Synchronous fireflies light up Elkmont Campground. | Photo by Ryan C. Atkins
Fireflies are a hallmark of Southern summer, but there are several species here in WNC that shine a bit brighter than the rest. Here’s what you need to know about the rare synchronous and blue ghost fireflies that will soon light up the night.
See the light show
Synchronous fireflies are one of the few species in North America that coordinate their flashing patterns. Typically, from mid-May to early June, they light up for their mating ritual, illuminating in a series of five to eight flashes, followed by eight seconds of darkness before the miraculous cycle starts again.
The most popular location to view the synchronous fireflies is about two hours from Asheville at Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And you’ll be lucky to get a spot. A lottery system (which will open in late April) assigns vehicle passes.
Long exposure shots capture the true green glow emitted by the blue ghosts.
Photo by John J. Redden
Feeling the blues
Synchronous fireflies aren’t the only notable species here in WNC. The rare blue ghost fireflies are native to the Southern Appalachians, emitting a soft, bluish hue that can last up to a minute at a time.
Community Drum Class | 7-9 p.m. | The Well | Free | Practice your hand drumming skills with local drummer and instructor Larry McDowell in this weekly class.
Tuesday, April 22
It’s a Good Day to Crochet: Intermediate Class | 4:15-6:15 p.m. | Firestorm | $30 suggested donation | If you yearn for yarn, this biweekly class will help you master your stitches and skills — a portion of class fees will benefit artists impacted by Helene.
Birds of Asheville | 6-8 p.m. | East Asheville Public Library | Free | The Blue Ridge Audubon Society will share pictures and songs of more than two dozen regional birds, helping you spot them out in the wild.
Wednesday, April 23
Golden Folk Sessions | 6 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $12+ | Settle in for original songs from a handpicked lineup of six artists, only revealed when the show begins.
Thursday, April 24
Dining Out For Life 2025 | 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Go out to eat at one of the 50+ participating restaurants to support the Western North Carolina AIDS Project.
Friday, April 25
“Death Comes To Play” | 7:30-9 p.m. | The BeBe Theatre | $20 | An unexpected guest takes an intimate birthday party to unforeseen places in this high-stakes comic gothic.
Saturday, April 26
Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $44 | Experience the indie rock artist in a sonically different dimension of sound and songwriting as she performs from her latest album with a new backing band.
The IRS has further extended tax deadlines for North Carolinians to Thursday, Sept. 25. Previously, the deadline was extended until Thursday, May 1 to accommodate effects from Helene.
Number
$31 million. That’s how much grant funding the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has distributed through its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund since October. Last week alone, the fund distributed $730,000 to six organizations for projects like streambank stabilization across seven WNC counties.
Civic
Buncombe County Election Services was recognized by the US Election Assistance Commission for its emergency response efforts in the 2024 presidential election, earning its Clearinghouse Award in Contingency Planning. The team also earned a second award for Distinguished Voter Education and Communications Initiatives.
Outdoors
The Blue Ridge Parkway is hosting more than a dozen ranger-led programs for National Park Week. There are three whole days packed with free activities from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, including intro to birding talks, Appalachian folk tale storytelling, and “how to become a junior ranger” classes for kids.
Eat
4/20 may have passed, but the budding trend of cannabis-infused food in the south is just taking off. While proposed state legislation could restrict dosed dinners, Asheville chefs Griffin and Katherine Riffe have gained popularity for their business, Infuso, offering a high-end, infused dining experience. (The Assembly)
Plan Ahead
On Friday, May 16, Appalachian Vinter is hosting a fundraiser event for Zillicoah to help the crew rebuild the brewery. All sales from Czech side-pull taps and sales from a silent auction will benefit the brewery. You’ll also get to try out the new vegan sourdough pizza truck, Pizza Finta.
Wellness
Ladies, did you know you can take confident control of your bladder with Botox bladder injections? (This is new to us.) It’s an effective option for urinary incontinence, particularly for urge incontinence + overactive bladder. Learn more or make a consultation.*
Featured Home
Cute and cozy as a fairy tale cottage, this flower-filled Black Mountain retreat features a fenced-in garden yard, covered deck, and updated kitchen — all a short morning stroll from Lake Tomahawk. Take a peek.*
A pair of versatile men’s pants that offer a stylish, yet relaxed fit. Whether it’s for work, on the golf course, or a date night, these straight fit pants are crafted with premium, four-way stretch fabric for a refined look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
Happy National Poetry Month. Take this as your sign to scour the shelves of our local bookstores for something that speaks to you, or sign up for a writing or storytelling class that’ll have you waxing poetic in no time.
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