Azalea Festival Calendar
Events for the 66th annual North Carolina Azalea Festival
The 66th annual North Carolina Azalea Festival takes place around Wilmington in April with a mix of ceremonies, Azalea Belles, visiting celebrities, and things to do for residents and visitors. For a full list of events or to buy event tickets, go to www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Saturday, April 6
Race
8 a.m. | Mayfaire Town Center
The Cape Fear Volunteer Center holds its annual 5K, 10K, and 1-mile fun walk at 8 a.m. at the Try Sports Field in the Mayfaire Town Center. The race starts at 8 a.m., and registration is 6:30-7:30 a.m. Early registration is $30. The regular registration fee is $35 on race day. Youth participants 10 and under are free. All proceeds go to the Cape Fear Volunteer Center’s Big Buddy Program.
Wednesday, April 10
Queen’s Coronation
Riverfront Park, downtown Wilmington
The festival’s queen will be officially crowned during a free, public ceremony on the Cape Fear River. City and festival officials and Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Belles will be present for the event.
Thursday, April 11-Saturday, April 13
Concerts
CFCC Festival Site
For its concert offerings, the Azalea Festival moves to an outdoor venue this year. Southern rock bank Lynyrd Skynyrd performs Thursday. Tickets are $40. And 2011 festival performer Avett Brothers returns this year for a show Friday. Tickets are $45. Colt Ford and The LACS round out the festival’s concert lineup Saturday. General admission tickets are $25. All shows will be at CFCC’s site at 411 North Front Street.
Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14
Juried Art Show
10 a.m. | Hannah Block Center on Second Street
More than 100 North Carolina artists and national artists will have their paintings on display at the annual Juried Spring Art Show and Sale. The show will be at the Hannah block Center on Second Street. Admission is free.
Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14
Cape Fear Garden Tour
10 a.m. | various gardens around Wilmington
The Cape Fear Garden Azalea Garden tour is sponsored by the Cape Fear Garden Club Inc. The self-guided tour includes thirteen gardens in the city. Tickets are $20.
Saturday April 13 through Sunday, April 14
Historic Home Tour
Various homes around Wilmington
Each year the Historic Wilmington Foundation holds a home tour for the festival. All proceeds from the tour go to the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s efforts to protect and preserve the history of Wilmington. Since 1966, the foundation has saved more than 200 historic properties from demolition. Tickets for the self-guided tour are $25, with children under 10 allowed in free.
Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14
Street Fair
Downtown Wilmington
Hundreds of arts and craft vendors and forty food vendors will crowd the streets of downtown Wilmington for the Azalea Festival Street Fair. There will be four stages set up for musical performances and there will also be a children’s area. There will be live music on the main, Riverfront Park, and Multicultural stages. Admission is free.
Saturday, April 13 through Sunday, April 14
Coin Show
American Legion
Learn about foreign currency at the Azalea Festival coin show. More than thirty dealers from several surrounding states will be available for questions, coin appraisal, trading, and purchasing. Admission is free, but a $1 donation is suggested at the door.
Saturday, April 13 through Sunday, April 14
Boxing tournament
Williston Middle School
The annual Azalea Festival Boxing Tournament welcomes boxers from ages 8- 35 to compete in its six divisions. Boxers from national and international levels will participate along with some military branch competitors. Admission is free.
Thursday, April 11 through Sunday, April 14
Circus
Wilmington International Airport
The Cole Bros. Circus Big Top is a popular event for the Azalea Festival. This year elephants, flyers, camels, clowns, motorcycle stunt maniacs, and many other acts will perform. The show is two hours long, and advance tickets are available for reserved and VIP seating. General admission must be purchased the day of the show.
Saturday, April 13
Parade
9 a.m. | Third Street, downtown Wilmington
Thousands pack downtown every year to see the Azalea Festival parade. Floats, marching units and bands, clowns, and horses accompanied by the Azalea Queen and her court will roll down Third Street.
