Firefly Gathering

Firefly Gathering Firefly Gathering seeks to connect people with themselves, each other & Earth through skill sharing

09/01/2026

Celebrating the fall season and raising our moving money with a ton of fun!

We’re moving to the Black Mountain | Swannanoa neighborhood, so we’re throwing a Welcome Home party at Pisgah Brewing Company, just around the corner from Lake Eden Retreat, Firefly Gathering's new Annual Gathering location! As you know, moving is expensive -- especially when you own 4 fridges and 50+ tarp set-ups!! So we’re hosting an afternoon of fun for everyone and raising funds in the process.

Join us for a hands-on, weekend journey into the art of willow basketry, where you’ll craft your very own beautiful picn...
09/01/2026

Join us for a hands-on, weekend journey into the art of willow basketry, where you’ll craft your very own beautiful picnic basket/carry all, using the traditional European stake and strand method.

Under the expert guidance of basket maker Tyler Lavenburg, you’ll bend sturdy willow into a beloved basket, ideal for harvesting veggies, carrying your computer, or packing the perfect picnic.

You’ll Walk Away With:
• A beautiful and unique handwoven picnic/gathering basket made start to finish by you
• Knowledge of willow propagation, tending and sustainable harvesting techniques
• Hands-on experience with a variety of traditional basket weaves
• The skills and understanding to replicate the entire weaving process on your own
• A deeper connection to an ancient craft rooted in European heritage
• A renewed confidence and appreciation for what your hands can make and do

September 18-20 | Weaverville, NC

08/19/2026

Last call for more ritual and meaning in your craft world and reality in general!

Join longtime Firefly Gathering friend Emileigh Zola on August 23 for an afternoon of Broomcraft & Belonging. More than a traditional hand-craft class, this workshop is a community-oriented gathering, a connective space; an invitation to slow down, settle in, and create with intention.

Participants can expect to:
* Set intentions for the time spent together
* Learn about broomcorn and its historical role in traditional broom-making
* Take part in an inclusive, supportive creative space
* Tie a traditional turkey-wing whisk broom
* Weave a decorative handle using broomcorn stems

Participants will leave with a finished whisk broom, along with the foundational skills to continue making brooms on their own, and a renewed sense of connection: to themselves, to community and to keeping traditional Appalachian skills alive through shared practices and hands-on learning.

Find out more and get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broom-making-craft-a-turkey-wing-whisk-broom-w-emileigh-zola-tickets-1980311851055

08/11/2026

Looking for a good way to spend the dog days of summer? Firefly Gathering has two August offerings that are perfect! 

~Working with Bone with Josh Barnewell on August 15, is a great opportunity to connect with Deer and learn the many gifts this majestic beast has to offer us humans. Whether you’re making a crochet hook, a whistle, an awl, or even a hair pin, Josh will guide you on a journey of discovery that will leave you looking at the world a little differently. 

~Turkey Wing Whisk Brooms with Emileigh Zola on August 23, will be an afternoon of broom-craft and belonging in our workshop, a community-oriented gathering and connective space; an invitation to slow down, settle in and create with intention. Together we’ll craft a traditional turkey wing whisk broom, learning each step along the way. Participants will use broomcorn stems to weave a decorative handle, gaining a versatile technique that can be adapted to make other styles of whisk brooms in the future.

So whether you’re in the mood for plant, animal – or both – we got you covered! Check out the rest of our 2026 Perennial Workshops and plan your craftiness today!

As we bask in the afterglow of another beautiful, inspiring and all around successful event, we feel so much gratitude t...
07/22/2026

As we bask in the afterglow of another beautiful, inspiring and all around successful event, we feel so much gratitude to our donors and sponsors, without whom we absolutely could not make the magic of The Firefly Gathering happen.

Thank you to the moon and back for your belief in the work we do and your support in helping us do it. The 2026 Annual Firefly Gathering was an absolute delight due to the web of love and support that community brings.

07/09/2026

We’re screen printing all week at Firefly with the help of our friends at ✨✨ to raise money for the Equity Fund! If you’re at the gathering, grab your favorite wearable and bring it to the main stage for this incredible turkey vulture print.

100% of the proceeds go to folks who would not otherwise get a chance to experience the magic of The Firefly Gathering. If you’re not here at the gathering, equity fund donations are welcome though the link in our bio 🙏🏽🫶🏽

Is Firefly worth the investment? Absolutely!!! The impact of attending the gathering can stay with you for years, and th...
07/06/2026

Is Firefly worth the investment? Absolutely!!! The impact of attending the gathering can stay with you for years, and the friendships made can be life-long.. Here’s what previous attendees said about the 2025 gathering:

1. The bonds I formed were so deep that it was hard to leave.
2. I’m inspired to stay connected to the land and find community and share the magic with others.
3. The earthskills are so eye-opening and fulfilling.
4. The concerts and evening shows were first-class and worth the admission price alone.
5. As an Arab woman who doesn’t always feel safe in public, I find Firefly to be very safe and affirming.
6. I will never forget that magical, starry night when graceful light puppets drifted like mythical creatures across the Appalachian sky.
7. Firefly is hope!
8. It’s a place where my cup gets filled and possibilities are presented for richer souls and soils.
9. Firefly inspired me to start my own business! Its “Bizarre Bazaar” is where I learned how to promote my products.
10. The Original People leading workshops is a balm for broken hearts.
11. I have never seen a drum circle infused with such powerful emotions, with players and dancers of all ages and ability.
12. The queer-friendly speakers and safe spaces were so meaningful and grounding.
13. I love the people here! I’ve made lasting relationships!
14. I love meeting people who are modeling what I hope to become.
15. Firefly is one of my greatest sources of hope and growth and love.
16. It restores my faith in humanity – one day at Firefly is more effective than weeks of therapy!

These testimonials from last year speaks for itself. .Register at Fireflygathering.org/annual or through links in our bio

We are so excited and honored to be hosting an intimate talk with visionary thinker and philosopher Daniel Schmachtenber...
07/03/2026

We are so excited and honored to be hosting an intimate talk with visionary thinker and philosopher Daniel Schmachtenberger! At a time when we are being divided by every means possible, Daniel will share about the relevance of Earthskills in a world on fire, how to not give in to despair and divisionary tactics, what we can do to make a positive change and prepare for the coming times here in Appalachia and more.

Join us Thursday evening, July 9 at the Main Stage and be ready to have your hearts and minds opened…learn more about Daniel’s work and get your passes now at fireflygathering.org/attend …see you soon!

This is your last call to buy tickets to The Annual Firefly Gathering before the day-of lines and fees apply. Don’t wast...
07/03/2026

This is your last call to buy tickets to The Annual Firefly Gathering before the day-of lines and fees apply. Don’t waste precious time on the mountain waiting in line at registration.

Skip the wait and start in on your escape, your return, your reconnection…and your fun at Firefly. Get your tickets online now and save that money for treats, trinkets and treasures!!

We’re SO excited to welcome our community to the annual Firefly Gathering in less than a week! But before we’re totally ...
07/02/2026

We’re SO excited to welcome our community to the annual Firefly Gathering in less than a week! But before we’re totally ready to receive y’all, there are just a couple of positions we need to fill to ensure this year’s gathering is as resourced as it needs to be.

Apply now for the last worktrade positions and trade your time and energy for a pass to the gathering, get fed and be a part of the crew!

Find details and the application at Fireflygathering.org/worktrade … see you soon!

Address

PO Box 18758
Asheville, NC
28814

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Firefly Gathering posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category