A new year is here, making it the perfect time to really explore Forsyth County. Even if you’ve lived here your entire life, there are still things to do, restaurants to try out and places you’ve never seen! Below are 10 things to do in Forsyth County in 2026.

1. Visit Forsyth County Libraries

For the last six months, I’ve featured a different Forsyth County Library Branch in each issue. I have four left to share about. Each branch has unique amenities and an abundance of possibilities for learning and fun. There are classes and events for all ages from preschool story times to Stitch & Switch Sewing Class for adults and everything in between. 

If you frequent your regular neighborhood library, this is the year to branch out and try a different one. For those that haven’t visited a library recently, make 2026 a year to visit a Forsyth County Library Branch.

2. Create Seasonal Bucket Lists

One of the best things about living in North Carolina is that we have four clearly defined seasons in a year. Sometimes, we have all four seasons in a day or two! Seriously though, each season brings something new and different here in Forsyth County. 

To kick off each season, make a bucket list of the things you want to do and see and events you want to attend. Need help planning your list? I’ve featured a bucket list for each season on forsythfamilymagazine.com. Simply search “bucket list” and you will find my four articles and a few other ones with more ideas!

3. Attend Winston-Salem Greek Festival

Speaking of seasons, be sure to add Winston-Salem Greek Festival to your spring bucket list. This annual event is in May and a must-attend one in Forsyth County. It’s full of Greek culture, food, dancing and music. There is also a market filled with all kinds of cool things to purchase. 

It’s hosted at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church located at 435 Keating Drive in Winston-Salem.

4. Tour Old Salem

Old Salem is one of those few remaining places where you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. From cobblestone streets to Winkler Bakery, everything captures Moravian culture to a tee. There is a spot where the downtown Winston-Salem skyline matches up perfectly between those old streets and houses. This is one of my favorite spots in the city as it represents where our city came from and where it’s going. 

There is no bad time to visit Old Salem. If you go in spring, you’ll enjoy the beautiful green square and flowers blooming everywhere. If you go in fall, then you’ll get to see gorgeous colors everywhere. You certainly can’t go wrong choosing to visit during the holiday season!

5. Eat Lunch or Dinner at Graylyn Estate

One of the best hidden gems in our city is dining at Graylyn Estate. So many people think since it’s a hotel that only guests can enjoy meals there. However, the dining room is open to the public! The food is everything you’d come to expect from a fine dining experience. You’ll feel like you are dining in a little European castle. Be sure to stroll the grounds before or after your meal!

You can easily make a reservation through Open Table. Like Old Salem, it’s gorgeous year round, so there is no bad time of year to visit.

6. Check Out Our Many Splashpads and Parks

There are so many benefits to getting outdoors, and there is no shortage of opportunities in Forsyth County. Did you know we have nine county parks and 82 Winston-Salem city parks? Plus, there are 11 splashpads in Winston-Salem! They are typically open from early May through the end of September. 

Each park, playground and splashpad has its own unique amenities and sometimes even themes. From Tanglewood Park on the west end of our county to Triad Park on the east end and everything in between, there are outdoor adventures waiting for everyone. 

7. Compile a Must-Visit Eat & Drink List

Forsyth County is filled to the brim with great food and drink options. There are so many locally owned quaint coffee shops, fun bars, staple restaurants and exciting new spots to enjoy. Instead of thinking I really want to visit that place – then never doing it – compile a list of all the places you want to go. 

Try starting out with the new places you’ve never been to ensure you hit those. It’s easy to stick with the comfort of what we know, but that means missing out on new, likely equally delicious options!

8. Spend a Day at Reynolda

Located off Reynolda Road is a complex filled with everything you need to spend an entire day and evening. Reynolda Village has you covered with so many food, drink and shopping opportunities. Meanwhile, Reynolda Gardens is simply stunning spring through fall. Brown Family Conservatory feels like an oasis within it all. Finally, Reynolda House Museum of American Art provides a glimpse into Winston-Salem life long ago and showcases some amazing art.

So many of us who live here often go for one thing or the other, but how often do we spend an entire day there enjoying everything it has to offer?

9. Attend the Carolina Classic Fair

Like Winston-Salem Greek Festival marking spring in Winston-Salem, the Carolina Classic Fair marks fall in our city. It’s a must-attend annual event. There is always something new each year from food to rides and entertainment. The nightly fireworks are also a special way to end an evening. 

In 2026, the fair will run October 2nd-11th. Don’t miss their many discount days and options to save money going.

10. Stroll Downtown Winston-Salem

Finally, make this the year you spend a day strolling around downtown Winston-Salem. From the upbeat vibes on 4th Street to the beautiful Arts District on 6th Street, there is so much to see and do. Restaurants, coffee shops and bars abound, so you’ll have plenty of food and drink options for the entire day. 

Want to add a little learning to your day? Head over to Central Library off 5th Street. There are even some amazing parks like Artivity on the Green, Winston Square Park and Bailey Park. Our downtown truly has it all!