The Azalea Festival Is a big deal come spring time in the Cape Fear region! Here is a list of the events you can’t miss this year!
April 7 – April 15
Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S 2nd St
Wilmington, NC 28401
“Official Art Show” of the NC Azalea Festival created by the Wilmington Art Association featuring over 100 NC and national artists presenting fine paintings and 3D art creations.
April 11 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
5 North Water Street, 5 North Water Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Annual event where the Queen of the NC Azalea Festival is officially crowned. In attendance are the Festival Celebrity Guests as well as: City Officials, Board Members, and Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Belles. Exclusive meet and greet after.
April 12 (Private)
Cape Fear Country Club, 1518 Country Club Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
The Celebrity Reception provides sponsors of the Festival a close and personal opportunity to see and meet Queen Azalea, Celebrity Guests, and other Festival Dignitaries. A relaxing luncheon on sprawling country club grounds.
Billy Currington with Drake White and the Big Fire, and Kenton Bryant
April 12 | 7:00 pm | $45
CFCC Parking Lot, 701 N Front St, Wilmington, 28401
Possessing one of the smoothest and most distinct voices in any genre of music, Currington is equally skilled at delivering upbeat summertime anthems as well as exploring the complexities of life and love with a poignant ballad.
April 13
Airlie Gardens, 300 W Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
The premier event in Wilmington, this garden party, you can’t miss! Join 2,500 of your closest friends and kick off Spring with bug hats, seersucker and bowties at the networking event of the year! Features a Citadel Summerall Guards performance.
Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour
April 13 – April 15 | 10am-6pm | $25
One of the longest running and most popular garden tours in the south. It has even been featured in “Southern Living Magazine.” Profits are reinvested in the community as be autification and horticultural grants within New Hanover County, scholarships at the university, and conservation efforts at Battery Island.
April 13 – April 15
N Water St & S Water St, N Water St & S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Downtown Street Fair featuring over 250 vendors selling food, handmade crafts and fine commercial products. There will be plenty of entertainment between the music and beer garden, children’s area, and multicultural stage.
April 13 | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Dockside party at Bluewater open to the public, immediately following the Garden Party. Guests are invited to the waterfront bar and patio to enjoy live music, food and drink specials with a special appearance by the Azalea Queen.
April 13 | 7:00 pm | $23
CFCC Parking Lot, 701 N Front St, Wilmington, 28401
After more than 4 decades together, 38 Special continue to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse.
April 14 – April 15 | $30-33
Annual historic home tour held by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Proceeds advance the foundation’s efforts to protect and preserve the irreplaceable historic resources of the Wilmington and Lower Cape Fear region.
April 14 (Private)
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.
April 14 | 7:00 pm | $46
CFCC Parking Lot, 701 N Front St, Wilmington, 28401
Ludacris is one a premier entertainer! He has been nominated for 17 Grammy nominations, won 3 of them, and sold over 19.5 million units in the U.S. In addition to his heavily awarded music career, he is also an esteemed actor.
April 14 | 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Free
N Water St, N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
A favorite festival event, the fireworks are presented over the majestic Cape Fear River!
April 15 | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Free
Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Bluewater kicks off their Waterfront Music Series by hosting the Festival Finale, the last event of the NC Azalea Festival. Featuring food, live entertainment and lots of giveaways.
For more information, visit ncazaleafestival.org.