Saturday Before Easter (Annually)
(April 4, 2026)
Old hat, new hat, yellow hat, blue hat. They're all welcome at Dillsboro's annual Easter Hat Parade at 2 PM. The parade, a Dillsboro tradition the Saturday before Easter, showcases a variety of interesting hats atop participants of all ages, including pets. If you don't have a hat, you can make one there!
Judges select the best hats in more than 20 categories, including biggest, smallest, funniest, best-smelling, "poofy-est," most creative, most spring-like and most outrageous. Last year, there were nearly 250 entrants in the contest. In addition to an array of colorful hats, the parade features vintage cars provided by the Old Timers Model A Club. The Easter Bunny makes an appearance as well, riding in antique convertible car.
Although the Easter Hat Parade officially begins at 2 PM, arrive early and spend the day. Easter egg hunts for children begin at 11 AM at Monteith Park.
Dillsboro is located on the Tuckasegee River, adjacent to Sylva, at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 23/74 and U.S. Hwy 441 in Jackson County. The town is less than an hour west of Asheville, 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg, 2.5 hours from Atlanta and Spartanburg, and 3 hours from Charlotte and Knoxville. It is a walkabout mountain village featuring an array of unique shops, arts & crafts studios, restaurants, and inns.
So dig out that favorite fedora or cherished chapeau and make plan now to attend an event that’s sure to provide 10 gallons of fun for everyone.
For parade information call the Jackson County Visitors Center at (800) 962-1911. Thanks to Nick Breedlove for photos!
Read more about Dillsboro and Jackson County things to do.
Also, a big spring event in Sylva is the Greening Up the Mountains Festival.
Hotels
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Sylva
Reliable hotel near Great Smoky Mountains National Park features complimentary breakfast and modern amenities throughout. Experience Cherokee attractions, Bryson City access, outdoor adventures, and mountain recreation opportunities nearby.
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Best Western Plus River Escape Inn, Dillsboro
Comfortable riverside lodging in a charming mountain town features scenic views and complimentary breakfast daily. Access historic train rides, downtown Dillsboro shops, local dining, and outdoor recreation with ease.
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