I am going to let you in on a little secret. The Azalea Festival, which is far and away the most popular annual event in coastal North Carolina, is not really about the flower.
It is more about the food, the crafts, the parade, the crowds, the music- big named music, the historical homes and elite parties, the clothing (seersucker suits for men, spring cocktail dresses with matching hats for women, hoop skirts and parasails for the queen and her court.) And of course, it’s mostly about the arrival of Spring!
For 76 years now the beautiful azalea has given Wilmington, and everyone who flocks here, an excuse to have a good time.
This year Azalea Festival events take place from March 18-April 16, with the official Festival being held on April 12- April 16.
Here is a calendar to track the happenings
All of April
Youth Art Show: This showcases artwork created by students throughout the state from elementary to high school age.
April 1st
Azalea Spring Fashion Show: This is a brand new event to this year’s Festival. Starting at 11am the show features local fashion stores such as Monkee’s, the Gentlemen’s Corner, Meadowlark, Cabi, and more. In addition to the actual show models will take the runway at other festival events including the Garden Party, the black tie Patrons’ Gala, and the Festival Concerts.
April 7 to 16th
Cinderella Presented by Thalian Association: This Rodgers & Hammerstein show tells a classic story with iconic music. Evening shows start at 7:30 with mantinees on Sunday and on Saturday April 15.
April 8th
Azalea Sweep: The Azalea Sweep is an event that takes place prior to the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Volunteers get together and clean various places where the Azalea Queen will visit during her reign. Volunteers must register in advance to receive a free T-shirt.
April 8th- April 16
Juried Art Show and Sale: Taking place at the Hannah Block center this show displays work from professional artist working in a variety of mediums. The event is open to the public to view and buy art. This Official Art Show of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, is a long-standing tradition with the North Carolina Azalea Festival.
April 10th -16th
Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Wilmington homeowners who registered ahead of time with the Festival are featured on a walking tour. Leading up to Festival Week homes owners are decorating their porch, yard or window to bring a smile to your friends, neighbors and tourist. The theme of the Porch Parade is Azaleas and Spring!
April 12th
Queen’s Coronation at 2pm: This is the official kickoff of the Azalea Festival week. The Azalea Queen Azalea is officially coronated, and Invited Guests and local dignitaries are introduced.
April 13th
Celebrity Reception: The Celebrity Reception is a luncheon held at the Cape Fear Country Club at 11:30 a.m. The event provides sponsors of the Festival a close and personal opportunity to see and meet Queen Azalea, Invited Guests, and other Festival Dignitaries.
Carly Pearce Concert at 7:30 p.m: Enjoy an energetic evening under the stars at the Live Oak Pavilon when the incomparable Carly Pearce brings her version of classic country flavored with an upbeat pop influence riverside. Crowned CMT’s 2022 Artist of The Year, the 2021 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and reigning ACM Female Artist of the Year as well as recognized by music critics from Billboard, NPR, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times, come experience why this confidently committed singer/songwriter.
April 14- April 16
Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour: For the 70th year in a row the Cape Fear Garden Club hosts a tour of the most exceptional gardens, both on private home and public land.
DGX Street Fair: The Street Fair provides an array of shopping and food opportunities with over 250 Vendors along the streets of historic downtown. The Waterfront Street Fair will also feature plenty of entertainment with special areas such as the Children’s Area and the Novant Health Performing Arts Stage featuring multicultural and children’s performances!
April 14th
Airlie Luncheon Garden Party at 11am: The premier event in Wilmington and the largest Festival fundraiser, the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party hosts approximately 2,500 who come dressed to impress in thier finest Spring fashions.
After Garden Get Down: Taking place at the Bluewater Grill in Wrightsville Beach this free event is open to the public immediately following the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party. Guests are invited to Bluewater’s waterfront bar & patio to enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and the best view on the Intracoastal.
Queen’s Dance Party at 6:30pm: This special celebration is held at the City Council Chambers/Ballroom from 6:30-8:30pm. In attendance will be Queen Azalea, Miss North Carolina, the Azalea Festival Queen’s Court and the Azalea Festival Princess and her Court.
Old Crow Medicine Concert at 7:30pm: GRAMMY Award winning Old Crow Medicine Show will be putting on a show at Live Oak Pavilion. Celebrating over two decades of international touring, television, film, radio and festival performances, these platinum selling artists will feature favorite songs as well as new tunes from their recently released projects.
