One of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, The Pickens Azalea Festival is back to celebrate a milestone of 40 years of tradition in Pickens. With a record-breaking attendance of more than 55,000 in 2023, the 2024 festival promises an exciting weekend filled with fun for the entire family.

 

The festival will host an annual cruise-in and street festival, including more than 350 artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, rides, and games. Saturday is packed with live entertainment, including a pie contest, pet pageant, and husband-calling contest.

 

The festival supports and serves as a platform for more than 40 local non-profits and promotes community spirit in a family friendly setting. 

 

Friday, April 26th: Cruise-In, Food, Rides, Live Music  

 

5:30 PM Jack Roper and The Weatherman Band

 

6:00 PM Annual Cruise-In : Free to enter. Hotrods, muscle cars, jeeps, and classic vehicles from all eras. 

 

8:30- 10:30 PM Randomonium 

 

Saturday, April 27th: Street Festival with 350 +Vendors, Live Music, and Entertainment

 

More than 350 local artisan vendors will line the streets, showcasing their one-of-a-kind crafts and creations. This year’s event features more than 40 non-profits local to Upstate South Carolina.

10:00 AM Opening Ceremonies (Pickens County Courthouse)

 

Welcome – Mayor Isaiah Scipio Opening Remarks

National Anthem – Billy Gibson

 

11:00 AM Pet Pageant

11:00 AM All Entries for Pie Baking Competition due at tent by Amphitheatre stage

12:00 PM Husband Calling Competition

1:00 PM Announcement for Pie Baking Contest Winner

1:15 PM-2 PM Chris Vita

2:15 PM- 3 PM Trey Duncan

3:30 PM- 4:45 PM Leah Seawright Band with Mark Herndon from Alabama

5:30 PM -7:30 PM Benton Blount

8:30 PM -10:30 PM Ryan Perry

 

Contests details: 

• Pet Pageant: All pet owners welcome. Contestants can win in furry or exotic pet categories. No pre-registration necessary. Contest begins promptly at 11 am at the Pickens Amphitheater. 
• Azalea Festival 5K: Lace up your running shoes and join us for a scenic run through the beauty of Pickens. 
• Amusement Rides: Thrill-seekers of all ages will find something to love with our selection of amusement rides. From gentle spins to adrenaline-pumping thrills, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
• Inflatable Games: Competition + Fun! Oversized inflatable games available for all ages! 
• Pie Baking Competition: The Pickens Azalea Festival Pie contest is quickly becoming the Carolinas premier pie contest offering amateurs, restaurants, and professional bakers a chance to compete for the best pie in the Carolina’s! 2024 Judges include. 

• Husband Calling Contest: Calling everyone who knows how to get someone’s attention in the most dramatic way possible!  Each contestant gets 15-30 seconds to call their mate. Bonus points if they show up when called!

About Pickens Azalea Festival:

 

The Pickens Azalea Festival is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, drawing visitors from the Carolinas and beyond to celebrate the beauty of blooming azaleas and the spirit of community in Pickens County, South Carolina. This cherished event is a testament to the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. 

 

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Pickens Azalea Festival is committed to giving back to the community it serves. The festival serves as a platform for more than 40 local non-profits to connect with thousands of community members in Pickens County.  Proceeds from the festival support local initiatives,   cultural preservation efforts, and educational programs, ensuring that the spirit of the festival continues to enrich the lives of residents for years to come.

 

Join the Celebration: For more than 40 years, the Pickens Azalea Festival has been a beloved tradition, serving as a homecoming to bring together friends and family for a weekend of joy, connection, and celebration. We are currently seeking volunteers who want to get involved with making the event a continued success. The festival is growing every year, but our committee is shrinking as members retire. We are seeking motivated individuals with a passion for their community to join the fun! 

 

For more details on the 2024 Pickens Azalea Festival, click here to visit the official website.