Can't-Miss November Events

Fall fun meets early holiday magic in Winston-Salem this November. Enjoy a full lineup of festivals, concerts, art events, and big-time sports—plus a few bright ways to kick off the season. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for local favorites, you’ll find memorable moments waiting around every corner. Jump straight to ongoing, month-long events here.

Nov. 1 — Piedmont Wind Symphony: Lord of the Rings
7:30 p.m. Journey through Middle-earth with Johan de Meij’s groundbreaking 1988 masterpiece inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic at Brendle Recital Hall (WFU campus). Tickets start at $29.

Nov. 2 — Angelo’s Artisan Holiday Market
12–5 p.m. Kick off the holidays with dozens of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, and festive cheer. Held outside Wise Man Brewing in downtown’s Industry Hill district. Admission is free.

Nov. 3 — WFU Men’s Basketball Home Opener
8 p.m. The Demon Deacons open their 2025 season vs. American University at Joel Coliseum. Additional home games this month include Morehead State (Nov. 7), UMass Lowell (Nov. 16), Campbell (Nov. 25), and Northeastern (Nov. 28). Most game times TBD.

Nov. 5 — Reynolda House: Drinks at Dusk (21+)
6–8 p.m. After sunset, enjoy music, drinks, and art. Explore Camel City: Tobacco & Transformation, tour the Historic House, and try a scavenger hunt for prizes. Tickets include two drink tickets (beer, wine, cocktails, or soft drinks).

Nov. 7 — Wicked Movie Night at Truist Stadium
6 p.m. A special free screening of the 2024 hit Wicked, weeks before the sequel’s release. For every attendee, $1 benefits the WSFCS “All In For Our Schools” campaign. Concessions available for purchase.

Nov. 7-8, 15, 21-22 — Twin City Thunderbirds Hockey
Winston-Salem’s hometown team plays five home games this month at the Fairgrounds Annex. Games start at 7:30 p.m. (Fri) and 6 p.m. (Sat). Tickets start at $20.

Nov. 7-9, 13-16, 20-23 — Little Theatre: Sister Act
The feel-good musical comedy inspired by the 1992 film, presented at Hanesbrands Theatre (251 N. Spruce St.). Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. (Fri–Sat) and 2 p.m. (Sun). Tickets start at $17.

Nov. 8 — NCMA 2nd Saturday: Family Art
11 a.m.–2 p.m. Enjoy free, family-friendly workshops inspired by current exhibitions. This month: bold paper patterns inspired by We Belong Here: The Gutierrez Collection.
  • Earlier that morning: NCMA hosts its final Cars & Coffee of 2025, 9 a.m.–noon in the museum lot. Free museum admission all day.

Nov. 8 — Ardmore Art Walk 2025
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Stroll one of Winston-Salem’s most charming neighborhoods during this juried art walk featuring local artists, live music, and food trucks. Handmade works across diverse media; all artists have personal ties to Ardmore.

Nov. 8 — Kaleideum After Dark: Friendsgiving 
6:30–9:30 p.m. Kaleideum's monthly 21+ night will be guided by local troupe Spring Theatre this month, with improv games and an open mic. Dinner from La Monona available onsite. Tickets $20 advance, $25 door; includes two drinks.

Nov. 8-9, 11 — Piedmont Opera: Pagliacci – A Carnival of Tragedy
An immersive, site-specific reimagining of Leoncavallo’s classic at the Millennium Center. The timeless tale of love, jealousy, and revenge unfolds around the audience. See Piedmont Opera’s site for showtimes and tickets.

Nov. 9 — Kernersville Veterans Parade
2:30–4:30 p.m. Patriotic floats, marching bands, military vehicles, and community groups march through downtown Kernersville in a heartfelt salute to service members.

Nov. 9 — TOAST: Totally Outstanding Awesome Stroll Through Tanglewood
5–9:30 p.m. Walk the Festival of Lights before it opens to vehicles. Enjoy a 1.3-mile stroll, hot beverages, treats, activities, and photo ops. Check event details for parking and ticket info.

Nov. 13 — 15th Annual Taste of the South
6–8:30 p.m. Savor Southern bites from local restaurants, brews from Fiddlin’ Fish, craft cocktails from Easy Talk, a silent auction, and live entertainment. Held at the Intergeneration Center (2895 Shorefair Dr.). Tickets $80, including food and drinks.

Nov. 14-16, 21-23 — Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
A hilarious parody of made-for-TV Christmas romances—packed with festive clichés and over-the-top cheer. Theatre Alliance stage (650 W. Sixth St.). Shows 7:30 p.m. (Fri–Sat) and 2 p.m. (Sun). Tickets: $25 adults; $23 students/seniors.

Nov. 14 - Jan. 1 (nightly) — Tanglewood Festival of Lights
6–11 p.m. One of the Southeast’s largest light displays returns with 80+ scenes and over a million lights along a 5-mile route. Admission: $20 cash / $23 credit per family vehicle. Mid-route Gift Village features shopping and s’mores at S’moresville.

Nov. 15 — Wake Forest Football vs. UNC
The Demon Deacons host rival UNC at Allegacy Stadium. Don your black and gold and cheer on the Deacs at one of the season’s marquee home matchups.

Nov. 16 — LexiCon Comic-Con
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Clemmons hosts its first-ever comic con at the Village Inn, featuring comics, toys, cards, crafts, collectibles, guest artists, and specialty vendors. Admission is free.

