1K Followers About the event
The annual North Carolina Whirligig Festival will be held on Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 2026. The event started as a way to celebrate what was unique to Wilson, NC - the innovative and whimsical folk art whirligigs created by Vollis Simpson. At the heart of the festival is a park containing 30 of his original giant metal structures that spin in the wind. The festival is the largest event in Wilson, 8 blocks of fun, that includes home-made arts and crafts, food vendors, non-profit agencies and sponsors. Entertainment is provided on several stages with live music, a free kids zone, a kids performance stage, strolling artists and art demonstrations.The NC Whirligig Festival averages about 70,000+ visitors attend over the 2-day festival weekend in historic downtown Wilson. The festival is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and is held each year the first full weekend in November.
Dates
Nov 07, 2026 · 10:00 AM - Nov 08, 2026 · 5:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Parking instructions
Parking instructions for vendors provided closer to festival weekend.
Health & safety
The NC Whirligig Festival will follow protocols outlines by the Federal Government, NC State Health Department and Wilson Health Department at the time of the festival.
Sponsors
Interested in applying:
1 active application
Deadline:
Oct 23, 2026
Meet our Sponsors!
Volunteers
Interested in applying:
1 active application
Deadline:
Oct 23, 2026
Thank you for completing the 2026 Whirligig Festival Application! Your participation as a volunteer will help the festival continue to be one of the best in the state. Once you have completed your application, we will be in touch to discuss volunteer orientation, shifts, and more. Please DO NOT sign up for more than two shifts back-to-back. There will be a mandatory volunteer orientation/training on Sunday, November 1st at 3:30pm at our Volunteer Headquarters (118 Nash St.).
Hosted by Whirligig Festival
Joined Eventeny in August 2020
8 events
Wilson, North Carolina, United States 
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