July 2026 Can't-Miss Events

Fourth of July Events

From parades and concerts to fireworks and family fun, here’s a quick look at some of the area’s top Independence Day festivities. 

July 1-5
The Dash America 250 Week. Gates at 6 p.m., games at 7 p.m. The city's hometown team are going all-in for July 4th with a week of patriotic salutes, family fun, themed jerseys, and post-game fireworks at Truist Stadium. Tickets start at $14. Highlights include:

►July 2 | Boston Tea Party Night – Live reenactors, themed entertainment, and postgame fireworks.

►July 3 | Americana Night – A nostalgic salute featuring retro-inspired entertainment and fireworks.

►July 4 | 250th Celebration – The main event, featuring a pregame flyover and the city's official fireworks show.

July 2–5
1776: The Musical. Presented by Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance, this Broadway hit takes a witty, humanizing look at America's founding fathers. Showtimes vary by day. Where: Theatre Alliance, 50 W. Sixth St. Cost: $23–$25.

July 4
Kernersville July 4th Parade. 9 a.m. Kernersville kicks off its July 4th celebration early with a morning parade through downtown. Expect marching bands, festive floats, and plenty of candy for the kids. Bring your chairs and claim a viewing spot along the route (first come, first serve). Where: E. Mountain and Broad Street. Cost: FREE.

July 4
America's Birthday Bash. Kaleideum, downtown's hands-on learning museum, celebrates America's 250th birthday with patriotic crafts, sensory-friendly fireworks in the Digital Dome, and the crowd-favorite Red, White & Bike scooter and bike parade through Liberty Plaza. There will also be hands-on art activities, drone demos, and more. Cost: Included with admission ($12); free for members.

July 4
Independence Day in Old Salem. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrate America's 250th anniversary where North Carolina held its first recorded Independence Day celebration. The day features hands-on activities, live music, guided tours, scavenger hunts, historic trades demonstrations, and multiple readings of the Declaration of Independence  Cost: Included with Old Salem admission.

July 4
Salem Band Stars & Stripes Concert. 7:30 p.m. Cap off the holiday with a free outdoor concert in Old Salem as the Salem Band—the nation's oldest continuous mixed-wind ensemble—performs patriotic favorites and two world-premiere works commissioned for America 250. Pre-concert jazz begins at 6:45 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Where: Salem Square in Old Salem. Cost: FREE.

July 4
Kernersville Concert & Fireworks. Gates at 5 p.m. Live music, food trucks, and fireworks highlight this annual celebration in nearby Kernersville. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in—fireworks launch around 9 p.m. No pets, alcohol, or sparklers allowed. Where: Kernersville Elementary. Cost: FREE.

July 5
America 250 Concert: Stars & Stripes at Sunset. 7:30 p.m. The Piedmont Wind Symphony celebrates America 250 with a free outdoor concert Sunday evening in the Coal Pit, adjacent to Incendiary Brewing. The evening features patriotic favorites, iconic American music, and crowd-pleasing pops selections, beginning with a pre-concert by the PWS Brass Quintet and followed by a full symphony performance at 8:30. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a summer evening under the stars. Cost: FREE.

July 9
Sunset Salutations – Community Yoga. 6 p.m. Led by 2B Yoga, these free outdoor classes bring yogis of all skill levels to downtown's Innovation Quarter. Bring a mat, water, and comfortable clothing. Physical activity waivers are required and can be signed before class. Where: Bailey Park (downtown). Cost: Free.

July 10
Lyrics by the Lake. 7–10 p.m. This popular spoken-word and music series returns for Season 6, moving indoors while keeping its signature energy and vibe. Hosted by LB the Poet, the evening features poetry, live music, regional artists, and local vendors. Where: Hanesbrands Theatre. Cost: $30.

July 10–26
Shear Madness. Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance brings America's favorite comedic whodunit to the stage, where the audience helps crack the case—meaning no two performances end the same way. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. (Thu.–Sat.) and matinees at 2 p.m. (Sun.). Where: Theatre Alliance, 50 W. Sixth St. Cost: $23–$25.

