Have some questions about the Annual Firefly Gathering? We’re happy to help!
If you have a question that you don’t see answered below, please don’t hesitate to contact us via e-mail at info@fireflygathering.org, call us at (828) 237-2551.
Getting a Pass
Arrival day is Tuesday, June 20. Classes begin Wednesday, June 21 and run through Sunday morning June 25, with closing circle early Sunday afternoon, followed by general departure time.
Passes include 2 class sessions per day with hundreds of classes to choose from, with one class Sunday morning; camping, access to 940 acres of pristine hiking trails, 2 spring fed lakes to refresh and swim in, access to Youth Village (for kids), and an amazing line-up of evening entertainment and connection opportunities.
Passes do NOT include meals or parking (shuttle is free and runs daily), so bring cash for parking and a plan for meals. See the “At the Gathering” section below for more about food options.
At Deerfields, every vehicle needs a Parking Pass. Most people choose the Offsite Satellite Parking Pass ($20) which includes a free shuttle to and from the event for transporting yourself & your gear (NOTE: gear must be carried from the drop-off area to your chosen campsite).
While most folks choose the Satellite Parking option, some prefer to camp in or near their cars, or park onsite for easier access to their vehicles. We have options to meet all of these needs, as detailed below. Prices are for the entire event and cannot be prorated. All onsite parking passes are very limited and thus sell out early.
- Offsite Satellite Parking – $20 / vehicle- This field is fairly flat and is located behind the Registration Tent, on the left just as you turn onto Watagnee Trail. Once here, you will take the free shuttle to get you and your gear onsite (no driving onsite is allowed with this option). Purchase now to expedite your entry to the event. No camping of any kind is allowed in the Satellite Parking lot.
- Onsite Parking – $60 / vehicle – For those who want their car closer or don’t want to use the shuttle to transport gear, we have a limited number of onsite parking spots. Gear can be carried on foot from the parking lot to your chosen campsite site- no driving up to campsites to drop off gear, camping in vehicle, or camping next to the vehicle is allowed in these spots. Onsite parking spots are located on a steep hill and a working parking brake or chalks are necessary. Space is limited.
- Onsite Car Camping – $100 / vehicle – For folks who want to camp on the ground next to their car in a tent or other structure of choice. Parts of this area are on a slight slope. This area is inside the event grounds and close to the main fields. Space is very limited.
- Onsite Small RV/Bus/Van Parking – $100 / vehicle – For folks who sleep in their vehicles and do not need access to utilities. This area is flat, but you cannot lay down tents, mats, rugs or anything large that may smother the grass. Limited to vehicles 25 ft or shorter. This field is inside the event grounds and close to the main fields. Space is very limited.
- Onsite Large RV/Bus Parking – $150 / vehicle – For RV/Buses larger than 25 ft. Our large RV spaces have access nearby to electricity. The location is a 5-8 minute walk from the main event space. Space is very very limited.
Partial passes will be available on March 1, 2023.
Yes! We have an amazing youth program for all young people ages 3 and over (the youngest must be potty trained to participate). Our youth village offers engaging games and play, crafting, stories and songs, educational adventures and other nature-based and age-appropriate activities. This programming is offered during class times so that parents can enjoy attending classes themselves!
Teens are welcome to participate in the adult classes offered at the event. Some classes will have an age requirement, so check the sign-up sheets. Teen Camp is a place where teens aged 13-17 can gather and be heard, supported and mentored in the evenings, after taking classes of their choosing during the day. All teens must have a registered adult over 18 present at the event and designated as being responsible for them.
Please note, there is no cell service or WiFi available at Deerfields. Plan for your family members attending the Gathering to enjoy being disconnected from the inter-webs and reconnected to the web of life, and also for your friends and family who are not attending to not be able to reach you. We cannot locate individuals at the event.
Contact us via e-mail through info@fireflygathering.org, call us at (828) 237-2551, or send us a direct message on our Facebook or Instagram pages. We’re happy to assist you!
Please contact us at info@fireflygathering.org to discuss your access needs and we would be happy to see if we can accommodate them. The physical nature of the event grounds do limit our capacity to make this event physically accessible for those who have difficulty traversing gravel, uneven and potentially muddy terrain.
