April 7-11, 2027

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American Flag In Hand

Some may have celebrated their 4th of July with a BBQ or beach day, but I was fortunate enough to represent the North Carolina Azalea Festival at the 4th of July Parade in Southport! The weather ended up being beautiful after a few showers had passed that morning, so my dad and I enjoyed chatting outside with the other event participants before the parade began that day.

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July 4th Parade in Southport with my dad

With an American flag in my hand and my dad behind the wheel, we began to move in the parade route. I got to ride in style thanks to Capital Ford of Wilmington, who so kindly loaned us a shiny, black convertible! There were a ton of people in the crowds – I even got to wave hello to this past year’s Azalea Festival president, Jean Lawler, which definitely put a big smile on my face!

Just like the other events I’ve attended this year, the parade reminded me so much of the Azalea Festival and made me realize how much I miss that amazing week in Wilmington. Thankfully, you can mark your calendars for April 11-15, 2018, which is exactly when the next Azalea Festival will be.

I had such a great time at the 4th of July Parade and I love that I get to share my Azalea Festival Princess journey with you all this year. Happy Summer everyone!

Love,

Your 2017 North Carolina Azalea Festival Princess
Emma Grace Wright

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Upcoming Events
sat, Jan 09

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

thu, Apr 08

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

fri, Apr 09

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

wed, Apr 07
The North Carolina Azalea Festival

80th Festival Patron Sponsorship

thu, Mar 04

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

sat, Apr 10

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

sat, Apr 10

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

sat, Jan 30

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

fri, Apr 09

ON SALE: Nov 9 at 11:00 am

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.