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North Carolina Azalea Festival 2023 Details & Full Schedule

Plan your trip to North Carolina Azalea Festival 2023 (April 12 to 16, 2023). Find the festival’s schedule, performers on the main stage, and more.

If you’re coming to Wilmington, NC for the festival, click that link for more information about the town.

A sign for the Azalea Festival on a lightpost in Wilmington, NC with the words "7 Reasons To Visit The North Carolina Azalea Festival" digitally written on top.

We’re gearing up for the North Carolina Azalea Festival 2023, which means it’s time to start planning your trip. The festival is always in April, going back and forth between the first two weekends of the month (usually). This year, the North Carolina Azalea Festival is April 12 to 16, 2023.

We’ve gone every year since we moved to North Carolina, since the festival is about five minutes from our home. It actually takes us longer to find parking than it does to get to Wilmington, NC, the hometown of the Azalea Fest.

It’s not all about azaleas. In fact, depending on how the weather is, you may not even see any azaleas. But the flowers are only part of the reason to attend the festival.

The Battleship North Carolina on the Cape Fear River with the words "Wilmington, North Carolina Travel Guide From A Local" digitally written on top.

If you’re coming to the area for the Azalea Festival, there are so many things to do in town to make it a great trip.

Find other things to do in Wilmington, NC in our Wilmington, North Carolina Travel Guide.

North Carolina Azalea Festival: Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get into the reasons to attend, let’s get a couple frequently asked questions out of the way.

What are the dates for the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina?

The Azalea Festival 2023 is taking place April 12 to 16, 2023.

Who is playing Azalea Fest 2023?

Carly Pearce and Old Crow Medicine Show are playing on the Azalea Festival Main Stage at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park.

Yes, there are only two shows for 2023 (usually there are three shows). And yes, they’re both country artists (usually there is a variety).

Where is the North Carolina Azalea Festival held?

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is held in downtown Wilmington, NC. The majority of the 2023 festival will be held in downtown historic Wilmington with the concerts being held at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

There are a few other events at other venues throughout Wilmington.

Who is the Azalea Queen this year?

The 2023 Azalea Queen is Carli Batson who was Miss North Carolina 2021.

7 Reasons To Visit The North Carolina Azalea Festival

Affiliate links are included in this post and Drugstore Divas may make a small commission if you use them.

Food at a street fair.

The Food

My favorite reason for going to the Azalea Fest is to get a corn dog. I tend to limit my corn dog consumption to street fairs in Wilmington and rest stops on long road trips. Other than that, I don’t eat them. So I wait for the North Carolina Azalea Festival every year because I know there’s a corn dog in my future.

That’s not the only food available, though.

Each year, there are food vendors selling ribbon fries, gyros, sausage and pepper sandwiches, snow cones, deep fried cookies and candy bars, soda, ice cream, and more. It’s all your favorite street fair food.

If you don’t want something deep fried, you can always head to one of Downtown Wilmington’s local restaurants and bars for a bite to eat.

Vendor tents at a street fair.

The Street Fair

A ton of food and vendor tents make up the North Carolina Azalea Festival’s Street Fair. There are some salesy vendors — like the local newspapers and banks — but there are also artists. It’s amazing to see the creations they can make. I’m crafty, but these people are on another level.

Every year, I end up walking away with something special and unique. A few years ago, it was a hand painted sign for my aunt’s beach house. A few years after that it was a watercolor print for our bathroom.

One year I saw — but didn’t buy — painted cranes that sway in the wind. Every year I hope the artist will be back, but so far, no luck. That’s why you need to buy things when you see them. You may never see them again.

This year, the Azalea Festival street fair is moving back to being held on Water and Front Streets, where it has been since before we even moved here. Last year, it was in the Cape Fear Community College Schwartz Center lot, which is where the festival used to set its concert main stage, due to construction.

The Home Tour

So, I’ll be honest. The Home Tour is a huge part of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, but I’ve never done it. Historic Wilmington Foundation’s Home Tour is kind of out of my price range.

See, one year, we parked directly in front of one of the homes on the Home Tour. I was with Pete and his friend, and I told them we should check out the home since fate left a parking spot right there for us. We went up the steps to the women sitting at the table, selling tickets. “It’s $30,” she told us. “To see this home?” I asked. It was $30 to see ten houses. I tried to offer her $3 each just to see this home, but it didn’t work that way, so we left.

For 2023, tickets for the home tour are $40 and there are nine homes you can tour on the Saturday and Sunday of Azalea Fest.

With your ticket, you can get a free ice cream from Boombalatti’s ice cream truck, Sprinkles (while supplies last, on Saturday only). It’ll be set up in the parking lot of Sunset Park Baptist Church (231 Central Blvd.). Sunset Park is actually one of the “homes” you can tour with your ticket.

Music stage.

The Music

Usually, there are three main concerts during the Azalea Festival. There’s usually one country artist, one old school rock band, and one rapper. This year, there are only two concerts and both are country artists: Carly Pearce and Old Crow Medicine Show. Those are ticketed concerts.

