2026 North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade Entries
April 11, 2026
2026 Azalea Festival Parade
📅 Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
📍 Location: Historic 3rd Street, Downtown Wilmington
📲 Important: Do not register on a mobile device — it may cause errors.
Registration Info
📅 Opens: September 1st, 2025
📅 Closes: March 1st, 2026
💸 Payment Deadline: March 15th, 2026
🕓 Late Payment: The Festival may decide to allow late payment (from March 2nd to March 15th) with the addition of a $75 Late Fee. Registrants who miss the March 1st Deadline will be contacted with instructions on making a late payment.
❌ Unpaid Entries: Will be cancelled and removed from the Parade Lineup after March 15th
Entry Categories & Fees
Specialties:
Groups or Organizations that do not fall into the other Parade Categories. No Floats or oversized vehicles. Examples include: Clowns, Dance Groups, Skating Groups, Walking Groups, Sudan Shriner Groups
Please note the sub-categories in this registration type
- Specialties ($350) - Registrants that are not designated as a 501c3 non-profit.
- Non-Profit Specialties ($50) - Registrants in this category must provide their 501c3 Tax Identification Number or Paperwork as Proof.
- Sudan Shriners (Free) - Must be an official Sudan Shriner Group.
Marching Bands & ROTC:
Marching Bands, Drumlines, Color Guard, and/or ROTC/JROTC Groups
Please note the sub-categories in this registration type
- Non-Profit Community Marching Bands ($50) - Registrants in this category must provide their 501c3 Tax Identification Number or Paperwork as Proof.
- School Marching Bands & ROTC (Free) - Must be affiliated with an educational institution. May be a middle or high school band, and/or collegiate band.
- Community Marching Bands ($350) - Marching bands not affiliated with an educational institution and not designated as a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Floats:
Groups or Organizations that plan to bring their own float, truck & trailer, or oversized vehicle, OR who will be renting a float through the Festival.
Please note the sub-categories in this registration type
- Non-Profits Bringing Their Own Float ($50)
- Non-Profits Renting a Float Through Festival ($850)
- Groups Bringing Their Own Float ($350)
- Groups Renting a Float Through Festival ($1,200)
Queens/Princesses in Escort Vehicles:
Queens/Princesses riding in escort vehicles. Must provide their own vehicle and car sign.
Please note the sub-categories in this registration type
- 1 Queen/Princess in a Car ($150)
- 2 Queens/Princesses in a Car (Cost $300)
Horse Groups/Auto Clubs:
Official Car/Motorcycle clubs and horse groups with Coggins documentation
Please note the sub-categories in this registration type
- Auto Clubs ($350 for up to 10 Cars, each additional vehicle is an additional $25)
- Horse Clubs ($350)
Veteran Groups:
Official Veteran Groups and/or Organizations
These groups participate for $10
Float Building Help
Need help creating your own float?
📄Download the Float Building Guide
Important Reminders
❌ No political, religious, or issue-based advertising
✅ Government officials may attend in an official capacity (by invitation only)
📥 Apply online (desktop only)
⏳ Wait for approval before submitting payment
Application & Payment Process
- Apply online – choose your entry type
- Wait for approval email
- Submit payment only after approval
- Deadline to pay: March 1 or within 2 weeks of approval
- Late fees: $75 applies March 2–15, if the Festival approves a late payment
Questions?
📞 Parade Line: 910-794-3103
📧 Email: parade@ncazaleafestival.org