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College Gameday HubACCWinston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem
Game Day

Next Home Game — Elon· Sep 5, 2026
173Days
20Hrs
41Min
56Sec
3:30 PMACC Network
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

Wake Forest University

Stadium

Truist Field

Capacity

31,500

Conference

ACC

2026 Football Schedule

Official Wake Forest University Wake Forest Demon Deacons home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5, 2026ElonHome3:30 PM· ACC Network
Sep 12, 2026Old DominionHome12:00 PM· ESPN2
Sep 19, 2026NC StateHome3:30 PM· ACC Network
Oct 3, 2026DukeAway7:30 PM· ESPN
Oct 10, 2026VirginiaHome3:30 PM· ACC Network
Oct 17, 2026Florida StateAway12:00 PM· ACC Network
Oct 31, 2026Georgia TechHome3:30 PM· ACC Network
Nov 7, 2026ClemsonHome3:30 PM· ACC Network
Nov 14, 2026LouisvilleAway12:00 PM· ACC Network
Nov 21, 2026UNCHome12:00 PM· ACC Network

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Fall football weather in Winston-Salem brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.

September

Warm & Sunny

78°

High

/

55°

Low

5 rainy days
Light layers — afternoons can be warm but evenings cool down fast.
⭐ Best Month

October

Crisp & Clear

65°

High

/

44°

Low

6 rainy days
Perfect football weather. Bring a light jacket for night games.
❄️ Toughest

November

Cold & Variable

50°

High

/

32°

Low

7 rainy days
2 snow days
Bundle up — heavy coat, gloves, and a hat are essential for late-season games.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layers (t-shirt + hoodie + jacket)
  • Team colors / jersey
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Rain poncho (just in case)
  • Hand warmers for November games

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Truist Field.

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Winston-Salem on game day

Trade Street Arts District

Winston-Salem's vibrant arts and nightlife corridor with craft bars, breweries, and a lively gameday scene

  • Arts district
  • Craft bars
  • Unique atmosphere

Downtown Winston-Salem

The city center with sports bars, restaurants, and a growing craft beer scene on gameday

  • Sports bars
  • Craft beer
  • City energy

Reynolda Village

Upscale area near campus with wine bars and gastropubs popular with alumni on gameday

  • Near campus
  • Upscale venues
  • Alumni crowd

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near Truist Field for Wake Forest Demon Deacons fans

Foothills Brewing

1.8 miles from stadium·Award-winning craft brewery
Torch PilsnerOutdoor patioGameday releases
Open in Google Maps

Burke Street Pizza

1.5 miles from stadium·Bar & pizza joint
Craft beerPizzaStudent favorite
Open in Google Maps

Wiseman Brewing

2.0 miles from stadium·Local craft brewery
Local brewsTaproomGameday atmosphere
Open in Google Maps

The Porch Kitchen & Cantina

1.6 miles from stadium·Tex-Mex bar
MargaritasTacosLively crowd
Open in Google Maps

Radar Brewing

2.2 miles from stadium·Neighborhood brewery
Small batch beersFood trucksCasual vibe
Open in Google Maps

Monstercade

1.9 miles from stadium·Bar arcade
Arcade gamesCraft cocktailsFun gameday stop
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Truist Field — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.2 miles

Estimated Time

4 hours

Bar Stops

5 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Trade Street - Downtown Winston-Salem

1
Stop 1First Stop

Foothills Brewing

Winston-Salem, NC

Torch Pilsner
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
2
Stop 2

Burke Street Pizza

Winston-Salem, NC

Craft beer
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
3
Stop 3

Wiseman Brewing

Winston-Salem, NC

Local brews
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
4
Stop 4

The Porch Kitchen & Cantina

Winston-Salem, NC

Margaritas
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
5
Stop 5Final Stop

Radar Brewing

Winston-Salem, NC

Small batch beers
Get Directions

End Point

Monstercade

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Foothills Brewing

Stop 1 of 5

Torch Pilsner

1 / 6
1.2 miles
4 hours
5 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Wear your Wake Forest Demon Deacons gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make Wake Forest University Wake Forest Demon Deacons game day unlike anywhere else

Pre-Game Tailgate

3–4 hours before kickoff

Winston-Salem fans gather hours before kickoff to tailgate near Truist Field. Grills fire up, team colors fill the lots, and the energy builds to a fever pitch before the gates open.

