Winston-Salem offers great live music year-round, but the city truly hits its stride in the warm-weather months, when festivals and weekly concert series take center stage. Here are some of the biggest music events happening from May through early fall 2026 — many of them completely free to attend.

Gears & Guitars (May 22-23) 

Billed as “the biggest party of two wheels,” the annual Gears & Guitars festival happens each Memorial Day Weekend, bringing world-class cyclists and popular music acts along with it. The multi-day festival features pro racing events, community bike rides, and lots of live music. The 2026 lineup features a mix of regional favorites and rising national stars, and all concerts are 100% free to attend:

May 22: Friday concerts will be at Merschel Park, just in front of Kaleideum.

• 6:00 – Black Light Idols
• 7:30 – River Shook
• 9 00 – Ruston Kelly (headliner)

May 23: Saturday concerts take place in downtown’s Bailey Park.

• Noon –  Ears to the Ground
• 2:00 – High School Reunion
• 5:00 – Gods of Grunge
• 9:00 – Saint Motel (headliner)

Downtown Summer Music Series (May–September) 

For nearly three decades, this beloved tradition has brought free live music to the heart of the city. Running from late May through early September, the program features two distinct concert series that typically alternate weeks, plus a brand new series launching in 2026. Best of all, all three series are free to attend. Here's what to know about each series in 2026: 

Downtown Jazz – Every other Friday from 6:30–9:30 p.m., Corpening Plaza transforms into a vibrant concert venue, hosting top-tier jazz artists. It is the perfect spot to set up a lawn chair or blanket, enjoy a mix of local food and drink vendors, and soak in the atmosphere.

• June 26: Alex Bugnon //  Titus Gant
• July 10: Willie Bradley //  Karlton Jones
• July 24: Dee Lucas //  Brandon Robertson
• Aug 14: Regan Whiteside //  Vincent Crenshaw
• Aug 28: Terence Young  //  Saundra Ross

Summer on 4th – On alternating Saturdays (7–10 p.m.), the scene shifts to a high-energy block party directly in front of Foothills Brewpub. These nights showcase the region’s most popular party bands, from West End Mambo to Souljam and others.

• June 13: Phase Band  (R&B/Funk/Soul)
• July 11: Westend Mambo (Latin Dance)
• Aug 01: Chloe & the Country Crawdads (Country Line Dance)
• Aug 22: Camel City Yacht Club (Rock)
• Sept 5: The Vagabond Saints’ Society (Tribute to Prince)

Back to Trade – (7–10 p.m.), This new concert series on Trade Street is a callback to where Downtown Winston-Salem's summer music legacy began nearly 30 years ago. Attendees may bring outside food and small coolers, though outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Parking is available at the 6th/Cherry/Trade deck or nearby street lots. Concerts include Moxie (June 19), with more dates TBA.

Fairgrounds Concert Series  (May–August) 

While the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena is better known for ice sports in the winter, it transforms into a summer concert hotspot thanks to its annual Indoor Concert Series. The series typically features a mix of iconic country artists, classic Soul, and R&B legends. While admission isn't free (like the series listed below), tickets remain extremely affordable. The 2026 lineup includes:

• May 22 – Chris Janson with Easton Corbin (country)
• June 19 – Craig Morgan with Neal McCoy (country)
• June 20 – October London with Leela James (R&B)
• Aug. 22 – MAZE with The Whispers (R&B)

Coalpit Live (May–September) 

Set against the backdrop of downtown’s iconic smokestacks, "CoalPit Live" transforms the massive concrete courtyard next to Incendiary Brewing into a premier concert venue. Held on Saturdays, the series features pro staging, lighting, and sound crews. While the full 2026 lineup is in the work, early shows include the Tan & Sober Gentlemen (May 30), a Prince tribute by the Vagabond Saints (June 13), and Killers tribute band Hot Fuss (June 27).

Incendiary Brewing also hosts its "Weekly Music Series" every Thursday and select Fridays. While more scaled-back than the CoalPit Live productions, this series showcases leading regional talent ranging from blues and acoustic acts to symphony performances. Both series are free to attend; check Incendiary’s website for updates.

