April is the month Murphy wakes up. The dogwoods and redbuds bloom along the Valley River, the ridgelines flush green almost overnight, and the whole tri-county region fills up with community events, live music, Easter celebrations, and the kind of spring energy that reminds everyone why they chose to live here.
Easter falls on Sunday, April 5, 2026 this year — early in the month, which means the full run of Easter weekend events, egg hunts, and brunches happens right as the mountains are at their most spectacular spring bloom. Here’s everything happening around Murphy, Cherokee County, Clay County NC, and Union County GA this April.
📌 Important note: Many local events — especially Easter egg hunts — are announced just 1–2 weeks before they happen. The events below include confirmed recurring events and those already announced as of March 2026. Always check local Facebook pages, church bulletins, and the Cherokee Scout for last-minute additions before the holiday weekend.
Easter Weekend — April 3–5, 2026
Easter Sunday is April 5. The weekend builds with egg hunts, community gatherings, and special brunch menus across the region. Here’s what to look for:
Easter Egg Hunts
Community Easter Egg Hunt — Murphy Recreation Park
Cherokee County
Murphy Recreation Park traditionally hosts a community Easter egg hunt in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. Watch the Murphy Recreation Park Facebook page and the Cherokee Scout for this year’s confirmed date, time, and age group details — typically held the Saturday before Easter with age-divided hunts, prizes, and an Easter Bunny appearance.
📍 Murphy Recreation Park, Murphy, NC | 📞 Verify with Cherokee County Parks & Rec | ⏰ Date TBC — check cherokeecountychamber.com
Easter Egg Hunt — Stecoah Valley Center
Graham County / nearby
The Stecoah Valley Center, a short drive from Murphy, hosts a beloved annual Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny makes an appearance at 10:45 a.m., the hunt begins at 11 a.m., and festivities include the famous Peeps on the Creek Race (purchase ducks for the creek race), egg collecting, prizes, and cupcakes. All ages welcome and the event is free. Typically held on the Saturday before Easter — confirm the 2026 date at stecoahvalleycenter.com.
📍 Stecoah Valley Center, 121 Schoolhouse Rd, Stecoah, NC | 📞 (828) 479-3364 | ⏰ Saturday before Easter, 11am • Confirm 2026 date
Local Church Easter Egg Hunts — Region-Wide
All Areas
Churches throughout Cherokee County, Clay County, and Union County GA host their own Easter egg hunts in the 1–2 weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. These are typically free, community-welcoming events. Watch the bulletin boards at the Murphy Visitor Center, follow the Cherokee Scout’s Day Planner, and check local Facebook community groups — particularly “Murphy NC Community” and “Hayesville NC Community Page” — where local churches post Easter weekend events as they’re announced.
💡 Tip: Search “Easter egg hunt” in your local Facebook community groups the week of March 28 — that’s when most local church events get posted.
Easter Brunch
Easter Brunch — ShoeBooties Cafe
Murphy, NC
ShoeBooties Cafe, Murphy’s fine dining landmark since 1997, is Murphy’s best bet for a proper Easter brunch. With a menu that spans signature chef specialties, steak, seafood, and pasta — and the upstairs Shoetinis Lounge for drinks — it’s the ideal spot for a celebratory Easter meal. Call ahead to confirm Easter Sunday hours and whether a special brunch menu is planned — ShoeBooties has offered holiday specials in past years.
📍 25 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC | 📞 (828) 837-4589 | ⏰ Confirm Easter Sunday hours directly
Easter Brunch — Murphy’s Chophouse
Murphy, NC
Murphy’s Chophouse offers Sunday brunch and has hosted special holiday menus in past years including Easter. With prime rib, filet, fresh seafood, and a full bar, it’s one of Murphy’s most complete dining experiences. Call ahead to confirm Easter Sunday hours and any special brunch offering — the Chophouse typically opens at 11am on Sundays.
📍 130 Valley River Ave, Murphy, NC | 📞 (828) 835-3287 | ⏰ Sun 11am–8pm • Confirm Easter Sunday specials
Easter Brunch — The Copper Door
Hayesville, NC — Clay County
The Copper Door in Hayesville is the finest dining destination in Clay County and the region’s top choice for a truly special Easter brunch. Known for crawfish tortellini, scallops, crab cakes, and elevated entrées, it’s worth the 20-minute drive from Murphy for a memorable Easter meal. Reservations through Tock are strongly recommended — the Copper Door books up quickly on holidays. Visit thecopperdoor.com for the current menu and to reserve.
