The North Carolina Whirligig Festival Returns This Weekend
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 10 am until 2 pm, the campus of Oakdale Elementary School, will
welcome hundreds of families with young children, local vendors, entertainment and food options for
what promises to be a fun-filled day for all who attend.
North Carolina is no stranger to unique festivals. And one of the most uniquely named festivals in the state returns this weekend. It’s the North Carolina Whirligig Festival! This is an all-inclusive, two-day arts festival in Wilson, NC. Wilson is about 40 miles east of Raleigh. The festival showcases the arts of the region, including the NC Folk art known as Whirligigs that are created by local artist, Vollis Simpson. The Whirligigs the festival is named after are 20-50 feet tall. These unique pieces of art incorporate items such as highway and road signs, HVAC fans, bicycles, ceiling fans, various kinds of wood, steel rods, milkshake mixers, and many more.
The North Carolina Whirligig festival is held annually, on the first full weekend in November. You can of course view and purchase art, check out two stages of entertainment, and a kids zone. There are also art competitions and a “Whirlirun” 5k run/walk. The festival will run 10-5pm Saturday and Sunday with a concert following the festival Saturday night. This year’s headliner is Uptown Funk a Bruno Mars tribute band.
Get all the info on the Whirligig Festival here.
List: 22 North Carolina Festivals To Check Out In 2022
Events are finally back and many festivals will be held in person for the first time since 2019. Whether you’re looking for small-town fun celebrating some of what makes our state great, or huge festivals we’ve got something for you. Many North Carolina festivals celebrate foods that are important to their local area. One celebrates everything North Carolina has to offer. You’ve got arts and crafts vendors, lots and lots of food, beer and wine, rides and other activities for kids, 5Ks, and more.
Events are spread all throughout the state so you’re sure to find one that’s near you. Or if you want an excuse to travel (do you ever really need one?) plan a trip! North Carolina has so much to offer and many of these small towns might be overlooked by you without the draw of these events. So plan a visit this year and experience something new!
22 North Carolina Festivals To Experience In 2022
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.
