All photos courtesy of Firefly Gathering 2017 marks the 10th year of the Firefly Gathering, a long weekend of workshops, talks, community, and, of course, dancing that takes place at Green Heron Pond, a 100-acre privately-owned farmland property in Leicester, NC. The event, which provides "Skills for Living With the Earth" to participants, seems more important than ever in our moment of increasing instability and uncertainty. More people than ever before feel called towards a lifestyle of increased self-sufficiency and knowledge regarding the landscape they live in, and Firefly is a wonderful opportunity—whether you're totally new to the game or you're a long-time DIYer or homesteader—to up your knowledge considerably. This year's Firefly Gathering takes place from June 29 to July 2, and early bird pricing for the full weekend ends tomorrow. Firefly Gathering is an immersive, family-friendly experience that draws hundreds of participants, plus a dedicated staff, world-class instructors, and a core group of volunteers that help keep things running smoothly. Upon arrival, you can set up camp (if you're staying the night), make friends, or head to a workshop. (It's recommended that you sign up for the next day's workshops on the evening prior; be advised that some workshops allow a limited number of participants.) The dizzying schedule offers courses in a few main categories, including Community and Storytelling; Fire, Metal, and Stone; Natural Building; Homesteading and Survivalism; and Natural Parenting and Mentoring. Workshops are rooted in practical, executable training. Many workshops are offered every day, and some, like tanning, can last up to a full day or more. Up to 30 classes happen simultaneously, and some workshops require an additional fee for materials on-site. Check the Detailed Class Descriptions for the full rundown.   If you're worried about information overload, rest assured that there's plenty of downtime built in too. The evening schedule includes a lot of rest and relaxation, with live music from Tina and Her Pony, storytelling from Doug Elliot, a drum circle with Steven Townsend, puppet shows, jam sessions, tobacco ceremonies, and a whole lot more. There are special nighttime events just for teens, as well.  Want tickets? Early bird passes are available on a sliding scale starting at $215. Youth passes are available at a discount, and some youth scholarships are also available; contact info@fireflygathering.org for more information. Keep checking out Asheville Grit for exclusive coverage of this year's Firefly Gathering, including interviews, videos, and other treats.