August 1 
Old School Block Party. 7–11:30 p.m. Enjoy classic R&B, jazz, and funk in downtown's Corpening Plaza along with food trucks, free trolleys, vendors, and more. Saturday's headliners are funk-soul legends The Bar-Kays and The O.S.P. Band. Held in conjunction with IBTF. Admission is free.

August 1, 22 
Summer on Fourth. 7–10 p.m. Held on Fourth Street in front of Foothills Brewpub, these Saturday night block parties feature the region's most popular music acts. This month's will include country/line-dance band Chloe & the Country Crawdads (Aug 1) and yacht rock favorites Camel City Yacht Club (Aug 22). Food and drink vendors will be on hand; lawn chairs welcome. Admission is free.

August 2 
Carolina Wedding Show. 12–4 p.m. Planning a wedding? This all-in-one event at Union Station brings together the region's top vendors, from florals and fashion to music and photography. Enjoy a runway fashion show and get inspired. Admission is free for the first 750 guests; $20 at the door after that. VIP tickets start at $35.

August 2 
Pour Tour du Jour at Graylyn. 4–6 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour of Graylyn's historic Manor House, once home to the Bowman Gray family and now one of Winston-Salem's most iconic landmarks. The experience concludes with wine and appetizers in the library. Cost: $60.

August 2 
Clemmons Concert: Salem Swing Band. 3–4:30 p.m. The Triad's premier swing outfit brings its 19-piece big band to the Historic Broyhill (3540 Clemmons Road) for an afternoon of swing-era favorites from Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. Admission is free.

August 4 
Salem Band Concert: Superheroes Film Fest. 7:30 p.m. Relive the movies as Salem Band, the nation's oldest continuous mixed wind ensemble, performs music from superhero blockbusters like The Dark Knight and Superman. Held in Old Salem's Salem Square; bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic—or grab dinner from on-site food trucks. Pre-concert activities start at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free.

August 7 
Sunset Salutations: Community Yoga. 6–7 p.m. Unroll your mat for this free, all-levels yoga class held the first Thursday of each month in Bailey Park. Bring water, wear comfy clothes, and arrive early to claim your spot on the lawn. In case of rain, class moves to the Wake Forest Biotech Place Atrium.

August 8 
NCMA 2nd Saturday: Family Art. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Get creative at this monthly all-ages artmaking event at Winston Square Park, hosted by the NC Museum of Art. Each month brings a new activity tied to NCMA's current exhibits. This month, build a stepped-pyramid sculpture inspired by Daniel Rich's painting of Sacramento's Ziggurat building. Free; all materials provided.

August 8 
Spielberg Summer Film Series: E.T.  4–6 p.m. The Arts Council and a/perture Cinema are teaming up for the Spielberg Summer series, giving you a chance to catch classic films on the big screen. This month is the 1982 sci-fi masterpiece about a boy and the stranded alien he befriends. The screening is at Reynolds Place Theatre at the Milton Rhodes Center. Tickets are $11.

August 8, 13 
Semiquincentennial Stroll: Guided History Walk. America's 250th celebration rolls on this month with MUSE's "2x2x250" stroll — 2 miles, 2 hours, 250 years of Twin City history. Tours begin and end at MUSE with a drink, snack, and first look ahead of its 2027 opening. Times are Saturday, Aug. 8 (9–11 a.m.) and Thursday, Aug. 13 (5–7 p.m.). Tickets $30.

August 8, 22 
Downtown Jazz. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Held on Fridays in Corpening Plaza, these free summer concerts feature top jazz artists from across the country. Food and drink vendors will be on hand. (And don't forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket.) This month's performers include Billboard #1 contemporary jazz artist Ragan Whiteside (Aug 14) and electrifying smooth jazz/R&B guitarist Terence Young (Aug. 28).

August 9 
Kaleideum After Dark: Y2Kaleideum. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Kaleideum's monthly 21+ party rewinds to the early 2000s. Dust off those cargo pants, grab your flip phone, and dance to live music from TDK (The Downstairs Kids), make nostalgic bag charms, design pixel art with fuse beads, and strike a pose for a one-of-a-kind AI caricature. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door, and include two drink tickets.

August 11 
Bookmarks Book Launch with Vanessa Miller. 6:30 p.m. USA Today bestselling and Christy Award-winning author Vanessa Miller returns to Bookmarks (634 W. Fourth St.) to launch her new historical novel, The Ladies Hall. Miller's 50-plus books spotlight strong Black women at pivotal moments in history. A signing follows. Registration is free.

August 12, 26
Picnic Food Fest at Bailey Park. 5–8 p.m. Innovation Quarter's midweek picnic series is held the second and fourth Wednesday of the month through October, with rotating food trucks, local vendors, outdoor games, and sunset picnic vibes. Bring a blanket and a lawn chair. Admission is free.

