Hellbender on the River 2026

Join us to celebrate water – and Tennessee’s most iconic salamander, the eastern hellbender – with friends old and new, and support the Cumberland River Compact's water conservation and stewardship work throughout the Cumberland River basin.

Here’s what you can expect to enjoy at Hellbender on the River:

• Great local food by Mijo Gordito and bar featuring wine, local brews, and a signature cocktail
• Nashville-based indie folk/Americana band Wily will provide entertainment for the night
• A tasting of whiskeys aged on a barge, courtesy of Ingram Whiskey
• Raffle with prizes such as a backstage tour of the Hellbender exhibit at the Nashville Zoo and a cabin getaway at Dale Hollow Lake!
• A virtual reality experience that’ll transport you to restoration projects across the Cumberland River basin

For more information, visit the Hellbender on the River Event Website.

All proceeds of Hellbender on the River benefit the Cumberland River Compact. Supporting the Cumberland River Compact's water conservation work helps raise awareness about the Cumberland River basin, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Follow the Compact on social media to stay up to date with our work, including stream restoration, depave projects, urban forestry, and more.

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors! This event would not be possible without the generous support of our community. If you are interested in sponsoring Hellbender on the River, please contact [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Cumberland River Compact