August 2025 Can't-Miss Events

There’s no shortage of ways to savor the late summer in Winston-Salem. From free concerts to food truck rallies to world-class events, we've got details on 31+ of the biggest events happening this August. Whether you’re a longtime local or just in town for the weekend, there’s something happening every day—and around every corner. Keep reading to see what's happening daily, or jump straight to ongoing, month-long events here. 

August 2, 30 — Summer on Fourth
6–10 p.m. Held on Fourth Street, right in front of Foothills Brewpub, these Saturday night street parties feature some of the region's most popular music acts. This month's will include high-energy party band ENVISION (Aug 2), and tribute show icons Vagabond Saints' Society (Aug 30), recreating 1985's epic LIVE AID concert. Food and drink vendors will be on hand; lawn chairs welcome. Admission is free.

August 3 —  Burke Street Food Truck Festival
3–8 p.m. Winston-Salem's semi-annual food truck festival returns to one of its most popular streets this month, closing down multiple blocks along downtown's Burke Street. Enjoy dozens of the region's top food trucks along with live music, craft beer, kids' activities, and more. Admission is free.

August 5 — Salem Band Concert: Superheroes Film Fest
7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of movie magic as the nation’s oldest mixed wind ensemble performs in Salem Square. This month’s concert features music from superhero blockbusters like The Avengers, Superman, and The Dark Knight, plus iconic leading ladies like Mary Poppins and Pocahontas. Come early for the Saxophone Quartet at 6:45. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic—or grab dinner from on-site food trucks. 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, 22 — Downtown Jazz
6:30–9:30 p.m. Held Friday evenings in Corpening Plaza during the summer, these free concerts feature top jazz artists from across the country. This month’s concerts feature smooth jazz keyboard phenom Nicholas Cole (Aug 8) and soulful contemporary jazz trumpeter Melvin M. Miller (Aug 22). Food and drink vendors will be on hand. (And don't forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket.)

Aug. 8-10, 15-17 — WS Theatre Alliance: The Prince of Egypt
Set in Ancient Egypt, this musical spectacle is based on the Book of Exodus and the 1998 DreamWorks film, retelling the story of Moses and his foster brother, Ramses. It's being presented at the Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance in downtown (650 W. Sixth Street).  Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for students/seniors.

August 9 — NCMA 2nd Saturday: Family Art
11 a.m.–2 p.m. Held the second Saturday of each month, these free, family-friendly workshops at NCMA Winston-Salem are inspired by the museum's latest exhibitions. This month visitors can create black-and-white block prints inspired by works in NCMA's fall exhibit, The Path of Totality
   • Earlier that day, NCMA hosts Cars & Coffee, a family-friendly event held monthly in the museum's parking lot from 9 a.m.–noon. This month will focus on vintage MG, Jaguar & Triumph models. Admission to NCMA is free every Second Saturday, giving visitors a great reason to head inside and peruse the art galleries.

August 9 — Kaleideum After Dark: August Arcade
6:30–9:30 p.m. Kaleideum’s monthly 21+ night goes full gamer with classic arcade fun and modern hits like Guitar Hero and Wii Sports. Navigate a life-size Pac-Man maze, enjoy rooftop beats from DJ Hek Yeh, and enter a video game costume contest. Tickets ($20 advance, $25 door) include two drinks. Food truck onsite.

August 10  — Bethabara Park: Indigenous Peoples Celebration at Bethabara
 1:30–4:30 p.m. Historic Bethabara Park is an annual cultural celebration that delves into the connections between the Cherokee tribe and early Moravian settlers, presented by specialists from the Museum of the Cherokee. The event will also include hands on exhibits, artifacts, and displays from the Lam Museum of Anthropology and related tours around the parkgrounds. Admission is free. 

August 15 — Art Crush
7–10 p.m. Head to the Downtown Arts District for Art Crush, a free block party featuring live music, artists, street vendors, kids’ activities, and more. Events happen on the third Friday of each month and are centered around Sixth and Trade Streets. (Bonus: A few blocks away, Wise Man Brewing will also host its free Friday Night Market series featuring local makers, thrifters, and more.)

August 15 — Innovation & Cinema: School of Rock
The Innovation Quarter’s outdoor movie series continues with the hit 2003 hit comedy School of Rock (PG-13). Held at Bailey Park, this event is free and pet-friendly (leashes required). Food and drinks available starting at 7 p.m.; movie begins at sunset.

