Lineup, information for Azalea Festival in Pickens
The 40th annual Azalea Festival, one of Southeast’s largest arts and crafts festivals, returns to downtown Pickens on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
“The two-day festival features a variety of attractions and activities for all ages, such as a pet pageant, husband calling, and a pie-baking contest,” event organizer Tabitha Skipper said.
There will be over 300 local artisan vendors, 35 food vendors, and 40 nonprofits on-site, as well as live entertainment and oversized inflatable games for kids. It starts on Lewis Street and ends on Catherine Street, the entire length of Main Street.
According to pickensazaleafestival.com, the Azaleas Festival started in 1980 to celebrate the blooming season of azaleas in Pickens County.
Skipper said it has grown into an annual event that draws thousands of people to downtown Pickens. Last year’s festival attendance, over 55,000, broke all previous records.
Event organizers said this year’s festival will bring in record numbers.
Skipper said that when you come to the Azalea Festival, you support local businesses, non-profits, and the community.
Friday activities
Jack Roper and The Weatherman Band will kick off the festival at 5:30 p.m. on day one with a live performance.
The annual Cruise-In will begin at 6 p.m. and feature a variety of vehicles, including hot rods, muscle cars, Jeeps, and classic cars from different eras.
From 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., residents can enjoy music from Randomonium, which performs interactive musical experiences featuring an extensive and diverse song catalog.
Saturday activities
Day two opening ceremonies kick-off at 10 a.m. at the Picken County Courthouse at 214 E. Main St.
Mayor Isiah Scipio will give opening remarks, and afterward, Billy Gibson will perform the National Anthem.
An Azalea Festival 5K Run and Walk will occur at 10 a.m. at 415 E. Cedar Rock St. Registration ends at 9:45 a.m. April 27. This is the second race in The Pickens County 5K Race Series. Parking is available on East Cedar Rock Street and City Works on Railroad Street.
There will be a Pet Pageant at the Pickens Amphitheater at 11 a.m. The competition will be held in two categories: furry and exotic pets.
At 11 a.m., a pie-baking competition for the best pie in the Carolinas will also be held, featuring amateurs, restaurants, and professional bakers.
The Husband Calling Competition will take place at noon. Contestants have 15-30 seconds to call their partner’s name and win bonus points if they show up. The best pie in the Carolinas winner will be announced at 1 p.m.
Saturday music performance schedule
Chris Vita, 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Trey Duncan, 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Leah Seawright Band with Mark Herndon, 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Benton Blount, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m
Ryan Perry, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Azalea Festival street closings
On Thursday, April 27, Legacy Square will be closed to the public at 5 a.m. for parking.
On Friday, April 28, eastbound traffic on West Main will be detoured at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of West Main and Catherine Street.