Azalea Fest Calendar
The sixty-eighth annual NC Azalea Festival takes place April 8-12. For a complete listing of events, go to www.ncazaelafestival.org.
Queen’s Coronation
Wednesday, April 8
Wilmington Convention Center
The annual crowning of the festival’s queen gives the public a chance to meet the year’s queen and celebrity guests. The event is free to attend and starts at 3:30 p.m. on the center’s lawn, with a pre-show at 2:30 p.m.
Alan Jackson
Thursday, April 9
CFCC Festival Site, 411 North Front Street
Alan Jackson headlines the night’s concerts, performing from his Keepin’ It Country tour. Tickets are $49.50 in advance and $59.50 day of the show.
Cole Brothers Circus
Thursday, April 9
Wilmington International Airport (Through April 12)
During the two-hour performance, spectators will sway with acrobats, laugh with clowns, and roar with tigers. Check festival website for times and ticket updates.
Nelly
Friday, April 10
CFCC Festival Site, 411 North Front Street
Billboard-topping rap artist Nelly performs his hits as the night’s concert headliner. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 the week of the show.
Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour
Various locations
Friday, April 10 (Through April 12)
Traipse across ten flowering gardens.
The opening ceremony is April 10 at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. The self-guided tour lasts through the weekend. Tickets are $25 and good for all three days. Info: www.capefeargardenclub.org
Street Fair
Downtown Wilmington
Friday, April 10 (Through April 12)
Check out over 300 food, craft, and art vendors next to the Cape Fear River downtown and dance at one of the four concert stages at the free event.
Art Show
Community Arts Center
Friday, April 10 (Through April 12)
Submissions for a juried art show and sale will be on display at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South Second Street. Admission is free.
Boxing Tournament
CFCC Schwartz Center
Friday, April 10 (Through April 12)
The statewide boxing tournament has both national and international levels of competition. The event costs $10 to compete and it is free to attend.
Parade
Saturday, April 11
Downtown Wilmington
The annual parade runs 9:30-11:30 a.m. with a new route this year. The viewing area is along Third Street between Market and Bladen streets.
Old School Concert
Saturday, April 11
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
The Old School Hip-Hop concert starts at 6 p.m. with Big Daddy Kane headlining. Tickets are $24 in advance and $36 at the door.
Historic Home Tour
Saturday, April 11 (Through April 12)
Various locations
Historic Wilmington Foundation organizes a weekend-long, self-guided tour of nine historic homes and an historic church, Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of. Info: www.historicwilmington.org
Fireworks
Saturday, April 11 (Through April 12)
Downtown Wilmington
Fireworks light up over the Cape Fear River starting at 9 p.m.
