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The North Carolina Hellbender Festival, held Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Downtown Spruce Pine, is a free, all-day celebration of river health, Appalachian biodiversity, and community resilience. Named for the elusive Eastern hellbender salamander, the festival features live music, local food trucks, artisan vendors, and hands-on science and nature activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy interactive workshops, art stations, and educational exhibits that highlight the importance of clean rivers and the unique wildlife they support. Rooted in Western North Carolina, the event blends music, science, art, and community to inspire stewardship of our mountain waterways and offer a fun, meaningful experience for nature loving visitors and locals alike.
