Events in Dillsboro NC - Easter Hat Parade, Craft Festivals & Christmas Events in NC Mountains

DILLSBORO'S ANNUAL EASTER HAT PARADE
Saturday, April 19, 2025

View Our State Magazine's video of a recent Easter Hat Parade here. Video by Jerry Wolford. (Some of his photos are also in the slide-show to the right.) Check us out on UNC TV, NC Weekend Show.

Bring your Easter Bonnet to wear in the Parade! Enjoy kid's activities and meet the Easter Bunny and helpers who will be handing out Easter candies. Dogwood Crafters will have a table set up outside to help you decorate your hat. Easter Egg Hunt at 11 am at Monteith Park. Registration for the Parade begins at 11:00 am, then join us at Town Hall on Front Street at 2:00 pm on Front Street for the Parade of people and pets wearing unique hats.

Awards are announced after the Parade. Ribbons are given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual categories. There is even a ribbon awarded to the Best Animal in Show!

AIRING OF THE QUILTS
Saturday, May 3, 2025
11 am - 3 pm
Appalachian Women's Museum at Monteith Park
100 West Hometown Place

Airing of the quilts is a mountain tradition where women would take family quilts off the beds and hang them in the spring sunshine to freshen. Enjoy the beautiful display of quilts from quilters and quilt collectors. There will also be the popular fabric scrap exchange, a quilt pattern and book exchange, raffle and music. Free event.

DILLSBORO ART WALK
Third Saturday in July
July 19, 2025
2 - 7 pm

Just as summer hits its stride, the compact town of Dillsboro will glow with creativity at our new Art Walk. Throughout the town, talented artists will be stationed in front of participating merchants, transforming sidewalks into open-air studios. Venture inside the inviting embrace of our beloved shops and galleries, where you'll find even more treasures awaiting your discovery. From cozy restaurants to boutique stores, each venue offers a unique backdrop for artistic exploration. At lunch time there are many restaurants from which to choose for dine-in and take-out. Come and join others in sharing the ambiance of a small town festival! For artist vendor applications, contact: DillsboroMerchants@gmail.com

YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL
Jackson County Green Energy Park
Third Saturday in September
Saturday, September 20, 2025
9 am - 3 pm

Free art activities for the whole family, such as sidewalk chalk, mural painting, weaving, tile mosaics, chalk pastel drawing, take-home art projects, and more. Professional artists will be demonstrating their crafts. Entertainment and food. No pets, except for service animals. No parking on site - shuttles available locally. Bring your imagination and creativity and have FUN! Come watch demonstrations of glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, printing, gem cutting, torchworking and raku kiln firing. We'll have live entertainment, good food and fun! More info

COLORFEST
Saturday, October 4, 2025
10 am - 4 pm

Colors will certainly abound with the Annual ColorFest, as Dillsboro presents regional fine arts & crafts. Within Dillsboro’s mountain landscape, over 50 juried artisans will line Front Street. The artists will be located only a short walk from the entertainment stage. With this festival, we wish to foster an appreciation for all arts and crafts. Add the autumn colors and exceptional food, and you’ll have a great day in Dillsboro. Meet and talk with local artists, all the while surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the mountains. Sample festival foods, and enjoy indoor and outdoor dining and a brewery. We invite everyone to come visit us! For artist vendor applications, contact: DillsboroMerchants@gmail.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Friday, October 31, 2025
5 - 7 pm

Visit merchants in Dillsboro for a fun time of trick or treating. Wear costumes and enjoy walking through our town, visiting our shops and eateries.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Thanksgiving Saturday
November 29, 2025

Show your love for small businesses. Dillsboro is celebrating with sales and demonstrations with great restaurants, plenty of shops, and a brewery.

street decorated for Christmas with lights

DILLSBORO LUMINARIES
Fridays & Saturdays
December 5, 6, 12, & 13, 2025
5 - 9 pm

Adapted from an old Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child, more than 2,500 candles in small white bags line the streets and every storefront is aglow with Christmas lights and decorations. Take a buggy ride, go caroling, visit with Santa, visit the shops, enjoy refreshments. Special entertainment on some nights.

Dogwood Crafters opens its doors and shares homemade cookies from our cookbooks and hot, spiced apple cider. Stop by for some treats and to see all of our one-of-a-kind holiday gift ideas.