Arrive early for the best spots

Team Entrance Cheer

At kickoff

When the Wake Forest Demon Deacons take the field, the stadium erupts. Fans pack the tunnel entrance and create a wall of noise that opposing teams dread. It's one of the loudest moments in college football.

One of the loudest moments in the game

Victory Celebration

Post-game

After a Wake Forest Demon Deacons win, the party moves back to the bar district. Fans flood the streets, bars stay packed until last call, and the celebration carries well into the night.

The bar district comes alive after wins

Fight Song Singalong

After every score

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons fight song is belted out by every fan in the stadium after every score. Learn the words before you arrive — you'll be expected to sing along with 60,000 of your closest friends.

Know the words before you arrive

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Wake Forest Demon Deacons ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Truist Field

Open Gameday

Krispy Kreme

Doughnuts · $

4.6(8,400+ reviews)

Original Krispy Kreme location! Watch doughnuts being made through the glass. A Winston-Salem must-visit.

2.5 miles
Must Order:Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced
Open Gameday

Foothills Brewing

Brewery & Restaurant · $$

4.4(3,200+ reviews)

Popular local brewery with solid food menu. Great pre-game spot for craft beer fans.

3.0 miles
Must Order:Craft Beer, Pub Burger
Open Gameday

Cookout

Fast Food · $

4.3(2,800+ reviews)

Wake Forest student favorite. Incredible value and late-night hours for post-game meals.

1.2 miles
Must Order:BBQ Tray, Hush Puppies, Cheerwine
Open Gameday

Village Tavern

American Bistro · $$

4.5(4,100+ reviews)

Upscale casual dining with Southern flair. Popular for pre-game brunch and dinner.

2.8 miles
Must Order:Shrimp & Grits, Crab Cakes
Open Gameday

Mellow Mushroom

Pizza · $$

4.2(2,600+ reviews)

Creative pizzas and craft beer. Fun atmosphere near campus with vegetarian options.

1.5 miles
Must Order:Holy Shiitake Pizza, Pretzels
Open Gameday

Camino Bakery

Bakery & Cafe · $

4.7(1,900+ reviews)

Local bakery with excellent breakfast options. Perfect for early gameday mornings.

3.2 miles
Must Order:Breakfast Sandwich, Pastries, Coffee
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Winston-Salem GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Wake Forest Demon Deacons football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Truist Field

Tailgate Zones

Truist Field LotsOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

Official tailgate lots surrounding the stadium with grills, tents, and Deacon gold everywhere.

Deacon Tower PlazaOpens 3 hrs before kickoff

Fan plaza area outside the stadium with food vendors and pre-game entertainment.

Trade StreetOpens All day

Bar patios and street tailgates in the arts district — the social hub of Winston-Salem gameday.

Parking & Transit Tips

  • Purchase official Wake Forest parking passes at godeacs.com.
  • Downtown Winston-Salem parking decks are a good alternative with easy rideshare access.
  • Arrive 2+ hours early — Deacon Blvd backs up on game days.
  • Rideshare from Trade Street to the stadium is quick and easy.

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber/Lyft drop-off on Deacon Blvd near Truist Field. Trade Street drop-off for pre-game bar crawl.

Shuttle Service

Wake Forest University runs shuttles from campus parking areas to Truist Field on home game days.

Where to Stay

Top hotels near Truist Field for game day weekend

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

$$$
2.0 miles from stadium
  • Historic boutique hotel
  • Downtown location
  • Rooftop bar
Best hotel in Winston-Salem. Book 6–8 weeks in advance for home games.

Marriott Winston-Salem

$$
1.8 miles from stadium
  • Full service
  • Downtown location
  • Easy stadium access
Great mid-range option. Book 4–6 weeks in advance.

Hampton Inn Winston-Salem

$
2.5 miles from stadium
  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Good value
Best value option. Use rideshare to reach campus and Trade Street.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Winston-Salem game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate Winston-Salem Game Day?

Book your Wake Forest University Wake Forest Demon Deacons game day bar crawl and experience Winston-Salem nightlife like never before!

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