📍 Hayesville, NC | 🌐 thecopperdoor.com | ⏰ Reserve in advance via Tock
Easter Brunch — Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino
Murphy, NC
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino features six on-site restaurants including Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, and has offered special Easter brunch events in past years. With world-class resort dining options under one roof, it’s a strong choice for a larger group or a more festive Easter celebration. Check caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river for Easter Sunday dining announcements and any special events planned for the holiday weekend.
📍 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC | 🌐 caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river | ⏰ Check website for Easter weekend events
💬 Quote
“Easter Sunday is April 5 this year — right when the dogwoods and redbuds are at peak bloom in the Murphy mountains. There is no better backdrop for an Easter egg hunt than a western NC spring morning.”
#MurphyNC #SpringInTheMountains #EasterWeekend #CherokeeCountyNC
April Events Around the Region
🏔️ Cherokee County, NC
Folk School Free Friday Night Concerts
Every Friday • Free
Every Friday evening throughout April, the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown hosts free public concerts featuring old-time, folk, and bluegrass music. These are open to the community at no charge — just show up and enjoy one of the best free live music experiences in all of western NC. Community dances happen on alternating Saturday nights. Call 1-800-365-5724 for the updated schedule.
📍 1 Folk School Rd, Brasstown, NC | 📞 (800) 365-5724 | ⏰ Fridays • Free • Open to public
Murphy River Walk — Spring Season Reopens
All Month • Free
April is the prime month to experience the Murphy River Walk, as wildflowers bloom along the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers and migratory birds return to the wetlands. The paved trail winding through forests and wetlands is free, scenic, and one of the most beloved spots in downtown Murphy. A perfect morning activity before Easter brunch or any spring outing.
📍 Murphy River Walk, Downtown Murphy, NC | ⏰ Open daily • Free • Pick up trail maps at the Murphy Visitor Center
Second Saturday — Downtown Murphy Shop & Sip
April 11 • Downtown Murphy
Murphy’s popular monthly Second Saturday event brings the community downtown for special hours at local shops, live music, tastings at Cherokee Cellars, and a festive walkable evening in historic downtown. April 11 is the Second Saturday for April 2026 — a great excuse to explore the Murphy square. Check the Town of Murphy’s Facebook page for confirmed participating businesses and any special spring programming.
📍 Downtown Murphy, NC | ⏰ April 11 • Typically 5–8pm • Verify current details at townofmurphync.com
Andrews Spring Fling
Late April • Andrews, NC
The Andrews Spring Fling is a beloved annual street festival on Main Street in Andrews — just a short drive from Murphy. Local vendors, downtown shops and restaurants, breweries, and live entertainment fill the street from Fairview Road to Cherry Street. Based on past years, the Spring Fling typically lands in late April. Confirm the exact 2026 date with the Andrews Chamber of Commerce.
📍 Main St, Andrews, NC | ⏰ Late April, 11am–5pm • Confirm exact date with Andrews Chamber
The MAX Project: Murphy Art Xplosion — The MAC Gallery
All Month • Downtown Murphy
The Murphy Art Xplosion exhibition continues through May 2026 at The MAC (Murphy Art Center) at 12 Peachtree Street on the downtown square. A great indoor activity for any spring day — browse the gallery, discover local artists, and see the creative side of Cherokee County that rarely gets the attention it deserves.
📍 The MAC, 12 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC | 📞 (828) 360-3038 | 🌐 ValleyRiverArts.com
Clay County, NC — Hayesville Area
“Help Raise the Roof” — Unspoken Tradition Concert
April 11 • Hayesville
The Clay County Communities Revitalization Association hosts a benefit concert featuring Unspoken Tradition — one of North Carolina’s premier traditional and newgrass bands — with Tommy Townsend (lead singer of Waymore’s Outlaws) opening. The concert is at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville. Tickets are available at thepeacocknc.org. A fantastic night of live mountain music right before Easter weekend.
