Summer in Winston-Salem offers residents and visitors a vibrant lineup of outdoor concerts and community events. From free downtown performances to family-friendly park shows and curated local music series, summer music in Winston-Salem is one of the city’s most anticipated seasonal traditions. Whether you prefer relaxing evening concerts, upbeat weekend performances, or a chance to discover local talent, this guide covers everything you need to know about the best live music events happening throughout the season.
Park Hangs
Innovation Quarter + NCMA Winston-Salem
Fridays | 5 – 8 pm | Bailey Park: Upper Lawn | FREE
From April through October, Park Hangs transforms the iQ into a monthly live music destination with free performances for the community to enjoy. Food trucks and drink vendors will be on-site at every Park Hangs event, and guests are also welcome to bring their own food or grab takeout from their favorite iQ restaurants; beer from Incendiary Brewing will be available for purchase, though outside alcohol is not permitted.
- May 29 – Tre. Charles
- June 26 – Cosmic Collective
- July 24 – Kenny Wavinson
- August 21 – Coconut Cake
- September 25 – Kit Mckay
- October 16– Real Companion
Lyrics by the Lake
Fridays | 6 – 9 pm | Hanesbrands Theatre | $10 / $20
Lyrics by the Lake is a community-centered arts and culture series that blends multiple creative expressions into a unique live experience, featuring music performances, spoken word poetry, comedy, live painting, and a curated vendor market. Hosted by LB the Poet and T. Walker. Performance lineups to come.
- June 19
- July 10
- August 14
Coalpit Live
Saturdays | 7 pm | FREE
Coalpit Live is a popular outdoor concert series held in the Coal Pit at Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter. Known for its energetic atmosphere and industrial backdrop, the venue has become a signature gathering space for the community, offering live music, local food and drinks, and a uniquely Winston-Salem experience.
- May 30 – The Tan and Sober Gentlemen
- June 13 – Vagabond Saints Society
- June 27 – Hot Fuss
Summer Music Series
Since 1998, this annual free summer music series has united people from across our dynamic community for evenings of live music and dancing throughout downtown venues. Over the years, the event has grown alongside the remarkable transformation of our cherished downtown, becoming a longtime tradition that celebrates connection, culture, and entertainment.
Downtown Jazz
Fridays | Corpening Plaza (237 W. 1st Street) | 6:30 – 9:30 pm | FREE
- June 26– Alex Bugnon | Opening Artist: Titus Gant
- July 10– Willie Bradley | Opening Artist: Karlton Jones
- July 24– Dee Lucas | Opening Artist: Brandon Robertson
- August 14– Regan Whiteside | Opening Artist: Vincent Crenshaw
- August 28– Terence Young | Opening Artist: Saundra Ross
Summer on Fourth
Saturdays | Fourth Street (in front of Foothills Brewing) | 7:00 -10:00 pm | FREE
- June 13– Phase Band | R&B/Funk/Soul
- July 11– Westend Mambo | Latin Dance
- August 1– Chloe and the Country Crawdads | Country Line Dance
- August 22– Camel City Yacht Club | Yacht Rock
- September 5– The Vagabond Saints’ Society | Prince Tribute| Pop Rock
Back to Trade
Select Dates | Sixth & Trade Streets | 7:00 -10:00 pm | FREE
- June 19– Moxie
Additional artists and dates will be announced soon.
Music in Merschel
Select Fridays | Merschel Park | 12:00 -2:00 pm | FREE
Enjoy live performances from local artists while you relax with lunch or coffee and step away from the demands of your workday.
- May 22 – Colin Allured | Composer/Multi-Instrumentalist
- May 29 – Bed Rumor | Indie Duo
- June 5 – Katie Blvd | Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and beat maker
Salem Band
Select Tuesdays | Various Locations | 7:30 pm | FREE
- July 4 – Stars & Stripes, Salem Square
- July 7 – Stars & Stripes, Clemmons First Baptist Church
- August 4 – Super Heroes Film Fest!, Salem Square
Music in the Vineyards
- Childress Vineyards: Music in the Vineyards every Saturday & Sunday
- Shelton Vineyards: Music on the Terrace every Saturday
The summer music series in Winston-Salem offers more than just live entertainment; it brings the community together through shared experiences, local culture, and unforgettable performances under the open sky. With so many free and ticketed events happening across parks, plazas, and downtown venues, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy.