The North Carolina Hellbender Festival takes place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in downtown Spruce Pine. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the Eastern hellbender salamander and the rivers it calls home. From 10 AM to 8 PM, visitors can enjoy a full day of live music, local food trucks, a regional maker and art market, and hands-on science and river education activities for all ages. The festival highlights the importance of clean, healthy waterways through interactive exhibits, outdoor recreation demos, and community-led conservation efforts. Join us in honoring Appalachian biodiversity, supporting environmental stewardship, and enjoying a lively mountain-town celebration in the heart of the Blue Ridge.

Website: www.HellbenderFestival.com