The Clash Fan Guide: What To See & Do
Need some help planning a weekend trip to Winston-Salem? Here’s some ideas of what to see and do during Clash weekend.
Winston-Salem will host its first NASCAR race in more than a half-century when The Clash comes to legendary Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. The exhibition race is serving as the kickoff to NASCAR’s 2025 season ahead of the Daytona 500 and will broadcast live on FOX. Sunday’s race is part of a weekend-long celebration that also includes racing and fan events on Saturday, Feb. 1.
But attending The Clash is only part of the fun if you’re looking for an ideal race weekend in Winston-Salem. Check our events calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. If you need help mapping out an itinerary, here are a few of our top picks.
Head Downtown
Named a Top 10 downtown by Forbes, our center city is home to over 120 shops, bars, and restaurants.
Looking for some retail therapy? Check out unique shops such as Mast General Store, Bookmarks Bookstore, and Design Archives Emporium (all open on Sunday).
Interested in local libations? Plan a DIY Craft Draft Crawl and visit eight breweries (and two distilleries) that call downtown home.
Want a quick history lesson? Book a guided 2-hour segway or e-bike tour with Triad Eco Adventures. Downtown is also home to several barcade-style pubs where you can get in on the fun. This includes ROAR, a four-story entertainment mecca with duckpin bowling, golf simulators, mini-golf, an arcade, and multiple self-serve beer walls. If live music is your jam, you'll find plenty of places to rock out in Winston-Salem. Check out our Live Music Guide for the best spots to see show.
Get Your Game On
The Clash isn’t the only sporting event happening in Winston-Salem over the weekend.
College basketball fans can cheer on our hometown ACC school, the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons, as they battle against conference foe Pitt (the Pittsburgh Panthers). The game is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Feb. 1, at LJVM Coliseum with tickets starting at $20.
Later in the day, our hometown professional hockey team, the Carolina Thunderbirds, face off against the Blue Ridge Bobcats at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex (next door to LJVM Coliseum). The puck drops at 7 p.m., with tickets starting at $12. If you’re looking for affordable family fun, this is it!
Visit Auto-themed Attractions
Winston-Salem's racing heritage is reflected in a number of nearby attractions and distilleries.
For auto enthusiasts, a visit to the Kernersville Auto Museum is a must. This impressive collection showcases a variety of historic and race cars, including NASCAR legends. Just a short drive away in Welcome, NC, the RCR Museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing with a mix of exhibits, iconic cars, memorabilia, and more.
While in the area, wine lovers can explore Childress Vineyards, owned by NASCAR legend (and Winston-Salem native) Richard Childress, and sample award-winning wines. To tap into the region's moonshine heritage, visit local distilleries like Broad Branch Distillery in the Downtown Arts District, Sutler's Spirit Co in Winston-Salem’s West End neighborhood, and Old Nick William's Co. in neighboring town Lewisville, NC.
Where to Stay
With more than 5,500 hotel rooms in town, you’ll find plenty of lodging options close to Bowman Gray Stadium.
Explore all the lodging options by visiting the Places to Stay section of our website. If you aren’t sure where to start, downtown is always a safe bet. You’ll be in the heart of the city’s dining and nightlife scene and only a mile from the stadium with over a dozen lodging options to choose from — everything from cozy B&Bs to historic inns to well-known hotel brands.
Where to Eat & Drink
Sample the rich flavors of our local dining scene.
Chances are you'll be looking for something quick, casual, and delicious when it comes to dining. Luckily, there are dozens of great local spots to choose from within a few miles of the racing event. Check out our Food & Drink Guide for the best places to eat, stock up, and celebrate.
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