North Carolina Hellbender Festival 2026

Welcome to the North Carolina Hellbender Festival!

 

Browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement and by selecting the booths, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.

Welcome to the North Carolina Hellbender Festival!

 

Browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement and by selecting the booths, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.

Welcome to the NC Hellbender Festival!

Please browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement—by selecting your booth(s), you are agreeing to the terms outlined below.

 

Categories & Application Guidelines:
Artists may apply in up to three categories. A separate application must be submitted for each category.

• Jewelry Note: If jewelry comprises less than 10% of your work, you may apply under another category. If it is more than 10%, you must apply in the Jewelry category.

All work displayed must be original and available for sale.

 

Eligible Categories:

• Clay: Original clay or porcelain work, both functional and sculptural.

• Fiber: Wearable and non-wearable items. No machine-tooled or mass-produced work.

• Glass: Functional or sculptural work, including kiln forming, blowing, molding, casting, and cold working.

• Jewelry: Only artists juried into this category may display or sell jewelry. Items made from commercial parts are not permitted.

• Metal: Sculptural or decorative metalwork. Jewelry is not allowed in this category.

• Mixed Media: Work combining two or more materials into one piece.

• Musical Instruments: Handmade instruments only.

• Natural Materials: Includes basket weaving, broom making, chair caning, gourds, and similar work using natural materials.

• Photography: Traditional film, hand-colored, emulsion transfers, and digital photography using only the artist’s original source material.

• Printmaking: Reproduction prints are allowed. 

• Sculpture: Three-dimensional work using additive or subtractive techniques in a single medium.

• Two-Dimensional: Original drawings, paintings, and digital artwork. 

• Wood: Original woodwork that is hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved.

North Carolina Hellbender Festival – Partnership Overview Event Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026 Location: Downtown Spruce Pine, NC Website: hellbenderfestival.com The North Carolina Hellbender Festival is a one-day event celebrating clean rivers, outdoor recreation, and community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The festival features live music, local artisans, educational demonstrations, food vendors, and hands-on experiences focused on conservation and river health. In 2025, the event drew over 5,000 attendees and generated more than $386,000 in economic impact, attracting visitors from across Western North Carolina and beyond. We partner with businesses and organizations that value environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, the arts, and local economic development. Sponsorship offers a direct opportunity to engage a regional audience while supporting a proven and growing event. Partnership Opportunities Presenting Partner – $20,000 NC Hellbender Festival presented by [Sponsor Name] •Exclusive naming rights (only one available) •Logo integrated across all marketing and media •Verbal recognition in press, advertising, and stage announcements •Naming rights to a primary festival feature (Main Stage or equivalent) •Premium activation space in a high-traffic location •Opportunity to address attendees from the main stage •Dedicated digital promotion and email feature •First right of refusal for 2027 River Guardian – $10,000 •Prominent logo placement across event materials and signage •Verbal recognition during event programming •Premium booth space in a high-visibility area •Opportunity to sponsor a featured festival area •Inclusion in digital and email marketing Mountain Ally – $5,000 •Logo placement on signage, website, and select materials •Booth space within the festival footprint •Verbal recognition during the event •Inclusion in group social media promotion Hellbender Partner – $2,500 •Logo placement on festival website •Social media recognition •Optional booth space River Steward – $1,000 •Name or logo listed on festival website •Recognition in sponsor listings Downtown Business Partner – $250 •Recognition as a local business supporter •Listing on website and social media •Optional booth space ? In-Kind Partnerships We welcome in-kind contributions that support festival operations and enhance the attendee experience. Examples include printing, equipment, supplies, and volunteer support. In-kind partners receive recognition aligned with the value and visibility of their contribution.