Events Events
2026 North Carolina Hellbender Festival
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 5:00PM
Downtown Spruce Pine, NC
The North Carolina Hellbender Festival is a free, one-day event held each Labor Day weekend in Downtown Spruce Pine, celebrating clean rivers, outdoor recreation, and life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Named for the Eastern Hellbender salamander, the festival brings together live music, local food, artisan vendors, and hands-on experiences focused on conservation and river health. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, educational workshops, and art activities that highlight the importance of protecting our waterways.
Drawing attendees from across Western North Carolina and beyond, the festival blends science, art, and community to create a high-energy, meaningful experience that supports local businesses and promotes stewardship of our region’s natural resources.
FAQ
Parking Locations:
- Parking lots and spaces along Oak Avenue (Upper Street)
- Former Ingles parking lot at 125 Greenwood Road
Festival Goer Shuttle Information:
- Shuttles via Mitchell County Transportation will run from the former Ingles parking lot to the top of Locust Street from 10:30AM-6:00PM
Official Festival T-Shirts:
- Official festival t-shirts will be sold for $25 at the Visitors Center at 165 Locust Street.
Main Stage Music:
- 11:00AM - Saving Shirley
- 1:00PM - M-80's Band
- 3:00PM - Carolina Tumbleweed
Animal Encounters/Workshops:
- 11:00AM-2:00PM - Rocky the Hellbender
- 2:30PM - Owl Program
- 3:00PM - Snake Program
- 3:30PM - Owl Program
- 4:00PM -Snake Program
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