Friday Night Films, Azalea Festival Edition at 7:30 pm: For the first time ever, two of the largest festivals in Southeastern North Carolina are now collaborating in celebration of Wilmington’s long-standing film industry. One of the earliest films produced in Wilmington by Dino DeLaurentiis, Blue Velvet is regarded as one of the best American independent films ever made.
April 15th – April 16th
Boxing Competition: The NC Azalea Festival Boxing Tournament showcases some of the finest boxers, not only from the Military Branches, but also those who compete at the National and International Boxing Levels. The NC Azalea Festival Queen and VIP celebrity guests will also be in attendance. Sunday brings a USA Boxing Sanctioned Tournament with top competitors and Saturday’s event open to all qualifying boxers who enjoy the excitement of the NC Azalea Festival!
Children’s Area at the DGX Street Fair: The DGX Street Fair Children’s Area is a FREE, family-friendly part of the Street Fair made just for kids! Guests enjoy family-friendly vendors, hands-on activities, and performers on the Piedmont Natural Gas Performing Arts Stage.
Coin Show: Children are given free foreign coins to learn about currency and foreign countries, and more than 30 dealers from several surrounding states are on hand to appraise, buy, sell and trade coins, currency, and other numismatic items. If you have a special coin, medal, gold, silver, or paper money that you want to know more about, or you just want to see some of the beautiful coins on display, come visit the coin show, have fun and find out!
Coin Show: Children are given free foreign coins to learn about currency and foreign countries, and more than 30 dealers from several surrounding states are on hand to appraise, buy, sell and trade coins, currency, and other numismatic items. If you have a special coin, medal, gold, silver, or paper money that you want to know more about, or you just want to see some of the beautiful coins on display, come visit the coin show, have fun and find out!
Historic Wilmington Foundation Azalea Festival Home Tour: As you wander through our historic neighborhoods, surprise awaits: the complement of new and old, the charming interplay of architectural styles. Expect the unexpected and delight in pristinely preserved architectural treasures as well as uniquely repurposed and upcycled elements. Get inspired and get excited: The only home tour special enough to be part of the legendary Azalea Festival is coming soon!
April 15th
Dollar General Parade at 9:30am: Enjoy the glory and splendor as the NC Azalea Festival Parade, filled with huge balloons, beauties and marching bands, follows a one mile route on Third Street through Historic Downtown starting on Market Street and ending on Bladen Street. A tradition since 1947, this annual parade, viewed by hundreds of thousands, is filled with floats, marching units, bands, clowns, and horses all highlighted by visiting celebrities like the Azalea Queen, the Azalea Princess and her Court.
Performing Arts Stage Presented by Novant Health: The Performing Arts Stage Presented by Novant Health is located at the DGX Street Fair next to the Children’s Area and features multicultural performances as well as children’s performances. This is a FREE, family-friendly showcase of different styles of performances. You will marvel at the authentic costumes, dance, and music from some of the regions best ethnic performing groups and bands. You will enjoy the styles of many children’s performers and more.
Tunes & Blooms Presented by Wilmington Grill: The Tunes & Blooms Music Festival must be the place to catch great music all day. Here is the schedule of performers
12-1pm 2022 UNCW Battle of the Bands Winner: Free Drinks
1-1:30 Elena Woodward
1:30-2:30 Delia and Friends
2:30-3 Elena Woodward
3-4 pm Just Yesterday
4-4:30pm Elena Woodward
4:30-5:30 Brown Dirt Cowboys wsg Bethany Manning
5:30-6pm Elena Woodward
6-7:30 Hatch Brothers
7:30-8 Jared Michael Cline
8-10pm Signal Fire
Patrons Party Gala at 7pm:The Patrons’ Party Gala is the grand finale for sponsors of the Azalea Festival. A black-tie event filled with wonderful food displays and dancing to the sounds of the hottest national party bands, this is our chance to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support.
Fireworks Presented by Corning Credit Union: Come out and join us for the Fireworks presented by Corning Credit Union. Fireworks will be displayed over the Cape Fear River downtown Wilmington.
Putt-Putt party with Alex Highsmith: Attend a Putt-Putt Party with NFL Pittsburgh Steeler and Wilmington hometown celebrity, Alex Highsmith! $30 per player gives you 18 holes of putt-putt at Jungle Rapids; at one of the holes Alex Highsmith will be available to take photographs, sign autographs, and putt around with you! You also will receive a $5 Jungle Rapids Arcade Card and fun swag!