Ludacris with Childish Major at the NC Azalea Festival
The multitalented CHRIS “LUDACRIS” BRIDGES can best be described as remarkable. Much more than an entertainer, Ludacris has positioned himself to reach the top of various business platforms as well. He is a positive example and powerful icon. Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges is also far from being done changing the game. Ludacris is able to create, reconstruct, and command anything he attaches his name to. With 17 Grammy nominations, he has had the honor of winning three of them. Ludacris has sold over 19.5 million units in the United States, and approximately 7 million overseas.
Many of his records were followed up with ingenious videos that demonstrated Bridges’ far-reaching imagination and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what hip hop videos should look and feel like. With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit and imagery, Bridges has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. Although he’s best known for his infectious tunes, Bridges has shown that he’s equally adept at writing powerful songs with serious subject matter, including runaways in the song “Runaway Love.” Bridges’ versatility and artistic complexity enabled him to make a seamless transition to acting.
In addition to his heavily awarded music career, Ludacris is an esteemed actor, having appeared in the acclaimed indie drama Hustle & Flow, the smash hit Fast and the Furious sequels 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6 and Fast & Furious 7 and the 2006 Academy Award Best Picture Winner, Crash, which earned him the prestigious Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice awards. He has also had a recurring role as “Darius Parker” in the long-running hit television series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Ludacris hosted the 2014 billboard Music Awards to an audience of over 11 million and was a judge for the groundbreaking summer singing competition series “Rising Star.”
A consummate businessman, Ludacris is enjoying success with his ventures in spirits with Conjure Cognac and electronics with his SOUL by Ludacris headphones. His philanthropic efforts rival his entertainment accomplishments. He partnered with Crash writer/director Paul Haggis and the Artists for Peace and Justice to help raise more than $4 million for Haitian relief efforts. He has also raised more than $100,000 for Atlanta flood victims through The Ludacris Foundation. Having partnered with Jane Fonda, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela to name a few, The Ludacris Foundation continues to inspire youth through education.
Main Stage Venue Rules
About the Venue
The Main Stage is located at 701 N. Front Street Wilmington NC 28401 (adjacent to the Schwartz Center). Gates will open one hour prior to show time (subject to change).
Parking Decks
All City and County parking decks are $7/day to park; cash and bank cards accepted. One should anticipate possible delays upon entry and exit during high-volume times. Parking cost may change without notice as the Festival does not control these rates.
• Wilmington Convention Center – 515 Nutt Street. This deck will be $8/day to park; cash and bank cards accepted. Parking cost may change without notice as the Festival does not control these rates.
• Market Street Parking Deck – N 2nd Street
• 2nd Street Parking Deck (between Chestnut Street & Princess Street) – 100 N 2nd St
• Library Parking Deck – 200 N. 2nd Street
• Cape Fear Community College Parking Decks – cash only
• Nutt Street Deck
• Hanover/3rd Street Deck (limited public parking available at this lot – this will be the first lot to fill during the Concerts)
Street Parking
• Meters: $1.25/hr
Parking meters are free after 6:30 PM on Thursday and Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday during Azalea Festival weekend.
Weather
All concerts are outdoor, rain or shine. In the event of rain, we advise ponchos and rain boots – no umbrellas will be allowed inside the venue. In the event of beautiful weather, we advise sunglasses and sunscreen. At the venue it can be a tad colder with higher winds since we are right on the river; please dress accordingly.
Refund Policy
There will be no refunds. In the event the show is cancelled due to extreme weather or artist cancellation, refunds will be processed within two weeks of the original show date. In most cases, this is a rain or shine event.
Merchandise
North Carolina Azalea Festival merchandise will be sold at the concerts. The availability of artist merchandise depends on the artist and will be for sale separately.
Entry & Re-Entry
Upon entry, all handbags will be inspected. This is to ensure the safety of all our guests, and we would appreciate your cooperation with our team. There is no re-entry allowed. The concert venue has restrooms as well as food and beverage, including alcoholic beverages, available for sale.
Accessibility
All concerts are outdoor, standing room only. The venue is a paved, fenced-in area with a natural slope down to the stage. We don’t advise bringing blankets or anticipating being able to sit on the ground due to safety precautions. We acknowledge the special needs and challenges of some of our guests, and guests requiring special needs should notify the box office when purchasing tickets.
Children
Children of all ages will be permitted into the concert venue. Each person will need a concert ticket regardless of age, and we have that in place for safety purposes. The North Carolina Azalea Festival is not responsible for children at the concert, and please note that strollers are not permitted inside the venue.
Prohibited Items
• Chairs
• Backpacks
• Umbrellas
• Any and all weapons/knives, etc.
• Laser pointers
• Coolers
• Illegal and prescription drugs
• Pets
• Alcohol
• Water Bottles
• Fireworks/explosives
• Skateboards, bikes, scooters, etc.
• Strollers
• Outside food or drink
• Professional videography and/or photography including drones
Medical & Safety
Trained EMTs will be on-hand to address any and all medical incidents, and please don’t be afraid to ask for help from a staff member of volunteer – even if you just have a question. Additionally, if you see anyone who appears to be in need of medical assistance, please inform a member of our medical or security team. Police officers will be at the venue to ensure guest safety.
Food & Drinks
There will be food vendors inside the concert venue, as well as beverage tents with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Proper ID is required for all alcohol purchases.
Updates
Stay tuned to our social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – for any concert venue updates. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] (please note that during the concerts, our staff will not be able to answer your email right away). You can also call the Azalea Festival Ticket Office at (910) 794-4650 with any questions or concerns before the concert – but remember that our office will close at 5PM. You can find our staff and/or volunteers at the venue throughout the entirety of the show!
Festival Publicity
Your entry into the Main Stage venue grants the Festival permission to photograph or video you and your likeness to be used for Festival publicity now or in the future.
