The first example of directed C-H activation for azulene is reported. A variety of 2-arylazulenes are obtainable exclusively from 1-azulene carboxylic acids, with yields of up to 82%. Some heteroaryl groups such as pyridine and thiophene are also tolerated in the reaction. The efficacy of the reaction is found to be highly dependent on the conditions, with a phosphate base and a bulky carboxylic acid being key additives.