Parade

Azalea Festival Parade

3rd Street: Market Street to Brunswick Street

3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Schedule

Pre-Parade Entertainment in front of Thalian Hall Begins: 8:45am

Parade Begins: 9:30am

Parade Anticipated End: 11:30am 

Parking

Limited parking is available Downtown. 3rd Street will be blocked by barricades with appointed security guards at each barricade. Vehicles will not be permitted past barricades during the morning of the Parade. Parking decks are available along 2nd Street, and guests can access 2nd Street via Princess Street until 9am. Parade staging will occur from Castle Street to Market Street, between Front Street to 5th Street. There is no parking or thru traffic in these areas. Any rideshare transportation may drop off guests at any area outside of barricades.

Beginning at 6:30am, no traffic will move across 3rd Street in either direction until the Parade route has been cleared, with the exception of Princess Street, which will remain open until 9am. After the conclusion of the Parade, 3rd Street will open for public travel and transportation as normal.

What To Bring

Guests who do not purchase Parade Bleacher tickets can bring their own chairs/blankets. Guests MUST remain on the sidewalks and clear of the streets at all times. Additional items to consider bringing for your comfort: rain jackets, sunscreen, cash/card/form of payment, water, sunglasses, cold weather clothing (if applicable). We ask that you bring a positive attitude, a smile, and good spirits to all of our events. 

Accessibility

If you have any accessibility issues while at the Parade, please find the nearest Parade volunteer in a pink hat who can assist you. Working service animals will be permitted to enjoy the Parade as well. 

For accessible parking information, please visit City of Wilm parking link

Food & Drink

Guests can bring their own food and beverage. There will be at least one food vendor along the Parade route, and guests are highly encouraged to visit the food vendors we have on-site at the Street Fair following the Parade to get the best Festival experience!  

Entertainment & Activities

Guests who are attending the Parade can expect to be met with over 50 one-of-a-kind groups and floats marching down 3rd Street! The Parade is roughly 2 hours long, and is full of entertainment, musical groups, balloons, charities and non-profit organizations, local Wilmington public figures, and Azalea Festival Invited Guests and crowned Royalty. 

Pre-Parade entertainment will begin at 8:45am in front of Thalian Hall and the Parade Reviewing Stand. Guests can expect to see performances and dancing by local cultural groups representing our International Blooms country, as well as the presentation of the American flag during the National Anthem. Guests will not be able to cross 3rd Street on foot during the Parade for any reason. Parents must monitor their children for the duration of the Parade to ensure that they remain on the sidewalk.

Amenities & Services

Restroom facilities will be available via portable units on every block between Market Street and Brunswick Street. ADA restrooms will be available via portable units on the Parade route.

Weather Contingencies

This is an outdoor rain or shine event. In the case of inclement weather, the Festival will announce any and all event changes on social media.

Ticket Information

The Parade is a free event! 

Parade Bleachers

YOU MUST PURCHASE A TICKET TO SIT ON THE PARADE BLEACHERS. Parade Bleacher tickets can be purchased directly through the Festival’s ticketing system, Etix. Confirmation emails will be sent directly from Etix to customers.