There’s no better time to Come See Wilson, North Carolina, than during the 22nd Annual North Carolina Whirligig Festival, November 7-8! Downtown Wilson will come alive with art, music, food, shopping, and family-friendly fun as visitors gather to celebrate one of the community’s most recognizable treasures. With live entertainment across four stages, talented artists and vendors, delicious food, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities to make memories, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another year of whirli-good fun, we invite you to give it a whirl!
At the heart of the celebration are the incredible whirligigs created by Wilson’s own Vollis Simpson. A self-taught folk artist and talented mechanic, Simpson began creating his wind-powered sculptures using salvaged metal, machinery parts, bicycle wheels, fans, and other recycled materials. What began as a creative hobby became an internationally recognized art form, transforming everyday objects into towering, colorful sculptures that turn and spin with the wind. Today, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park showcases 30 of these magnificent creations, preserving his remarkable legacy and giving visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.
There’s even more reason to explore Wilson this year! The city is featured in North Carolina’s Hidden Gems GeoTour, a statewide geocaching adventure that encourages travelers to venture off the beaten path and discover unique destinations across the state.
Adding to the excitement, Wilson’s iconic whirligigs are featured on the cover of the GeoTour, highlighting the creativity and public art that make the community distinctive. Whether you’re an experienced geocacher or new to the activity, the GeoTour offers a fun opportunity to explore Wilson from a different perspective and discover more of what the city has to offer.
While the festival itself is reason enough to visit, we encourage you to make a whole weekend of it! Spend some extra time in Wilson exploring local shops, restaurants, galleries, and the Whirligig Museum. Visit Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, discover Wilson’s public art, and uncover some of the hidden gems that make Wilson such a great place to explore. From arts and culture to history, recreation, and more, Wilson has so much more to offer than you might discover in just one afternoon. There are plenty of reasons to stay overnight, slow down, and experience the community beyond the festival grounds.
So, whether you’re coming from just down the road or traveling from across the state (or even across the country!), make plans to join us in Wilson on November 7-8! Bring your family, invite your friends, book a great place to stay, and give yourself the entire weekend to experience everything our community has to offer. The whirligigs are spinning, the music is playing, and Wilson is ready to welcome you. Come for the Whirligig Festival, stay for the experience, and discover why there’s always something special happening in Wilson!