Winston Salem Fairgrounds

Farmer's Market
2026-08-22 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-29 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-05 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-12 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-19 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-26 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-17 06:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-24 06:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) and 8 more dates | Farmers Market Building, 2532 Farmers Market Way, Winston-Salem, 27105, United States
Shop local at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market!
The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market is Forsyth County’s longest-running source for locally raised fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Market vendors also offer flowers, handmade baskets, cakes & pies, fresh baked breads, jams & jellies, honey, crafts and much more.
The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market also accepts SNAP and EBT Cards!
Use your SNAP benefits to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and local meat and dairy products. Click here to learn how to use your SNAP benefits at the Farmer’s Market.
Open year-round every Saturday, 6:00 AM – Noon, at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market Building.
We are located at 2532 Farmers Market Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
Enter through the parking area off of 27th Street.

ALL WHITE AFFAIR- MAZE with The Whispers with Leela James
2026-08-22 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Arena, 414 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
R&B is back INDOORS at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Theatre. Be here for this unforgettable intimate ALL WHITE AFFAIR performance featuring MAZE and The Whispers andf Leela James in Winston-Salem, August 22, 2026. In partnership with 97.1 WQMG.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the show will begin at 8:00 PM.
Tickets start at $40. Click the link below to buy yours today!

Buy tickets!

About MAZE
Maze (often billed as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly) is a legendary American soul and funk band formed in Philadelphia in 1970 by vocalist/producer Frankie Beverly. Known for hits like “Before I Let Go” and “Joy and Pain,” the group earned nine Gold albums, defining a smooth, R&B sound that became a staple at family reunions and parties.

Origins: Originally named Raw Soul, the band moved to San Francisco where they were discovered by Marvin Gaye, who encouraged them to change their name to Maze.
Signature Style: Beverly, a Philadelphia native, served as the primary songwriter, producer, and vocalist, known for his smooth baritone and passionate performances.
Major Hits: Their classics include “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” “Happy Feelin’s,” “Back in Stride,” and “Golden Time of Day”.
Cultural Impact: Known for a fiercely loyal fanbase, often wearing all white at concerts. Their music is celebrated as a cornerstone of Black American culture.
Beyoncé Cover: In 2019, Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” on her Homecoming album, which Beverly described as a career high point.
Legacy and Retirement: After a 50-year career and a farewell tour in 2024, Frankie Beverly retired, with the band introducing new lead singer Tony Lindsay to continue their legacy. Frankie Beverly passed away in September 2024 at age 77.

Maze is recognized for their consistent, high-quality musicianship and enduring influence on soul music.

About The Whispers
The Whispers are a legendary American R&B vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1963, known for smooth harmonies and enduring success over five decades. Famous for hits like “And the Beat Goes On” and “Rock Steady”, they achieved 15 top ten R&B singles and numerous gold/platinum albums, with original members including twins Walter and Wallace “Scotty” Scott.
Key Details About The Whispers:

Formation: Founded in the Watts section of Los Angeles in 1963 by twins Walter and Wallace “Scotty” Scott, along with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon.
Signature Hits: Their biggest successes include “And the Beat Goes On,” “Rock Steady,” “Lady,” and “It’s a Love Thing”.
Achievements: The group has sold over 20 million albums, earned two platinum and five gold albums, and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.
Style: Known as one of R&B’s premier romantic groups, they blend soul, funk, and disco, transitioning from 60s/70s soul to 80s dance-pop hits.
Legacy & Members: The group is known for its incredible longevity, often performing as a quartet in later years following the passing of original members Marcus Hutson (2000), Nicholas Caldwell (2016), and Gordy Harmon (2023).
Recent News: Co-founder Walter Scott passed away on June 26, 2025, at age 81.

About Leela James

Leela James is a critically acclaimed American soul and R&B singer-songwriter known for her gritty, powerful vocals and over 20-year career. Emerging in the mid-2000s, she is recognized for blending traditional soul influences with modern R&B, earning accolades like the 2014 Soul Train Certified Award and multiple NAACP Image Award nominations.
Background & Style:

Origin: Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, though influenced by her family’s Southern roots.
Sound: Often compared to legends like Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, her music is characterized as soulful, raw, and unapologetic.
Influences: Gospel, blues, and funk.

Career Highlights:

Debut: Burst onto the scene with her debut album A Change Is Gonna Come in 2005.
Hits: Known for songs such as “Music,” “Fall for You” (certified Gold), and “Complicated”.
Latest Work: Released projects including See Me and Thought U Knew (2023), featuring the single “Right Back In It”.

The group was known for its consistent lineup for many years, a rarity in the music industry. They maintained popularity through the 70s, 80s, and beyond, with a sound that bridged soul and contemporary R&B.

