The wildly successful Black Bear Festival was founded at the epicenter of the black bear universe in Plymouth. Washington County is home to the world’s largest black bears, the highest black bear densities on the planet, as well as the best public bear viewing in North Carolina. This year the festival will lean into Amercia’s 250th Celebration with a roving Spirit of ‘76 Liberty Band, historical reenactors and a fife and drum corps. Events and attractions include a children’s bear train, timed foot races, pontoon boat rides, outdoor kid’s movie, waterslides at the Kid’s Zone, helicopter rides, kayak rentals, lazy river tubing, make-your-own-bear station, tours of the maritime and Bear-Ologoy museums, mechanical bear ride, Papa Bear Car Show, and multiple performances of the play “Tales of Freedom.”

The event culminates with a fireworks spectacular on June 6. There’s a reason it is considered the best fireworks show in the state. A must see!

Free pontoon rides: Enjoy a leisurely 30-minute narrated cruise on the Roanoke River sponsored by Cross Trail Outfitters June 5: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.; June 6: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

This is a very popular event, so sign up as soon as you arrive at Bear Fest. Life jackets are provided.