About Bear Shadow
Bear Shadow music festival made its debut in April 2021 at Winfield Farm in Scaly Mountain, just outside the city limits of Highlands, North Carolina. A sister festival to the highly esteemed Highlands Food & Wine, Bear Shadow music festival is now a phenomenon all to itself, bringing celebrated artists to The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, NC for a weekend of music, mountains, and revelry each spring.
Experience the Shadow of the Bear on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, North Carolina
Each fall and late winter, the Plateau becomes home to one of the most unique natural spectacles in the country: the Shadow of the Bear. This rare phenomenon can be seen for just 30 minutes on sunny days on the Plateau. The shadow begins as a small dark shape at the valley’s base and gradually grows, transforming into the outline of a bear. It’s a breathtaking sight set against the backdrop of Whiteside Mountain.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau
The Plateau area comprises Cashiers, Highlands, Sapphire, Sapphire Valley, Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway in the farthest western tip of North Carolina. Renowned for its temperate climate and pristine nature, visitors come from all over the world seeking a respite and a high-altitude escape from urban life. This quaint mountain resort area boasts some of the finest dining options in the south, bespoke local retailers and businesses, and bountiful opportunities for outdoor adventure. Cashiers is a true hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where visitors can unwind and relax while enjoying fine amenities.
About Highlands Festivals Inc.
Bear Shadow is organized by Highlands Festivals, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau as an inspiring place to live and visit. In addition to Bear Shadow, the organization also curates world-class events, like Highlands Food & Wine Festival, that celebrate and support the region’s vibrant culinary, visual, and performing arts. Through its efforts, Highlands Festivals, Inc. contributes nearly $5,000,000 in economic impact and resources to local initiatives, fostering community growth and strengthening connections across the Plateau.
By hosting the Bear Shadow music festival, Highlands Festivals, Inc. aims to enhance the visibility and appeal of Highlands, North Carolina and its surrounding areas, driving tourism and community engagement while supporting local businesses and organizations.
