Big Bear Events

Looking for what's happening in Big Bear ? This is your official Big Bear Event Calendar. Below you'll find a complete list of upcoming events, from the adrenaline-pumping Big Bear LakeFest in the summer to the festive Oktoberfest in the fall.
Find details and ticket information for every major Big Bear event right here.

Red and white pontoon boat with people enjoying a relaxing outing at Big Bear Lake, surrounded by scenic forested hills.
ACTIVE

Big Bear Boating Opening Day

Big Bear Boating Opening Day Big Bear Lake boating season begins again which brings back the thrill of returning to the water. The Big Bear Boating Opening Day event begins all lake activities which include peaceful pontoon cruises and fishing...
Image of the stars at night over the mountains in Big Bear California
ACTIVE

Sidewalk Astronomy

Sidewalk Astronomy In Big Bear Village Should you be seeking a relaxing, informative, and enjoyable activity for everyone in the family, a walk through Big Bear Lake's The Village to experience Sidewalk Astronomy is recommended. This free occasion features telescopes...
Angler holding large fish during Big Bear Lake fishing event
COMPLETED

BBMWD Countin’ Carp Summer Kick-off

BBMWD Countin' Carp Summer Kick-off in Big Bear Lake The Countin' Carp event in Big Bear Lake invites anglers to enjoy a unique fishing experience that helps protect the lake while offering the chance to win prizes. The Big Bear...
A red trolley bus with gold trim and arched windows, known for being a popular mode of transportation and tour vehicle in Big Bear.
COMPLETED

Big Bear Fishing for 50K Trout Derby

Big Bear Lake Fishing for $50K Trout Tournament With 5 tagged trout worth $10K each, you could win up to $50K! Plus, a Tournament Champion will win $2,500! Fishin' For $50K is the family event of the season.  Bring out...
Craft beer being poured from tap at Big Bear Grill and Chill event during Memorial Day weekend
COMPLETED

Reel Ale Festival

Reel Ale Festival in Big Bear Lake at Meadow Park The Reel Ale Festival in Big Bear Lake shows craft beer and live music and mountain culture at Meadow Park. The California Farmers Market Collective organizes this lakeside event which...
A person is basting chicken wings on a grill at Big Bear.
COMPLETED

Big Bear Lake BBQ Festival

Big Bear Lake BBQ Tunes and Brew Celebrate this Memorial Day with a high altitude BBQ Fest! The event features craft beverages from regional breweries which visitors can sample through tasting flights and pitmaster pairings during an evening of groovy...
Four friends in traditional German attire are raising their steins and smiling at the Maifest festival in Big Bear.
COMPLETED

Big Bear Maifest

Big Bear Lake Maifest Big Bear Lake Maifest returns as one of the most loved spring events in Big Bear Lake. This festive celebration brings a lively German inspired atmosphere to the mountains and welcomes visitors to gather at the...
A group of runners crosses the starting line at the "Open Air Big Bear" race event, with a blue archway marking the beginning of the course.
COMPLETED

Memorial Day 5K Run in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake Memorial Day 5K Run Get ready to lace up and hit the trails at one of the most scenic high-altitude races in Southern California! The Memorial Day 5K Run at Big Bear Lake is a family-friendly event...
Large white letters spelling out "#SPARTAN" with a smaller sign for "Snow Summit" and a large bear claw logo in the background at Big Bear.
COMPLETED

Spartan Race in Big Bear

Spartan Race in Big Bear Spartan Race returns to Snow Summit for its Big Bear Lake mountain competition during Spartan Trifecta Weekend. The high-altitude event at Big Bear Mountain Resort brings together athletes and families while spectators experience a weekend...
Family walking along Big Bear Alpine Zoo pathway during Run Wild Through Moonridge event
COMPLETED

Run Wild Through Moonridge

Run Wild Through Moonridge Run Wild Through Moonridge offers a scenic community event that supports wildlife conservation in Big Bear Lake. Moonridge Coffee Company hosts the event which allows participants to walk on a paved path that runs through Rathbun...
Close-up of raccoon at Big Bear Alpine Zoo wildlife rehabilitation center in Big Bear Lake
COMPLETED