August 15 — End of Summer SoulJam at Robert Hall
8 p.m. Head to Robert Hall in downtown’s Industry Hill district for a high-energy concert to close out the summer. Enjoy food from Gianno’s, a full cash bar, and an electric night of live music from local superstars SoulJam. Tickets are $25 and include one drink.

August 16 — Park Yoga Series
10 a.m. Flow with the city skyline at Quarry Park with an all-levels vinyasa class led by VYB Studio, set to a live DJ spinning house and techno. Admission is free, but pre-registration is preferred. 

August 16 —  Honeybee Festival 2025
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Held on World Honey Bee Day, the annual Honeybee Festival brings more than 100 vendors, food trucks, and (of course) honey to Fourth of July Park in Kernersville. The event is free, but bee sure to bring money so you can shop around with all the vendors.

August 16 — Reynolda: Camel City: Tobacco & Transformation: 1875-1964
Reynolda’s new exhibition traces rise of RJ Reynolds Tobacco amid the company's 150th anniversary. Rare artifacts, historic imagess, bold advertising and fine art commissions reveal how RJR shaped Winston-Salem and influenced consumer culture worldwide. The exhibit runs thru Jan 4 and will be accompanied by special events, including Curator Talks on Aug 23 and Nov 15.

August 16 — Lewisville Music Under the Stars
7 p.m. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free evening concert in Lewisville's Shallowford Square during this summertime concert series. This month's headliner is Foreigner tribute band REV ON. Concessions will be available, and coolers are welcome, but pets and alcohol are not permitted. Admission is free.

August 16-23 — Winston-Salem Open 2025
All eyes in the tennis world will be on Winston-Salem when the 14th 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. 16). See all special events here.

August 17 — Book Fair for Grownups at Bookmarks
11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Relive the joy of school book fairs—this time with wine. Bookmarks transforms its store into a grown-up browsing experience with curated book displays, fun merch, and exclusive swag. Tickets are $15 and include a drink tickets, 10% off coupon, and other bookfair-themed swag. (NOTE: Bookmarks is closed to public during the event.)

August 23 — Art-o-Mat Swap Meet at NCMA Winston-Salem
11 a.m.–3 p.m. Celebrate nearly 30 years of Art-o-Mat—retired cigarette machines turned art dispensers—at this free, daylong event featuring 60+ Art-o-mat artists. Come meet the artists behind the movement and take home pocket-sized pieces of creativity. Visitors can shop original mini artworks, swap art blocks, and enjoy live music. Founded in Winston-Salem, Art-o-Mat has become a global phenomenon, with machines installed in museums worldwide. 

August 27 — Drinks @ Dusk at Reynolda
6–9 p.m. Sip, explore, and socialize during this after-hours 21+ event at Reynolda while getting an up-close look at the museum's new Camel City exhibit focused on the rise of Reynolds Tobacco. Enjoy live music, a scavenger hunt, and a food truck on site. Tickets are $30 and include two drink tickets, plus access to the exhibit, historic house, and all activities. 

August 29 — Book Launch with NYT Bestseller Sarah McCoy
6:30 p.m. Join Bookmarks at The Crest events center in downtown for a book-launch event with international bestseller (and Winston-Salem native) Sarah McCoy. She'll discuss her latest work, Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?—a thrilling true story centered on a young star of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Tickets are $35 and include a signed book, wine, and cake from To Your Health Bakery.

August 29 — Wake Forest football season opener
7 p.m. New Head Coach and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons begin their 2024 season with a primetime matchup at Allegacy Stadium against Kennesaw State. Tickets start at $15.

August 30 — Wild West Brewfest at Wise Man
4–10 p.m. Downtown’s award-winning brewery is transforming into a frontier-style party for its 2nd Annual Wild West Brewfest. Highlights include a mechanical bull, custom cowboy and trucker hat bar, multiple food trucks, and live music from the Zack Brock Band (7–10 p.m.). Come dressed in your best Western gear—boots, fringe, and belt buckles encouraged! Admission is free.

August 31 — Pour Tour du Jour at Graylyn
4–6 p.m. Take a guided butler tour of Graylyn’s historic Manor House. Ticket includes wine and appetizers in the library. $60 per person. 

August 31 — Carolina Wedding Show
12:00–4:00 p.m. Planning a wedding? This all-in-one event at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds brings together the region’s top vendors—from florals and fashion to music and photography. Enjoy a runway fashion show and get inspired. Tickets are $20, but FREE  in advance using promo code "Engaged." Visit the event site for full details.

