The rare visual symphony of firefly synchronization has been playing at Congaree National Park recently.

There is no telling how long the show will last, so you might want to head out to the park one night this weekend if you want to see it.

When fireflies synchronize it’s as if many of them are hitting the glow button simultaneously time after time, sort of like a string of Christmas tree lights. Congaree National Park is one of the few places in the U.S. where this phenomenon has been well documented. Usually, it lasts only a few days or weeks in early June.

If you want to take a chance that the show will be on this weekend, the park is at 100 National Park Road, off Bluff Road in southern Richland County. The visitors center isn’t open after dark, but the parking lot and trails are. Flashlights are recommended.

Park superintendent Tracy Swartout says the best place to catch the show usually is the elevated section of the boardwalk trail.

Joey Holleman