We had tickets for Ice Cube a couple years ago, which was fun, but you don’t need to shell out money for a big ticket to enjoy some tunes.

The Tunes & Blooms Music Festival will be held on Saturday, April 15 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and is free to the public. Drinks will be available for purchase there.

The music festival kicks off at noon. The 2023 bands schedule will be released … sometime. The festival is two weeks away and it’s still not announced.

Azalea Festival Parade

So, I’m gonna be honest with this one: The Azalea Festival Parade gets crowded. We went a few years ago for the first time, and parking was crazy. So many people get there for the parade, then leave after, so if you skip the parade you have a better chance of finding parking.

The Azalea Festival parade is Saturday, April 15 and it starts at 9:30 am. The route is 3rd Street from Market Street to Bladen Street. You can bring your own chair and set it up on the sidewalk to watch the parade. Reserved festival bleacher tickets are available for purchase for $5 to $8 in advance and $7 to $10 on the day of.

If you don’t want to go, you can actually stream the parade live via this link, so that’s much easier. You’ll just miss out on the opportunity to catch candy thrown from cars and floats (which you’ll miss out on anyway, honestly, if you’re an adult).

But, the parade is fun. I love a good parade. Heck, I love a bad parade. So it was worth it to me to go.

If you want to go, but you’re worried about parking, what festival guests will do is park at Independence Mall, then take the shuttle downtown for the parade. You can take the shuttle back when you’re done with the festivities. The shuttle is $2 for a one-way ticket or $4 for a round trip ticket.

A blow up slide for children.

The Children’s Area

If you’re bringing the kids, they can’t run through the festival unattended. There are so many people, it’s just not safe for them.

When they’re ready to run, find the DGX Street Fair Children’s Area. There are bounce houses, cornhole boards, story time, and more.

Fireworks

On Saturday night, around 9:30 pm, the fireworks will be shot over the Cape Fear River. You can get a great view of them anywhere on Water Street, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

Two women dressed in antebellum attire.

The Belles

This is sort of an honorable mention.

So, in addition to the Home Tour, there’s the Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour.

What I loved about the Garden Tour is you were greeted at each garden by the Azalea Belles. The belles were dressed in antebellum attire (those beautiful huge dresses that you associate with Southern Belles). That’s something I remember seeing in movies and Cypress Gardens. To see the Belles in real life at the gardens, or standing at the gardens, it’s so special.

But, in 2020, the Cape Fear Garden Club decided to end the Azalea Belles program, much to the dismay of a lot of the residents of Wilmington. There are some details about that here.

Even though the Belles are no more, a Queen Azalea and her full court still participate in the festival. Past Queen Azaleas include Kelly Ripa, the Cosby Show’s Phylicia Rashad (in 1985 she was the festival’s first African-American Queen Azalea), and for 2023, the queen is Carli Batson, who was Miss North Carolina 2021.

She’ll be crowned queen at a coronation ceremony on April 12.

Full North Carolina Azalea Festival 2023 Schedule

This schedule is in alphabetical order, by day. So, just scroll down to the day that you’ll be at the 2023 Azalea Festival and you’ll see what events are happening that day.

Youth Art Show: A juried art show for students from elementary school to high school. It’s hosted in the Community Gallery at the Community Arts Center. Dates have not been announced yet.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Unveiling of the official Azalea Festival artwork. You can view the unveiling live here.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Chefs’ Showcase: A 5-course meal with wine pairings and light entertainment will be held at Hotel Ballast at 1 pm.

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Paws on Parade: A party for dogs and owners with a pageant and live music. Tickets are $10 in advance ($40 for VIP in advance) and $15 at the gate Gates open at 11:30 am.

Saturday, April 1

Azalea Spring Fashion Show: Held at Bluewater Waterfront Grill at 11 am. This is a ticketed event and tickets are sold out.

Friday, April 7

Cinderella: The play will be performed at Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Azalea Festival. This is a ticketed event taking place at 7:30 pm.

Saturday, April 8

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azalea Sweep: Volunteers will be cleaning up areas of Wilmington where the Azalea Queen will be visiting. Volunteers will be given a free t-shirt. Cleanup is 10 am to 1 pm and volunteers will meet at Legion Stadium.

Cinderella: The play will be performed at Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Azalea Festival. This is a ticketed event taking place at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, April 9

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Cinderella: The play will be performed at Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Azalea Festival. This is a ticketed event taking place at 2 pm.

Monday, April 10

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Local homeowners decorate their porches for visitors to admire.

Tuesday, April 11

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Local homeowners decorate their porches for visitors to admire.

Wednesday, April 12

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Local homeowners decorate their porches for visitors to admire.

Queen’s Coronation: The festival queen will be crowned at the event.

Thursday, April 13

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Local homeowners decorate their porches for visitors to admire.

Carly Pearce: The country musician will perform at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Tickets are $40.

Friday, April 14

Airlie Luncheon Garden Party: Celebrity Reception: A private event for festival sponsors, the Azalea Queen, and others. The event starts at 11 am.

