Plan your day by exploring the schedule below. Activities take place throughout New Harmony, and most are free and open to the public. Activities and vendors will be added to the schedule as they are finalized in the weeks before the Firefly Festival. Please check back for updates.
NOTE: New Harmony, Indiana, is located in the Central Time Zone.
| Time | Event |
Cost |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30鈥�7:15 a.m. | Check-in/late registration for the | $40 registration (medal and t-shirt) until race day. | Atheneum Visitors Center (401 North Arthur Street) |
| 7:30 a.m. | Start of the | Starts at the Atheneum | |
| 9:30 a.m. | Atheneum opens to the public | ||
| On demand (9:30 a.m.鈥�4:30 p.m.) | Atheneum Tour (20 minutes) | Free | Ask at the Atheneum Info Desk |
| 10 a.m. | Explore Like a Naturalist | Free | Inside the Atheneum |
| 10 a.m. | Tram Tour of New Harmony (45 minutes) | See ticket prices | Starts at the Atheneum |
| 11:15 a.m. | Tram Tour of New Harmony (45 minutes) | See ticket prices | Starts at the Atheneum |
| 1鈥�3 p.m. | History Tour (2 hours) | See ticket prices | Starts at the Atheneum |
| 1鈥�5 p.m. | : The Jewels of the Undergrowth | Free | 2nd Floor of the Atheneum |
| 1:30鈥�3:30 p.m. | Draw Like a Naturalist Class for Adults (18+) | $15 (class is limited to 8 participants) | 1st Floor of the Atheneum |
| 2鈥�4 p.m. | Paint & Jam | Free | New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (506 Main Street) |
| 3:30 p.m. | The Life and Times of Thomas Say featuring Randy Patrick | Free | Clowes Theater, 2nd Floor of the Atheneum |
| 4:30鈥�5:30 p.m. | Millie Fleur Saves the Night: Storytime and Craft Adventure | Free | 1st Floor of the Atheneum |
| 5鈥�8 p.m. | 黑料网 Alumni Engagement Welcome Table | Free | 1st Floor of the Atheneum |
| 5鈥�9 p.m. | Food vendors | Various prices | Outside the Atheneum |
| 6鈥�9 p.m. | Dark Skies and Glowing Nights: Exploring Light, Fireflies, and the Night Sky | Free | 1st Floor of the Atheneum |
| 6鈥�10 p.m. | Tram Rides (5-10 minutes) with firefly facts and viewing areas, views of Thomas Say's grave. | Free | Starts at the Atheneum |
| 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. | Thomas Say: Frontier Scientist performance | Free | Clowes Theater, 2nd Floor of the Atheneum |
| 8:30鈥�10 p.m. | Firefly Experience film | Free | Clowes Theater, 2nd Floor of the Atheneum |
| 8鈥�10 p.m. | : What Flies at Night program | Free | Outside the Atheneum |
| 8鈥�10 p.m. | Glow Dance Party | Free | Outside the Atheneum |
| 8鈥�10 p.m. | Firefly experts and viewing area at the Double Log Cabin | Free | A short walk from the Atheneum to the Double Log Cabin |
| 10 p.m. | Last tram departure for Firefly Theater drop-off | Free | Departs from the Atheneum |
| 10:30 p.m. | Last tram departure from North and Main Streets to return to the Atheneum | Free | Departs from the corner of North and Main Streets |
| 11 p.m. | Atheneum closes to the public |
Jump to:
Art & Nature Activities
Performances & Talks
Race
Food
Evening Activities
Guided Tours
10 a.m., Saturday, June 27
1st Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Join us for an Explore Like a Naturalist guided experience on Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m. and discover the art of "slow looking." Led by Indiana Master Naturalist Savannah Hoskinson, this relaxed, family-friendly program inside the Atheneum invites you to pause, observe, and connect more deeply with the natural world around you.
The program is free and open to all, with space limited to 25 participants (first come, first served).听
Meet on the first floor of the Atheneum to begin your journey into seeing nature in a whole new way.
1鈥�5 p.m., Saturday, June 27
2nd Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Get up close with live spiders, insects, and other arthropods during The Jewels of the Undergrowth program by . Led by entomologist Kevin Wiener, this interactive experience showcases the incredible diversity, colors, and adaptations of the creatures that thrive beneath our feet and in the undergrowth鈥攔evealing why they're truly nature's hidden jewels.
1:30鈥�3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27
1st Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
$15 (includes supplies) / payment due on arrival
Register by calling the Atheneum at 812-682-4474
Take a closer look at the natural world through drawing in this hands-on class led by Savannah Hoskinson, a science and nature-based illustrator from Evansville, Indiana. In this two-hour, adult-focused session, participants will learn to observe and draw from natural history specimens, developing techniques grounded in careful looking and attention to detail. Each participant will receive a sketchbook and small drawing kit to use during the class and take home afterward.
