Visit IBTF
Plan Your Visit
Located in North Carolina’s City of Arts and Innovation, Winston-Salem hosts the biennial International Black Theatre Festival, a six-day celebration featuring 100+ performances, workshops, films, poetry, and cultural events.
Connected by major highways and nearby airports, IBTF welcomes thousands of visitors to its stages, where creativity, charm, and Southern hospitality shine at every turn.
Benton Convention Center
301 West 5th Street
Winston-Salem, NC
Located at Cherry and 5th Street, the Benton Convention Center is the vibrant hub of the International Black Theatre Festival—hosting the Opening Night Gala, Box Office, Vendors Market, productions, programs, and more!
Parking Information
The Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem offers convenient, attached parking via the 6th/Cherry-Trade Deck (519 North Cherry Street), which provides a skywalk from the third level of the parking deck to the center’s main level.
Other nearby options include the Cherry/Marshall Deck (attached to Embassy Suites at 402 North Cherry Street) and various street meters, which are free after 5:00 PM and on weekends.
Marriott Winston-Salem
425 North Cherry Street
Winston-Salem, NC
The Marriott Winston-Salem comes alive as the festival kicks off with its opening-day news conference and welcomes thousands of theatre enthusiasts throughout the week for cultural events and festival experiences.
Parking Information
The hotel is located downtown Winston-Salem in the Twin City Quarter, just off Business 40 and connected to the Benton Convention Center.
Embassy Suites
460 North Cherry street
Winston-Salem, NC
Just steps away from the Benton Convention Center, the Embassy Suites is home to IBTF Mainstage Productions, late-night comedy, and special events you won’t want to miss showing throughout the week.
Parking Information
The hotel is located downtown Winston-Salem in the Twin City Quarter, just off Business 40 and connected to the Benton Convention Center.
Airports
Located within 100 miles of five regional and international airports, including GSO, CLT, and RDU, and connected by major highways, Winston-Salem welcomes visitors from around the world.
Hotels
Stay where the festival comes alive! IBTF 2026 host hotels, the Marriott and Embassy Suites in downtown Winston-Salem, are now booking. To reserve a room at a host hotel, please book directly with the hotel. Looking for more options? The IBTF Housing Site offers a selection of additional hotels in Winston-Salem at the best available rates. Non-host hotels can be booked conveniently directly through the housing site.
Dining
Winston-Salem’s culinary scene is a true reflection of its heritage and creativity, offering a unique and flavorful experience in the South.
Theaters
Experience the magic of Black theatre with over 120 theatrical performances across 20+ stages and venues throughout Winston-Salem! From intimate black-box theatres to expansive Mainstage Productions, each venue brings its own energy to the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Black Theatre Festival?
The International Black Theatre Festival is a multi-day celebration of Black theatre, arts, and culture from around the world. The festival features stage productions, readings, workshops, panels, and cultural experiences showcasing artists and stories from the African diaspora.
When and where does IBTF take place?
IBTF is held biennially in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The next IBTF will be held July 27 – August 1, 2026.
Who can attend the festival?
IBTF is open to the public and welcomes theatre enthusiasts, artists, educators, students, and community members to join the celebration! Whether you work in theatre or simply love the arts, there’s something for you at IBTF.
What events are a part of IBTF?
IBTF presents a dynamic lineup of mainstage productions, cultural events, and community programs. Beyond the wide range of theatrical productions, the festival offers a dynamic mix of free and ticketed programs.
Festival programming includes:
- Theatre Workshops and Seminars
- Staged Readings
- Panels and Conversations with Artists and Industry Leaders
- Youth and Family Programming
- International Vendors Market
- Late-Night Comedy, Cabaret, and Midnight Poetry
- Daily Film Screenings
- Special Events and Networking Opportunities
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets for mainstage productions, performances, and paid events will be announced and available to purchase starting June 1, 2026, on our website or by calling/visiting the IBTF Box Office, 336.723.2266, located at 419 North Spruce Street in Winston-Salem.
Mainstage production tickets are available per show, ranging from $45 to $60. Collegiate theatre productions are priced at $30 per ticket.
Tickets will be sent to the email address provided at checkout and may be printed at home for scanning at theatre entrances. Please note that performance schedules are subject to change.
On-site ticketing assistance will be available at our Box Office during the festival. We encourage you to purchase tickets early for the best availability.
How to book your festival hotel
Winston-Salem and the surrounding area offer many hotels to accommodate your stay during at IBTF.
Host Hotels
The Marriott and Embassy Suites in downtown Winston-Salem are the official host hotels for the festival. To book a room, please contact the hotels directly.
Non-Host Hotels
For all other hotels offering special rates during IBTF 2026, please use the IBTF Housing Portal. The portal provides a wide selection of Winston-Salem hotels to reserve your stay at the best available rates.
Getting to theaters and events
Transportation is provided to many festival theatres and venues from select hotels. Guests staying downtown will have convenient access to the main festival hub at the Benton Convention Center, Marriott Winston-Salem, and Embassy Suites, where select productions, the International Vendors Market, workshops, seminars, and readings take place.
Please note that travel to some theatres may need to be arranged independently, as several mainstage productions are presented on campuses located throughout Winston-Salem.
Is IBTF accessible?
IBTF is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Many of our venues offer accessible seating and services. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact the festival organizers at info@ncblackrep.org in advance to assist with your visit.
How do I stay updated with festival news and events?
Sign up for our email newsletter, follow us on social media, and check our website regularly for announcements, schedules, and updates.
The 2026 International Black Theatre Festival is made possible by our valued sponsors, whose support helps bring world-class performances, cultural experiences, and community celebration to the stage.
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An electrifying week of theatrical performances, cultural events, and community programs, IBTF features mainstage productions, staged readings, workshops, panel discussions, and more, showcasing artists and stories from around the world.
Contact
336.723.2266
info@ncblackrep.org
419 N Spruce St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101