Azalea Festival Home Tour

Saturday and Sunday, April 15 & 16 (1PM-5PM)
presented as part of the 2023 Azalea Festival

Think of your Azalea Festival Home Tour ticket as a key, unlocking and welcoming you inside homes you’ve long admired, as well as some stunning hidden gems! From the quaint to the grand, step inside bungalows, Queen Anne homes, and more—and in doing so, enter and explore our community’s past. As you wander through Wilmington’s historic Sunset Park neighborhood, surprise awaits: the complement of new and old, the charming interplay of architectural styles. Expect the unexpected and delight in pristinely preserved architectural treasures as well as uniquely repurposed and upcycled elements. Get inspired and get excited: The only home tour special enough to be part of the legendary Azalea Festival is coming soon!

Proceeds from the Azalea Festival Home Tour support the Historic Wilmington Foundation and its efforts to preserve and protect the irreplaceable historic resources of the Lower Cape Fear region.

FAQs

I purchased my ticket(s) online. Where do I get my printed ticket(s)?

Pick up your printed ticket before you begin your tour! Simply keep your confirmation email handy; you may print out a copy, or pull the email up on your mobile device. Before beginning your tour, pick up your printed ticket at HWF’s Sales & Informational Booth, located in the parking lot of Sunset Park Baptist Church (231 Central Blvd). When you present the registration email, a representative from HWF will provide you with a paper ticket, complete with a map and guide to the tour homes. 

If you’d like to pick up your ticket prior to the tour, you may do so starting on Friday, March 24th at the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s office (211 Orange Street). HWF’s offices are open Monday through Friday from 10AM-4PM.

I don't like to buy tickets online. Where can I purchase them in person?

When buying tickets in person, you have several options: 

  • HISTORIC WILMINGTON FOUNDATION: Come visit our headquarters (211 Orange Street) to purchase your ticket! We’re open Mondays through Fridays from 10AM-4PM.
  • LEGACY ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE: Stop by Legacy Architectural Salvage (1831-B Dawson Street) during business hours to get your Home Tour ticket! Legacy is located in the back warehouse portion of Stevens Ace Hardware, and the shop is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9AM-2PM, and on Thursdays from 9AM-5PM.
  • HARRIS TEETER: Tickets are available for sale at all local Harris Teeter locations. VIC card holders get a $1 discount! You may purchase your Home Tour ticket at the Customer Service Desk.
  • NORTH CAROLINA AZALEA FESTIVAL OFFICE: Grab your tickets for the Home Tour (and perhaps other Azalea Festival happenings!) at the NC Azalea Festival office, located at 5725 Oleander Drive, Suite B7.

Can I purchase my tickets in person on the day of the event?

Yes, you may! Stop by our Sales & Info Booth, located in the parking lot of the Sunset Park Baptist Church (231 Central Blvd). You may buy your ticket with cash, credit card, or check!

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

No, but please keep your children with you, and do not bring strollers or car seats inside the tour homes. (Kids under the age of 12 can attend for free!) Please have your ticket with you at all homes on the tour. 

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Sunset Park: The historic Sunset Park neighborhood offers a plethora of on-street parking options. Free parking is also available during tour hours (1pm-5pm) at Sunset Park Baptist Church (231 Central Blvd). Please respect parking hours, so as not to interfere with church services.

What may I bring into the event?

Pack lightly, as you will be walking from house to house while in each neighborhood. Please do not bring food or drink into the tour homes; also, do not bring pets with you on the tour. 

If I'm bringing my child/children, do they need a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased for children ages 12 or over. Younger children may attend for free!

What’s the refund policy?

HWF relies on ticket sales to support the mission of preserving and protecting Wilmington’s historic, irreplaceable resources. As such, we have a no-refund policy for the Azalea Festival Home Tour.

Where can I find more information about the Azalea Festival?

For general festival information, visit the Official Festival Website. 

When can I take the tour? Do I have to start somewhere in particular?

Your ticket, your time, your tour! Each Azalea Festival Home Tour ticket is good for the full weekend. Tour-goers can attend either or both days, and may start or end at any point along the route.

Is the Azalea Festival Home Tour accessible for those with limited mobility?

The Azalea Festival Home Tour is over one mile in length, depending on your route. Due to the historic nature of the featured homes, all require tour goers to traverse stairs. We advise those with mobility concerns to call our office with any additional questions: (910) 762-2511. 

How can I contact the organizer with questions?

Please call HWF at 910.762.2511, or email hometour@historicwilmington.org.

When and where is the ribbon cutting ceremony?

We’ll kick off the tour with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30pm on Saturday, April 15th at the D. N. Chadwick House (416 Central Boulevard). Join city, county, and state dignitaries as we welcome tour-goers and celebrate our city’s historic fabric. Plus, we’ll be moving and grooving to the music of the jazzy Jim Ferris Duo!