Salem Band Concert Series (May–September) 

A staple of Winston-Salem’s summer soundtrack for generations, this annual concert series features the Salem Band — the nation's oldest mixed-wind ensemble, which originated in the late 1700s. Most concerts take place on Tuesday evenings in Salem Square at Old Salem, each offering a unique theme. There is no formal seating, so bring along a blanket or lawn chair. Admission is free, and food trucks are on-site, though you're also welcome to bring a picnic supper.

• The 2026 summer series begins with a May 26 concert featuring Paperhand Puppet Intervention. The schedule then takes a patriotic shift in honor of America's 250th birthday, as Salem Band is dedicating much of the summer to a "Stars & Stripes" tour throughout Forsyth County, including a July 4th concert in Old Salem Square. See more upcoming shows here

Bailey Park Hangs (May–October) 

"Park Hangs" brings free live music to downtown’s Bailey Park on the last Friday of most months. A rotating selection of food trucks will be on-site by 5 p.m., and music runs from 6–8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low-backed lawn chairs, and leashed dogs are always welcome. In addition to food trucks, you're invited to bring your own picnic or carry in food from nearby restaurants. While no outside alcohol is allowed, beverages from Incendiary Brewing will be available for purchase on-site.

• May 29 – Tre. Charles (indie soul)
• June 26 – Cosmic Collective (jazz-electronica)
• July 24 – Kenny Wavinson (Americana)
• Aug. 21 – Coconut Cake (Congolese rumba)
• Sept 25 – Kit McKay Band (alt country-folk)
• Oct. 16 –  Real Companion (indie alt-rock)

1Love Festival (June 25-27) 

1Love is a multi-day cultural celebration that blends creative workshops with immersive live performance. The 2026 event is headlined by a concert at The Ramkat on June 26 featuring world-class musicians, DJs, poets, and artists. Performers include Joshuah Brian Campbell, Solomon Fox, and Nailah Porter, among others. Visit the festival's website for more details and tickets.

Piedmont Wind Symphony concerts  (May–December) 

The Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS)—an ensemble of the region's top wind musicians — offers everything from expansive classical works to intimate chamber performances. Highlights include a series of family-friendly "Pops" concerts at Incendiary Brewing and lively "Beer & Brass" performances at Footnote, both free to attend. For an immersive experience, check out their chamber concerts at historic Körner’s Folly, happening multiple times in 2026. Find details and purchase tickets on the PWS concert series page.

Top Music Venues & Concert Halls

The best spots to catch a show in Winston-Salem

The Ramkat
Every respectable city has an iconic music club—and in Winston-Salem, that club is The Ramkat. Opened in 2018 in the former Ziggy’s space, this 1,000-capacity concert hall  is renowned for its excellent sightlines and acoustic adaptability. The stage has hosted national headliners like The Wallflowers, Melissa Etheridge, and Third Eye Blind, alongside a diverse array of local and regional talent ranging from folk and indie to hardcore metal. Beyond the main hall, the venue features Gas Hill, an intimate, 100-capacity upstairs lounge perfect for smaller sets.

LJVM Coliseum
The region’s largest indoor arena, the "LJVM Coliseum" (or "The Joel"), seats over 14,000. While best known as a sports hub—hosting Wake Forest basketball, rodeos, and monster truck rallies—it is a major stop for global music icons. The massive venue has hosted legends ranging from Elton John and Garth Brooks.

Monstercade
Dubbed “the strangest bar in North Carolina,” this campy venue in the Washington Park neighborhood is a destination for the unconventional. It spotlights original acts—spanning metal, grunge, and punk—that you won't hear elsewhere in the city. Between the zany décor, top-notch sound system, and intimate stage, it has earned a devoted local following.

Earl’s Whiskey Bar
This lively space in downtown’s Industry Hill area features live country music on Fridays and Saturday evenings, plus Thursday evenings occasionally. It also hosts a popular Open Mic Night each Monday evening. Aside from music, food is another big draw at Earl's. You can find a mix of Southern comfort food and pub standards on the menu, along with a wide selection of whiskeys. 