Nov. 16 — Tour Pour Du Jour at Graylyn
4–6 p.m. Enjoy a guided butler tour of Graylyn’s historic Manor House, followed by wine and appetizers in the library. $60 per person.

Nov. 18-20, 21-22 — UNCSA: Emerging Choreographers
7:30 p.m. Original works by senior dance students, choreographed and performed by fellow students. Agnes de Mille Theatre; Nov. 22 also includes a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets: $25; $20 students.

Nov. 21 — Art Crush
7–10 p.m. A third-Friday block party in the Downtown Arts District with vendors, music, and extended gallery hours at Sixth & Trade. Admission is free.

Nov. 21 — Wake Forest 'Face to Face' Series: Mitt Romney
7:30 p.m. Former U.S. Senator and presidential nominee Mitt Romney is joined by H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor. Held at Wait Chapel on the WFU campus. Tickets start at $70.

Nov. 22 — Reynolda Village Holiday Stroll
1–5 p.m. Ring in the season with shopping, dining, and holiday fun at Reynolda Village. Enjoy carolers in Victorian costume, carriage rides, visits with Santa, seasonal décor, and special sales.

Nov. 22-23 — Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair
Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m. 100+ fine artisans from across the country fill the Benton Convention Center with handcrafted works in clay, glass, fiber, metal, and more. Admission: $11 adults; free for ages 18 and under and K–12 educators.

Nov. 22 — Wake Forest Football vs. Delaware
The Deacs close the home slate with a nonconference matchup at Allegacy Stadium. Kickoff at noon.

Nov. 25 - Jan. 3 — Christmas at Körner’s Folly
The 22-room historic home in Kernersville dazzles with spectacular Victorian holiday décor. Self-guided tours last about an hour. Open Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m. $14 adults, $7 kids.

Nov. 27 — Turkey Strut 5K
8:30 a.m. The 18th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds includes a 1-mile Fun Run and family activities. Strollers and dogs welcome. Proceeds benefit the We Care House & Food Pantry. Please bring at least three canned goods to donate.

Nov. 28-29 — Merry Makers Market (Kernersville)
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrate Black Friday and Small Business Saturday at Ciener Botanical Garden with dozens of artisans, makers, and food trucks—different vendors each day. Admission is free.

Nov. 28-29 — Old Salem: Joy of Christmas Evening Tours (Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 20)
Experience Old Salem by lantern light on guided tours through several historic buildings. Costumed interpreters lead small groups in this immersive 18th-century Christmas experience. About 1 hour. Tickets: $60 adults, $40 students.

Nov. 28-30 — WrestleCade 2025
Dozens of wrestling’s biggest stars descend on the Benton Convention Center for a three-day fanfest with autograph sessions, memorabilia, and live events. See the full schedule and ticket info on the WrestleCade site.

Nov. 29 — Old Salem Christmas Saturdays (Saturdays through Dec. 20)
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Step into the season at Old Salem, where historic buildings are adorned in period décor and costumed interpreters share holiday traditions. Enjoy demonstrations, shopping, and treats from Winkler Bakery. Tickets: $40 adults, $20 students, free ages 0–3.

Nov. 29 — Winston-Salem Symphony: A Carolina Christmas
7:30 p.m. A Thanksgiving-weekend tradition led by conductor Michelle Merrill with vocalist Tony DeSare—classic holiday songs with jazz flair and festive sparkle. Reynolds Auditorium. Tickets start at $29.

Throughout the Month

Concerts at The Ramkat
Downtown’s premier music venue hosts regional and national headliners all month. Highlights include Kitchen Dwellers w/ Pressing Strings (Nov. 2), East Nash Grass (Nov. 9), Tophouse (Nov. 13), The Wallflowers (Nov. 14), Nightrain (Nov. 15), and Gaelic Storm (Nov. 20). Local favorites playing in November include include His & Hers with John Howie Jr. (Nov. 22) and Camel City Yacht Club (Nov. 28).

Exhibit: Life After Death: Day of the Dead 
A fall tradition at Wake Forest’s Lam Museum of Anthropology, Día de Muertos (Life After Death) celebrates the Mexican tradition of honoring loved ones through art, color, and remembrance. On view through Dec. 12. Admission is free.

Reynolda Exhibit: Camel City – Tobacco & Transformation, 1875–1964
This striking exhibition at Reynolda House traces the rise and legacy of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco amid its 150th anniversary through artifacts, advertising, and fine art. On view through Jan. 4.

NCMA Exhibit: Brandon Sadler: The Path of Totality
An immersive exhibition at NCMA Winston-Salem spotlighting Brandon Sadler, whose work blends calligraphy, mythology, and East Asian influences. On view through Dec. 27.

Taste of Art at Sawtooth School
Popular one-night workshops where guests create art to take home. Classes held Fridays (and select Saturdays) throughout November at the downtown Sawtooth School, with some sessions at The Generations Center. Explore glass, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, and more.

NCMA Exhibit: We Belong Here: The Gutierrez Collection
NCMA Winston-Salem presents this groundbreaking new exhibit, on view Oct 23–Dec 27,  showcasing contemporary works from NC–based collectors Onay Gutierrez and Jeff Childers. Featuring 40+ works by international artists including Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, and Beverly McIver, the show explores themes of identity, representation, and community. It's viewable during operating hours at NCMA Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA).

• Also on view is The Path of Totality,  an immersive exhibition spotlighting Brandon Sadler, whose work blends calligraphy, mythology, and East Asian influences. NCMA, 750 Marguerite Dr.

Want more events this month and beyond? Explore our online Events Calendar for dozens more local happenings.