📍 Peacock Performing Arts Center, Hayesville, NC | ⏰ Saturday, April 11 at 7pm | 🎟️ Tickets: thepeacocknc.org | Details: cccra-nc.org
Lake Chatuge — Spring Season on the Water
All Month • Hayesville Area
April marks the return of full boating season on Lake Chatuge. The 7,200-acre TVA lake spanning the NC–GA border comes alive in spring — fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish peaks, pontoon rentals are available at area marinas, and the mountain backdrop in spring bloom makes this one of the most beautiful times to be on the water. Access via the Gibson Cove Boat Ramp (Hayesville) or multiple other public launches.
📍 Lake Chatuge, Hayesville, NC / Hiawassee, GA | ⏰ Open all month • Check TVA water levels before launching
The Peacock Performing Arts Center — Spring Season
Ongoing • Hayesville
The Peacock Performing Arts Center in downtown Hayesville hosts a full spring season calendar including concerts, theatrical productions, and community events. Check thepeacocknc.org for the complete April lineup beyond the April 11 benefit concert — there’s typically more happening in this beautifully restored venue throughout the month.
📍 Peacock Performing Arts Center, Hayesville, NC | 🌐 thepeacocknc.org
Union County, GA — Blairsville Area
Brasstown Bald — Spring Wildflower Season
All Month • Near Blairsville
April is one of the best months to visit Brasstown Bald — Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet — as spring wildflowers carpet the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest and the views into four states are crystal clear before full leaf-out. The summit visitor center is typically open for spring, and the hiking trails up from the parking area offer a rewarding spring outing for all fitness levels.
📍 Brasstown Bald, near Blairsville, GA | ⏰ Check fs.usda.gov for spring hours • Parking fee applies
Vogel State Park — Spring Opening
All Month • Near Blairsville
Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest and most beloved state parks, is at its best in April. Lake Trahlyta and the surrounding mountain trails are stunning in spring bloom. Ideal for a Good Friday or Easter weekend hike, a picnic, or a paddling excursion before heading to brunch. Check gastateparks.org for spring programming and any ranger-led events scheduled for Easter weekend.
📍 Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA | 🌐 gastateparks.org | ⏰ Daily • Parking fee applies
Vincent’s Coppertop — Friday Live Music
Fridays • Blairsville
Vincent’s Coppertop Restaurant & Pub hosts live music on Friday evenings throughout spring — the liveliest evening option in Blairsville. With wagyu meatloaf, panko chicken, craft cocktails, and live music creating what reviewers call “more like Asheville than North Georgia,” it’s worth the drive down from Murphy for a Friday night out. Check vincentscoppertop.com for April music lineup.
📍 Blairsville, GA | 🌐 vincentscoppertop.com | ⏰ Fridays • Live music evenings
Easter Brunch — Hole in the Wall & Blairsville Restaurants
April 5 • Blairsville
Hole in the Wall (est. 1931), Blairsville’s legendary diner on the downtown square, serves breakfast all day — making it a natural Easter Sunday brunch stop with country-fried steak, biscuits, and home cooking that tastes like your grandmother made it. Cook’s Country Kitchen also offers a full Southern buffet spread perfect for a festive holiday meal. Call ahead to confirm Easter Sunday hours at both locations.
📍 Downtown Blairsville Square & area | ⏰ Confirm Easter Sunday hours directly
💬 Quote
“April in the Murphy mountains means free bluegrass at the Folk School every Friday, spring wildflowers on Brasstown Bald, egg hunts on the creek at Stecoah, and brunch at some of the best restaurants in western NC. This region does spring right.”
#MurphyNCEvents #SpringMountains #CherokeeCountyNC #ClayCountyNC #BlairsvilleGA
April Outdoors — The Mountains at Their Best
April is genuinely one of the finest months to be outdoors in the Murphy area. Here’s what’s worth getting outside for this month:
🌸 Wildflower Peak
Trilliums, hepatica, bloodroot, and wild azalea bloom throughout the Nantahala National Forest in April. The trails along Fires Creek and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest are exceptional for wildflower viewing.