August 14 
Kristy Cox Live at Muddy Creek. 7 p.m. Dubbed "Australia's Queen of Bluegrass," Kristy Cox topped the Billboard bluegrass chart with her 2024 album Let It Burn and has won six Golden Guitar Awards. She plays an intimate, all-ages set at Muddy Creek Café & Listening Room in Old Salem. Tickets $22.

August 14, 28 
Lyrics by the Lake. 7–10 p.m. This popular spoken-word and music series wraps its sixth season with two nights at downtown's Hanesbrands Theatre — indoors this year, but with the same signature energy. Hosted by LB the Poet, each evening brings poetry, live music, and performances from artists across the region, plus local vendors. Tickets are $20 (plus fees).

August 14 
Trace Adkins live at Bowman Gray. 6:30 p.m. For the first time since 1984, "The Madhouse" is hosting a major concert — and it's a big one. Multi-platinum country icon Trace Adkins brings his 30th Anniversary Tour to town, with 40 hit singles including "You're Gonna Miss This" and "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." Blue-collar country hitmaker Aaron Tippin opens the show. Tickets start at $50.

August 14 
Innovation & Cinema: Tron Legacy. 7–10 p.m. Bailey Park's outdoor movie series continues with this 2010 sci-fi action film starring Jeff Bridges and Garrett Hedlund. Food and drinks will be available beginning at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at sunset (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Bring a blanket or lawn chair; leashed pets are welcome. Admission is free.

August 14–16, 20 & 23 
W-S Theatre Alliance: Disney's Frozen. 7:30 p.m. (Sun. matinees 2 p.m.). The Theatre Alliance stages the area's community-theatre premiere of the Broadway musical, based on the hit film — a magical tale of two royal sisters, with all the film's songs plus new music for the stage. Held at the Theatre Alliance Stage, 650 W. Sixth St. Tickets $23–$25.

August 15 
Honeybee Festival 2026. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Held on World Honey Bee Day, this annual celebration draws thousands to Fourth of July Park in nearby Kernersville for live music, local crafts, food trucks, and kids' activities. Sample and buy fresh honey, watch beekeeping demos at the observation hives, and browse more than 100 vendor booths. Admission is free.

August 15 
Murder & Margaritas with Karin Slaughter. 6:30 p.m. Bookmarks' popular series returns to Reynolds Place Theatre with #1 New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter — one of the world's most popular storytellers — discussing her new small-town murder thriller, The Secrets We Hide. Tickets ($37) include a copy of the book, margarita wine, and booksigning access.

August 16 
Lewisville Live: Black Pearl Band. 7–9 p.m. Shallowford Square in Lewisville transforms into an open-air concert venue for this summertime music series. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy food trucks, drinks, dancing, and live music under the stars. This month's headliner is high-energy party rockers Black Pearl Band. Coolers are welcome, but pets and outside alcohol aren't permitted. Admission is free.

August 18 
Piedmont Wind Symphony at Körner's Folly. 6 & 7:15 p.m. Members of the PWS bring their immersive chamber series back to historic Körner's Folly. This month's concert, Bierhallen to the Bandstand, traces the history of German music from village dances and celebratory marches to the concert hall. Light refreshments before and after. Tickets $35, or $15 for students (ages 13+).

August 21 
Park Hangs: Coconut Cake. 5–8 p.m. Presented by NCMA, Park Hangs brings live music to downtown's Bailey Park one Friday night a month. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy tunes from Asheville supergroup Coconut Cake, playing infectious, dance-worthy Congolese rumba. Food trucks and beverages will be on-site, though guests are welcome to bring picnics or takeout from nearby restaurants. (No outside alcohol allowed.) Admission is free.

August 22 
Home Grown Arts Fest. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. This outdoor festival returns to Kernersville's Harmon Park for its 12th year, with 40-plus local and regional artisans selling handcrafted pottery, jewelry, woodworking, fused glass, fiber arts, and more. Food trucks on site. Admission is free.

August 22 
Maze with The Whispers ft. Leela James. 8–11 p.m. Soul and R&B icons headline this all-white affair at the Fairgrounds' indoor arena. Maze brings the soul-funk classics ("Before I Let Go," "Joy and Pain"), joined by The Whispers ("Rock Steady") and powerhouse vocalist Leela James. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40 (plus fees).

August 22–29 
Winston-Salem Open 2026. All eyes in the tennis world will be on Winston-Salem when the 15th annual Winston-Salem Open rolls into town, bringing dozens of the world's top players to Wake Forest Tennis Complex. As the final tune-up before the U.S. Open, the weeklong event was named "ATP Tournament of the Year." Several special events are planned, including the popular Kids' Day (Saturday, Aug. 22).