July 11
2nd Saturday: Bold Shapes & Bright Colors. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Get creative at this free, family-friendly artmaking event hosted by NC Museum of Art-Winston-Salem (NCMA). Inspired by abstract expressionism, participants can use paint and graffiti markers to create bold, colorful works of their own. No experience needed; all materials are provided. The event coincides with the opening of Unboxed: Art Beyond the Museum, the first exhibit in NCMA's new downtown gallery. Where: Winston Square Park. Cost: Free.

July 11
Latin Dancing Nights at AFAS. 7–11 p.m. Hosted monthly, this lively Latin dance social begins with an hour-long salsa lesson led by SonCaribe Latin Dance at 7 p.m., followed by open dancing from 8–11 p.m. Enjoy a mix of salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba, and more. All ages are welcome, and no partner or prior dance experience is required. Where: AFAS Gallery, corner of 7th and Liberty St. in downtown. Cost: $10, which includes both the lesson and social.

July 11
Summer on Fourth concert. 6–10 p.m. Fourth Street transforms into a lively street party as local favorite West End Mambo brings its mix of classic salsa and Latin jazz to downtown. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand, and lawn chairs are welcome. Where: Fourth Street in front of Foothills Brewpub. Cost: Free.

July 11
Kaleideum After Dark: Boots & Brews. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Held monthly, these themed 21+ parties at Kaliedeum are designed more adults. Enjoy a country-inspired night of dancing, creativity, and live music from Kelley ^ the Cowboys. There will be line-dancing lessons, country karaoke in the Digital Dome, brew-themed keychain-making in the Try It Studio, and more. Admission includes two drink tickets for beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Cost: $20 advance; $25 at the door. 

July 11 & 25
Lewisville Live. Shallowford Square in Lewisville transforms into an open-air concert venue during this summertime music series. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy food trucks, drinks, dancing, and live music under the stars. This month's concerts include Camel City Yacht Club (July 11) and the Crystal Aria Band (July 25). Cost: Free.

July 16–18
Terpsicorps Presents AscenDANCE. 7:30 p.m. The acclaimed summer contemporary ballet company returns with an evening of world-class dance, highlighted by a new world premiere from Heather Maloy alongside revivals of Salvatore Aiello's beloved Clowns and Others and Maloy's HUNGER, presented in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. Where: Hanesbrands Theatre. Cost: Tickets start at $45.

July 17
Art Crush. 7–10 p.m. Head to the Downtown Arts District for this lively block party featuring 35+ artists, live music, street vendors, kids activities, and more. Where: Focused around the corner of Sixth and Trade Street. Cost: Free.

July 17
Innovation & Cinema: Back to the Future. 7–10:30 p.m. Downtown's outdoor movie series continues with the 1985 sci-fi classic starring Michael J. Fox as time-traveling teen Marty McFly. 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. Where: Bailey Park. Cost: Free.

July 18
The Big Chill. 1–4 p.m. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at The Shalom Project's signature summer fundraiser. More than a dozen community teams compete for bragging rights with homemade ice cream creations, while celebrity judges and a People's Choice vote determine the winners. The event also features live music, food trucks, face painting, and the crowd-favorite "cold callers" perched atop blocks of ice. Where: Knollwood Baptist. Cost: Free; donations benefit The Shalom Project.

July 18
Beat the Heat 5K. 6–9 p.m. This popular evening race welcomes runners of all abilities. Events include a 1-Mile Fun Run (6 p.m.), Beat the Heat 5K (6:30), and the new Elite 5K (7:45), part of the RRCA Championship Event Series. Enjoy post-race food and beer, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. Sponsored by Cook Medical. Where: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Cost: Registration required.

July 24
Downtown Jazz. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Corpening Plaza transforms into an open-air concert venue for this popular summer music series. This month's featured performer is Billboard-charting saxophonist and composer Dee Lucas. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live jazz alongside local food and beverage vendors. Outside food and small coolers are permitted. Cost: Free.

July 25
HuffJam 2026: National BMX Contest. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. The Ramkat hosts this annual BMX competition featuring riders from around the world competing for points and prizes. The family-friendly event also includes live DJs, food vendors, beverages, and plenty of high-flying action. Where: The Ramkat, 170 W Ninth St. Cost: Free for spectators.

