April 7-11, 2027

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75th Annual Rhododendron Festival

The 75th Annual Rhododendron Festival was so welcoming of this city girl this week!! Bakersville, NC is the sweetest little town with the nicest people! We hiked, square danced, and crowned a new Rhodo Queen!! I am so thankful to have been invited to the 75th Festival. We had such a great time.

During the 75th year celebration, we celebrated the past queens and the sisterhood of the Rhododendron with many of the women who have held the title over the years. We heard stories from them and were taken back to their  competitions when the ladies performed their talents from past competitions.

Thank you Mr. Bob, Mrs. Heather, and Mrs. Sharon for a wonderful time in Bakersville and a beautiful tour of Roan mountain.

Did you know the azalea is in the Rhododendron family and our very own Hugh Morton, the first Azalea Festival President, was involved in the very first Rhododendron Festival?!

Congratulations to Alora Wilson, 2023 Miss NC Rhododendron Queen and Reese Brinckman, 2023 Junior Rhododendron Queen. Taylor and Alyssa you both have represented this past year beautifully.  I had so much fun with them at the NC Strawberry Festival and this weekend!

Camille’s of Wilmington dressed me with this beautiful blush lace dress that was perfect for a square dance!!!

Next stop, Fairbluff, NC for the Watermelon Festival. Stay tuned for more Azalea fun!!!

The 75th Annual Rhododendron Festival was so welcoming of this city girl this week!! Bakersville, NC is the sweetest little town with the nicest people! We hiked, square danced, and crowned a new Rhodo Queen!! I am so thankful to have been invited to the 75th festival. We had such a great time.

During the 75th year celebration, we celebrated the past queens and the sisterhood of the Rhododendron with many of the women who have held the title over the years. We heard stories from them and were taken back to their  competitions when the ladies performed their talents from past competitions.

Thank you Mr. Bob, Mrs. Heather, and Mrs. Shannon for a wonderful time in Bakersville and a beautiful tour of Roan mountain.

Did you know the Azalea is in the Rhododendron family and our very own Hugh Morton, the first Azalea Festival President, was involved in the very first Rhododendron Festival.

Congratulations to Alora Wilson, 2023 Miss NC Rhododendron Queen and Reese Brinckman, 2023 Junior Rhododendron Queen. Taylor and Alyssa you both have represented this past year beautifully.  I had so much fun with them at the NC Strawberry Festival and this weekend!

Camille’s of Wilmington dressed me with this beautiful blush lace dress that was perfect for a square dance!!!

Next stop, Fairbluff, NC for the Watermelon Festival. Stay tuned for more Azalea fun!!!

🌸McKinley🌸

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Festival 80 Is Blooming!

Patron Sponsorships ON SALE NOW!

Be part of something extraordinary as we celebrate the 80th North Carolina Azalea Festival, April 7–11, 2027!

ONLY 300 PATRON SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!

Patron Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and your purchase today secures your sponsorship for this historic celebration.

 

The first 50 Patron Sponsorship Packages purchased will include one reserved parking space for the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party, presented by Truist!

Reserved parking is limited to the first 50 Patron Sponsorship Packages purchased, in the order transactions are completed. Limit one reserved parking space per qualifying package. This benefit is not available for subsequent purchases.

Important Purchase Information

  • Online Sales Only: Our Festival office remains temporarily closed for renovations. All Patron Sponsorships must be purchased online.

  • Tickets Delivered November 6: Your electronic tickets will be emailed to the address used at checkout on November 6, 2026.

  • Exclusive Garden Party Opportunity: On November 6, Patron Sponsors will also receive a link to purchase up to 8 additional Airlie Luncheon Garden Party tickets, presented by Truist, while supplies last.

  • Easy Digital Access: Electronic tickets will be available as PDFs and for mobile wallets.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of Festival 80

Flowing with Tradition. Blooming with Possibility.