Winston-Salem saw some major moves this year. In 2025, we’ve witnessed Salem Bottleworks come to life with three new eateries, Salem Parkway multi-use path open to the public, and the groundbreaking announcement of the downtown amphitheater, and more.
If you’re wondering what else is in store, here are some big projects to watch out for in 2026.
- Winston-Salem’s own history museum, MUSE Winston-Salem, is slated to open summer 2026 at the former home of the US Federal Bankruptcy Court, between Salem Parkway and Sage & Salt Bistro on South Liberty Street.
- A new preschool and day care center is coming to Country Club Road. The Goddard School of Winston-Salem is currently enrolling for its upcoming school year.
- The downtown two-way street conversion is nearing completion, and visitors can expect new traffic patterns along Main and Liberty streets.
- Two major museums will close for renovations. NCMA, Winston-Salem campus, will move to Fourth Street downtown while undergoing major remodeling in the next two to three years, starting summer of 2026. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art will be closed throughout the year with plans to reopen on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
Here are a few more developments to get excited about beyond 2026:
- The Downtown Amphitheatre is cooking for a bit longer than expected. The project was initially slated to open in the latter part of 2026, but the $25 million investment project is now targeted to open in spring 2027.
- The Grounds is shaping up into a 100-acre mixed-use entertainment district near LJVM Coliseum. The revitalized Deacon Boulevard will feature dining, retail, and trail connections, along Creekside, a modern luxury development tailored for upperclassmen and graduate students. Early work is already visible, expected to be fully built out by Fall 2027.
- The Stevens Center has seen some progress this year, and Winstonians could see the final product as early as 2027. Phase 2 of the renovation project will begin in Fall 2026.
- Though we are not certain when this development will be complete, Innovation Quarter has a refreshed design for its Phase II expansion. The 28-acre expansion will serve as a hub for for life sciences, regenerative medicine, and research.
What other developments should we watch out for this year? Think restaurants coming soon, housing developments, and groundbreaking projects. Drop your take or your predictions below.