🎣 Peak Fishing Season Opens
Bass fishing on Lake Hiwassee and Lake Chatuge heats up significantly in April as water temperatures rise. Trout fishing in area streams is excellent. Mountain View Marina (Bear Paw) rents boats and sells fishing licenses.
💎 Gem Mining Season
Bear Creek Adventures Gem Mine is open for spring. Sluice for rubies, sapphires, and other gems native to western NC. A perennial favorite spring activity for visitors and locals alike.
🏞️ Hanging Dog Recreation Area
Lake Hiwassee’s public access point reopens fully for spring. Picnicking, boat launch, and hiking trails along the undeveloped shoreline of one of western NC’s most pristine lakes.
🌊 Fires Creek Wildlife Area
The Fires Creek Rim Trail and creek waterfall trails are stunning in spring. Crystal-clear water, old-growth hemlock, and abundant spring wildlife make this a must-visit in April.
🚂 Andrews Valley Rail Tour
Season opens May 1 — but worth booking your spring ride now. The historic 1894 tunnel and spring mountain scenery make this one of the most unique experiences in the region. andrewsvalleyrailroad.com
Frequently Asked Questions — April Events Around Murphy NC
When is Easter 2026 and what’s happening around Murphy NC?
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5. In the Murphy area, Easter weekend typically includes community egg hunts at Murphy Recreation Park and the Stecoah Valley Center (Saturday, April 4), Easter brunch at ShoeBooties Cafe, Murphy’s Chophouse, and The Copper Door in Hayesville, and special holiday programming at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. Many local churches also host egg hunts in the 1–2 weeks before Easter — check the Cherokee Scout and local Facebook community groups for the most current local listings.
Are there free events around Murphy NC in April 2026?
Yes — several free events run throughout April. The John C. Campbell Folk School free Friday night concerts in Brasstown happen every Friday with live bluegrass and folk music, open to the public at no charge. The Murphy River Walk is free daily. The Stecoah Valley Easter Egg Hunt is free (duck race purchases optional). The MAX Project art exhibition at The MAC in downtown Murphy is free to visit. Many local church Easter events are also free and community-welcoming.
What is the Stecoah Valley Center Easter Egg Hunt?
The Stecoah Valley Center Easter Egg Hunt is a free, all-ages annual event held in the Stecoah community off Highway 28, a short drive from Murphy. The Easter Bunny arrives at 10:45 a.m. and the hunt begins at 11 a.m. Highlights include egg collecting, prizes, the beloved Peeps on the Creek Race (buy a duck, race it in the creek), and cupcakes. Typically held on the Saturday before Easter. Confirm the 2026 date at stecoahvalleycenter.com or by calling (828) 479-3364.
Where is the best Easter brunch near Murphy NC?
The top Easter brunch options near Murphy NC in 2026 are The Copper Door in Hayesville (reserve via Tock at thecopperdoor.com — the region’s finest dining), ShoeBooties Cafe in Murphy (828-837-4589, fine dining since 1997), Murphy’s Chophouse (828-835-3287, prime rib and seafood), and the restaurants at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino for a resort-level brunch experience. All are worth calling ahead to confirm Easter Sunday hours and any special holiday menus.
What spring outdoor activities are available around Murphy NC in April?
April is an exceptional month for outdoor activities around Murphy. Options include: wildflower hiking in the Nantahala National Forest (peak trillium and azalea bloom); fishing on Lake Hiwassee and Lake Chatuge (bass, crappie, trout); gem mining at Bear Creek Adventures; kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Chatuge (9 marinas); hiking at Fires Creek, Hanging Dog Recreation Area, and Vogel State Park (Blairsville, GA); and visiting Brasstown Bald for 360-degree spring views into four states.
💬 Quote
“If you’ve been thinking about making Murphy NC your home, come visit in April. The mountains are blooming, the events calendar is full, the restaurants are open, and you’ll understand immediately why people choose this place.”
#MurphyNCRealEstate #MoveToMurphy #SpringInTheMountains #CherokeeCountyNC
Thinking About Making Murphy Home?
Come See It in April.
The Mountains Will Make the Case.
April is the perfect time to visit Murphy, explore the region, and imagine what life here could look like. Bonnie DuPree has helped more buyers find their Murphy NC home than anyone in the area. Let’s talk.