If you are interested in the skills offered at the Annual Gathering but cannot participate given the conditions, please consider our Perennial Workshops. These classes vary location and are often more accessible, depending on the site.
In an effort to make The Firefly Gathering more accessible, we offer discounted tickets for those who help us create the magic and organize the event. We call these Worktrade Passes, which cover half to all of the ticket price; plus, being part of our crew is an awesome way to connect with the community, get to know people, and become an integral part of the fun! The Worktrade Application is currently live. Click here to apply!
At The Firefly Gathering, we deeply desire to have a diverse community of people rooted in the wisdom and skills that Firefly has come to be known for. Our Equity Fund was created to welcome folks from the following communities who support reparations and/or an equitable redistribution of wealth and would not have access to The Firefly Gathering without this discount:
- Indigenous or Native American, Black, Latino/a/x
- Other peoples of the global majority, or racialized communities
- Ethnicities underrepresented in the Southeastern earthskills community
We recognize and welcome the wisdom that flows into our community from these participants, and offer this support towards the goal of nurturing a powerful and truly representative community of earth-centered people ready to stand strong and lean into the work of healing the trauma that colonialism and oppression has bestowed upon us all. The Equity Intake Form will be available March 1, 2023.
You will not need a physical ticket upon arrival at the gate. If you receive a receipt with your ticket purchase that means you have been automatically added to our registration list. Registrants should also expect to receive a Welcome Letter closer to the event. When you arrive at the gate, please be prepared to identify yourself by the name given when registering.
We do not offer refunds. If you’re unable to use your ticket, you have two options:
1) Get credit for future events and classes. The credit is a dollar amount that can be applied towards any ticket (while tickets last) and is not an actual ticket. Credit is valid for 3 years.
2) Transfer your ticket to someone else.
To receive credit, transfer your ticket to another person or redeem credit email us at: registration@fireflygathering.org 14 days prior to the arrival day. We do not offer refunds. There are no credits for no-shows.
Firefly retains the right to cancel events at any time due to public health concerns, natural disasters, alien invasion or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, all tickets will automatically become credit for future events and classes. You can read our full Cancellation Policy here.
Packing and Preparing
Yes! Mills River is only a 30-minute drive from the local “metropolis” of Asheville (population 95,000) as well as Hendersonville and Brevard. Each of these towns offer accommodations of all shapes, sizes, and flavors.
The Firefly Gathering has a strict NO DOG policy. This is a Deerfields policy and is non-negotiable. Exceptions are only made for true service dogs. Any service dogs on the property must be registered in advance. Email registration@fireflygathering.org to register your service dog. Dogs MUST remain leashed at all times, be very well behaved and be impeccably cleaned up after. Failure to do so will result in the animal needing to be removed from the premises immediately; no refunds will be given if people cannot return.
We highly encourage folks to save money on parking by carpooling! Have a large vehicle? Haul your friends! Please check back for our Carpooling Page in the spring. All carpooling is organized independent of Firefly, but we are happy to direct folks and encourage connections.
YES! Bring cash with you; there are no ATMs or credit card payment options available at the gathering. Here are a few places that will require cash:
- All unpaid parking fees will require cash (preorder is recommended for onsite parking, as it typically sells out before the event!).
- While most classes are free, some require a materials fee if the instructor has purchased or spent a lot of time gathering and preparing materials. Bring cash incase one or more of these classes appeal to you.
- Each year we have an amazing RAFFLE for our Equity Fund, which helps provide tickets for folks from underrepresented marginalized communities. You won’t want to miss out!
- You will also want cash on hand to get some Firefly merch, check out our instructors crafts, books and other hand crafted items for sale in the Firefly Maker’s Store. These craft sales are an additional way we can appreciate our instructors and take something wonderful, useful and educational home with us.
- In addition, we will have food vendors selling food at all meal times, including Tyson Sampson of Bigwitch Indian Wisdom Initiative; and there will be a Bizarre Bazaar on Saturday where items and services will be available for sale or trade; and we have on site screen printing! SO much fun!
Be sure to bring a water bottle for each member of your group, including young-uns. Please come prepared for sun, rain, heat, and cold, as anything is possible at this time of year in the mountains. A suggested packing list is included in the Welcome Letter.
