Gears & Guitars 2025 took place May 23rd through May 24th in Winston-Salem, NC. This festival brings the gears with a full schedule of cycling events and then some guitars by hosting free concerts right alongside the races. We were so excited to catch this incredible event and have a front row seat to check out the free music happening.
This is such an awesome event where everyone is welcome to come enjoy the festivities. On Friday night, a stage was set up outside the Kaleideum in downtown Winston-Salem. Fans were treated to sets by Hold Tone and Shake It Like a Caveman in Merschel Plaza then moved to the big stage right in the street for sets by Mipso and Old 97’s.
Saturday’s events took place in Bailey Park with Amateur and Professional Criterium Racing throughout the day. Then a full day of free live music right inside the park. Early in the day, Spindle 45 and The Smyle Band set up and played to the early crowd with an array of top hits from decades past and even a little bit of rock & roll trivia.
Later in the evening, the growing crowd was entertained by local band goRYANgo, followed by a huge headline set provided by Grammy award winning artist, Switchfoot. Not only was this incredible for being a free event, but they also really had a variety of entertainment to be enjoyed by a multitude of attendees. Bailey Park made a perfect backdrop for such an event, with not only local eateries one can visit, but several food trucks. Attendees had the opportunity to drop by at any time, they could come early and stay all day or come in late. Everyone was welcome at this party.
For information on Gears & Guitars, visit: https://www.winstonsalemcycling.com/
I’m Music Magazine Associate Editor/Photographer Daphne McKinney
GOryanGO:
The Smyle Band:
Spindle 45:
Old 97’s:
Mipso:
