Spring in the Innovation Quarter brings more than April showers. The month of April marks the start of event season in the iQ. To get you ready, we’re giving you a peek at some of the upcoming events in Winston-Salem that we’re looking forward to hosting, from familiar favorites to hidden gems. This year, we have a lineup of events that you don’t want to miss–and that’s no April Fools’ joke.
Sunset Salutations
Category: iQ Signature Series
Location: Bailey Park
Once a month when the weather is fine, fitness-lovers from Winston-Salem gather in Bailey Park to breathe the fresh air while practicing their zen. Some of the city’s leading yoga practitioners–Lotus Yoga Academy and 2B Yoga–come out to help guide you through your yoga paces, whatever your level.
The Real Draw
Sunset Salutations is vintage iQ. As one of the most popular and long-running series in the Innovation Quarter, Sunset Salutations is quickly becoming one of the iconic events in Winston-Salem. Yoga against the backdrop of reclaimed smokestacks in an urban atmosphere is one flow you don’t want to miss.
Dates & Times: First Thursday of the month, April – October, 6 – 7 p.m.
Partners: Lotus Yoga Academy, 2B Yoga
Picnic in the Park
Category: iQ Signature Series
Location: Bailey Park
The Innovation Quarter is introducing its newest event series, Picnic in the Park, and we’re saving you a spot–on the picnic blanket. We’ll be bringing a variety of food trucks to Bailey Park and providing the soundtrack with a rotation of musical stylings. Grab a bite to eat and listen to the soundscape of local artists while you picnic away (and if you get there early enough, you might even get an iQ branded picnic blanket!).
The Real Draw
These Wednesday nights will be the new night out–outside. Warm weather in North Carolina was made for al fresco dining, and the iQ wants to help you take advantage of our locale. Don’t let the good weather get away from you–take time in the middle of the week to enjoy a Picnic in the Park, a new addition to events in Winston-Salem.
Dates & Times: Assorted Wednesdays, April – October, 6 – 8 p.m.
Partners: Food trucks and artists will vary by event.
SummerLark 2024
Category: Fundraiser
Location: Bailey Park
SummerLark is an annual benefit concert that raises money for the Cancer Patient Support Program of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. This year, the concert features Barenaked Ladies, a Canadian band known for comedic rock music. Tickets are already on sale. Get yours now!
The Real Draw
The money raised from SummerLark goes to help cancer patients and their families by providing counseling and other services that help them cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Attend SummerLark–do it for the families! And did we mention it’s the Barenaked Ladies?
Date & Time: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Partners: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Allegacy Federal Credit Union
Juneteenth
Category: Community Event
Location: Bailey Park & Biotech Place
This year marks the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, America’s second Independence Day, when the news of emancipation finally reached Texas, the last region in America where slavery existed. The Juneteenth festival in Winston-Salem puts on display the deep and significant African American culture in the city with exhibitions, music, dance, crafts and food. There’s so much to explore, and there will be things for every age. Come celebrate freedom!
The Real Draw
Even though Juneteenth has only been a federal holiday since 2021, Winston-Salem has a rich tradition of celebrating freedom for much longer. Since 1998, Juneteenth has been a part of Winston-Salem’s traditions and has been held in many parts of the city, including Winston Lake Park, Coliseum Annex and the Innovation Quarter. Attend and be a part of the growing history of celebrating Juneteenth and the Black community in this city!
Date & Time: Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1 – 8 p.m.
Partner: Triad Cultural Arts, Inc.
Gears & Guitars
Category: Community Event
Location: Bailey Park
For the eleventh year, Gears & Guitars is bringing world-class cycling and musical vibes to Winston-Salem. With cycling events for every level–from fondos, criterium races, and now drag race-style sprints–your inner cycling enthusiast will find something to enjoy. For non-bikers, there’s also food vendors, a beer garden, and free concerts in Bailey Park throughout the weekend.
The Real Draw
This weekend is not just for bicycle enthusiasts. Yes, there’s lots of bike racing for pros and amateurs alike, but you don’t want to miss the atmosphere that this event creates downtown every year. Get the hype of high-speed cycling through an urban setting with the Winston-Salem Classic and the vibes of a music festival all-in-one. There’s a reason they call it “the biggest party on two wheels.”
Date: May 24-25, 2024
Partner: Winston-Salem Cycling
LeanBack
Category: Community Event
Location: Bailey Park
For the sixth year, LeanBack GiveBack Foundation is hosting their annual block party, a community outreach event all about the eats. This feel-good food fest provides free, hot meals for visitors, as well as other entertainments like music, games, and tables from a variety of Winston-Salem organizations. If you’ve never had food from LeanBack Soul Food Company, the catering company that was the impetus for the foundation that shares its name, this is your chance!
The Real Draw
Crissy Faison, the founder of the LeanBack GiveBack Foundation, started the non-profit as a way to fight food insecurity and give back to the community she loves. This annual block party is not just about serving free food, but a chance to get involved in the many initiatives that live under the foundation’s roof, initiatives to train disadvantaged youth, provide mentorship for women entrepreneurs, and expand access to food across the city. Attending or volunteering at this year’s block party is a great way to participate in giving back to people who need it.
Date & Time: Saturday, November from 12 – 4 p.m.
Partners: The LeanBack GiveBack Foundation
Sample All the iQ Events in Winston-Salem
This is just a smattering of the events in Winston-Salem that you should mark on your calendar. Don’t forget to take a look at our events calendar for this year’s full lineup. We can’t wait to see you in the iQ!
