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North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson

Date: Sat, Nov 7, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Venue: Various Locations in Raleigh, Raleigh

Price: Free

Category: Community

The North Carolina Whirligig Festival takes place in downtown Wilson, a little less than an hour east of Raleigh, on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026. It's free to attend. Times Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Whirligig Festival is a two-day arts festival that showcases the arts of the region, including whirligigs, North Carolina folk art created by local artist Vollis Simpson. Whirligigs are 20 to 50 feet in height and incorporate highway and road signs, HVAC fans, bicycles, ceiling fans, milkshake mixers, and more. The festival features live entertainment, the Whirli-Kidz Zone, artists, vendors, food and more. Check back soon for the stage schedule. Look for updates on the Facebook page. Double-Check Before You Head Out! We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate. However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake. Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go. You might also be interested in: Subscribing to Triangle on the Cheap's email list Triangle on the Cheap event calendar Music calendar Where to go dancing in the Triangle Trivia Nights Best food and drink deals in the Triangle Free and cheap things to do this week Farmers Markets in the Triangle Subscribe to Triangle on the Cheap More Festivals Take a look at a few upcoming festivals: Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Raleigh Mom Club — Raleigh, NC

Community · Raleigh

North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson

“Check their Facebook page before heading out for the latest stage schedule.”

When
Nov 7
Sat, Nov 7, 2026
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where
Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
trianglebudget friendlyfree

The North Carolina Whirligig Festival is a free weekend arts event in downtown Wilson celebrating the giant, wind-driven kinetic sculptures created by local folk artist Vollis Simpson. Located about an hour east of Raleigh, the festival grounds showcase these massive structures made from recycled road signs, bicycle parts, and fans, which spin and move in the breeze. If you are planning a day trip, the festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, though you will want to bring cash for food trucks and vendor booths. Toddlers and elementary-aged children will especially enjoy the Whirli-Kidz Zone, which features active play areas and crafts. This event makes a fantastic weekend outing because it combines outdoor physical activity with a look at regional history. It is an easy drive from the Triangle that gets everyone out of the house for a few hours of fresh air and visual wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the North Carolina Whirligig Festival free to attend?
Yes, admission to the festival and access to the kids zone are completely free, though food and crafts are available for purchase.
What ages will enjoy the Whirligig Festival?
Children of all ages enjoy watching the giant spinning sculptures, but toddlers through preteens will get the most out of the dedicated kids zone activities.

Last updated

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Nov 7

Directions

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson runs Sat, Nov 7, 2026, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Getting There

The listing doesn't name one place, so check the official event page for where to go.

What to Bring

Nothing but the kids — this one's free, with no tickets to buy.

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