Bearfootin’ 2025: Hendersonville’s Painted Bear Parade Returns with Heart and Color
Every spring in Hendersonville, North Carolina, something whimsical stirs on Main Street. It’s not just the scent of mountain laurel or the sound of street musicians—it’s the arrival of the Bearfootin’ Art Walk, a beloved local tradition where 20 hand-painted bear sculptures come out to play, pose, and parade their unique personalities all summer long.
🎨 Where Art Meets Community
Unveiled on May 7, 2025, this year’s Bearfootin’ bears are more dazzling than ever. Each sculpture is a collaborative masterpiece—painted by local artists, sponsored by area businesses and nonprofits, and designed to tell a story. Some celebrate heritage, others honor lost loved ones or raise awareness for community causes.
You’ll find bears wearing everything from top hats and tutu skirts to firefighter gear or mountain scenes. It’s like a gallery exploded into a small-town sidewalk—and that’s precisely the charm.
🐾 A Walk With Purpose
Beyond their cheerful presence, each bear serves a greater mission. After entertaining the public through October, the bears will be auctioned off, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits. Last year’s event raised thousands of dollars for education, animal rescue, and veterans’ programs.
In 2025, you can view and bid on the bears through a virtual auction, which opens on September 25 and concludes on October 25.
📸 Instagrammable, Interactive, and Irresistible
The Bearfootin’ bears make perfect photo ops, whether you’re a local out for an evening stroll or a tourist on a weekend escape. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to post their bear sightings using #Bearfootin2025 to spread the love and share their favorites.
Want to make it a game? Use the Bear Tracker Map (linked below) and try to find all 20! Some are easy to spot, while others hide in surprising corners of downtown.
🐻 Why It Matters
In a world that moves fast, Bearfootin’ slows things down and reminds us that art, community, and a touch of joy can go a long way. It celebrates local creativity, boosts downtown foot traffic, and gives vital support to causes that make life better for everyone.
So if you’re strolling Main Street this summer, pause for a moment. Take in the color, the laughter, the stories. Maybe even pet a bear (just the painted kind). After all, this is Hendersonville at its most heartfelt.
🧭 Helpful Links for Bearfootin’ 2025
Follow #Bearfootin2025 on Instagram
Bearfootin’ Art Walk – City of Hendersonville Official Site
WLOS Coverage of 2025 Bearfootin’ Bear Unveiling
