Jackie and Shadow fans will flock to ‘Outdoor Adventure Days' in Big Bear

Roost in a stately swaying pine, we cannot, nor can we glide over Big Bear Lake with our wings fully extended.

But we can make our way, via a human-style conveyance, to Big Bear Lake on July 11 and 12.

That's when Big Bear Valley Outdoor Adventure Days, a free mid-summer celebration for fans of Jackie, Shadow, and all of the young bald eagles who've become synonymous with the scenic region, will unfurl, majestically, giving eagle enthusiasts a place to merrily meet up.

The weekend-long happening isn't solely about the area's superstar birds, though watching for eagles and other feathery favorites is a popular activity, as is hobnobbing with people who've become besotted with the famous bald eagles and their nest.

The party's purpose is to help "... visitors, locals, and nearby neighbors to experience and appreciate Big Bear Valley's great outdoors" per the organizers.

Hiking, cycling, nature walks, nature talks, and good times on the lake — think stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, for starters — are also on the schedule.

While events will pop up all around the lake and beyond, the happening's hub, and place to register and gather information, will be located at Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive.

And the Big Bear Bald Eagle Fan Party, the celebratory centerpiece of the festivities? It's taking flight at 2 p.m. July 11 and will include a presentation of traditional Native American dancing.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit organization behind the camera watching the eagles' nest and the urgent campaign to Save Moon Camp, is presenting the complimentary nature-focused happening.

This is the first Outdoor Adventure Days since Sandy Steers, the beloved nature activist, passed away.

"We are excited to bring back some past favorites, as well as add new things this year," said Jenny Voisard, the Media Manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley.

"It will be bittersweet without Sandy. This event was very important to her. We will have an eagle party in her honor, and we will offer Q&A time with some of the FOBBV team that will be attending."

The Big Bear Waterpark, a newer addition to the woodsy destination, will play a role in the weekend, along with longtime favorites like the Big Bear Queen Paddle and Alpine Zoo visits.

The full list of activities can be found on the event page.

Something to keep in mind? While the offerings are free, tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and spots may fill up quickly.

"Sandy wanted this to be free for the public so that people of all ages can learn about and experience a variety of beautiful outdoor adventures," added Ms. Voisard.

"And it gives us a chance to connect with some of our online family in person."

Luna and Sandy, the two 2026 chicks raised by Jackie and Shadow, may have already spread their wings and taken to the sky, but we humans can still "fly" by Big Bear to check out all of the birdy bastion's many gifts, what's happening along the trails, and the lively scene on the lake.

Find out more about attending, and making the most of the uplifting, eagle-riffic weekend, by soaring by the Friends of Big Bear Valley site.