Named a Top 10 downtown by Forbes, our center city is home to over 120 shops, bars, and restaurants, meaning there's something for everyone. You could start with some retail therapy at favorite local shops such as Mast General Store, Bookmarks Bookstore, and Design Archives (all open on Sunday).

Interested in local libations? Plan a DIY Craft Draft Crawl and visit eight breweries (and two distilleries) that call the greater downtown area home. Many of the breweries are great venues for watching sports, including Foothills, Wise Man, Small Batch, and Fiddlin' Fish. 

If live music is your jam, you'll find plenty of places to rock out in downtown—including The Ramkat, the city's best-known music venue. On Friday, Jan. 30, Ramkat is hosting Nashville Nights, one of the world's top 90s-country tribute bands, with tickets starting at $25. (Get more show details here.)  But the Ramkat isn't the only place to see a great show, as dozens of downtown venues regularly have live music on the weekends. Check out our Live Music Guide for some favorite options.

Looking for something fun and family-friendly? You'll find several barcade-style pubs where you can get in on the fun. This includes Camel City BBQ Factory, a multi-level downtown eatery offering a full bar, top-level arcade, classic tabletop games, and more. There's also ROAR, a four-story complex with a 50-game arcade, duckpin bowling, indoor mini-golf, and self-serve beer walls. For the 21+ crowd, check out Dive Bar, a lively arcade bar with dozens of games, pool tables, skeeball, and Guitar Hero.

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 Demon Deacons, as they battle in-state rival NC State University at Joel Coliseum. Wake vs. NC State tips off at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, with tickets starting at $50. 

Meanwhile, the Winston-Salem State University also has a home game at their on-campus gym—the always-raucous C.E. Gaines Center—just steps away from Bowman Gray. The Rams will battle CIAA foe Livingstone College on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 3:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $10. 

Our region's racing heritage extends far beyond Bowman Gray Stadium, giving visiting fans plenty of other auto-themed things to do. 

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. It's located 20 minutes south of downtown in the town of Lexington, NC, best known for its legendary Lexington-style barbecue (an absolute must try.)

If you're looking for something a bit stronger, you can tap into our region's moonshine heritage, visit local distilleries like Broad Branch Distillery in the Downtown Arts District or Old Nick William's Co. in neighboring town Lewisville, NC.

Want to explore a different side of Winston-Salem? From foodie tours to ghost walks to bike rides, there are plenty of ways to explore the city.

If you're up for something active, book a guided 2-hour segway or e-bike tour with Triad Eco Adventures (pictured above). Cruise along downtown streets and scenic trails as you uncover hidden gems and local history. With daily departures, private group options, and friendly local guides, this is outdoor exploring made easy—and way more fun.  

For something a bit darker, you can tag along on a Winston-Salem True Crime Tour.  These 2-hour walking tours dive into local lore — from mysterious murders to infamous cults and more. If you have a free night, and you aren't afraid of ghost, Carolina History & Haunts leads nightly ghost tours through the haunted West End, where legends linger on every corner. 

Race weekend in Winston-Salem is about far more than what happens under the lights at Bowman Gray. Throughout the weekend, you can tap into a full slate of events across the city from concerts to cruise-ins to fan fests and more. Here's a quick look at some of the weekend highlights away from the track:

• NASCAR Trivia at Fiddlin' Fish (Thursday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.)  Clash weekend kicks off with race-themed trivia, $5 select pints, food trucks, and prizes for winning teams, including race tickets. Fans are encouraged to wear old-school race-day gear for additional prizes.

• Clash Fan Preview (Friday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) This ticketed event at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds offers up-close access to NASCAR. See Cup Series cars, meet current and legendary drivers, enjoy interactive features, racing simulators, hauler tours, and more.

• Clash Hauler Parade (Friday, Jan. 30, 2:30 p.m.) Dozens of NASCAR team haulers will travel in unison along downtown's Research Parkway on the way to Bowman Gray. Fans are encouraged to be in place by 2 p.m. View parade route here.

• FanFare on Fourth (Friday, Jan 30, 3:30–5 p.m.)  Downtown’s Merschel Park hosts this free, family-friendly festival featuring NASCAR displays, driver appearances, race simulators, kids’ activities, vendor booths, music, and more.

• Coffee + Cars (Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.) This NASCAR-sponsored car show is free and open to all. Enjoy classic and custom vehicles, food trucks, a live DJ, driver appearances, and more; at the corner of Fifth and Main streets downtown. 

For other events happening around the city that weekend, check out our online Event Calendar. 

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.

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 Clash Food & Drink Guide for the best places to eat, stock up, and celebrate.