JUNE 1, 2024

RAIN OR SHINE! Join us for another day of ArtSpin with plenty of hands-on activities, music, food, and shopping like always, we’ll be spinnin’ around Historic Downtown Wilson!

*Local Shopping and Special Treats

*Activities for Kids & Adults!

*Live Music

*Downtown Dining

This event is brought to Wilson in collaboration between Wilson Downtown Development Corporation and Wilson Arts. The event is free and open to the public. Select activities may have a nominal fee. Follow the event on our Facebook pages @Historic Downtown Wilson or @WilsonArtsNC to view details of the event as we get closer.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

FREE RICKSHAW RIDS BY RALEIGH RICKSHAW | Explore the charming streets soaking in the sights and culture of Hisitoric Downtown Wilson.
BUBBLES | Get ready to pop and play at our bubble party extravaganza! Dive into a world of shimmering spheres and frothy fun for an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and wonder. | Free | Location TBD
More to be announced!

 

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

AMERICAN CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS| 230 Goldsboro Street S
-The First Walk for the Eyes on Main Street Photography Festival will start at the American Center of Photography at 4:30 p.m. Following the First Walk, will be there reception for the Residency exhibition at the American Center for Photographers at 6:30 p.m.

DOWNTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE | 113B Goldsboro Street S
Unwind, enjoy a beverage, and express your creativity on our indoor chalkboard wall – the serene space awaits your artistic touch!

IMAGINATION STATION | 224 Nash Street NE
Visit to hear photography lectures by Renee C. Byer at 10 a.m. and Stephen Perloff at 2 p.m. Renee C. Byer is an acclaimed documentary photojournalist recognized for her impactful work highlighting marginalized voices, which garnered her the Pulitzer Prize in 2007 and numerous other prestigious awards. Stephen Perloff is a distinguished figure in the photography world, known for his founding role at The Photo Review and expertise in the photography art market through The Photograph Collector. With a prolific career spanning teaching, curating exhibitions, and acclaimed publications, his influence extends across museums, private collections, and numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. Free.

PHIL’S MUSIC EXCHANGE | 207 Tarboro Street W
Shop Wilson’s premier record store specializing in everything music, movies, games and memorabilia.
PARK PLACE CONSIGNMENT | 111 Parke Avenue W
Find stunning, high-quality home décor pieces that will elevate the style and ambiance of your living space. From framed artwork and lamps to furniture and jewelry, our curated selection offers a wide range of upscale and attractive options to choose from. *Only open until 4 p.m.

WILSON ARTS CENTER | 204 Nash Street S
-Experience Frans van Baar’s transformative journey through landscapes, seascapes, and abstracts in his upcoming exhibition “Painting Journey: Awakens Memories,” where themes of liberation, beauty, and philanthropy come to life, inviting you to explore four decades of artistic evolution. | Free Admission
- Discover the magic of cyanotype photography with our drop-in activity! Create stunning blue-hued prints effortlessly, perfect for capturing unique moments and unleashing your creative side. | Free
-Visit with characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast from the upcoming summer community musical at the Boykin Center in July! |Free

WILSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY | 249 Nash Street W
Experience the magic of family storytelling and crafting at the Wilson County Public Library, where creativity and fun come together for an unforgettable experience. | Free

VOLLIS SIMPSON WHIRLIGIG PARK & MUSEUM | 230 Goldsboro Street SW
Join the excitement at our Big Star Photo Contest! Snap a pic with the Big Star at the museum and DM it to our Whirligig Park Facebook page to enter. Categories include Best Selfie, Best Group Picture, and Best Costume. Prizes for all and winners revealed at 4:30 p.m.

ARTS PARTNER EVENTS

FARMERS & ARTISAN MARKET | Whirligig Park Pavilion
Local farmers and artisan market featuring fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, wooden art, and more! (open 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.)

PRIDE FESTIVAL | Whirligig Park and surrounding areas
Celebrate love, friendship, and PRIDE with local LGBTQIA+ communities May 31 – June 2, 2024! EVERYONE is welcome to attend festivities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, or political affiliations. To see the full schedule of events, please visit www.wilsonpridenc.com.

EYES ON MAIN STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL | Throughout downtown
Celebrate 10 Years of the Eyes on Main Street Festival. Discover the captivating work of talented photographers from around the world. Immerse yourself in the vibrant and diverse photographic exhibits lining the streets of our charming town. An outdoor large-scale photo exhibition and festival with the work of 100 photographers from around the world displayed on the buildings of Historic Downtown Wilson. The First Walk for the Eyes on Main Street Photography Festival will start at the American Center of Photography at 4:30 p.m. Following the First Walk, will be there reception for the Residency exhibition at the American Center for Photographers at 6:30 p.m.

FOOD, DINING, & BEVERAGES 

*To increase economic activity and vibrancy in Historic Downtown Wilson, City Council adopted an ordinance allowing the creation of a Downtown Social District. Social district beverages can be enjoyed each day from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Some art attractions allow social district beverages into their establishments, but not all of them, be sure to check the door for a sticker to see if they allow social district beverages in.

*BILL’S GRILL ON NASH | 119 Nash Street W | Comfort food made with fresh homemade ingredients

*THE CARDINAL | 229 Goldsboro Street | Full bar with gourmet hot dogs

CAROLINA CHEESE CO. | 109 Barnes Street W | Tasty soups, sandwiches, salads, coffee beverages, frappes, smoothies, desserts, and boba! Local artists work on display

*CASITA BREWING CO. | 217 South Street | Local beer with global appeal

THE CORNER DELI | 132 Goldsboro Street S | Good folkin' sandwiches

*DOWNTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE | 113 Goldsboro Street N | Intimate cocktail lounge with craft beer, wine, live music, and vibrant patio

*THE HUB | 211 South Street | Family friendly pizza place with arcade games

*THE PORCH AT ICONOSTAR | 224 Goldsboro Street SW | Unique experience with a vibrant bar, captivating art, and a fantastic outdoor patio, providing the perfect setting for enjoying drinks, exploring local art, and soaking up the sunshine in style!

*ICE & FUEL CO. | 117 Barnes Street W | Cocktail Bar

*LAREMA COFFEE HOUSE | 109 Tarboro Street| Serving up craft coffee, tea, hot chocolate, beverages, house-made baked goods, breakfast, brunch, beer, wine, and much more to satisfy all of your cravings!

*RUCKUS & REDEMPTION | 220-C Barnes Street S | Family friendly; expertly-crafted burgers and cocktails

SAYUM JAMAICAN RESTAURANT | 408 Nash Street S | Real Jamaican food and hand-dipped ice cream

TREAT YO’ SELF BAKERY | *New Location* 100 Pine Street W Suite C | Artisanal cakes, pastries, and desserts plus coffee and drinks (Open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

WHIRLIGIG POPCORN SHOPPE | 222 Tarboro Street | Scrumptious and crispy gourmet popcorn. Easter gifts/popcorn flavors. (Open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)