Throughout the Month

NCMA Exhibit: Brandon Sadler: The Path of Totality 
6–8 p.m. This immersive new exhibition at NCMA Winston-Salem spotlights famed artist Brandon Salder, whose works blend calligraphy, mythology, and East Asian art traditions. The exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 27.  

Taste of Art at Sawtooth School
These popular one-night workshops let guests create art to take home. Classes are held every Friday in August, with several Saturday sessions also planned, all taught by local artists. Most classes are at the Sawtooth School downtown (251 N. Spruce St.), with some at the secondary studio at The Generations Center (114 W. 30th St.). Explore various mediums, including glass, ceramics, jewelry, and fibers. 

_____________________________________

August Concerts at The Ramkat
Downtown’s premier music venue hosts an impressive lineup of regional and national acts this June. Additional shows in the intimate Gas Hill Drinking Room include local favorite Tyler Nail (June 7), among others. Mainstage highlights are below. See the full list of performers and purchase tickets on the Ramkat website here.

• Aug 03 - Grammy-winning Western swing masters Asleep at the Wheel

• Aug 09 -  Grateful Dead tribute legends Cosmic Charlie 

• Aug 16 - Tom Petty tribute band Somewhat Petty 

• Aug 21 - Virtuosic bluegrass guitarist Molly Tuttle 

• Aug 22 - Legendary gospel-soul icon Mavis Staples

• Aug 28 - Gritty Americana rock duo Shovels & Rope 

_____________________________________

CoalPit concerts at Incendiary
6 p.m. Incendiary Brewing in downtown hosts free outdoor concerts throughout the month on select Thursday and Saturday evenings along with a variety of events. Things kick off this month with a Vintage Night Market (Aug 1, 5 p.m.). Here's a look at some highlights this month. Check Incendiary's calendar for the latest updates:

• Aug 07 (Thu): Camel City Blues

• Aug 09 (Sat): Bre Kennedy (CoalPit Live)

• Aug 14 (Thu): Hinge Theory

• Aug 23 (Sat): Dr Bacon (CoalPit Live)

_____________________________________

Music Carolina SummerFest
Multiple vibrant concerts unfold across Winston‑Salem venues this month as part of the annual Music Carolina Summerfest, featuring over 60 artists in diverse music and performing arts programs. The event, which runs from now through early September, features some of the most talented musicians and creative forces in the Carolinas, playing everything from big band standards to salsa to Disney classics. Start times and ticket prices vary by concert. Below are a few August highlights:

• Aug 03: Jazz Classique @ Salem College's Shirley Recital Hall (link to event)

• Aug 09: Part Of Your World: Songs of Disney (w/ Martha Bassett) @ Shirley Recital Hall (link)

• Aug 15: Jazz, Poetry & Wine @ Acadia Foods (link)

• Aug 17: Cuban Grooves, Jazz and Blues @ Piedmont Music Center (link)

• Aug 17: International Dance + Hot Jazz @ the Intergeneration Center (link)

• Aug 31: Martha Bassett's Quinteto Brasil @ Milton Rhodes Center (link)
 

_____________________________________

Bowman Gray Racing (Saturday nights)
The 77th season of racing at NASCAR’s legendary “Madhouse” wraps up this month with four Saturday night races. 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. You can find more tips on attending a race in our Bowman Gray Insider Guide here. Here are the August dates and a few nightly highlights:

• Aug 2: 100-lap Modified + Stadium, Street Stock, and Sportsman races

• Aug 9: Twin 50-lap Modified + Stadium, Street Stock, and Sportsman races

• Aug 16: $2 Ladies Night - Racing in all four divisions + Skid Race

• Aug 23: Season Finale: 100-lap Modified, 40-lap Sportsman

_____________________________________

Winston-Salem Dash Baseball  (Aug 1-3, Aug 12-24)
Catch the hometown Dash this month as the team has 15 home games at award-winning Truist Stadium. Game day promotions in August include Postgame Fireworks every Friday and Saturday (Aug 1-2, 15-16, 22-23), and Pups in the Park/Thirsty Thursdays (Aug 14, 21). Tickets start at $10-$14. You can see all promos and special theme games on the Dash website. August highlights include:

• Aug 14 - 90s Country Night + Thirsty Thursday & Pups at the Park

• Aug 16 - Dinos at the Dash + Postgame Fireworks

• Aug 19 - Book Lovers Night + Pint Glass Tuesday

• Aug 21 - "Third Wheel" special (Buy 2 tickets, get the third FREE) + Thirsty Thursday

• Aug 23 - Harry Potter Night, presented by UNCSA + Postgame Fireworks

• Aug 24 - Bolts' Birthday + Sunday Funday

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