Halloween week, followed immediately by the 2025 N.C. Whirligig Festival, seems almost like fun overload. Luckily, we are sending a special edition of Wilson This Week to help you navigate the next seven days and keep your ghouls and 'gigs straight!

Halloween is, of course, this Friday, Oct. 31. One question we often get from newcomers is when and where will there be trick-or-treating? That is something the city does not regulate and it generally is up to homeowners. If you want trick-or-treaters, turn on porch lights or light jack-o-lanterns. Some neighborhoods are more active than others, usually depending on how many children live nearby.

To kick off the week, join the Loyal Leisure Senior Club at their Fall Festival: "Getting Better with Age". Hosted at the Reid Street Community Center at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. The day will feature a fashion show, singing, poems, arts & crafts displays, refreshments and raffle drawings. It is free to attend and open to individuals 55 & over. For more information you can call 252-399-2277 or 252-399-2286.

Then on Thursday, October 30, get ready for a spook-tacular evening at the Miracle League Field! From 5:30 - 7:30 pm join in the annual Monster Mash Night -- a celebration of fun, costumes, and community spirit. The evening will feature music, games, and plenty of on-field excitement as we cheer on our Miracle League players. Everyone is encouraged to join in the Halloween fun from players and volunteers to families and fans in the stands. Don't forget your costume -- it's all part of the magic that makes this night a heartwarming Wilson tradition! 

Many parents may choose to take their kids to trunk-or-treat events or Halloween festivals. The Wilson Police Department will hold its annual trunk-or-treat event this Thursday, Oct. 30, from 7-9 p.m. at the headquarters' parking lot, 120 Goldsboro St. E. 

Then Wilson Parks & Recreation invites you to Halloween Safe Night, an evening full of fun, games, music, and treats at the Reid Street Center, 901 Reid St., from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween. 

This free event is open to kids ages 12 & under and will feature music by DJ Ike, games by the Wilson Youth Council, treats, and IDD & sensory-friendly activities provided by the Wilson Committee for Persons with Disabilities

 — making it the perfect Halloween celebration for everyone! For more information, contact (252) 399-2277.

Downtown Wilson will be extra lively this Halloween as festival vendors begin loading in for the NC Whirligig Festival. Several downtown streets will close at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, to allow for setup so please plan ahead if you're heading downtown for Halloween fun or dining out that evening. Be mindful of vendors setting up, slow down when driving around the festival footprint, and watch for pedestrians in costume. The Wilson Police Department will have officers on-site throughout the weekend to help keep things running smoothly and safely as we transition from Halloween night to festival weekend. A little extra patience and kindness go a long way in helping everyone enjoy two of Wilson’s most spirited celebrations!

Of course, there are all kinds of other Halloween events -- haunted hayrides, trivia contests, trunk-or-treats -- and a good way to see what's going on is ComeSeeWilson.com (click on the button below).  

The North Carolina Whirligig Festival returns to downtown Wilson this weekend, bringing thousands of visitors for two days of art, food, music, and fun! Festival hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2.

Before you go, here are some pro tips to make the most of your visit: Parking downtown may be tricky, especially with ongoing construction near the ballpark, so plan ahead using our parking map (linked below). Great options include the Broad Street parking garage next to the library or there are at least three lots closest to the festival footprint -- all just a short walk from the festival.

You’ll find more than 50 food vendors serving up everything from barbecue to Greek favorites, plus refreshing drinks and local brews in the Beer & Bones Zone along Douglas Street. Three entertainment stages will feature live performances all weekend long, and families can enjoy free kids’ activities, meet-and-greets, and special shows in the Whirli-Kidz Zone. Visit the Festival Website for vendor listings, stage schedules, and all the details you need for a fantastic weekend in downtown Wilson.