This event has reached capacity. See instructions for joining the waitlist below.

Conservationists, lightning bug enthusiasts, and good-ol-fashioned nature lovers are invited to Dark Cove, a private property protected by conservation easement, for an exclusive show of Blue Ghost fireflies. These fireflies are a rare species that give the nighttime forest a blueish, magical aura. They fly slowly close to the ground and, instead of flashing like other lightning bugs, stay illuminated for up to a minute! True to its name, Dark Cove is shrouded by a dense canopy of towering hardwoods, making it the perfect place to enjoy these magical insects. Blue Ghost fireflies are only found in a small section of the Southern Appalachians; they live right here, and nowhere else in the world. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

We will meet at Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Cullowhee (40 Sugar Creek Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723) at 7:30pm sharp on Friday, May 22nd. Guests will be shuttled to the event location, where they will be greeted by a crackling campfire and s’mores supplies! As the sun sinks low, we will savor a sweet treat (or two, or three) around the fire, and a naturalist will deliver an introductory talk on lightning bugs, with a special focus on the Blue Ghosts. As true darkness sets in around 9:00pm, guests will be invited to wander the property on a self-guided walk to take in the bioluminescent show. Total walking distance should be less than one mile at most, and red light devices will be provided for use during the event. These fireflies generally peak from 9:30pm to 10:30pm. Starting at 10:30pm, shuttles will be available to take guests back to their cars. The event will formally conclude at 11:00pm.

Tickets for this event are $75 and include an event shuttle, smores, a private lightning bug viewing experience, and a red light device to use during the event. Purchase your ticket at the bottom of the page, after reading the below information.

Please note:

We are unable to offer refunds due to personal conflicts. Guests who cancel on or before Friday, May 8th might be eligible to receive a refund. If we are able to fill your empty seat, we will issue you a refund. No-shows or guests who cancel on or after Saturday, May 9th forfeit their ticket. Tickets are transferable, and can be given to sold or others even after the deadline. Please contact us if you transfer or sell your ticket so we can update our guest list.
This event is rain or shine. Blue Ghost fireflies enjoy dampness, and will still be flying in light showers or intermittent rain. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes if there’s rain in the forecast! If the weather prevents a crackling campfire, we will move our sweet treat portion of the evening inside, and provide baked goods rather than smores.
The severe weather date is Friday, May 29th. Severe weather includes downpours, lightning, dangerously high winds, nearby fire, or other environmental conditions that affect lightning bug displays. Due to the nature of this fundraiser event, a refund is not guaranteed if you cannot attend the severe weather date. Contact Skye at [email protected] for more information about our severe weather refund policy.
There are (very friendly) dogs present on this property. Please leave your own pets at home.
Blue Ghost fireflies are wild animals. Though they have been active on this date in previous years, we cannot guarantee that they will be viewable during this event. In the absence of Blue Ghosts, guests are still likely to enjoy an beautiful display of other firefly species, including the world-renowned Synchronous Fireflies.

To join the waitlist, email Skye at [email protected] with your full name, party size, and a phone number.

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