After Garden Get Down: The official after-party of the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party. This event is held at Bluewater Grill starting at 2 pm and is open to the public.

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Local homeowners decorate their porches for visitors to admire.

Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour: A self-guided tour of 13 gardens. Tickets are required and are $50.

Cinderella: The play will be performed at Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Azalea Festival. This is a ticketed event taking place at 7:30 pm.

Friday Night Films: Blue Velvet will be shown at Jengo’s Bar in conjunction with the Wilmington film festival Cucalorus. Blue Velvet makeup artist Jeff Goodwin will be in attendance. Tickets are required. Hors d’oeuvres and one drink is included with the ticket price. Please note, this film does contain sensitive topics.

Old Crow Medicine Show: The country band will perform at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Tickets are $40.

Street Fair: A street fair with over 250 vendors will be set up in on Front and Water Streets in downtown Wilmington. Hours: 6 pm to 10 pm (food vendors).

Queen’s Dinner And Dance Party: A ticketed event held at Bluewater Grill at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, April 15

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Azalea Festival Home Tour: A self-guided tour of nine gardens. Tickets are required. Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm.

Azalea Festival Parade: The parade will begin at 9:30 am.

Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade: Local homeowners decorate their porches for visitors to admire.

Boxing Tournament: A boxing tournament hosted by Port City Boxing & Fitness and held. It’s free for spectators. Hours: 2 pm to 6 pm.

Cinderella: The play will be performed at Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Azalea Festival. This is a ticketed event taking place at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

Coin Show: There will be a coin show at the Elks Club. Children will be given free foreign currency and collectors can bring coins in to be appraised. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Fireworks: Fireworks will be shot off over the Cape Fear River at 9 pm.

Street Fair: A street fair with over 250 vendors will be set up in on Front and Water Streets in downtown Wilmington. Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (all vendors), 6 pm to 10 pm (food vendors).

Sunday, April 16

Art Show: A juried art show for adults, hosted by the Wilmington Art Association, at the Hannah Block Building USO/ Community Arts Center. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm.

Azalea Festival Home Tour: A self-guided tour of nine gardens. Tickets are required. Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm.

Boxing Tournament: A boxing tournament hosted by Port City Boxing & Fitness and held. It’s free for spectators. Hours: 2 pm to 6 pm.

Cinderella: The play will be performed at Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Azalea Festival. This is a ticketed event taking place at 2 pm.

Coin Show: There will be a coin show at the Elks Club. Children will be given free foreign currency and collectors can bring coins in to be appraised. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm.

Putt Putt Party: A mini golf party will take place at Jungle Rapids beginning at 10 am. There are three sessions. Tickets are $25 per session.

Street Fair: A street fair with over 250 vendors will be set up in on Front and Water Streets in downtown Wilmington. Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (all vendors).

The outside of the front of a hotel.

Where To Stay For The Azalea Festival:

If you’re coming into Wilmington, NC for the North Carolina Azalea Festival, you might need somewhere to stay.

Luckily for you, there are a bunch of hotels in the area, both downtown and in midtown (so a short drive from the festival, but closer to the local beaches).

Check out a few of them and search for availability below:

Hotels Within Walking Distance Of The Azalea Festival:

Hotels Within Driving Distance Of The Azalea Festival:

Three tacos from Block Taco in Wilmington, NC.

Where To Eat And Drink In Wilmington, NC:

If you’re not as into street fair food as I am, you might be looking for some other places to eat and drink. Our posts below will help you plan that part of your trip to Wilmington:

A street fair with the words "A Guide To Festivals In Wilmington, NC" digitally written on top.

More festivals in Wilmington, NC:

If the Azalea Festival is your first time in the Wilmington area and now you’re looking for more excuses to come back, there are some other events you’ll want to put on your calendar. Check out this Guide To Festivals In Wilmington, NC, with a breakdown by month.

For the spring, add the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival to your list.

For the fall, there’s Wilmington Riverfest and Rims on the River.

In the winter, there’s Enchanted Airlie (the light display at Airlie Gardens) and Leland in Lights (a light display in neighboring Leland, NC).

Are you planning a trip to Wilmington for the North Carolina Azalea Festival 2022?

Sandra Crespo

Thursday 11th of April 2019

This festival looks awesome! We are planning on heading to North Carolina in about two months I have to see what events are happening then

TechyGrrrl

Thursday 11th of April 2019

Wow sounds like great fun to Visit the North Carolina Azalea festival. Would definitely love to visit and enjoy this festival.

Enriqueta E Lemoine

Monday 8th of April 2019

When I saw your headline, I thought about the azalea flowers! I love street fairs, flea markets and all kind of outdoors activities. Would like to enjoy the Azalea Fest... Thanks for sharing!

Alexandra Cook

Saturday 6th of April 2019

This is the first I've heard of this festival! I would LOVE to visit it for myself!

Rosey

Saturday 6th of April 2019

I don't mind all of the people. I think it would be fun, as would the street food finds. :)