The Avett Brothers, Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ Diesel to headline 2027 NC Azalea Festival

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Azalea Festival has announced its headliners for the 2027 concert series, featuring The Avett Brothers and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, performing under his stage name DJ Diesel.

The performances are part of the festival’s 80th anniversary celebration in Wilmington, scheduled for April 2027.

DJ Diesel will take the stage Thursday, April 8, followed by The Avett Brothers on Friday, April 9.

Both concerts are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m.

O’Neal, best known for his career in the NBA, has also built a career in electronic dance music, performing as DJ Diesel.

The Avett Brothers, a North Carolina-based folk-rock band, are known for blending elements of folk, bluegrass, country and rock.

Tickets for both concerts will go on sale to the public Monday, Nov. 9, at noon.

The festival’s 80th anniversary celebration will also include several other events throughout the week.

According to the festival’s ticketing schedule, additional events include the Royal Dance Party on April 9, parade bleacher seating on April 10 and the Battleship Boom & Bloom Fireworks Bonanza on April 10.

The Royal Dance Party is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 9, while the parade bleacher seating event is listed for 9:30 a.m. April 10.

The Battleship Boom & Bloom Fireworks Bonanza is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 10.

Tickets for those events are also scheduled to go on sale Nov. 9 at noon.

Additional information and ticket purchases are available through the North Carolina Azalea Festival’s ticketing website.