It seems like everything is more expensive these days, but there’s no need to be bored when you’re ballin’ on a budget in Winston-Salem, N.C. There are many online articles on exploring Winston-Salem affordably, but this is a different guide to cheap fun. In this article, you’ll find ideas for Winston-Salem activities that are new to you and ways to enjoy local attractions at a discount.
See a movie on the big screen at Marketplace Cinemas.
Cost: $8
Marketplace Cinemas in Winston-Salem is an old movie theater with bargain ticket prices. There are no frills, but it’s clean and gives you the big screen experience without the higher price. Marketplace Cinemas is a real gem in Winston-Salem and a great way to see a good movie on a budget
Marketplace Cinemas
2095 Peters Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Visit and tour the Reynolda House Museum.
Cost: Free admission with a Forsyth County Library Pass
All ten Forsyth County Public Library branches carry free Reynolda House admission passes. Each pass is good for general admission for two adults. A library card is all you need to participate. After touring the Museum, embrace the outdoors in the Gardens and grounds, which are always free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Reynolda House Museum of Art
2250 Reynolda Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Enjoy concerts during downtown’s Summer Music Series.
Cost: Free
Winston-Salem’s Summer Music Series is a series of free concerts that bring live music to the streets and parks of downtown on Friday and Saturday nights from June through August. The popular events, organized by Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, have been a local tradition for over 25 years.
Say hello to the jellyfish at The Quarry at Grant Park.
Cost: Free
The Quarry at Grant Park is different from your ordinary public park (and yes, there are freshwater jellyfish in the quarry). Tempting your fear of heights, walk on the quarry’s overhang for a beautiful overlook of the quarry waters, joined by the skyline view of downtown Winston-Salem. For kids, there’s an enclosed climbing area with platforms of ropes to play on, tiny trampolines for jumping, spinning toys, a rock climbing wall, and a hammock.
The Quarry at Grant Park
1790 Quarry Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Experience exhibitions and events at SECCA.
Cost: Free
The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) is a multimedia contemporary art gallery offering unique large-scale indoor and outdoor settings for exploring contemporary art and culture intersections. SECCA has no permanent collection but offers exhibitions of works by artists with regional, national, and international recognition. One unique aspect of SECCA is its location on the scenic James G. Hanes estate in Winston-Salem.
The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA)
750 Marguerite Dr
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Join the Ardmore Facebook Group and binge-read the group’s posts and comments.
Cost: Priceless
The Ardmore Facebook Group is locally famous for its undeniable drama, comedy, and entertainment. While it used to be a space for disgruntled “Karens” to post photos of neighbors dogs pooping in their yard, it’s become more tame and lighthearted over the years (for the most part). Now, you’ll mostly find pictures of cute wild animals captured on Ring cameras, local funnies, and people asking for neighborly advice.
