Free UNCSA Performances: A Community Celebration of the Arts!

If you’re looking for fun, family-friendly ways to enjoy the arts in Winston-Salem, you’re in luck! The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) has nearly 20 free performances this school year that are open to the public. From piano and guitar recitals to percussion, brass, and choral concerts, there’s something for every music lover in the family. While UNCSA also hosts paid performances, these free events are an amazing way to experience world-class student talent without spending a dime. You can check out all their performances, including ticketed events, on UNCSA’s performance page.  Note: the performances listed below have free admission, but you may still need a ticket!  Please check the event page for details. 
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free fun

Why Early Arts Exposure Matters (And Why These Shows Are Perfect!)

Picture this: a wide-eyed kid watching a violinist make their instrument sing or giggling at a playful Broadway tune. Exposing children to the arts at a young age isn’t just fun, it’s like planting a seed for creativity, empathy, and confidence. Music, theater, and dance open up new ways for kids to express themselves, spark their imaginations, and learn about the world around them. Free community events like these at UNCSA are a golden opportunity to bring the whole family together for a shared experience. You don’t need to break the bank to show your little ones the joy of a live performance, and who knows? You might just inspire the next great artist in your household!
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What makes UNCSA's community performances so perfect for families is their approachability. These aren't intimidating, stuffy affairs, they're celebrations of learning and artistry presented by some of the most talented young musicians in the country. Your fidgety five-year-old and your eye-rolling teenager will both find something to love, and you'll walk away feeling like you've given your family a genuine gift.

These free UNCSA performances are perfect for families, date nights, or even a solo evening of musical inspiration. Mark your calendars and get ready to support the arts while enjoying a little culture right here in the Triad!
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🎹 UNCSA Free Performances – 2025-2026 Season

September 2025

• Fri, Sep 26 | 7:30–9pm – Piano Fridays: Esther Jeehae Ahn – Watson Hall
  
  

October 2025

• Fri, Oct 24 | 7:30–9pm – UNCSA & WFU: Inter Alia, North Carolina Forests – Brendle Recital Hall
  
  

November 2025

• Sun, Nov 2 | 3–4:30pm – To Wit: The Lighter Side of Singing from Baroque to Broadway – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Sun, Nov 2 | 7:30–9pm – Trumpet Students in Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Tue, Nov 11 | 7:30–9pm – Piano Students in Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Sun, Nov 23 | 7:30–9pm – Fall Percussion Studio: Percussion Unbound – Watson Hall
  
  

December 2025

• Sun, Dec 7 | 3–4pm – Cantata Singers Holiday Concert – Home Moravian Church
  
  
• Sun, Dec 7 | 7:30–9pm – Guitar Studios in Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  

January 2026

• Sat, Jan 31 | 7:30–9pm – UNCSA/Salem College: Organ Studios Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  

March 2026

• Tue, Mar 3 | 7:30–9pm – Low Brass Students in Concert – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Sun, Mar 22 | 7:30–9pm – Spring Percussion Studio: Percussion Rocks – Watson Hall
  
  
• Sun, Mar 29 | 7:30–9pm – Horn Studio Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  

April 2026

• Tue, Apr 7 | 7:30–9pm – Guitar Studios Spring Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Sun, Apr 19 | 1–2pm – Concerto Competition – Watson Hall
  
  
• Tue, Apr 21 | 7:30–9pm – Piano Students in Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Sun, Apr 26 | 7:30–9pm – Flute Studio in Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Tue, Apr 28 | 7:30–9pm – Viola Studio in Recital – Crawford Hall
  
  

May 2026

• Sat, May 2 | 4–5pm – Symphony Orchestra: Orchestral Premieres – Crawford Hall
  
  
• Sun, May 3 | 3–4pm – Cantata Singers – Crawford Hall

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Building Community, One Performance at a Time

What makes these events extra special is how they weave our community together. You'll find yourself sitting next to longtime Winston-Salem residents, fellow parents discovering the arts alongside you, and UNCSA families celebrating their students' achievements. These performances create connections that extend far beyond the concert hall—they're the foundation of a vibrant, culturally rich community that we're all lucky to call home.

The best part? You're not just attending a free show—you're supporting the next generation of artists and helping maintain Winston-Salem's reputation as a cultural hub in North Carolina. Every time you show up, you're telling these talented students that their art matters and their community cares.

Go grab your family calendar, circle some dates, and get ready for a year filled with beautiful music, shared experiences, and the kind of community magic that makes the Triad special. After all, the best things in life really are free, and they're happening right here in Winston-Salem!

For information about UNCSA's complete performance season, including ticketed events, visit their official performance calendar.
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