Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Winston-Salem

Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.

WStoday: NASCAR manages Bowman Gray Stadium operations until 2050

Since 1949, the quarter-mile track hosted grassroots events weekly.

City of Winston-Salem via Instagram

Lucky you. You just found WStoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Winston-Salem each month.

Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.

(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)

Festivals + Shows

Bookmarks Book Fair For Adults | Sunday, Jan. 11 | 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Bookmarks | $18 | Relive childhood days of browsing books at your school book fair.

14th Annual Movable Feast Weekend | Saturday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts | $69 | This winter signature book club event will have you geeking out about your favorite reads, plus a chance to connect with fellow book lovers and meet authors.

Carolina Wedding Show | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 12-4 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds | $10+ | Bring your “I Do” crew to hype you up as you browse between wedding gowns, tuxedos, bridesmaid looks, and more.

NASCAR Cookout Clash Weekend | Saturday, Jan. 31 + Sunday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Bowman Gray Stadium | $20+ | Get fired up for a jammed-packed weekend and cheer on drivers as they qualify for the Cup Series, meet racers, and get lost in the thrill of car racing.

For the fam

Sips & Spins: Vinyl Nights | Mondays | 5:30-8 p.m. | The Station, Mocksville | Cost of purchase | Bring your favorite vinyl records or come ready to vibe to various genres, including rock classics and smooth soul, at this family-friendly taproom.

Mario Kart Tournament | 6-9 p.m. | Brouwerij DuBois | $15 | Calling Mario fans. Enter the contest for a chance to receive cash prizes for your creation + bragging rights.

5th Annual Lego Contest | Friday, Jan. 23-Saturday, Jan. 24 | Times vary | Village Hall, Clemmons | Free | Get creative and bring your imagination to life by transforming your hobbies into LEGO creations for public display — plus, enter for a chance to be crowned LEGO Champion.

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Seasonal events

Mocktails & Manifestation | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 5 p.m. | Main & Mountain Bookstore, Kernersville | $20 | Create your vision board, explore tarot card readings, enjoy light bites, and connect with like-minded people.

Hearts & Hops: Speed Dating | Thursday, Jan. 22 | 5 p.m. | Joymongers Barrel Hall | $5 | Shoot your shot ahead of Valentine’s Day, whether you’re looking for something serious or just want to vibe -- this is your chance to make a new connection.

Live music

An Evening with Somewhat Petty: A Tribute to Tom Petty | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 8 p.m. | The Ramkat | $23 | The Asheville band will play Petty’s famous hits like “Free Fallin’,” American Girl,” and fan favorites like “The Waiting.”

Evening in the Atrium Featuring Martha Bassett | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 5 p.m. | 500 West 5th Building | Free | Soak up jazz and Americana sounds while savoring small bites from The Downtown Grille.

Down The Mountain Band Presents “His & Hers” | Friday, Jan. 16 | 7 p.m. | Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall | $17 | Bring your boo for a date night of live music as the NC Americana folk band plays crowd’s favorites and new releases.

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Michelle Merrill conducting the orchestra band.

J Farley Photography via Winston-Salem Symphony

A Night at Hogwarts | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Reynolds Auditorium | $10+ | Immerse yourself in thrilling, magical sights and sounds inspired by the Harry Potter films.

An Evening of Flamenco & Spanish Guitar | 6-8 p.m. | Manolo’s Boutique Wines & Bistro | Friday, Jan. 30 | $25 | Experience Spain in the Twin City, featuring Eduardo de Rosamaria Ensemble, add a little flair to your dance moves, or watch the dancers perform as you sip your wine.

Theater

The Broadway Musical: “Little Women” | Friday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Winston-Salem Theater Alliance | $25 | Follow the journey of four sisters as they navigate growing up in Civil War–era America and turn their experiences into published stories.

Anthony Wayne Live: A Cabaret Musical Experience | Saturday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | Hanesbrands Theatre | $30+ | Experience a night of Broadway hits and embark on an adventure of joy, heartache, and yearning as one man’s dream to find his light. Expect R&B classics, Disco, and Jazz melodies.

Try with friends

Vegan Seafood Pop-Up | Friday, Jan. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Radar Brewing Company | Free | Try the famous plant-based “fish,” crispy comfort-food favorites, and hang out with other vegan foodies.

Kaleideum After Dark: Lunar Lounge | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Kaleideum | $20 | Take an interstellar journey into the galaxy during the adults-only night inspired by the mysteries of space.

WStoday: Modern cocktail bar interior featuring backlit shelves of liquor bottles, warm pendant lighting, and leather bar stools in an upscale, inviting setting.

Kick off the new month with fresh routines and new activities, like discovering a new hangout spot in Winston-Salem.

Photo courtesy of The Katharine Brasserie & Bar

Bourbon & Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 5 p.m. | The Katharine Brasserie and Bar | $93 | Delve into the fascinating history of bourbon in Winston-Salem while learning the skills to create three bourbon cocktails for yourself.

Tonight’s Special Comedy Special | Saturday, Jan. 10, Saturday, Feb. 14, Saturday, March 14 | Times vary | Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts | $15 | Spruce up your evening plans with the comedy show, which features improv, music, and rotating stand-up each month.

WFDD Movie Club: “Winter’ Bone” (2010) | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 12 p.m. | a/perture cinema | $8 | Enjoy an introduction and post-film discussion with WFU Film Scholar Mary Dalton, deciphering the tale of a teenager who is forced to confront a world of crime to save her father.

Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:

  • Go to our Events page.
  • Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
  • Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
  • Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.