July 25
The Shift. 5–8 p.m. Held in the heart of downtown, this immersive experience honors the city's rich Black history through visual art, cultural storytelling, and interactive installations. Set to a high-energy DJ soundtrack, The Shift invites guests to learn, reflect, connect, and celebrate the lasting impact of Black voices in our community. Where: Merschel Park. Cost: Free.

July 26
Tour Pour 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.

July 27–Aug. 1
International Black Theatre Festival. The world's largest celebration of Black theatre, arts, and culture returns. Expect more than 100 stage productions alongside workshops, staged readings, film screenings, concerts, cultural tours, shopping vendors, and marquee special events. It's held at various downtown locations; centered around Benton Convention Center, Hanesbrands Theatre, and the Downtown Marriott. Shows range $30–$65, though many events are free. For more on the festival, check out our IBTF Preview.

July 30 
Bookmarks Presents Colson Whitehead 7 p.m. The two-time Pulitzer Prize winner discusses Cool Machine, the final book in his Harlem Trilogy, in a solo talk followed by a Q&A. Presented with support from the Wake Forest Center for Literacy Education. Where: First Baptist Church, 501 W. Fifth St. Cost: $35 for one (includes a pre-signed copy) or $45 for two.

July 31–Aug. 1
Old School Block Party. 7–11:30 p.m. Enjoy two nights of classic R&B, jazz, and funk in the heart of downtown along with food trucks, free trolleys, vendors, and more. Friday features The Mobb, while Saturday brings funk-soul legends The Bar-Kays and The O.S.P. Band. The event is hosted by comedian Tyrone Davis and held in conjunction with IBTF. Where: Corpening Plaza, corner of First and Liberty. Cost: Free.

Throughout the Month

World Cup Watch Parties at Small Batch. (through July 19.) Downtown's go-to soccer bar is showing every 2026 World Cup match right through the final on July 19, with team-flavored shots, match-day drink specials, and giveaways for each game. They're also selling their own Small Batch USA jerseys. Where: Small Batch Beer Company, corner of Fifth and Cherry Street. Cost: Free.

Reynolda Exhibit – Layered Looking (through July 19.) Don't miss your final chance to experience Reynolda's immersive exhibition, Layered Looking: Making Sense of Art, which is on display until July 19. Through sound, touch, movement, and hands-on exploration, the exhibit offers a fresh way to engage with works from Reynolda's permanent collection. NOTE: Much of Reynolda House is closed for renovations through August. Cost: Included with museum admission.

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. Cost: Free.

Taste of Art at Sawtooth School (Fridays + various days). 6–8 p.m. These popular one-night workshops invite guests to explore mediums such as glass, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and fibers. Led by local artists, each class includes hands-on instruction and the opportunity to create artwork to take home. Where: Sawtooth School; additional classes at The Generations Center (114 W. 30th St.). Cost: Classes start at $45 and includes materials.

Winston-Salem Dash Baseball. (Various dates). Catch the hometown Dash at award-winning Truist Stadium during three homestands this month: July 1-5, 18-20, 29-31. Enjoy weekly promotions include Pups in the Park/Thirsty Thursday (July) and post-game fireworks every Friday and Saturday. See all promos and theme games on the Dash website. For the best ways to enjoy a Dash game, check out our Dash Insider Guide  Cost: Tickets start at $14. 

Bowman Gray Racing (Saturdays). The 77th season of racing at NASCAR’s legendary “Madhouse” continues every Saturday night in June, with four divisional races: street stock, stadium stock, sportsman, and modified. Gates open at 6 p.m. with races starting at 8. Cost: $12 adults, $2 children (6–11), free for kids 5 and under.  June highlights include:

►July 11: 100 Lap Modified race; double-points night for all racing divisions (Modified, Sportsman, Stadium, Street Stock)

►July 18: Night of Destruction; Monster Trucks; Demolition Derby; divisional races. 

►July 25: 100-lap Sportsman race; Twin 25-lap Modified race; Stadium and Street Stock races.

Wanna see more events happening in July and beyond?  Check out our online Events Calendar.