Easter Hat Parade
Easter Saturday
March 22, 2008
1:00 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 and makes two circles around the two-city-block area to make sure everyone gets a good look! 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!

Dillsboro Arts & Music Festival
Second Saturday in June
June 14, 2008
9 am - 6 pm

All the quaint shops are open and the streets are lined with tents featuring artisans demonstrating all kinds of traditional crafts including basketry, weaving, quilting, pewtering, and carving. It's a walk-about day with a gracious plenty of food available in the restaurants or from the street.

A Day Out with Thomas
July 25-29, 2008 and
July 31-August 3, 2008

Each year the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad brings Thomas the Tank to Dillsboro. Children and their grown-ups can take a ride on board a train pulled by Thomas, and have their picture taken with Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of Thomas' Railway and enjoy petting zoos and pony rides.

For schedules and information, contact the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad or call 800-872-4681.

Dillsboro Antiques Fair
Third Saturday in September
September 20, 2008
9 am to 5 pm

Spend an autumn day exploring the collections of Dillsboro's antique dealers. Food, entertainment and an antique car parade not to be missed.

Music ranges from bluegrass to blues and jazz guitar.

Western North Carolina
Pottery Festival
First Saturday in November
November 1, 2008
10 am to 4 pm

The annual festival celebrating the pottery of Western North Carolina 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.

Lights and Luminaires
First Two Fridays & Saturdays in December
December 5-6 & 12-13, 2008
5:00 pm to 9:00 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.

The Santa Express Train makes shuttle runs to neighboring towns, and even Santa Clause fits a trip to Dillsboro into his busy schedule to listen to the children's gift requests.