Parade Information

Winston-Salem State University proudly invites students, alumni, faculty, staff, local businesses, community organizations, and friends of the University to experience one of our most anticipated annual traditions, the 2026 Homecoming Parade. 

An Expanded Route. More Places to Experience Ram Pride.
The 2026 WSSU Homecoming Parade features an expanded route of approximately 1.75 miles, about 0.4 mile longer than last year's route. Beginning at Research Parkway and 5th Street, the new route creates additional opportunities for the community to experience bands, floats and performances along Research Parkway before the parade turns onto Rams Drive and travels through the heart of WSSU.

Route Summary
Research Parkway and 5th Street → Research Parkway → Rams Drive → Martin Luther King Jr. Drive → Cromartie Street → First left → Across the bridge → Lot LSW

Breakdown Locations

• 200 South Research Parkway: Linda Greenwood / 100.7 WLF
• 100 South Research Parkway, 421 Bridge: Shilynne Cole / 102 Jamz
• 20 South Research Parkway: Shilynne Cole / 97.1 FM

PARADE SPECTATOR PARKING: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Ramily, plan ahead and arrive early! ❤️🐏

Several free and low-cost parking options are available near the Homecoming Parade route. Parking is first come, first served, so allow extra time to park and walk to your viewing spot.

FREE PARKING OPTIONS

Salem College – Robert E. Elberson Fine Arts Center Lot
412 Rams Drive
FREE – Confirmed parade spectator parking

Forsyth County Government Center Surface Lot
Near 201 N. Chestnut Street
FREE – Parade-day access may be affected by road closures

City Hall South Parking Lot
Near 100 E. First Street
FREE – Parade-day access may be affected by road closures

Downtown Street Parking
N. Chestnut, N. Church, N. Liberty, N. Cherry, E. Third and E. Fourth Streets
FREE – Sundays in designated spaces; restrictions may apply

Innovation Quarter Street Parking
Patterson Avenue, Vine Street and E. Fourth Street
FREE – Designated spaces only; weekend restrictions may apply

PAID PARKING OPTION

6th/Cherry/Trade Parking Deck
519 N. Cherry Street
$2 flat weekend rate – Sunday access listed

PLAN AHEAD. PARK SMART. ENJOY THE PARADE!

• Arrive early. Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Be prepared to walk. Parking locations may be several blocks from the parade route.
• Expect road closures. Some lots and streets may be difficult to access once parade traffic restrictions begin.
• Follow posted signs and parking staff directions. Do not block driveways, intersections or emergency routes.

Parking availability, rates and access are subject to change.