This class is limited to 8 participants. Save your place in the class by calling the Atheneum at 812-682-4474.
Learn more about this program.听听
2鈥�4 p.m., Saturday, June 27
New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (506 Main Street)
Free and open to all
Create your own glow-in-the-dark t-shirt at this family-friendly Paint & Jam event at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art while enjoying live music by听Just Wing It (2:30鈥�3:15 p.m.). Later, take your creation into the evening and glow with the fireflies at Firefly Theater.
4:30鈥�5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27
1st Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Families are invited to a delightful storytime featuring with NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Mandy Scurry. After the story, children will enjoy a hands-on craft where they create their own version of "The Dark," a whimsical character from the book, using soft pompoms. This engaging program encourages imagination while helping children see the beauty and importance of nighttime.听
6鈥�9 p.m., Saturday, June 27
1st Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Discover the science and beauty of the night with NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Mandy Scurry through interactive displays on dark skies, responsible lighting, and the fascinating world of bioluminescence. Learn how protecting natural darkness supports fireflies and other nighttime wildlife, and how simple lighting choices can make a difference. Perfect for all ages, this display inspires appreciation for the wonders of the night.
8鈥�10 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Outside the听Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Step into the mysteries of the night with听What Flies at Night by . Discover the hidden world of nocturnal pollinators with entomologist Kevin Wiener. This engaging program highlights moths and other nighttime flyers, exploring their behaviors, beauty, and important roles in our ecosystems. A fascinating look at what comes out after dark.
Please note: This program is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of severe weather.
6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Clowes Theater, 2nd Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Enjoy a lively 20-minute performance of听Thomas Say: Frontier Scientist, as Barnes Bradshaw of brings the story of New Harmony's pioneering naturalist to life. There will be two performances at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Clowes Theater, 2nd Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Often referred to as the "Father of American Entomology," Thomas Say was one of the scientists who accompanied William Maclure and the so-called "Boatload of Knowledge" to New Harmony in 1826. Randy Patrick's presentation will explore Say's remarkable contributions to American science and his lasting connection to New Harmony's intellectual and educational legacy.
Randy R. Patrick is a taxonomist specializing in Cenozoic/Paleozoic Vertebrates, Modern Marine Mollusca, and Marine Invertebrates.
Check-in / late registration: 6:30鈥�7:15 a.m., Saturday, June 27
Race begins at 7:30 a.m.
Starts at the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
$35 until June 10 / $40 until race day (deduct $5 for medal-only option)
Start your Firefly Festival day with a fun, family-friendly 5K run/walk through the scenic streets of historic New Harmony and along the Wabash River. It's an active way to enjoy the town while supporting Historic New Harmony.
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Fuel your Firefly Festival fun with a delicious lineup of food trucks and booths offering everything from savory eats to sweet treats, 5鈥�9 p.m.听
More food trucks and vendor booths will be added as they are confirmed鈥�check back for updates!
Bringing a taste of the West Coast to Southern Indiana, Best Coast Tacos offers California-style street eats鈥攆resh, flavorful tacos with vibrant toppings and a fun, laid-back vibe. They also serve burritos, quesadillas, loaded fries, nachos, aguas frescas, and house-made tortillas. .听
A New Harmony favorite, Fire & Ice serves up cool, creamy ice cream treats鈥攑erfect for a sweet, refreshing break on a warm summer evening. .
Offering a refreshing mix of authentic Italian ice in a variety of flavors alongside classic fair favorites like soft pretzels, all-beef hot dogs, pulled pork, and nachos, Little Jimmy's delivers sweet and savory options the whole family can enjoy. .
Dietary note: Italian Ices are gluten-free, nut-free, vegan-friendly, and contain no high fructose corn syrup.
Bright, bubbly, and made to customize, Pop & Fizz turns every drink into a little moment of fun. Specializing in creative "dirty soda" blends and kettle corn, this pop-up favorite mixes classic sodas and snacks for an experience that's anything but ordinary. .
Dietary note:听Reduced sugar options are available.
If you're craving bold, satisfying comfort food, TT's Sammiches delivers in all the right ways. This local favorite is known for crafting hearty sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and smash burgers that are packed with flavor and built to impress. .
Nothing says summer quite like an ice-cold lemonade, and Uncle G's Lemon Smashers delivers it as its freshest. This family-owned favorite serves up all-natural lemonade "smashers" and classic shake-ups鈥攂right, citrusy, and made to cool you down on even the hottest days. They also serve walking tacos, pulled pork nachos, Stromboli, chicken bacon ranch, and pulled pork sliders. .
A welcoming community spot in New Harmony, the American Legion offers casual, affordable comfort food鈥攆rom burgers and pizza to fried fish and homestyle favorites鈥攕erved in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Open 11 a.m.鈥搈idnight on Saturday. .听
Location: 516 Church Street.
