Prior Years Gallery

A Look Back Through the Years

The National Black Bear Festival has created unforgettable memories for years. From early celebrations to recent events, each year has brought something unique to Plymouth and the Roanoke River waterfront.

Browse highlights from past festivals and see how this event has grown into one of the most recognized celebrations in Eastern North Carolina.

Runners emerging from a large inflatable bear tunnel at the Black Bear Festival in Plymouth.

Four skydivers with yellow parachutes and smoke trails perform stunts against a clear blue sky.

Young girl in a black cat costume smiles and waves at a person in a large animal costume near an inflatable slide.

People walk along a busy small-town street fair with classic cars on display and flags hanging from buildings.

Two children pose with a large bear statue outdoors at a park or festival, smiling at the camera.

Two people watch a bear crossing a dirt road as others gather near a white van in the distance.

A person in a bear costume examines the engine of a rusty vintage pickup truck at a car show.

Close-up of a custom car with a flame paint job at a car show, surrounded by other colorful cars.

Crowd at an outdoor festival with a giant inflatable black bear and classic cars on display.

Three men in blue shirts play saxophone, trombone, and trumpet onstage outdoors, with a US flag in the background.

People watch colorful fireworks over a lake at night, standing on a dock near trees and a “Bear Town” sign.

Skydiver with a yellow parachute releases red smoke above a green landscape with rivers and blue sky.

Parachutist descending with a yellow U.S. Army parachute against blue sky, trailing red smoke.

A maroon and white helicopter hovers low over a grassy field near a small house and trees.

Group of kids pose in front of a large inflatable bear at an outdoor event while someone takes their photo.

People stand by a colorful Duck Donuts food truck with large donut images and a service window.

A group of people gather on a dock as a pontoon boat arrives on a sunny lake day.

Two people kayak on a lake near a metal bear sculpture, with dense green trees in the background.

A large black bear standing on grass, surrounded by green plants and ferns.

Person riding a mechanical bear at an outdoor event with food trucks and tents in the background.

Person in a bear costume rides a mechanical bull outdoors, surrounded by an orange inflatable barrier.

Man wearing ear protection carving a wooden sculpture with a chainsaw outdoors on grass.

Colorful fireworks light up the night sky above water, with trees silhouetted in the background.

Aerial view of a winding river surrounded by dense green forest and a small town on the riverbank.

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Join the Tradition!

Each year adds something new while keeping the spirit of the festival alive.
Be part of the next chapter and experience it for yourself.