Muddy Creek Café & Listening Room
In the heart of Old Salem, Muddy Creek pairs a beloved restaurant with an intimate concert venue. The "Listening Room" offers a rare chance to see national talent in a cozy, 60-seat space. Specializing in acoustic folk, bluegrass, and old-time acts, weekend shows frequently sell out. Booking online is suggested, though remaining tickets are sold at the door.

Note: The venues above are just a sampling of Winston-Salem’s live music scene. Breweries are also a great bet (more on that below). Other in-town spots that often feature music include:

• Bar Nola
• East of Texas
• Easy Tiger Beer Garden
• Fair Witness Fancy Drinks
• Miller's on Trade
• The Remedy — to name a few!

Brews & Bands

Winston-Salem’s brewery scene doubles as one of the city’s most reliable sources for free live music. While nearly every brewery hosts performances from time to time, a few have built especially strong reputations for regular weekend shows, outdoor parties, and crowd-pleasing local acts. 

In addition to Incendiary — highlighted above for its CoalPit Live concert series — these are some of the top spots to catch tunes with your pint.

• Foothills Brewing – Foothills’ original downtown brewpub and adjacent Footnote Café remain go-to spots for weekly music, especially the popular jazz-themed Siren Series each Monday. Meanwhile, the brewery’s Tasting Room also hosts regular weekend concerts ranging from rock and country to Latin and soul. Check Foothills' calendar for upcoming shows at all three venues.
• Joymongers – One of the city’s most dependable live music stops, with bands most Thursdays through Saturdays and frequent Sunday events. Expect everything from acoustic sets to popular regional cover bands.
• Radar – This hidden gem stands out by mostly prioritizing original acts over cover bands. The space is perfectly suited for singer-songwriters and smaller setups, though full bands occasionally play outdoors on the patio area.
• Wise Man – An Industry Hill staple known for bringing in some of the area’s best-known bands. Live music most Fridays and Saturdays, with outdoor patio shows and occasional multi-band festivals.
   

Around Forsyth County 

From Clemmons to Kernersville, here are some top options just outside the city.

Live Music in Kernersville 

On the east side of Forsyth County, Kernersville has plenty of standout spots to catch a show. A good starting point is Gypsy Road, one of the town's two craft breweries, which features bands nearly every weekend. A mile away is The Emporium, a self-professed "nerdy rock & roll bar" that regularly features original artists and hosts a popular Wednesday Jam night. In downtown, Folly's has a mix of rotating bands each Friday and Saturday while nearby Breathe Cocktail Lounge offers occasional live music, comedy shows, and other shows.

Clemmons & Lewisville

Western Forsyth County features several live music hubs. In Clemmons, Whiskey, Taps & Tails regularly hosts some of the region’s top bands with also offering golf simulators, tons of big-screen TVs, and a late-night food menu. About a mile away, Village Square Tap House also hosts live bands and features pool tables and arcade games. 

In neighboring Lewisville, Incendiary features live music on its outdoor patio most Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting. A mile away, Old Nick Williams Distillery hosts weekend performances at its attached cocktail lounge, the Busted Barrel, which features a multi-tiered patio deck.

Side Notes: More on the Local Music Scene

The spaces and series highlighted here are just a sampling of live music offerings in Winston-Salem. Popular venues come in other forms too, with several prominent event spaces often holding concerts — among them downtown's Millennium Center and Truist Stadium.

Looking for large-scale, arena-style shows? You’ll find them at LJVM Coliseum and Allegacy Stadium (pictured), the 35k-seat home of Wake Forest football. The stadium has welcomed several big-name acts in recent year, including Billy Joel, Guns N' Roses, and Paul McCartney. Meanwhile, many of top performing arts groups — including the Winston-Salem Symphony — are taking the stage at historic Reynolds Auditorium while downtown's iconic Steven's Center undergoes a multi-year renovation.

For more live music events in town, check out our online Events Calendar

• Jump to 2026 Concert Series here