Colorfest Turns Dillsboro's Front Street Into a Working Studio for a Day

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  September 24, 2026

Some of the pieces on Chris Behre's table at Colorfest may take a few minutes to make. Others take about six days. That range, from a Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle that may take a few minutes to a Shaker Box that eats most of a week, is a fair preview of what Dillsboro's Front Street looks like on Saturday, October 3, when the festival brings more than 40 regional artists and makers to town from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Colorfest is free to attend. Expect pottery, fine art, jewelry, fiber arts, woodworking and seasonal crafts, with live music and entertainment running all day. DillsboroNC.org describes the 40 artists along Front Street as "demonstrating artists." (Sources: thelaurelofasheville.com, dillsboronc.org)

Getting There and Getting Around

The parking plan is simple: leave the car at Monteith Park and ride the free shuttle into the festival.

While you are there, the Dillsboro Creative Arts Center holds its monthly Maker's Market right next to the festival. Two events, one stop. Sheldon Reed, director of the Dillsboro Merchants Association, describes the day this way: "It's a day when our town shines with artistic energy, shared community pride and a heartfelt commitment to local creators." (Source: thelaurelofasheville.com)

The Woodworker Worth Finding

Behre has been a member of the Dogwood Craft Co-op since 1998 and is also a longtime part of the Woolworth Walk community of crafters in Asheville. He says he has been working with wood since he was a child, "just hammering wood together and pretending, using my imagination." The hobby turned serious over the years and eventually led him to Western North Carolina.

His work covers a wide range, and he is deliberate about it. "I have a large variety of items because I do not want to stick to just making a few things over and over," he says. He matches the wood to the job. Kitchen pieces are usually cherry or maple, close-grained woods that will not trap food particles or add to its taste. He does a good deal of woodturning and uses local woods, though some of it depends on what he has available. (Source: thelaurelofasheville.com)

A Town That Runs on Its Calendar

Colorfest is one stop in a year that Dillsboro builds around its Front Street traditions. The Front Street Arts and Crafts Show takes the same street the second Saturday in June, with over 40 booths and its own Maker's Market. Come December, the Lights and Luminaries festival lines the town with 2,500 candles and twinkling white lights on the first two weekends of the month, December 4, 5, 11 and 12, with carolers, open shops, live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Source: dillsboronc.org)

The Laurel of Asheville describes Colorfest as building on Dillsboro's longstanding reputation as a mountain arts destination. If wandering down Front Street in October leaves you wondering what it would be like to have this a short drive from home, that is a question I am always happy to talk through.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Colorfest in Dillsboro NC?

Colorfest is held the first Saturday of October, which falls on October 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Front Street in Dillsboro. Admission is free.

Where do you park for Colorfest in Dillsboro?

Visitors park at Monteith Park and take a free shuttle to the festival on Front Street.