International Black Theatre Festival 

• Dates – July 27–Aug 1
• Place – Various venues across W-S

Known as the “Black Theatre Holy Ground,” this biennial festival transforms the city into a global stage. Hosted by the NC Black Repertory Company, IBTF continues the Marvtastic legacy of founder Larry Leon Hamlin, drawing more than 60,000 visitors for over 100 performances. The celebration extends beyond the stage with star-studded galas, heritage tours, film screenings, youth showcases, poetry jams, and the popular International Vendor Market. Ticket prices vary by performance ($10–$50), though many community events are free to attend.

• Bonus Event: Don't miss the Old School Block Party at Corpening Plaza, a free, multi-night celebration featuring live bands, local vendors, and family fun—serving as IBTF’s premier community gathering. Dates for the 2026 event are TBD.

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Juneteenth Festival

• Dates – Saturday, June 20
• Place – Innovation Quarter (Bailey Park)

One of the South's largest Juneteenth celebrations, this annual event is a cornerstone of regional heritage. Hosted by Triad Cultural Arts, the festival fills Innovation Quarter with live music, dance, and a bustling marketplace of fashion, jewelry, crafts, and other cultural treasures. Browse the Culinary Court food truck row for authentic local flavors, and if you’ve got little ones, head to Kid’s Kingdom for hands-on crafts, interactive games, and literary activities. Events take place in Bailey Park and inside adjacent BioTech Place. Admission is free.

• Bonus Event: African Queens Concert (June 18). Juneteenth celebrations get underway on Thursday at downtown’s First Baptist Church with a powerful new performance. Created by Karen Slack, the show honors seven remarkable queens through spirituals and contemporary works by leading Black composers. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Get more details here.
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• Bonus Event: Kernersville Juneteenth Celebration (June 19). The celebration continues Friday with this annual event in Kernersville's Harmon Park. Co-hosted by Triad Cultural Arts, the free gathering features live music and food trucks, culminating in fireworks and a drone show.

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WSSU "Forever Red" Homecoming

• Dates – Nov. 1–7, 2026 (Nov 7 is gameday)
• Place – WSSU Campus + downtown

Homecoming at Winston-Salem State University is much more than a football game; it’s a cultural family reunion. The week features storied traditions like the Lighting of the Sign, a high-stepping community parade, and the legendary Red Sea of Sound marching band. It is the ultimate showcase of HBCU pride and a must-experience event for anyone wanting to feel the city’s energy. While many homecoming-related events are free, tickets are required for concerts and the game.

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More Annual Events to Know

Freedom Day: Griot Gathering

• Dates – May 22 (6–8:30 p.m.)
• Place – The CMPND (231 W. Fourth St.)

Hosted by Triad Cultural Arts, this soulful, intergenerational celebration focuses on the power of storytelling to preserve Black culture and heritage. Held at The CMPND (pronounced Compound), the event features film screenings, live performances, and dramatic readings. Attendees can bring their favorite vinyl records for an interactive experience that includes professional family portraits and a community art project. Admission is free.

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1Love Festival

• Dates – June 25–27
• Place – The Ramkat & Wake Forest

This annual multi-day celebration blends creativity, wellness, and entrepreneurship. By day, the Re-Storying Institute at WFU offers immersive seminars on storytelling and collective care. By night, 1Love shifts to The Ramkat with high-energy performances from world-class musicians, DJs, and poets. Ticket prices vary.

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Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration

• Dates – Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
• Place – Various community venues

For over 35 years, Triad Cultural Arts has coordinated this free, week-long celebration of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles). Rotating across sites like the Delta Arts Center, the event features drumming, dance, and storytelling, providing a powerful, intergenerational bookend to the year.

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African-American Festival of Arts & Culture

• Dates – February (2027 date TBD)
• Place – The Generations Center (114 30th St.)

