5 Festivals and Fairs in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem is situated in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. The community dates back to 1753 when North Carolina was first settled and in the twentieth century has been home to businesses including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco and the Hanes Companies. Known for its small city charm, there’s lots of unique festivals and fair celebrations throughout the year for residents to enjoy.
The following are five of the fan favorite festivals and fairs happening throughout Winston-Salem in 2020. Check them out below!
The Highland Games
March 7, 2020 beginning at 10amHistoric Bethabara Park presents its annual Celtic Festival & Highland Games saluting the Scots-Irish contributions to the early Moravian settlers. Enjoy live music, watch extreme heavy athletic competitions, eat authentic Scottish foods, participate in the battle axe competition, experience sheepdog demonstrations, the sound of bagpipes and shop from local craftsmen.
RiverRun International Film Festival
March 26 – April 5, 2020, 2019Founded in 1998, The RiverRun International Film Festival is one of the premier film festivals in the southeastern United States. In 2019, the festival screened 175 films from 47 counties with 18,354 attendees from across the world. This 11-day Festival programming regularly includes a selection of family-friendly, independent, international and celebrity driven films, attracting diverse audiences – which include local film aficionados, young families, niche audiences and cultural tourists. In 2014 the Festival was added by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Oscar® qualifying Festival for the Best Documentary Short category, and similarly in 2015 RiverRun was added as an Oscar® qualifying Festival in the Best Animated Short category. The short film that is awarded the top jury prize in each of those categories at RiverRun is eligible to submit their film to the Academy for Oscar® consideration. To learn more about the festival’s films and events, click here.
20th Anniversary of the North Carolina Wine Festival at Tanglewood Park
May 23, 2020 from 12:00pm – 5:00pmIt is the 20th Anniversary of the North Carolina Wine Festival at Tanglewood Park! This festival is the largest and longest-running wine festival in North Carolina. The Triad’s signature spring event includes a full day of tasting more than 100 wines, ciders, beers and spirits along with live music and access to local food, artists and vendors. Click here for more information!
Carolina Classic Fair
October 2 – 11, 2020Celebrating 135 years, the Carolina Classic Fair (formerly known as the Dixie Classic Fair) is the second largest agricultural fair in North Carolina, averaging 325,000 visitors each year! This 10-day annual fair features a world-class carnival midway with numerous rides and games, nationally known musical entertainment, delicious food and beverage, and exhibits of livestock, poultry, fine arts and crafts. This event is fun for the whole family, Click here to plan your trip!
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
Mid-November 2020 – January 1, 2021The Festival of Lights brightens up the holiday season throughout the Triad with a nightly display of twinkling lights and music. Drive through the thousands of glowing lights to holiday music and visit the Festival of Lights Village! You’ll be able to shop local holiday crafts for gifts, enjoy a fresh s’more at s’moresville and meet Santa himself! This event is fun for the entire family! Click here to learn more.
