2022 Native Azalea Festival
The 5th Annual Native Azalea Festival in #YourNaturalDestination will kick off Friday, June 10th and last through Sunday June 19th! This year's festival will include both Virtual and In-Person opportunities to enjoy the blooms!
For our 2022 Native Azalea Festival, we invite you to join us from near or far for a two-week celebration. The festival will kick off officially the evening of June 12th with a Bluegrass All-Stars performance at Stecoah Valley Center at 7 pm.
Enjoy a self-guided hikes around Hooper Bald off the Cherohala Skyway to view the beautiful flame azaleas or follow along from home on our YouTube page or Facebook.
Azalea hiking and area touring maps are NOW available at the Graham County Travel and Tourism Office located at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771
Can't make it this year, be sure to Subscribe, Like and Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages. There you can view images from year's past, watch a 360* hike to Hooper Bald, enjoy a virtual hike from the comfort of your home, and even learn about the history and important cultural significance of Hooper Bald and the Native Flame Azalea.
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 19th
Explore Hooper Bald on a self-guided Azalea walk
Explore this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Robbinsville, North Carolina just off of the Cherohala Skyway. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 60 minutes to complete but be sure to allow yourself extra time to explore the breathtaking native, flame azaleas. As you arrive at the bald from the meandering trail, head left toward the wooded area to meander through the overhead blooms. After exploring the azaleas, take a walk out to the bald for 360-degree views of the region. Maps and additional informtion are available at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771
Sunday, June 12th at 7 pm
Special Azalea Festival Concert with
the Bluegrass All-Stars
Darren Nicholson and Marc Pruett of Balsam Range with Audie Blaylock and Reed Jones of Redline will be ‘Spreading the Good Word of Bluegrass’ during this special Sunday night performance. They may be just playing around and having fun between tours but these four have been raising the roofs under the banner of the Bluegrass Allstars. More info.
Adults $18; Students/K-12 $10; plus tax. The concert is at 7:00 pm in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium. Snacks and beverages available for purchase in the Schoolhouse Cafe beginning at 6 pm.
To purchase tickets, click the "buy tickets" button below or call 828-479-3364
Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th
Explore Hooper Bald and the Native Flame Azaleas with Experts Along the Way!
Those who wish to discuss the beauty of the Azaleas with experts are invited to join us Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th on Hooper Bald. Explore this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Robbinsville, North Carolina just off of the Cherohala Skyway and meet Azalea experts staged along the trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 60 minutes to complete but be sure to allow yourself extra time to explore the breathtaking native, flame azaleas. As you arrive at the bald from the meandering trail, head left toward the wooded area to meander through the overhead blooms. After exploring the azaleas, take a walk out to the bald for 360-degree views of the region. Maps and additional information are available at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771
Past Native Azalea Festivals