Originally known as The Forsyth County Fairgrounds, The Winston Salem Fairgrounds began as a dirt oval track spanning 0.500 miles in addition to its primary purpose as a fairground. During the times of the year it wasn't expected to host a stock car race, this fairground was the home of the annual Dixie Classic Fair for Northwest North Carolina starting in 1951. Eventually it became home to many other events related to the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. The annual fair traditionally takes place in the first week of October.
On December 1, 1969, the Winston-Salem Foundation gave the Fairgrounds, the Memorial Coliseum, and $75,000 to the City of Winston-Salem.
The key venues on the roughly 70 acre Fairgrounds property include the Annex (1989), Education Building (1992), Home & Garden Building (1997), and the Grandstand. The Dixie Classic Farmers Market is the longest running farmers market in the Triad, and is open every Saturday year-round from 6am - 1pm.
The mission of the Fairgrounds is to plan, promote, and produce annual events including the Dixie Classic Fair, agricultural, fraternal, educational, social, and entertainment activities and events year round at the facilities. The facilities are open for rental to the public at yearly approved published rates. The Fairgrounds facilities have hosted a variety of entertainment over the years including Bob Dylan, Wiz Khalifa, The Color Run, Tiesto, annual trade shows, ice skating, sporting events, and much more!