There is no such thing as bad weather, just unprepared people. We are in a temperate rainforest, so chances are it will sprinkle once or twice-maybe more. The Firefly Gathering is held rain or shine. There is no provision for a rain date, and no refunds are given on account of inclement weather. Bring your rain gear, check your rainfly for holes ahead of time, and bring plenty of warm, non-cotton socks and under layers to stay warm even when you’re wet.
Arrival
Detailed directions will be sent closer to the Gathering to all ticket holders. The closest town is Mills River, NC.
At Deerfields, every vehicle needs a Parking Pass. Most people choose the Offsite Satellite Parking Pass ($20) which includes a free shuttle to and from the event for transporting yourself & your gear (NOTE: gear must be carried from the drop-off area to your chosen campsite).
While most folks choose the Satellite Parking option, some prefer to camp in or near their cars, or park onsite for easier access to their vehicles. We have options to meet all of these needs, as detailed below. Prices are for the entire event and cannot be prorated. All onsite parking passes are very limited and thus sell out early.
- Offsite Satellite Parking – $20 / vehicle-This field is fairly flat and is located behind the Registration Tent, on the left just as you turn onto Watagnee Trail. Once here, you will take the free shuttle to get you and your gear onsite (no driving onsite is allowed with this option). Purchase now to expedite your entry to the event. No camping of any kind is allowed in the Satellite Parking lot.
- Onsite Parking – $60 / vehicle – For those who want their car closer or don’t want to use the shuttle to transport gear, we have a limited number of onsite parking spots. Gear can be carried on foot from the parking lot to your chosen campsite site- no driving up to campsites to drop off gear, camping in vehicle, or camping next to the vehicle is allowed in these spots. Onsite parking spots are located on a steep hill and a working parking brake or chalks are necessary. Space is limited.
- Onsite Car Camping – $100 / vehicle – For folks who want to camp on the ground next to their car in a tent or other structure of choice. Parts of this area are on a slight slope. This area is inside the event grounds and close to the main fields. Space is very limited.
- Onsite Small RV/Bus/Van Parking – $100 / vehicle – For folks who sleep in their vehicles and do not need access to utilities. This area is flat, but you cannot lay down tents, mats, rugs or anything large that may smother the grass. Limited to vehicles 25 ft or shorter. This field is inside the event grounds and close to the main fields. Space is very limited.
- Onsite Large RV/Bus Parking – $150 / vehicle – For RV/Buses larger than 25 ft. Our large RV spaces have access nearby to electricity. The location is a 5-8 minute walk from the main event space. Space is very very limited.
Your Pass includes arrival the night before it starts. For Full Passes and Wednesday Pass holders, Arrival day is Tuesday, June 20th. More details coming soon!
Our Car Camping Passes are the only passes that allow for you to drive up to a campsite. They also include space for your car to remain parked beside your camp. There is a limited amount of car camping available onsite, and early purchase is recommended.
Onsite Parking Passes allow you to park in the field adjacent to the primary camping areas, within walking distance to carry gear from your car to your chosen site. Driving onto camping fields is not allowed.
Satellite Parking Passes: After you park in the Satellite parking lot you will load your gear into the free shuttle and take it onsite, where you will unload your gear and carry it to your desired campsite. Driving your vehicle onsite to drop off gear in the designated drop-off zone is NOT AN OPTION unless you have an onsite parking pass. Please prepare for a pack-in pack-out situation for all your gear if you are parking in the Satellite Parking lot.
For folks who want to camp beside or inside their car, or bring their Van, RV, Bus, etc, we have a limited number of spots available! Please purchase ahead of time to secure your spot- and plan accordingly if they are sold out. Thank you for understanding our site restrictions and planning ahead!
- Onsite Car Camping – $100 / vehicle – For folks who want to camp on the ground next to their car in a tent or other structure of choice. Parts of this area are on a slight slope. This area is inside the event grounds and close to the main fields.
- Onsite Small RV/Bus/Van Parking – $100 / vehicle – For folks who sleep in their vehicles and do not need access to utilities. This area is flat, but you cannot lay down tents, mats, rugs or anything large that may smother the grass. Limited to vehicles 25 ft or shorter. This field is inside the event grounds and close to the main fields.
