Festival

Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is 1 of 18 communities across the United States selected to be part of a national initiative called Arts For EveryBody. The initiative, announced in September 2023 and designed to bring together artists, civic leaders and community health providers to foster healthier communities. The local July 27 event is called “Creative Wellness Community Day” and will include traditional West African dance and djembe drumming, interactive creative spaces for youth and families, food trucks, and live performances highlighting local artists in a variety of disciplines. Free health screenings will be provided in addition to various health resource vendors, all in celebration of Winston-Salem’s commitment to health and wellness through the arts. The event is free and open to the public. Programs in all 18 communities are being led by local artists, municipal officials and community health leaders, who are working together to create large-scale participatory arts projects that advance health, equity and community connections. In Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the key collaborating organizations include five entities:  Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, City of Winston-Salem Neighborhood Services, Forsyth County Health and Human Services, Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and United Health […]

 Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honors the invaluable contributions of African Americans to our society. The theme for this year’s celebration is African Americans and the Arts. The 25th anniversary of the local Juneteenth Festival will be commemorated by honoring storyteller, Patricia “Mardia” Stepney for her visionary role in initiating the idea of holding a local Juneteenth Celebration. Biotech Place will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. and will include gospel music, merchandise vendors, community displays, health discussions and a sponsor meet and greet. Additionally, a culturally affirming Arts and Literacy Village will include creative activities Black author read-a-louds, games and crafts. 10,000 attendees are expected. Bailey Park events will run from 1 to 8 p.m. and will include R&B and jazz music, African dance, youth performances, merchandise vendors, a Food Lion local produce stand and more! Kid’s Kingdom will be available from 1-5 p.m. and will include games, tribal dot face painting, crafts, make-n-takes and more.