1 / 3

Downtown Arts District DADA

4.6

·14 reviews·Winston-Salem, United States

Winston-Salem's vibrant Downtown Arts District (DADA) showcases local talent with galleries, art rentals, and a lively monthly Gallery Hop.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Friday evenings

Vibrant atmosphere, open galleries

CrowdHigh

Loading map...

Downtown Arts District DADA

Best Time

First Friday evenings

Vibrant atmosphere, open galleries

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Winston-Salem's vibrant Downtown Arts District (DADA) showcases local talent with galleries, art rentals, and a lively monthly Gallery Hop.

4.6

(14 reviews)

"Packed full of wonderful art by many different artists including wall art, jewelry, pottery and affordable prices."

TIP

🎯 Plan for 1st Friday

Streets are often unblocked for easier parking during the popular 1st Friday Gallery Hop.

🚗 Parking Ease

Expect easier parking during the 1st Friday Gallery Hop as streets are unblocked.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 14 reviews

Type

Art Gallery

Address

604 A Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1st Friday Gallery Hop

Throughout the Downtown Arts District

Experience a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as galleries open their doors for this monthly event.

Emerging Artist Showcases

Various DADA Galleries

Discover unique and affordable local art, from paintings and jewelry to pottery, in a supportive environment.

North Trade Street Arts

North Trade Street

Explore this specific gallery known for its themed exhibits, like the 'Secret Garden,' during gallery hops.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for DADA

The Downtown Arts District Association (DADA) hosts a popular 1st Friday Gallery Hop, drawing crowds. Plan your visit around this event for the full experience, but be prepared for more people. Weekday visits offer a quieter atmosphere for exploring individual galleries.

Supporting Local Artists

DADA is a hub for local artists, offering wall space rentals and member shows. While many appreciate the opportunity, be aware that commission structures can vary. Research individual galleries within the district for specific details on sales and fees.

Best Times

When

First Friday evenings

Why

Vibrant atmosphere, open galleries

Crowd

High

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Quieter exploration, fewer crowds

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

going here to get work done? to have a latte? to get pics? to learn about the exhibits? omg winston is surprising me. is this the cutest art museum in winston salem? NCMA Winston Salem 📍 #winstonsalem #thingstodo #solotravel #nc #artmuseum #CapCut

@worldwidebrooklyn

10.3K likes • 75.3K views

🎯 Plan for 1st Friday

Streets are often unblocked for easier parking during the popular 1st Friday Gallery Hop.

🚗 Parking Ease

Expect easier parking during the 1st Friday Gallery Hop as streets are unblocked.

Join the Downtown Arts District galleries for DADA's 1st Friday Gallery Hop on Friday, April 4 from 7-10 pm. Streets unblocked for your parking ease. #dadawsnc #dada1stfridaygalleryhop #dada #dadaws #vitrine #delurkgallery #artworksgallery #ntsa #studio7ws #studio7 #tradeand6th

mmhierl

1 likes • 46 views

@battleofshallowfordnsdar participated as volunteers @bethabarapark and @dada1stfridaygalleryhop! *The Downtown Arts District Association (DADA), and Historic Bethabara invite you to “Heritage Hop” celebrating the heritage of Winston-Salem, “City of The Arts” whose craft traditions began with the earliest Moravian settlers at Bethabara. This special “DADA 1st Friday Gallery Hop will be held in Win...

battleofshallowfordnsdar

6 likes • 44 views

💰 Artist Support

DADA supports local artists; inquire about wall space rentals and commission structures.

🖼️ Diverse Art Selection

Find a wide range of local art, including wall art, jewelry, and pottery at affordable prices.

SECRET GARDEN opens during DADA 1st Friday Gallery Hop on May 2, 2025 from 7-10 PM @northtradestreetarts! Find your favorite flower during @fanofdada1stfridaygalleryhop in the Downtown Arts District! #findsomethingwonderful @northtradestreetarts ! Artists include: Herb Krutoy, Sam Stitcher, Rick Jones, Allison Hutchins, Keets Taylor, Sharon Ing, Danielle Hoover, Marsha Hierl, Alex Robinson, Anasta...

northtradestreetarts

14 likes • 97 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Plan for 1st Friday

Streets are often unblocked for easier parking during the popular 1st Friday Gallery Hop.

