Looking to pair adrenaline with atmosphere? Gears & Guitars—held each May in Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter—is a high-impact fusion of cycling and live music that offers an unforgettable experience for participants and fans alike. 

The weekend kicks off Friday with Streets of Fire, a drag-race-style sprint down Fourth Street, drawing pro and amateur cyclists into head-to-head action in the heart of downtown. Free concerts and community celebrations at Merchel Plaza and Kaleideum keep the energy high after the final sprint. 

Saturday delivers a full slate of events, starting with morning Fondos offering multiple route lengths and terrain options. Then, the spotlight shifts to Bailey Park for the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, where elite criterium racers battle through a fast-paced urban loop lined with cheering fans. 

Gears & Guitars isn’t just a festival—it’s a turnkey model for high-engagement sports tourism, blending competition with culture in a way that brings the whole community out to celebrate.

Forehands, backhands, and electrifying volleys, Winston-Salem brings the action. Each August, the city hosts the Winston-Salem Open at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex, transforming our community into a high-energy hub for players, fans, and tournament professionals alike. As an ATP Tour 250 Series stop, the event draws world-class talent and offers a blueprint for how Winston-Salem can deliver premier facilities, seamless logistics, and unforgettable fan experiences. 

The Winston-Salem Open is the ultimate warm-up act before the US Open, drawing over 40 of the world's top 80 players to battle it out for the coveted championship. Imagine seeing future Grand Slam champions and seasoned veterans head-to-head in an intimate setting. Past competitors include Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and tennis legends Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt. In 2024, Lorenzo Sonego's hard-fought victory over Alex Michelsen illustrates the high-level gameplay. Witness tennis history in the making, from practice rounds to the final serve. 

Historically drawing over 30,000 passionate fans, the tournament offers an engaging experience for all ages beyond on-court action. Special tennis-related activities for kids are slated throughout the week for additional family-friendly fun, and local food trucks on-site offer a taste of the city's cuisine.

Named a “Runner Friendly Community” by the Road Runners Club of America, Winston-Salem delivers scenic courses, strong community support, and high-energy finish-line experiences that race planners—and participants—love. 

In December, the Mistletoe Run draws thousands for a half marathon, 5K, and 1-mile fun run. The USATF-sanctioned course winds through Reynolda Mile, Buena Vista, and the Wake Forest campus. With mascots, music, medals, and donuts, it’s a festive favorite that benefits local youth programming. 

For a race with a post-run payoff, April’s CraftHalf Half Marathon & 5K combines athletic challenge with local flavor. The course features greenways, Old Salem, and the Quarry at Grant Park. Runners cross the finish line into a full-on craft beer block party downtown—open to the public and anchored by Foothills Brewpub.

From world-class tennis to high-energy cycling and crowd-pleasing road races, Winston-Salem delivers a winning experience for athletes, spectators, and planners alike. With outstanding venues, enthusiastic community support, and Southern hospitality at every turn, your next event will feel right at home here. 

Thinking of bringing your next big sports event to Winston-Salem? We’re here to help make it a standout success. Let’s begin planning today.