Easter Hat Parade
Easter Saturday
March 30, 2013
2:00 pm
 
Led by a fleet of restored antique cars, followed by the many hat contestants and featuring the Easter Bunny, the parade begins in front of the Town Hall on Front Street. Get your face painted! Make a hat and come join the parade! Last-minute entrants very welcome.

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!

Come early at 10:30 am to Dogwood Crafters on Webster St. where you can fashion your own hat. Easter egg hunts (by age group) also start there beginning at 10:30 am. Registration for the parade starts at 11 am.

View Our State magazine's video of last year's Easter Hat Parade here. Video by Jerry Wolford.

Independance Day Celebration
July 4, 2013
1 pm – dark
 
Enjoy a fun-filled Fourth in Dillsboro. Free play at games around town like checkers, corn hole and horseshoes. Entertainment begins on Front Street around 7 pm with the Hoss Howard Band (7:30 - 9:30 ). Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show. Fireworks will begin at dark from Harrison Quarry. There are plenty of good places to watch the fireworks, just ask a local.

Youth Arts Festival
Fourth Saturday in September
September 21, 2013
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. Over 25 professional artists will be demonstrating their crafts. Entertain and food. Free shuttle from Dillsboro. No pets please. Bring your imagination and creativity and have FUN! Held at Jackson County Green Energy Park. More info

Color Fest - Art & Taste of Appalachia
First Saturday in October
October 5, 2013
10 am - 4 pm

Leisurely stroll through the town encountering fine artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas, hear stands of music blossoming through the doorways, and experience a delicious taste of NC foods and wines ...all the time surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the mountains.

Come out and talk with local artists, authors, growers, wine makers and musicians as you wander through the picturesque town, unique shops and choice restaurants. Even before this exciting fine art day, the chosen fine artists have their artwork on display in the windows of shops.

Halloween Events
Punkin Fest on October 27 with pumpkin carving and more. Stay tuned.

Trick or Treat on Halloween, Wednesday, October 31. 4 pm - 7 pm; Parade at 6 pm.
 
A family-oriented costume parade. The Parade starts at Town Hall on Front Street. Kids, parents and friends are encouraged to enter the costume contest – there will be prizes! Trick or Treat around downtown. Free movies, music and more. Vote for the spookiest shop. This event is a real treat!

Western North Carolina
Pottery Festival
First Saturday in November
November 2, 2013
10 am to 4 pm

Celebrating the pottery of Western North Carolina. This annual festival takes place along Front Street. This juried event features the works of more than 20 highly-skilled potters from across the region. Potters on hand to demonstrate throwing and raku firing. Website

Dillsboro Luminaries
First Two Fridays &
Saturdays in December
December 6-7 & 13-14, 2013
5 pm to 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.

Shopkeepers hold "Open House" and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and home baked goodies and stay open late to accommodate holiday shoppers. Horse and buggy rides available. Even Santa Clause fits a trip to Dillsboro into his busy schedule to listen to the children's gift requests.