AZALEA FESTIVAL 2025: Art Events & Attractions
- Alex Armeni
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington is a cherished annual event that celebrates the region’s rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. Established in 1948, the festival has grown into a multifaceted celebration. This article provides insights into attending and participating in its key art attractions, including the Plein Air Paint Out, the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour and the Wilmington Art Association’s Spring Art Show.
By Alex Armeni
A Brief History of the Azalea Festival
The inception of the North Carolina Azalea Festival can be traced back to the vision of Dr. W. Houston Moore in the mid-20th century. Dr. Moore aspired to transform the neglected, swampy areas around Greenfield Lake into a beautifully landscaped park. Inspired by the park’s blooming azaleas, Dr. Moore proposed an annual festival to celebrate the area’s natural splendor. In 1948, the inaugural Azalea Festival took place, drawing over 60,000 attendees and featuring Hollywood actress Jacqueline White as the first Queen Azalea.
Over the decades, the festival has expanded, incorporating various events that highlight Wilmington’s cultural and artistic heritage. Today, the Azalea Festival stands as the largest event of its kind in North Carolina, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Plein Air Paint Out
The Plein Air Paint Out is a captivating event where artists set up their easels in various locations throughout Wilmington to capture the city’s scenic beauty in real-time. This open-air painting tradition allows spectators to observe the creative process firsthand and engage with artists as they work. Twenty local and regional plein air artists (including several Fine Art Local Artists!) have been invited to paint in the featured gardens of the Azalea Garden Tour. These artists will aim to capture the unique beauty of Wilmington in the springtime through a variety of mediums: oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.
For tickets & more information, please click here.
Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour
A cornerstone of the Azalea Festival, the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour offers visitors an exclusive glimpse into some of Wilmington’s most exquisite private gardens. Held over several days, the tour showcases a variety of garden styles, each meticulously curated and in full bloom. In 2025, the tour is scheduled from April 4th to 6th, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme, “A Canopy of Blooms,” promises a feast for the senses as attendees meander through lush landscapes adorned with vibrant azaleas and other seasonal flora.
Adding to the tour’s allure, Plein Air artists will be painting within the featured gardens throughout the weekend, blending the visual arts with horticultural beauty. Proceeds from the garden tour support local nonprofit organizations focused on beautification, conservation, and educational projects within New Hanover County. Since 2003, the tour has contributed over $1.4 million to community initiatives, underscoring its significance beyond the festival.
For tickets & more information, please click here.
Wilmington Art Association’s Spring Art Show
Art enthusiasts will find the Wilmington Art Association’s Spring Art Show to be a highlight of the festival. This juried exhibition features a diverse collection of 2D and 3D artworks from both local and national artists. Hosted at the Hannah Block Historic Community Arts Center, the 2025 show runs from March 28th through April 6th, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The opening awards reception on March 28th offers attendees the chance to meet the artists and celebrate the award-winning pieces.
The exhibition encompasses a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media, providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary art. Many pieces are available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a tangible memory of the festival while supporting the arts community. The show not only highlights artistic talent but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the visual arts within the Wilmington community.
For tickets & more information, please click here.
Additional Festival Highlights
Beyond these signature events, the Azalea Festival offers a plethora of activities designed to engage and entertain attendees:
• Street Fair: A bustling marketplace featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live performances, the Street Fair spans several blocks in downtown Wilmington. It’s an ideal place to sample regional cuisine, purchase handcrafted goods, and enjoy street performances.
• Concerts and Entertainment: The festival hosts a variety of musical performances, ranging from nationally recognized acts to local bands. These concerts cater to diverse musical tastes and are held at various venues throughout the city.
• Parade: A family-friendly procession featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups winds through the streets of Wilmington, embodying the festive spirit and community pride.
• Queen’s Coronation: A time-honored tradition, the coronation of Queen Azalea is a ceremonial event that adds a touch of pageantry to the festivities. The queen and her court participate in various events throughout the festival, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Comentários