The newest annual event on our list, the festival launched in 2026 at the Intergenerational Center for Arts & Wellness (known locally as the Generations Center). It has quickly become a highlight of the city's Black History Month calendar, featuring a curated indoor marketplace, live music, dance, and soul-food favorites—all celebrating the depth of Black history and creativity. Admission is free.

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Recurring & Monthly Events

Lyrics by the Lake

• Dates – May 15, June 19, July 10, Aug 14 | 6–9 p.m.
• Place – Hanesbrands Theatre
• Costs – $20 (typically)

Now in its sixth year, this premier community arts series has moved indoors for a more intimate "family reunion" vibe. Hosted by LB the Poet and Mr. P.E.T.T.Y., each show features live poetry, soul music, and a "Black Market" showcasing local vendors.

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Funny First Friday at Simply Sonya’s

• Dates – First Friday of every month | 8 p.m.
• Place – Simply Sonya’s Restaurant & Lounge

Curated by famed comedian Michael Colyar, these nights bring top-tier comedy to a social, soulful setting. During the show, guests can enjoy favorite offerings from Simply Sonya’s menu, including chicken wings, fried fish, and burgers. Beyond the laughs, the restaurant also hosts Thursday Open Mics and Sunday Jazz Brunches weekly. See their website for the full menu and upcoming events. website. Tickets required; costs vary.

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Soul Sessions W-S

• Dates – Monthly (dates vary)
• Place – Rotating venues like Radar Brewing and The CMPND

Soul Sessions offers a behind-the-scenes look at the contemporary R&B and Neo-soul scene. These live-recorded sessions feature intimate performances followed by artist interviews, giving you a chance to connect deeply with the Triad's rising stars. Sessions typically rotate between two downtown venues, Radar Brewing and The CMPND. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

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History Tours & Cultural Sites

 

Heritage Tours (Triad Cultural Arts)

TCA offers the city’s most comprehensive deep dive into Black legacy through trolley, bus, and walking tours. These immersive journeys visit celebrated landmarks such as St. Philips Heritage Site and the historic Happy Hill neighborhood, offering a powerful look at life through the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras. Tours are available year-round by request. 

• TCA also operates the Shotgun House Legacy Site, a restored early 20th-century home that brings to life the lived experiences of the early 1900s. Located in Happy Hill—the city’s first Black neighborhood—the site offers group tours by appointment, with an optional neighborhood walking tour add-on available. 

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Black History Walking Tour 

Led by Triangle Walking Tours, these hour-long walking tours walking tour that explores the stories, landmarks, and contributions of African Americans who shaped the city. The mile-long route focuses on historic Depot Street and surrounding downtown areas, highlighting the people and places that played a central role in cultural and civic life. Tours are held year-round on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Custom and private tours are also available by request.

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Diggs Gallery at WSSU

Keep an eye on the official reopening of Diggs Gallery, located on the Winston-Salem State University campus. Diggs features one of the largest exhibit spaces for African Diaspora art in the South and was ranked one of the top 10 African-American galleries in the country in recent years. After undergoing a comprehensive redesign and refocus in recent years, the gallery is set to reopen in 2026. Admission is free to the public; check here for updated reopening details.  

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Delta Arts Center

Since its founding in 1972, the Delta Arts Center has served as a vital cornerstone for the celebration of African American artistry. Its latest exhibit, Black by Design, centers the foundational influence of Black graphic designers and is on display through June 27. It’s just one highlight in a year-round rotation of juried invitationals and photography series. Be sure to check their calendar for artist talks and community receptions. Private tours can be arranged outside of standard operating hours. Admission is free.

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Explore More in Winston-Salem

This is just a sampling of some essential Black cultural events in Winston-Salem. For the most up-to-date listings, check our Events Calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

Want to dive deeper into the city's African American legacy? Learn more about over two dozen Notable Black Figures who called Winston-Salem home—from history-makers to Hollywood stars. And if you're looking for a bite to eat, check out our curated guide to some of Winston-Salem’s top Black-Owned Restaurants.