Can't-Miss September Events
What's happening in September in Winston-Salem? LOTS. Here's a lineup of can't-miss events.
September in Winston-Salem weaves music into magical moments. Experience heroic tunes from the Piedmont Wind Symphony at their annual Labor Day concert or the symphonic sounds of NexTonal Wind Octet at the Music Carolina Summer Fest. Dance to Latin beats at the annual Fiesta (seen above) or dive into literary wonders at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors. Savor the charm of Bethabara's Apple Festival and uncover the rich history of Black theatre at Sawtooth's Sacred Threads exhibit. Join us for a symphony of unforgettable experiences!
September 1
Piedmont Pops in the Pit: Summon the Heroes! Join the Piedmont Wind Symphony for our annual FREE Labor Day Weekend Concert at the Coal Pit with Incendiary Brewing. Enjoy the music of heroes and heroines. Participate in live music trivia for a chance to win prizes. Bring the entire family. Registration is encouraged. This event is free.
September 4
NexTonal Wind Octet – Music Carolina SummerFest. This eight-piece ensemble will perform works by Mozart, Strauss, Spittal, and more at the Porter Byrum Welcome Center on Wake Forest's campus.
September 6-8
Forsyth Gem & Mineral Show. Held annually at the W-S Fairgrounds, the Forsyth Gem & Mineral Club is back for its 53rd year. Feast your eyes on various displays and shop at numerous vendors selling mineral specimens, components, jewelry, tools, and other items. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children and students.
September 7
Andrew Thielen Big Band concert. Come out for a swinging good time at Shallowford Square in Lewisville. This concert combines jazz, swing, Motown, and more. Admission is free! Concessions will be available for purchase.
September 7
Summer on Fourth - Vagabond Saints Society. 7–10 p.m. Downtown's summer concert series wraps up this month with a free concert from cover-band legends The Vagabond Saints’ Society, a loose collective of local musicians who gather to play themed concerts. This concert is themed "Sounds of Summer" and will be held in front of Foothills Brewpub at 638 W. 4th St.
September 7
Rumours at the Ramkat. 8 p.m. Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute band will be performing at downtown's biggest music club, The Ramkat (170 W 9th St.). This band has performed for over 2 million Mac fans across the world. Tickets start at $38.
September 7,28
Wake Forest Football. The Demon Deacons' 2024 season continues this month with home games against ACC rival Virginia (Sept. 7) and a non-conference bout against Louisiana (Sept. 28).
September 11
Face to Face Forum: Peyton Manning. Wake Forest’s Face to Face speaker series welcomes Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, the NFL’s only five-time MVP, to the LJVM Coliseum. In addition to his legendary playing career, Manning supports various organizations, including the PeyBack Foundation and the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
September 14
Fiesta 2024. Come celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture at the Hispanic League's 32nd annual Fiesta. The event brings together thousands each year for a day of diverse food from Latin America, vendor booths, live music, entertainment, family fun, margaritas, and more. This year's Fiesta will be held in a four-block area near the Milton Rhodes Center between Poplar and Marshall Streets. Admission is free.
September 14, 28
Winston-Salem State Football. The hometown Rams kick off their 2024 football season at Bowman Gray Stadium this month. September home games include Ohio Dominican University (Sept. 14) and Bowie State University (Sept. 28)
September 15
Winston-Salem Food Truck Festival. 1–7 p.m. The season's tastiest event returns to downtown this month, as dozens of food trucks will line up along Ninth Street between Wise Man and Radar Brewing. There will also be live music, craft beer, kids activities, and more. Admission is free.
September 20
Innovation & Cinema presents Barbie. This free movie screening in downtown's Bailey Park will feature megahit Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023. Food and beverages will be available for purchase starting at 7 p.m., and the movie begins at sunset.
September 20
ART CRUSH. 7–10 p.m. Held the third Friday of each month, these monthly block parties let you experience the best of the Downtown Arts District with vendors, music, and extended gallery hours. Every month features a curated mix of visual artists and performers, creating a night of creative expression, exploration and celebration. As always, ART Crush will be held at the corner of Sixth and Trade streets. Admission is free.
September 21
Oktoberfest 2024 at Wise Man Brewing. 1–7 p.m. Enjoy a day of German-themed fun and festivities at Wise Man Brewing's annual Oktoberfest. The day will include live music, German foods, and Oktoberfest-themed games. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best German attire.
September 22
Pour Tour du Jour at Graylyn. Enjoy Tour Pour Du Jour, a guided tour of Graylyn’s Manor House with a choice of Graylyn’s select house wines. The event is $25 per person and includes appetizers and wine in the library.
September 23-29
Winston-Salem Fashion Week. Winston Salem Fashion Week brings together designers, boutique owners, artisans, models, stylists, and retailers for various fashion-themed shows and exhibits. The week starts with the Sneaker Ball & Recognition Ceremony at Robert Hall on Sept. 23. Other events will be held at SECCA and Delta Arts Center.
September 28
Bookmarks Festival of Books. Discover literary magic at Bookmarks’ 18th annual Festival of Books & Authors! It will be an inspiring day celebrating authors and stories from across the world, and a fun street festival atmosphere with food trucks, exhibitors, and activities for all. There will be story times, family activities, food trucks, exhibitor booths, and more.
September 28
Apple Festival at Bethabara. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Spend the first Saturday of fall at the annual Apple Festival at Historic Bethabark Park, visiting with artists and artisans, tapping your toes to the music of The Burnett Sisters Band and The Blushin’ Roulettes, exploring history with 18th-century craftsmen, playing Colonial games, having your face painted, eating apples or a meal from a local food vendor, and more! Admission is free, but food and crafts are charged.
September 29
Everclear at Ramkat. 7 p.m. Chart-topping 90's rock band Everclear will play at The Ramkat. Tickets start at $85.
All month:
Sacred Threads exhibit at Sawtooth. Sacred Threads, a new exhibit at Sawtooth School, offers a unique glimpse into the impactful performing arts history of Winston-Salem's own North Carolina Black Repertory Company. This will be the first time in the company's 45-year history to reveal its storied archives to revive costumes from the company’s vast performance repertory. The event is on display now through Oct. 12.
Looking for a complete listing of September events? Check out our events calendar.