Black Lodge Coffee Roasters blends historic charm, creative drinks, and a cozy, art-filled space鈥攑erfect for slowing down and savoring every sip. Open 8 a.m.鈥�3 p.m. on Saturday. .听
Location: 610 Church Street.
Bringing vibrant flavors to the heart of New Harmony, Casa Armonia offers authentic Mexican cuisine鈥攆rom tacos and fajitas to hearty specialties and refreshing margaritas鈥攁ll served in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Open 11 a.m.鈥�9 p.m. on Saturday. .听
Location: 500 Church Street.
A beloved New Harmony dining destination, Red Geranium offers seasonal American cuisine and Midwest favorites鈥攆rom steaks and seafood to brunch classics鈥攕erved in a charming, historic setting perfect for a relaxing and memorable meal. Open 8 a.m.鈥�8 p.m. on Saturday. .听
Location: 504 North Street.
A relaxed and inviting spot in the heart of New Harmony, Sara's Wine Bar offers a curated selection of wines alongside light bites鈥攑erfect for unwinding with friends and enjoying a laid-back evening during the festival. Open 12鈥�11 p.m. on Saturday. .听
Location: 500 Church Street.
A cozy, locally loved spot in the heart of New Harmony, Say's Restaurant serves up creative comfort food鈥攆rom fresh sandwiches and soups to rotating specials and house-made desserts鈥攁ll in a warm, relaxed setting. Open 11 a.m.鈥�8 p.m. on Saturday. .听
Location: 518 Main Street.
A classic small-town gathering spot, The Main Cafe serves up homestyle American favorites鈥攆rom hearty breakfasts and daily specials to burgers, sandwiches, and hand-dipped ice cream鈥攁ll in a cozy, nostalgic setting. Open 6 a.m.鈥�2 p.m. on Saturday. .听
Location: 508 Main Street.
A longtime New Harmony favorite, the Yellow Tavern offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of classic American fare鈥攆rom sandwiches and pizza to steaks and house-made desserts鈥攎aking it a perfect spot to relax and unwind between festival activities. Open 11 a.m.鈥�10 p.m. on Saturday. .
Note: You must be over the age of 21 to enter.
Location: 521 Church Street.
5鈥�8 p.m., Saturday, June 27
1st Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate with fellow Eagles at the 黑料网 Alumni Engagement table during the Firefly Festival! Alumni are invited to stop by, say hello, and enjoy a special giveaway as a thank-you for being part of the 黑料网 community.听
Find the table on the first floor of the Atheneum from 5鈥�8 p.m. on Saturday鈥攁 perfect place to share memories, make new connections, and show your 黑料网 pride while enjoying the evening's festivities.听
8:30鈥�10 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Clowes Theater, 2nd Floor of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Enjoy the beauty of fireflies up close from the comfort of the Atheneum Visitor Center. Featuring stunning imagery by firefly photographer and videographer Radim Schreiber, this presentation invites visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty and mystery of these luminous insects. Learn more about the artist and his work at听.
8鈥�10 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Double Log Cabin (a short walk from the Atheneum; located behind the David Lenz House)
Free and open to all
Take a short walk from the Atheneum to the Double Log Cabin to view fireflies in the dark woods from the covered back porch. Firefly experts will be on hand to offer information about fireflies and answer questions. Seating will be available.听
Please note: This program is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of severe weather.
8鈥�10 p.m., Saturday, June 27
On the lawn of the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Join this evening dance party as the festival transitions into night, with music, movement, and a lively atmosphere under the open sky.
Please note: This program is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of severe weather.
6鈥�10 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Starts at the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
Free and open to all
Join us for short tram rides around New Harmony, where our guide will show you Thomas Say's grave and provide firefly facts and information on the best spots to view fireflies around town.
Please note: This program is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of severe weather.
10 and 11:15 a.m., Friday鈥揝aturday, June 26鈥�27
Starts at the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
$5 adults and children over 5; Free for New Harmony residents, children under 5, 黑料网 students, faculty, and staff (with ID), and active-duty military members and family members (with ID)
A 45-minute guided tram tour introducing the history and layout of New Harmony, with stops and views across the town. Ideal for visitors looking to explore New Harmony before evening programming begins.
Please note: This tour is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of severe weather.
1 p.m., Friday鈥揝aturday, June 26鈥�27
Starts at the Atheneum Visitor Center (401 North Arthur Street)
$15 adults; $12 seniors (age 60+) and AAA members; $5 students (age 6鈥�18) and non-黑料网 students (with ID); Free for New Harmony residents, children under 5, 黑料网 students, faculty, and staff (with ID), and active-duty military members and family members (with ID)
A two-hour guided tram tour with stops exploring historic buildings and the stories of New Harmony's utopian communities. A great way to begin your visit before evening festival activities.
Please note: This tour is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of severe weather.