Easter weekend (April 4–5, 2026) serves as the unofficial grand opening of the mountain spring season. Whether you are seeking high-country thrills or a quiet moment of reflection at dawn, Western North Carolina offers a diverse palette of traditions.
Saturday, April 4: Community & Family Traditions
Dillsboro: The Easter Hat Parade
The Vibe: Artistic, quirky, and quintessential WNC.
The Details: The day begins at 11:00 AM with an egg hunt (4,000 eggs!) at Monteith Park. Local sources indicate hat-making sessions will be available at Dogwood Crafters. The world-famous parade—featuring participants and their pets in elaborate headwear—steps off from Dillsboro Town Hall at 2:00 PM.
Franklin: The Factory Scavenger Hunt
The Vibe: High-energy family fun.
The Details: Head to The Factory between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM for a large indoor scavenger hunt. The Easter Bunny will also be on-site from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for photos.
Blowing Rock: Tweetsie Railroad Opening Day
The Vibe: Wild West nostalgia.
The Details: Saturday, April 4, marks Opening Day for the 2026 season. In addition to the classic trains and rides, the Easter Bunny will join the Diamond Lil’s Can-Can Revue for special performances throughout the weekend.
Bryson City: Bunny Hopper Express
The Vibe: A scenic journey through the gorge.
The Details: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs this special 4.5-hour round-trip excursion at 12:00 PM. It includes a stopover for an egg hunt and photos with the "Bunny Hopper" characters.
Asheville & Small Town Outings
Biltmore Blooms: Catch the early peak of the Darwin Hybrid tulips in the Walled Garden. An Egg Scavenger Hunt is planned for the weekend; check at Antler Hill Village for details.
Parking Hack: Since Good Friday (April 3) is a city holiday, on-street metered parking in downtown Asheville is free all day Friday.
Sunday, April 5: Sunrise Services & Brunches
70th Annual Chimney Rock Sunrise Service
The Details: Gates open from 5:30 AM to 6:15 AM for the 6:45 AM service.
Must Know: Admission is free, but a reserved parking pass is mandatory for entry. Passes typically become available on the park’s website starting March 1st.
Lake Junaluska Sunrise Service
The Details: An outdoor inter-denominational service at the amphitheater beneath the iconic cross at 7:00 AM.
Good to Know: Dress in layers, as lake breezes can be chilly. If it rains, the service moves to the Memorial Chapel.
Easter Sunday Dining
Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley): Enjoy an elevated buffet from 11:15 AM to 1:45 PM, featuring a ranch-wide egg hunt and live music, according to Cataloochee Ranch.
The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville): A grand artisanal brunch in the Blue Ridge Dining Room from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
The Horse Shoe Farm (Hendersonville): The Silo Cookhouse offers a farm-to-table brunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with an egg hunt at 2:00 PM, according to The Horse Shoe Farm.
Disclaimer: While these details are accurate as of publication, local events are subject to change due to weather or venue updates. We highly recommend checking the official websites for each location prior to your arrival to ensure the most current times and requirements.