.m. Celebrate 50 years of the Cricket’s Nest, a Winston-Salem artisans’ guild and co-op showcasing handmade crafts by local residents ages 55+. The anniversary gathering will be held at the Cricket’s Nest Craft Shop, part of the South Fork Community Center, and will feature refreshments, raffles, and a silent auction. Admission is free.
April 25
Revolutionary War: Living History Day at Bethabara. 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Historic Bethabara Park hosts a day exploring how the American Revolution affected the Moravian settlements of Wachovia. Titled “Protected Us From All Harm,” the program includes living history demos, panel discussions, and a re-creation of the community’s first peace celebration. Admission is free.
April 25
Reynolda Gardens Spring Plant Sale. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Gardeners and plant lovers can shop a wide selection of specialty and hard-to-find annuals, perennials, tropicals, and other staff favorites during this popular annual sale on the front lawn at Reynolda. Plants are selected by Reynolda Gardens horticulturalists for success in local landscapes. Admission is free.
April 25
Phil Wickham + Tauren Wells. 7 p.m. Contemporary Christian music star Phil Wickham brings his latest tour to LJVM Coliseum. Known for hits like “This Is Amazing Grace,” Wickham will perform with fellow top-selling artist Tauren Wells and special guest Jamie MacDonald. All tickets are $23.
April 25–26
WS Symphony with Storm Large. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. The Winston-Salem Symphony (WSS) welcomes acclaimed vocalist Storm Large for a bold evening of music, including selections inspired by Bizet’s Carmen and the provocative song cycle The Seven Deadly Sins. The concert is led by former WSS Conductor Robert Moody at Reynolds Auditorium. Tickets start at $29.
April 26
Tour Pour Du Jour at Graylyn. 4–6 p.m. Enjoy a guided butler tour of Graylyn’s historic Manor House, the former estate of the Bowman Gray family and one of Winston-Salem’s most storied landmarks. Afterward, relax with wine and appetizers in the library. $60 per person.
Throughout the Month (various dates)
Taste of Art at Sawtooth.
These popular one-night workshops let guests spend a few hours creating art to take home. Multiple classes are scheduled every Friday in April, all taught by local artists, and several Saturday workshops are also planned. Most Taste of Art classes are held at the Sawtooth School downtown (251 N. Spruce Street). Classes are held in various mediums including glass, ceramics, jewelry, fibers, and more.
Reynolda Exhibit – Layered Looking: Making Sense of Art
This immersive exhibition, which debuted in March, remains on display throughout the spring in Reynolda’s Babcock Wing while the historic home undergoes renovations. The show invites visitors to engage works from Reynolda’s permanent collection through sound, touch, movement, and hands-on exploration during regular museum hours.
- Open Studio Saturdays (Apr. 11 & 25): Create your own take-home artwork inspired by the exhibit.
- Film Screening – Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light (Apr. 11, 1–3:30 p.m.): A documentary exploring the life and work of the pioneering American artist.
Concerts at The Ramkat
Downtown Winston-Salem’s premier live music venue hosts another strong lineup of national touring acts and rising artists this April. Shows take place on The Ramkat’s main stage and in the intimate Gas Hill Drinking Room. For the full lineup and tickets, visit The Ramkat’s website. April highlights include:
Apr. 10 – Mikaela Davis
Rugged singer, songwriter, and harpist Mikela Davis takes the stage as part of Phuzz Phest.
Apr. 11 – Old 97’s
Alt-country pioneers from Dallas deliver their signature mix of twang, rock, and punk energy.
Apr. 15 – Bruce Hornsby
The Grammy-winning songwriter behind hits like “The Way It Is” plays alongside his virtuosic band.
Apr. 17 – Penny & Sparrow
The Texas indie-folk duo known for lush harmonies and songwriting. Caleb Elliott opens the show.
Apr. 18 – Red Not Chili Peppers
One of the nation’s top tribute bands recreates the funk-rock group’s iconic live sound.
Apr. 19 – Melissa Etheridge
The Grammy-winning rock icon performs a powerful set spanning decades of hits.
Apr. 26 – Comicade 2026
A free comics and collectibles show featuring vintage comics, video games, toys, art vendors, artist workshops, and food trucks, with drinks available.
Want more April events? Check out our Events Calendar to see more local happenings.
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