Southbound Railroaders Model Train Show
2026-08-29 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-30 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Education Building, 569 Fairgrounds Blvd Gate 7, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
Southbound Model Railroaders is excited to host their Model Train Show happening August 29-30, 2026! This show will feature a wide variety of model train vendors selling all scales of model trains and accessories. This is one of the largest model train shows in the NC. Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun for the enthusiast and all family members!
Tickets
Adults: $10 (Covers both Days)
Kids 12 and under free with adult

Parking
Parking is free via Gate 7 off Shorefair Drive.

Vendor Information
If you or your business is interested in vending at the show, click here for the application or email southboundtrainshow@gmail.com.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
2026-08-29 12:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Innergrounds, 569 Fairgrounds Blvd Gate 7, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
Experience 60+ Beers, 40+ Bourbons, and LOTS of Barbecue! THE BIGGEST, BADDEST, BONE-IN, BBQ Fest is Coming at You!!! This flavorful affair offers up all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
What to Expect:

Each guest receives a Souvenir Glass to enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon
Enjoy whole hogs during this Shrine of Swine event
It’s BBQ Galore! Vendors will feature all kinds of great barbecue including pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages, and all the sides you can imagine. Portions are heavy and prices are low!
The Tasting Theater features seminars from master distillers, brewmasters, and pitmasters across the South.
The Cochon Carnival is loaded with fun activities and games if you need some time to make room for seconds (or thirds!)
The Main Stage features live rock and blues musicians to keep the party going
Shop from vendors selling everything from hot sauces, BBQ sauces and accessories, cigars, and more

Admission
Click here to buy tickets!
VIP Admission: $85 (+ $8.29 fees)

Valid from 12-6 PM
Includes:

2 extra hours of sampling (Exclusive to VIP!)
BBQ dinner plate (Exclusive to VIP!)
Souvenir tasting glass
Unlimited sampling of beer and bourbon
All live entertainment

General Admission: $39 (+ $3.80 fees)

Valid from 2-6 PM
Includes:

Souvenir tasting glass
Unlimited sampling of beer and bourbon
All live entertainment

*Entry Only Tickets will be available onsitefor $25.

Forsyth Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show
2026-09-11 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-12 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-13 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Education Building, 569 Fairgrounds Blvd Gate 7, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
FGMC (Forsyth Gem and Mineral Club) will host their annual show September 11-13, 2026, in the Fairgrounds Event Center! This show will feature vendors selling mineral and fossil specimens, jewelry components, fine and custom jewelry, tools, lapidary equipment and various other items. FGMC members will be available throughout the weekend to help identify minerals, to provide lapidary demonstrations and sell/cut geodes.
Admission
Adult admission is $3. Children get in free with an adult.
Show Hours
September 11-12: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
September 13: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Carolina Classic Fair
2026-10-02 - 2026-10-11
The Carolina Classic Fair returns for its 144th year October 2-11, 2026, at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds! Visit the Carolina Classic Fair website for more information on tickets, attractions, and entertainment for 10 days of awesome family-friendly fun!

Auction Game Sales
2026-10-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-12 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Education Building, 569 Fairgrounds Blvd Gate 7, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
Auction Game Sales, an amusement and entertainment equipment auction, returns to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds at the Event Center!

What: Auction Game Sales is an amusement and entertainment equipment auction company that has been serving both domestic and international clients at their monthly consignment auctions for over 30 years. At every sale, they average 750 items for auction, giving you the chance to choose from the largest and best selection of quality, late-model amusement equipment. Click here for more information on this event.
This event is not only meant for individuals & businesses looking to purchase arcade equipment. AGS is also meant for businesses looking to sell equipment, whether you’re down-sizing or closing up shop. If you have a Family Entertainment Center or arcade that is closing, Auction Game Sales can come to your location and handle the entire liquidation on site. Advertising through major trade publications, our extensive operator mailing list, and local media for the home market will bring buyers from many states to purchase your assets.
This auction event is among several trade shows that come to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds several times a year. To stay in the know with trade shows coming to the fairgrounds visit our event calendar.

C&E Gun Show
2026-11-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-11-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-19 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-20 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Education Building, 569 Fairgrounds Blvd Gate 7, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105, United States
C&E Gun Shows has a wide variety of personal protection items from dozens of vendors! Their mission is to provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for guests to buy, sell, or trade shooting sport or personal protection items. They have several shows at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds throughout the year, so mark your calendars if you’re in the market to upgrade your personal protection equipment!
*Loaded firearms are NOT permitted on the Fairgrounds or in the Event Center.
2026 C&E Gun Shows

January 10-11
March 7-8
May 23-24
August 8-9
November 21-22
December 19-20

Show Hours

Saturdays: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sundays: 10 AM – 5 PM

Tickets
Adults: $12
Children 12 and under FREE
