Live from the CoalPit at Incendiary Brewing

There’s nothing quite like a summer night in downtown Winston-Salem—especially when it includes live music echoing between historic smokestacks, kids zooming by on scooters, and a cold craft beer in hand. That’s the CoalPit experience.

Back for another season starting in early May, live music at the CoalPit offers free outdoor concerts multiple nights a week from May to October. Located behind Incendiary Brewing in the Innovation Quarter, the CoalPit is a dynamic concrete courtyard that once stored coal to power the old Bailey Power Plant. Today, it’s a vibrant gathering spot, pulsing with music, community, and the unmistakable energy of Winston-Salem.

According to Ray Boden, managing partner of the Coalpit Live Series, the setting is as memorable as the music. With its industrial backdrop, wide-open gathering space, and family-friendly vibe, the CoalPit has become a warm-weather hangout like no other. 

“The Coalpit doesn't exist anywhere else. There's no spot like that concrete bowl. It’s Winston-Salem’s free-admission amphitheater.” 

It’s not uncommon to see kids dancing up front, couples sharing a pizza from Cugino Forno, or friends raising a glass of Incendiary’s signature brews. Just snag a picnic table and settle in for the show.

“Even when we don’t have a concert, people love coming to the CoalPit,” says Chris Straus, brewery manager at Incendiary Brewing. “It’s a cool place to hang out, meet friends, or bring the kids.”

And while the concerts are the main draw, the CoalPit hums year-round with creative energy. It hosts pop-up art shows, the Winston Vintage Market, and other events that bring the community together in true Winston-Salem fashion.

But music is what the venue has become known for since opening in 2018. Incendiary hosts two signature series in the warmer months: a Weekly Music series and the Coalpit Live series. Both shows are 100% free to attend, offering slightly distinct experiences. Here's what to know about each:

• Weekly Music Series: Local bands, solo artists, and ensembles perform free concerts inside the CoalPit every Thursday—and select Fridays—from May through late October. The lineup ranges from blues and acoustic acts to country favorites and even the Piedmont Wind Symphony. Unlike CoalPit Live, there’s no formal stage or lighting setup, but the talent and energy are always top-notch.

• CoalPit Live: Held on Saturdays throughout the summer, Incendiary’s signature concert series showcases some of the region’s most popular bands. Coalpit Live is essentially an amped-up version of the brewery's Weekly Music series, featuring a full stage, professional lighting, sound crews, and a big-show atmosphere. The series typically culminates with Incendiary’s annual anniversary party at the end of summer, featuring a national headliner. (Past headliners have included the Gin Blossoms and Fuel, among others.)

Below is a comprehensive list of all concerts scheduled at the CoalPit through October, including both the Weekly Music Series (Thursdays) and CoalPit Live shows (Saturdays). All concerts begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted:

• May 22: Tyler Millard
• May 29: Wyndy Trail Travelers
• May 31: CoalPitLive - Ashes and Arrows
• June 5: Crystal Fountains Trio
• June 12: Triosion
• June 14: CoalPitLive - Voice of Herald
• June 19: Piedmont Wind Symphony
• June 20: Jacoozy *Friday show
• June 21: CoalPitLive - Symphony Unbound
• June 26: Usual Suspects
• July 12: CoalPitLive - The Cold Stares
• July 17: Tupelo Crush
• July 24: Anna Mertson
• July 26: CoalPitLive - Georgia Thunderbolts
• July 31: Ears to the Ground
• August 7: Camel City Blues
• August 9: CoalPitLive - TBA
• August 14: Hinge Theory
• August 21: Wyndy Trail Travelers
• August 23: CoalPitLive - The Tan and Sober Gentleman
• August 28: Triosion
• August 29: Craig Vaughn Band *Friday show
• August 30: CoalPitLive - 7th Anniversary Party
• September 4: Wafer Thin/ GoryanGo
• September 11: The Jim Mayberry Band
• September 18: Luke Mears Trio
• September 25: Tupelo Crush
• October 2: Camel City Blues
• October 9: Men in Black
• October 16: Sam Robinson & Bryan Bogenberger
• October 23: Ears to the Ground (final show of 2025)

For more details, visit Incendiary Brewing's website.