🚗 Parking Ease

Expect easier parking during the 1st Friday Gallery Hop as streets are unblocked.

💰 Artist Support

DADA supports local artists; inquire about wall space rentals and commission structures.

🖼️ Diverse Art Selection

Find a wide range of local art, including wall art, jewelry, and pottery at affordable prices.

☕ Coffee Break

Grab a coffee at DeBeen Espresso, conveniently located near the Arts District.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise DADA for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse local art selection, and the engaging 1st Friday Gallery Hop. It's a great spot for discovering emerging artists and finding unique pieces. However, some reviews mention issues with unclear commission structures and artist disputes, suggesting a need for clear communication regarding fees.

"Unique finds"

NSA

"Great gallery for emerging artist to start out. I have been renting wall space there for several years with no issues so not sure whats with the negative reviews. They do not charge commission if your are renting space monthly however they do have a seperate gallery in the front for DADA members and commission is taken out on sales if you are a DADA member and not paying monthly rent there. I personally have never submitted for one of their member shows but I do receive an email for them which does state they take a commision on items sold."

Allison Hutchins

"The owner of this establishment has poor etiquette. Stole money from a local artist by adding fees that were not predetermined and therefore not agreed upon by artist, and withheld said "fee" money from total profits made. Will not pay the money back and refuses to discuss it. So if you like supporting people that steal money from the artists they host, then shop there!"

So Side

What People Like

Unique local art

1st Friday Gallery Hop

Emerging artist support

What People Dislike

Artist fee disputes

Unclear commissions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Downtown Arts District (DADA) is easily accessible in Winston-Salem. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk or drive from areas like DeBeen Espresso, located 'on the other side of the tracks.' Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the downtown area.

Yes, parking is available. During the popular 1st Friday Gallery Hop, streets are often unblocked to ease parking for visitors. There are also nearby parking garages.

Absolutely! The Arts District is designed for exploration on foot. Many galleries are within easy walking distance of each other, making it a great area for an art walk.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are generally not required for the DADA 1st Friday Gallery Hop. It's a free event where galleries open their doors to the public.

Operating hours can vary by gallery. The 1st Friday Gallery Hop typically runs from 7-10 PM. For visits outside of this event, it's best to check the specific hours of individual galleries you wish to visit.

Most galleries within the DADA are free to enter, especially during the 1st Friday Gallery Hop. Some galleries may have specific member shows or events that could have associated costs, but general admission is usually complimentary.

The DADA 1st Friday Gallery Hop occurs every first Friday of the month. In October, there are sometimes two events.

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

You can expect a diverse range of local art, including wall art, jewelry, and pottery. Many galleries feature emerging artists, offering unique finds.

Yes, the Arts District is a great destination for solo travelers looking to explore art and soak in the local culture.

Yes, DADA offers wall space rentals for artists. There's also a separate gallery for DADA members where commissions are taken on sales.

The 'Heritage Hop' is an event that celebrates Winston-Salem's heritage, often involving DADA and Historic Bethabara, highlighting the city's craft traditions.

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

While the focus is on art, you can find nearby options. DeBeen Espresso is conveniently located close to the district. Events like the 1st Friday Gallery Hop often have a lively atmosphere, and you might find local breweries like Joymongers Beer hosting live music.

Yes, DeBeen Espresso is a recommended spot for coffee, located conveniently near the Downtown Arts District.

📸 📸 Photography

Definitely! The vibrant art, gallery interiors, and the general atmosphere of the 1st Friday Gallery Hop provide numerous photo opportunities. Galleries like North Trade Street Arts often have visually appealing exhibits.

Galleries participating in the 1st Friday Gallery Hop, such as North Trade Street Arts with its themed exhibits, offer great visual content for photography.