August 29 
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. 12–6 p.m. This tasting festival returns to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds for year two, pouring 60+ beers and 40+ bourbons alongside whole-hog barbecue, tasting seminars, and live rock and blues. Admission includes a souvenir glass and all-you-care-to-taste sampling. General admission $39; VIP $85.

August 29–30 
Southbound Model Train Expo. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. One of North Carolina's largest model train shows returns to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Events Center, with vendors selling model trains and accessories in all scales. Fun for enthusiasts and families alike. Adults $10; kids 12 and under free.

August 31 
Wild West Brewfest at Wise Man. 4–11:30 p.m. Downtown's Wise Man Brewing transforms into a frontier-style party for its third annual Wild West Brewfest. Expect free line dancing, a mechanical bull, a custom cowboy + trucker hat bar, multiple food trucks, and live country music. Come dressed in your best Western gear. Admission is free.

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Throughout the Month

NCMA presents Unboxed: Art Beyond the Museum (through August 30). 
The inaugural show at NCMA Winston-Salem's new downtown gallery features 13 North Carolina artists tied to the museum's Portable Gallery outreach program, their works spanning a wide range of subjects and materials. The gallery, at 400 W. Fourth St., opened July 16 while NCMA's main campus (formerly SECCA) undergoes a multi-year renovation. Admission is free; check NCMA's website for current hours.

Makers Market: The Alley of the Arts (Saturdays, Noon–4 p.m.). 
Shop a rotating roster of 130+ local artists and makers in the heart of the Arts District, with live music and bites from local pop-ups at the Triad's only weekly art-centered market. Find it in the former Sixth & Vine patio and enter through the alleyway at 205 W. Sixth Street. Admission is free.

Taste of Art at Sawtooth School (Fridays + various)
These popular one-night workshops invite guests to explore mediums such as glass, ceramics, jewelry, and fibers. Each class includes hands-on instruction and the chance to create artwork to take home. Most classes are held on Fridays, 6–8 p.m., at Sawtooth School. Additional classes also occur at The Generations Center (114 W. 30th St.) on various days. Classes start at $45 and include materials.

Bowman Gray Racing (Saturday nights)
The 77th season of racing at NASCAR's legendary "Madhouse" wraps up this month with four Saturday night races, Aug 1-22; (Aug 29 is rain date). Gates open at 6 p.m., and races begin at 8 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $2 children (6–11), free for kids 5 and under. August highlights include:

► Aug 01 — 100-lap Modified + Stadium, Street Stock, and Sportsman races

► Aug 08 — $2 Ladies Night: Twin 50-lap Modified + divisional races

► Aug 15 — Twin 25-lap Modified races + Skid Race + divisional races

► Aug 22 — Season Finale: 150-lap Modified, 40-lap Sportsman

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August Concerts at The Ramkat (various dates)
The Ramkat, downtown's 1,000-capacity music venue, hosts an impressive lineup of regional and national acts this month, with additional shows at Gas Hill, Ramkat's intimate 100-capacity venue. Mainstage highlights include:

► Aug 08 — Somewhat Petty: A Tribute to Tom Petty

► Aug 09 — Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel (of My Morning Jacket)

► Aug 14 — Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

► Aug 18 — Robert Earl Keen

► Aug 26 — The Wood Brothers with Ric Robertson

► Aug 29 — Shelly Belly (comedian)

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Winston-Salem Dash Baseball (Aug 1-3, Aug 12-24)
The Dash wrap up their 2026 season this month during two homestands at Truist Stadium. Each game features a special promo and/or theme. Highlights include:

► Aug 07 — ZOOperstars! (plus fireworks)
The wildly funny, nationally touring mascot-parody act takes the field.

► Aug 08 — Renaissance Night (plus fireworks)
Medieval fun with knights, ride-able unicorns, inflatable dragons, and more. Wear your finest garb.

► Aug 09 — Touch A Truck (family day)
Kids can get up close with military, construction, and first-responder vehicles.

► Aug 27 — Hockey Night (plus Thirsty Thursday/Pups in the Park)
Enjoy hockey fun and a "Stanley Cup" ticket package (cup + a beer) for $50.

► Aug 29 — Harry Potter Night (plus fireworks)
Truist Stadium transforms to Hogwarts for photo ops, potion classes, scarf giveaways, and more.

► Aug 30 — Bolt's Birthday Bash (final home game)
Celebrate Bolt's Sweet 16 with mascot friends, stadium-wide specials, and giveaways.

• Dash tickets start at $10-$14. See all promos and special theme games on the Dash website.

 

 

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Wanna see more events happening in August and beyond?  Check out our online Events Calendar to see dozens more local happenings this summer.