Guide
Neighborhood

Innovation Quarter

This thriving spot downtown is the place to be these days.

Welcome to the IQ

The Innovation Quarter is the fastest growing part of town, with huge plans to expand and connect to East Winston one day. Housed in what once was the manufacturing space of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, the IQ has repurposed old buildings in creative ways to design stunning modern spaces that draw crowds. Centered around Bailey Park, the IQ is home to multiple apartment and condo complexes and a growing number of businesses who are rushing to fill the demands.

In the Innovation Quarter, you’ll find the home of Wake Downtown, Wake Forest University’s downtown campus, and Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Our Favorite Spots in the IQ

Six Hundred °
Six Hundred Degrees is a southern restaurant with a live fire kitchen, social room and bar- located in Bailey Park.

Anchor Coffee
A coffee shop that is located in Bailey Power Plant. The drink menu consists of pour over and cold brew...

Krankies
Small-batch coffee roaster and cafe offering breakfast and lunch (& brunch, of course) along with booze and excellent coffee. Their...

Bailey Park
Located in the Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem, Bailey Park is a 1.6-acre publicly accessible green space that features a covered...

Alma Mexicana
Alma is known for its fresh cocktails and seriously delicious apps and tacos. A fun place to grab a bite...

Fair Witness Fancy Drinks
With creative cocktails and an ideal location, Fair Witness is the perfect spot for a drink before or after dinner....

Incendiary Brewing Company
This brewery helped shape Innovation Quarter, and it is the place to be when the weather is nice! Located within...

Cugino Forno
Cugino Forno is known for its huge, authentic Italian pizzas cooked to-order in a wood-fired oven. The menu is short,...
Spend the day in the IQ! Follow our itinerary to explore and get to know one of our favorite places in town.
A Day in Innovation Quarter

Happenings in the IQ

There are so many unique and fun happenings that take place in the Innovation Quarter. Here’s a short list of the can’t-miss events to keep on your radar!

  • Gears & Guitars Festival with the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic – These 2 events are organized together each fall; Gears & Guitars brings in awesome rock bands (think Better Than Ezra) over 3 nights while the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic is an exciting bike race throughout downtown Winston-Salem
  • Sunset Salutations – Once a month (except in the cold months) there’s a huge gathering of yoga fans in Bailey Park for an hour of free community yoga
  • Outdoor Cinema – Local cinema a/perture brings fun films outdoor to Bailey Park once a month in the warmer months; the films are free, though you can purchase concessions
  • Coalpit Live Music Series – This free music series takes place in the Coal Pit and features primarily local bands with a handful of bigger names from spring through the fall