First up, the Coronation Pageant offers the crowning of Queen Azalea LIII at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 6, at 10 a.m. Repeta makes several appearances over the weekend, and is joined by her Court in Saturday morning's Azalea Festival parade through downtown Wilmington. Either way, it's a don't-miss part of the festivities. Speaking of the azaleas themselves, Friday morning includes the ribbon cutting for the Garden Tour, which also spotlights the Queen and her Court. The tour is sponsored by the Cape Fear Garden Club and features a dozen local gardens, which visitors can enjoy at their own pace.
Admission is charged.
There is no charge, however, for the various street fairs taking place around selected stages throughout downtown Wilmington. An arts and craft fair, food vendors and nearly continuous entertainment guarantee crowds. Each night also delivers entertainment, ranging from nationally known performers to local acts. While Kool and KC cost you some money, Friday and Saturday's musical offerings are, fortunately, free. The weekend kicks off with a Parade Thursday evening, April 6, and continues with entertainment throughout Friday evening and all day Saturday, culminating with a performance by The Band of Oz from 2-5 p.m.