72nd Annual Florida Azalea Festival

From 72nd Annual Florida Azalea Festival Website:

Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4, 2018

Join this celebration of early spring with a hometown parade, live music, food and drink, arts and crafts, and azaleas in bloom.

The 72nd Annual Florida Azalea Festival will take place in the historic downtown area of Palatka, Florida, on Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4, 2018. This two-day, pet-friendly outdoor festival includes entertainment on multiple stages, five blocks of vendors, a parade, antique car show, a beauty pageant, and, of course, azaleas in bloom.

The Florida Azalea Festival is one of the longest-running festivals celebrated in Florida, and is ideal for families, with special kids activities like face painting, games, and arts and crafts.

Visitors can browse the five blocks of vendors that include downtown businesses and restaurants as well as local arts and crafts and food vendors. Pets are not just allowed -- they're encouraged! Pets in costume are a traditional part of the Azalea Festival.

There's a hometown parade hosted by the Shriners' Club on Saturday on Main Street in Palatka. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Also on Saturday is the Florida Azalea Car Show at Riverfront Park (open throughout the day) and the Miss Florida Azalea Scholarship Pageant at 7 p.m.