DILLSBORO EASTER HAT PARADE
Easter Saturday, 2 pm

 
Come at 10:30 am to make a hat (Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street) – or bring your own. Get your face painted!. Meet the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts begin on Webster Street, every half hour by age group beginning at 10:00 am. Registration begins at 11 am. Parade starts from Dillsboro Town Hall at 2:00 pm. Antique cars from the Old Timers Model A Club lead the parade. 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!

Also, Dogwood Crafters will present an English tea at the Jarrett House. Tea and food will be served on fine china, with the artisans from Dogwood preparing the delicacies. There are two seatings - 1 pm & 3 pm. Cost is $12 per person.

GREENING UP THE MOUNTAINS
Last Saturday in April, 10 am - 4 pm

Greening Up the Mountains is a day-long street festival Saturday April 27 in our sister town of Sylva. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Main Street and in the Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. This year’s festival will focus on environmental sustainability, the importance of a strong economy and the revival of native and heritage crafts and traditions. *Not a DMA event.

DUCKS ON THE TUCK

First Saturday in May

Hundreds of rubber duckies will drop off Dillsboro’s Scott Creek Bridge and race down the Tuck (Tuckaseigee River) in Dillsboro. Test your luck, adopt a duck for $5. Prizes given to the winners. Proceeds go to the New Century Scholars scholarship fund. In the event of inclement weather or flooding a drawing will be held. *Not a DMA event.

DILLSBORO FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

July Fourth, 4 pm – dark

Celebrate a fun-filled Fourth in Dillsboro. Enjoy free play with different games around town - checkers, horseshoes, corn hole and more. Entertainment begins around 7 pm on Front Street; and will feature the Hoss Howard Band (7:30 - 9:30). Bring your own blanket or lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show. Fireworks will begin at dark from Harrison Quarry. There are lots of good places to watch the fireworks - just ask a local.

4th ANNUAL YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL
Fourth Saturday in September, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Jackson County Green Energy Park
September 21, 2012

Join us for hands-on art activities such as sidewalk chalk, mural painting, tile mosaics, paper weaving, hand-building with clay, and tile painting. Experience over 25 professional artists demonstrating their abilities with hot glass, basket-weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, painting, drawing, and more!

      Entertainment will be offered throughout the day including local musicians and performing artists, the Dancing Trash Dragon, and others. This family-friendly mix of cultural performers will be a highlight of the day!

      This event is FREE and open to the public. NO pets please. The Green Energy Park is located off Haywood Road 1/2 mile behind the Huddle House in Dillsboro. Free shuttle will be available, with stops every 10 minutes at several satellite parking locations in downtown Dillsboro. Food will be available for purchase on site. 828-631-0271, www.jcgep.org. *Not a DMA event.

COLOR FEST - ART & TASTE OF APPALACHIA

First Saturday in October, 10 am - 4 pm
October 5, 2013

This unique historic town welcomes over 40 local demonstrating artists who will fill the picturesque town of Dillsboro with color.

      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 in Dillsboro beginning September 6.
      This unique artwork will be available for sale throughout the month of September and on the day of ColorFest.

      Produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc in partnership with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, The Jackson County Arts Council, Dillsboro Merchants Association and the Jackson County Visual Artists Association. This project received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. 828-631-4587. More info  Vendor Application (pdf).

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat around downtown from 5 - 7 pm. Free movies, music and more. Vote for the spookiest shop. This event is a real treat!

WNC POTTERY FESTIVAL
First Saturday in November, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

November 2, 2013
Showcasing the work of more than 40 highly skilled potters from 13 states. A variety of clay art styles will be presented. Pre-show events - including the Clay Olympics - will be held on Friday. The event is juried and the lineup of potters is impressive. $3 ticket includes a chance in a raffle; kids under 12 admitted free. Website

DILLSBORO LUMINARIES
First Two Fridays & Saturdays in December, beginning at dusk
December 6-7 & 13-14, 2013

Journey back to the days of yesteryear as Dillsboro presents its annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. 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. Horse and buggy rides available each night from 5-8 pm (cost + tips). Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and children visit with Santa at Town Hall. Information: call 800-962-1911.

Check these Chamber of Commerce website calendars for more local events:

Jackson County

Macon County / Franklin
Swain County/Bryson City