Wilmington’s Azalea Festival features celebrities, a parade, and a street fair. Plus, NC marks the anniversary of the Halifax Resolves and the AutoFair showcases rolling history.
[Editor’s Note: “3 things happening in NC” is Cardinal & Pine’s weekly picks for North Carolina events. For past editions, tap here.]
According to the North Carolina Native Plant Society, 17 species of azalea are native to North America and many are native to North Carolina.
Native azaleas hybridize readily, bringing many shades of pink, red/orange, and white to the western North Carolina mountains. The NCNPS recommends making the tough hike to Gregory BLald right on the state line with Tennessee in the Smokey Mountains to see some of the best blooms of azalea.
If you want to truly celebrate the azalea, however, look eastward. The annual North Carolina Azalea Festival has been highlighting art, gardens and culture in Wilmington since 1948, when movie star Jacqueline White was named the first Queen Azalea.
This year, Lil Jon is performing, and I can’t help but wonder if ol’ Jacqueline would be into his music. Let’s take it to the Port City for the first of three fun events that are worth traveling the state for this week.
NC Azalea Festival in Wilmington
April 8-12, times vary
Front Street, downtown Wilmington
Beginning on Wednesday, the vibes of the Azalea Festival begin pulsing through downtown Wilmington. Each year, the festival comprises a street fair, parade and concerts. This year’s headliners at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion include early 2000s hip-hop star Lil Jon and popular country singer/songwriter Dustin Lynch.
This year’s Queen Azalea is Elaine Hendrix, who will join the rank of past honorees such as Kelly Ripa (1993) and Phylicia A. Rashad (1985). Known for her roles in films like The Parent Trap, Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion, and Superstar, she most recently reunited with Lindsay Lohan in Freakier Friday and was a finalist on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars.
Other events associated with this year’s festival include the 44th Annual Juried Spring Show and Sale at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, which wraps on Sunday, and Friday night’s Queen’s Dance Party at the Embassy Suites Hotel Wilmington Riverfront, always a fan favorite.
Prelude to Revolution: Halifax Resolves Days in Halifax
April 10-12, times vary
Downtown Halifax
Part of the broader America 250 celebration happening throughout the country, this week North Carolina marks the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, a document created by the North Carolina Provincial Congress on April 12, 1776, that empowered North Carolina’s representatives to vote for independence from Great Britain while attending the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
Three days of events spread across downtown Halifax this week will include historic presentations, music performances, ticketed dinners, Indigenous ceremonies, military parades, weapons demonstrations, and a Halifax Resolves Day Ceremony at the Colonial Courthouse Site where the document was signed on Sunday afternoon.
“Halifax didn’t just light a candle; it ignited the fire of freedom that would forever change the course of history,” reads the county website. “As we embark on the preparations for this monumental celebration, we invite you to join us in honoring the legacy of those brave souls who took that decisive stand in our historic county. Together, we’ll ignite a new spark of unity, patriotism, and appreciation for the liberty we hold dear.”
AutoFair at Concord
April 9-11, times vary
Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway S, Concord
From modern muscle to rare classics, hundreds of vehicles representing decades of automotive history will fill the infield at Charlotte Motor Speedway during AutoFair.
This year’s event includes a Track Cruise for registered car club members and independent show car owners; a Car Corral where automotive enthusiasts can buy and sell collector, classic, and custom cars; a flea market with parts, collectibles, and other wares; and the main event, the AACA Southeastern Spring National Car Show, featuring around 350 meticulously preserved vehicles.
Not enough to quench your thirst for gasoline? The Ten Tenths Motor Club hosts the Heritage Invitational right next door, giving you a chance to check out more of the world’s rarest and most iconic automobiles.
