December, 6, 7, 13, 14, 2024
5 - 9 pm each night

Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Shopkeepers and restaurants are open late. See Santa and Mrs. Claus as they ride through town in their pickup truck. Write a letter to Santa and drop it off at his special mailbox. Live music on Front Street.

DILLSBORO EASTER HAT PARADE
Saturday of Easter Weekend

Saturday, April 19, 2025
Parade starts at 2 pm

Bring your Easter Bonnet to wear in the Easter Hat Parade! Meet the Easter Bunny and helpers who will be handing out Easter candies, and enjoy kid's activities. Egg Hunt at 11:00 am at Monteith Park with 4,000 eggs to find! Registration for the parade begins at Noon, and the parade starts from Dillsboro Town Hall at 2:00 pm. Calling all ladies, gentlemen, children and dogs. Grab your hat and join in the fun during Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious annual Easter Hat Parade!

     Plenty of prizes are 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
Appalachian Women's Museum at Monteith Park
100 West Hometown Place
11 am - 3 pm

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.

DILLSBORO ART WALK
Third Saturday in July

Saturday, July 19, 2025
2 - 7 pm

Step into the picturesque small town of Dillsboro, NC and immerse yourself in a captivating journey through creativity at our new annual Art Walk. As you stroll along quaint historic storefronts, you'll discover a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression woven seamlessly into the fabric of our charming community. Throughout the town, talented artists will be stationed in front of participating merchants, transforming sidewalks into open-air studios. Watch with wonder as they breathe life into blank canvases, their brushes dancing gracefully to the rhythm of their imagination. But the Art Walk isn't just about observing—it's about engaging. 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.

     Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or simply curious to experience something new, there's something for everyone to enjoy. But perhaps the most rewarding part of the Art Walk is knowing that with each purchase, you're not just acquiring a piece of art—you're investing in the heart and soul of our community. Your support sustains the livelihoods of local artists and merchants alike, ensuring that our town remains a thriving hub of creativity for generations to come.

     So come, join us on this enchanting journey through art and commerce, where every step is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of our small town's story. Together, let's celebrate the beauty of creativity, the warmth of community, and the endless possibilities that unfold when we come together to create something truly extraordinary. For artist vendor applications, contact: DillsboroMerchants@gmail.com

YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL

Third Saturday each 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 please. Parking is limited; carpooling recommended. Bring your imagination and creativity and have FUN! Held at Jackson County Green Energy Park. Come watch demonstrations of glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, printing, gem cutting, torchworking and raku kiln firing. We'll have live entertainment, good food and fun!

COLORFEST!

Saturday, October 4, 2025
10 am - 4 pm

This unique historic town welcomes over 40 local demonstrating artists who will line Front Street with colorful art and demonstrate their work. 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. Live entertainment throughout the afternoon. For more information, contact Brenda Anders 828-506-8331 or For artist vendor applications, contact: DillsboroMerchants@gmail.com

DILLSBORO'S DOWNHOME HARVEST
Every day in October, 2025

To celebrate Fall, Dillsboro will showcase arts and crafts with handcrafted items in shops and several demonstrating artists. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this unique village in the mountains. Discover the brewery, and a variety of restaurants, many with indoor and outdoor options.

TRICK OR TREAT
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

Saturday, November 29,2025

Show your love for small businesses. Dillsboro is celebrating with sales and demonstrations; 8 great restaurants, over 10 shops, and a brewery.

Check these local website calendars for more events:

Jackson County

Macon County / Franklin
Swain County / Bryson City

Cherokee