MJ Dance Contest

During the PNC After Concert intermission, the Whirligig Festival will host a MJ Dance Contest. Limited spaces are available, as we do not want to delay the concert. All contestants must dress in a famous MJ ensemble and perform a 2 minute dance routine.  Judges will be looking for recognition of icon costumes and signature dance moves. Contest open to all ages. Prizes: 1st place: $500, 2nd place: $200 and 3rd place:$100. Application deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 1

The 19th year of the annual North Carolina Whirligig Festival will be held on Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5, 2023. 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 50,000 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.