The art scene is strong this summer!
Winston-Salem’s art scene is buzzing with energy this summer! From captivating theatre productions to stunning visual art exhibits, the city’s creative pulse is stronger than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just beginning to explore the cultural landscape, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Dive into our blog to discover the must-see events and hidden gems that make Winston-Salem a true haven for the arts.
June 22, 2024 — “OPERAtizers” at Reynolds Place Theatre
4 PM – 5:30 PM @ Reynolds Place Theatre, North Spruce St., Winston Salem
The Piedmont Opera will be showing 3 short operas, intermixed with appetizers and wine. Seating will be limited, and you can grab your tickets starting June 6.
OPERAtizers is sponsored directly by the Arts Council of Winston Salem & Forsyth County, supported by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. Like other summer artistic events such as Mysterium, Fader Real Estate is also a proud sponsor of the Piedmont Opera. Owner Clare Fader is an art enthusiast dedicated to supporting local non-profits that produce and promote the arts.
June 30, 2024 — “Patriotic Pops!” Piedmont Wind Symphony
This FREE, two hour live performance will be open for anyone to enjoy at the Coal Pit at Incendiary Brewing. It promises to be a patriotic concert gearing up for the 4th of July, featuring songs like “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets for grass seating.
Mark Norman is the Music Director & Conductor. If you haven’t seen the Piedmont Wind Symphony before, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their talent.
Crossnore Series with a/perture @ Crossnore: Winston-Salem location(Multiple Dates)
We’re always excited to share activities and productions for kids since they make great family outings. The Big Backyard Movie Nights is a film series made for kids — and kids of Crossnore actually helped create it.
Working in conjunction with a/perture, Winston Salem families can watch four movies from the 2024 series on Crossnore’s recreation field. Before each movie, there are kid-friendly activities, and food trucks along with local vendors might be on-site.
The series begins in June, with showings throughout the summer and into October.
Fader Real Estate is also a proud sponsor of this event and of a/perture cinema, a non-profit community cinema featuring compelling and engaging films while offering a unique viewing experience
July 19, 2024 through July 18, 2024 — “Waitress” at the Theatre Alliance
Waitress is a Tony-nominated show about a small town woman who escapes an abusive relationship through her discovered love of baking, ultimately entering a pie baking contest and finding new love along the way.
First debuting back in 2016, it’s a heartwarming story of personal triumph, and a pleasing reminder that we can all find happiness even in the simplest ways.
This production features music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles.
The original story was based on a 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, and after 1500+ Broadway performances this production was also released as a film back in December of 2023, with nationwide showings. (The latter film is the recorded performance rather than a more typical moving setting, which the original 2007 version was.)
If you can’t make it to the local showing at Theatre Alliance, you can check out the 2023 film performance!
July 20, 2024 — Shalom Project’s “The Big Chill”
Looking for a fun outdoor event in Winston Salem? On Saturday, July 20, The Shalom Project of NC is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with an event at Bailey Park. “The Big Chill” will feature live music, food trucks, face painting — and of course ice cream!
In fact, a dozen local organizations will provide homemade ice cream to be judged in a contest, where a celebrity judge will determine which is the tastiest. Attendees can try the ice cream, too, and vote for their favorite.
The Big Chill will also be bringing back the “Cold Callers” activity, where folks take turns sitting on large blocks of ice and encouraging those they know to donate to The Shalom Project. Last year, they raised $35,000! That helped significantly to support the Project’s community programs.
A little about The Shalom Project:
The Shalom Project is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to help ensure Winston Salem families have access to basic needs like clothing, food, and even medical care.
Often this involves working with families struggling with poverty, as well as engaging in community efforts to reduce poverty within the city.
The Project’s website states that many of their members are those who have also lived in poverty, including staff, the board of directors, and volunteers.
Past Artistic Showings:
June 20, 2024 — “Mysterium” At Kaleideum
Talk about a way to repurpose a space! Kaleideum is normally a kids’ activity and learning zone, but on June 20 it’s all about live musical performances and interactive exhibits. Notably, this event is brought to you by the Winston Salem Symphony.
Visitors can enjoy a cocktail as they enter, with opportunities for event-themed drinks and light snacks throughout the evening. It’s a fun outing for a group of friends or family.
Tickets are available for 3 groups — each group named after one of the senses and starts the evening on a different floor. WS Symphony reminds folks that if you’re planning to hit up Mysterium with others, make sure you all buy tickets in the same group to ensure you’ll end up together.
Speaking of groups, if you’re looking to kick the event up to the max, there are VIP tickets available for an exclusive experience. The VIP group will be led by Michelle Merrill, the WS Symphony Music Director. If you’re a fan of the symphony, this is a real treat!
But there’s more: the VIP group will also get priority seating at cocktail hour, extra drink tickets, and a special Mysterium gift bag for coming.
Fader Real Estate is a proud sponsor of the WS Symphony, and the team is excited about this event!