North Carolina Azalea Festival

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is a beloved annual tradition in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1948, this community-driven celebration has grown into the largest festival of its kind in the state, attracting visitors from far and wide. With a staff of 11 employees, the festival generates an estimated $2.5 million in revenue annually. The festival offers a diverse array of activities throughout a full week in April, showcasing the beauty and charm of Wilmington. Each year, the festival includes concerts, fairs, garden parties, parades, street fairs, art shows, home and garden tours, and other entertainment events. The centerpiece of the festival is the Festival Parade, which draws over 100,000 spectators. The North Carolina Azalea Festival is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, Southern hospitality, and stunning displays of azaleas, symbolic of the region's natural beauty. The festival is a significant source of local pride, requiring the dedication of over 1,000 volunteers to stage its numerous events. For more information about the North Carolina Azalea Festival, visit ncazaleafestival.org.