Historic Wilmington Foundation to celebrate 60th anniversary with Azalea Festival Home Tour

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — The Historic Wilmington Foundation will mark a major milestone this spring as it celebrates its 60th anniversary during the 2026 Azalea Festival Home Tour.

The annual tour is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 11–12, from noon until 5 p.m. in historic downtown Wilmington.

Organizers say the event will give visitors a rare chance to step inside some of the city’s most beautiful and historic private homes.

This year’s tour will feature homes on the south side of downtown, in the area from Market Street to Queen Street and from South 6th Street to the Cape Fear River.

The Historic Wilmington Foundation was founded in 1966 at a time when many historic buildings in the city were at risk of demolition or neglect. Community leaders created the organization to help preserve Wilmington’s historic architecture and character.

Today, the foundation continues that mission through preservation programs, education, advocacy, and community engagement.

“The Home Tour is more than a chance to see beautiful historic homes,” said Carol Bullock, executive director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation. “It’s a celebration of Wilmington’s story and the community members who have worked for 60 years to protect the historic character that makes our city so special.”

Visitors will see a variety of architectural styles, renovations, and preserved historic features while learning more about the homes and the neighborhoods that make up Wilmington’s historic district.

More information about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteering is available here.