- Onsite Large RV/Bus Parking – $150 / vehicle – For RV/Buses larger than 25 ft. Our large RV spaces have access nearby to electricity. The location is a 5-8 minute walk from the main event space.
Yes! More specifics coming soon.
At the Gathering
We have an abundance of both field space and forested areas available for camping. Whether you like tent or hammock camping tucked in the woods, or something more centralized, there are many options to choose from. We have large camping fields, each with full-to-partial shade and are close to onsite parking. There is also abundant woods camping surrounding the event in all directions. Woods camping will require more traveling with your gear, but will be well worth the trek. No camping on the ferns, please.
Please pack your gear in such a way that you can easily walk to your camping site – especially if you are parking in the Satellite parking lot. We recommend backpacks, duffel bags, and/or baskets and totes on wagons or rolling carts with off-road tires. Once you arrive and register, you will be directed towards parking. A shuttle is provided for offsite parking which has space for gear. You will have received a map of the premises at registration, so you can explore your options, choose your camping spot, and transport your gear to where you want to set up your tent.
There is no cell service or WiFi available at Deerfields. Plan to enjoy being disconnected from the inter-webs and reconnected to the web of life!
There will be spring and well water available on site. Port-a-potties will be available in various convenient locations around the grounds. These will be freshened and stocked daily.
We do not provide showers, however, two lakes are available for swimming. If you like or need to stand under warm falling water, we encourage you to bring a solar shower bag (available online or at camping stores).
Class sign-up happens at the event. There are two main class sessions per day (morning and afternoon). Sign-up sheets are located at Firefly Central on the bulletin boards, available the evening before. For example, if you want to take classes on Friday, you sign up for them Thursday evening or Friday morning. We are not able to reserve spots for certain classes ahead of time. You must be there to put your name on the list or find someone willing to sign you up. If you sign up for a class, but change your mind, please cross off your name so others can fill the spot. If a class is full, you can try to find the instructor and ask for permission to join the class.
Be aware that there may be additions, deletions or schedule changes right up to (and including) the day of classes due to circumstances beyond our control.
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to reduce waste, we will no longer be printing individual class schedules for folks. You will receive a link in the Welcome Letter to download to your phone or to print your own ahead of time (remember, no wifi on site!). The classes will still be posted online beforehand and on the sign up board at the event. Thank you for your support in this small but tangible step towards a more sustainable event.
While you may want to stay forever, all campers are asked to pack up and leave by dusk on Sunday evening. There is no Sunday-night camping unless you would like to help us break down on Monday. If you are interested in sticking around to help, check in with our site crew to see if they need extra hands. Be warned, you will be put to work!
Both spring fed lakes on Deerfields property are great for swimming. All swimming is at your own risk. There will be NO lifeguards posted or safety supervision provided at any time by Firefly staff or volunteers. We ask for folks to swim clothed at all times in the upper pond, as it is near the center of the event and in view of family camping. The lower pond is clothing optional. No fishing allowed anywhere, unless in a class.
Fires are allowed only in fire locations marked on the map or in well-established fire rings. No private fires allowed. All burning fires must be attended at all times and must have a fire extinguisher and bucket of water at the ready.
Meals are only provided for the people working hard to make the event possible; this includes staff members, instructors and some work traders. We do this because these people are working all day long and cannot also find the time for nourishing themselves. While we would love to feed everyone, we simply do not have the capacity due to the size of our event and the rustic nature of the venue.
There will be food vendors on-site selling breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack foods and beverages. There will also be a community kitchen with sink, propane stoves and food-preparation tables located near the camping areas, in addition to a fire pit that will be stocked with appropriate cooking elements. You can also bring your own propane stove to cook on at your campsite, as well. Meals are a great time to make friends, cook together and integrate the day.
Please keep track of your things during the event and take them back home with you. If you lose track of something while you’re there, check our Lost and Found, which will be at the Camp Store. If you realize you left something of value when you return home, contact us to see if we found it. We will hold found items for one week after the event. Unclaimed items will be rehomed.
