COLUMBIA, S.C. — Fans of synchronized fireflies will just need to wait a few weeks longer before the lottery for tickets to see the annual event at Congaree National Park opens.
"This special natural light show continues to grow in popularity, drawing people from across the nation to the park to witness firefly synchronization, demonstrating why places like Congaree are vital for preserving such unique natural phenomenon for future generations to experience and enjoy," said Superintendent Greg Hauburger.
Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Synchronized Firefly Viewing Event:
- Passes will be required to attend the viewing event, scheduled for May 16-25, and are available only through the ticket lottery
- The window to enter the lottery for those passes opens at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 4, and will remain open until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 10. Entries must be made through the online lottery page at recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300008
- Only one lottery entry per household.
- All applicants will be charged a $1 non-refundable service fee for entering the lottery.
- Applicants chosen to win a pass will be charged $24. The pass is good for only one viewing and only for the date listed on it.
- Passes are non-transferable
- All applicants will be notified on Tuesday, April 16, whether or not they have been awarded a pass. A total of 145 passes per night will be available this year.
- A pass entitles one standard 2-axle passenger vehicle with up to 8 passengers. The vehicle must fit inside a normal parking space. RVs, vehicles with trailers, large passenger vans, buses, and mini-buses are not permitted.
- Gates open at Congaree National Park at 7 p.m. and close to entry at 8:30 p.m.
To best protect critical firefly habitat and allow park staff and volunteers to prepare for the event, certain park areas will be closed to all visitors at 4:30 p.m. daily, May 16-25. During this period, the following areas will be closed:
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and frontcountry hiking trails.
- Bannister Bridge Canoe Launch.
- Cedar Creek between Bannister Bridge and South Cedar Creek Canoe Launch.
- Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds
Additionally, no backcountry camping permits will be issued during the period of the viewing event.
For more information about Congaree National Park, including current conditions, go to nps.gov/cong.
