Have you ever had the opportunity to see the synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains? Now’s your chance! A non-profit in the Smokies is hosting a virtual firefly event so that you can experience the magic from wherever you are. We’ve gathered all the details on how you can watch this popular Smoky Mountain fireflies event online.

Virtual Smoky Mountain Fireflies Event

The synchronous Smoky Mountain fireflies draw in millions of visitors to the Smoky Mountains each year. If you’ve never been able to visit the Smoky Mountains to see the fireflies, now you’re able to catch the event from home! The nonprofit is offering a virtual event so that everyone has the opportunity to see the fireflies. The event will include a short presentation about fireflies, followed by footage of the synchronous fireflies. Viewers will also be able to see blue ghost fireflies and other firefly species that are native to the Smoky Mountain region.

When: June 1 at 8 p.m. EST
Where to Watch: Discover Life in America YouTube Channel
What Does it Cost: The event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested

About the Smoky Mountain Fireflies

What makes the Smoky Mountain fireflies so special? Well, the Smoky Mountains are home to at least 19 different species of fireflies! Among those species is the synchronous fireflies. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns! The light patterns of fireflies are part of their mating display. Typically, males fly and flash, and stationary females respond with a flash. Most firefly species produce a greenish-yellowish light, and one species has a bluish light! You can see all different species on Discover Life in America’s virtual firefly event.

About Discover Life in America

Discover Life in America is a non-profit organization in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that’s focus is on learning more about the species of life in the park and sharing it with the public. The group funds and organizes the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, which is an effort to identify and record every species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover Life in America also engages the public with educational programs!

Whether you’ve been to the Smokies to see the fireflies or you’ve never had the opportunity, we bet you can’t wait to watch the Smoky Mountain fireflies event online! It’s the perfect way to experience a part of the Smokies while you’re at home.

While you wait for the virtual firefly event, learn more about the other popular events in Gatlinburg!