Bowling for the Zoo

Bowling for the Zoo in Big Bear Lake The Bowling for the Zoo event at Big Bear Lake provides a valuable experience for visitors to spend their afternoon because it combines entertainment with community warmth and supports wildlife preservation efforts....
Red classic lowrider car displayed at an outdoor car show with other vintage cars lined up behind it.
COMPLETED

Big Bear Lowrider Kick Back

Big Bear Lowrider Kick Back: A Spring Car Culture Celebration Get ready for a fun spring gathering in Big Bear Lake at the Big Bear Lowrider Kick Back! As one of the more unique things to do in Big Bear,...

Where to Stay Near Big Bear Events

Where you stay makes a big difference during busy event weekends, helping you avoid traffic, parking hassles, and long drives back at night. Choose your ideal location based on the type of trip you are planning:

Welcome sign at The Village in Big Bear Lake, California, overlooking the downtown shopping and dining district.

Near The Village

Best for walkability, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and easy event access.

Family relaxing inside a lakefront cabin while overlooking Big Bear Lake and enjoying the scenic waterfront view.

Near the Lake / Lakefront

Best for pairing events with boating, watersports, and relaxing outdoor views.

Historic mountain lodge building with rustic wooden architecture surrounded by pine trees under a blue sky.

North Shore/ Fawnskin

Quieter atmosphere with easier access to fishing and outdoor space.

Aerial view of the Moonridge neighborhood with Big Bear Lake, pine forests, and surrounding mountains in the distance.

Moonridge/Bear Mountain

Best for mountain views, proximity to the ski resort, and a quieter, woodsy escape.

Scenic view of Boulder Bay Park in Big Bear featuring walking paths, pine trees, landscaped lawns, granite boulders, and the lake surrounded by mountains.

Boulder Bay

Scenic, picturesque area offering a more relaxed lakeside vibe close to local favorite spots.

Aerial view of Big Bear City with pine forests, mountain landscape, lake, and residential area.

Near The Convention Center

Ideal for event attendees looking for convenient, close-by lodging without the hassle of long drives.

Best Cabins Closest Distance to the Village

Cabins near The Village are the most convenient option if you’re attending events, especially at night.

Benefits include:

  • Walking to restaurants, bars, shopping, and live music
  • No need to worry about parking or driving after events
Above and Beyond living room with stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and mountain views

This property is located behind The Village overlooking the lake. It’s a 5 minute bike ride, but be aware there is a steep incline from the Village to the cabin.

Grand Village Lodge private theater with recliner seating and large screen

This property is also located behind The Village overlooking the lake. It’s a 6 minute bike ride, but be aware there is a steep incline from the Village to the cabin.

Spacious Knickerbocker Nest living room with fireplace, modern sofa seating, wood flooring, and game table area.

This property is 1 mile away from The Village and takes 8 minutes to bike there from this cabin. It is situated in a quiet neighborhood in between The Village and Snow Summit.

Tree Top Haven cabin living room with stone fireplace, leather seating, foosball table, and scenic Big Bear Lake views.

40550 Quail Run Road

This property is situated behind The Village as well but more towards the west side of the city. It’s .5 miles from The village and is a 5-minute bike ride, but a steep incline.

Cozy lakefront cabin living room with fireplace, comfortable seating, and scenic lake views through large windows.

This is the closest home to The Village and is walkable from the Lakefront cabin.

Lakefront Cabins vs. Village Stays: Which is Right for You?

Stay Near the Lake If You Want:

Boating, watersports, and marina access

You want to spend your mornings renting a pontoon boat, jet skiing, or paddleboarding just minutes from your front door without wasting time driving across town. Check out how booking a lakefront property can get you a 1-hour free pontoon ride.

Fishing, lake views, and a relaxing outdoor space

Your ideal vacation involves drinking your morning coffee on a private deck overlooking the water, watching the sunrise over the glassy surface, and casting a line right from the shore.

Stay Near The Village If You Want:

Immediate walkability to event venues, restaurants, and nightlife

After enjoying a busy day at a local festival or checking out downtown shops, you want the convenience of walking straight to dinner, grabbing drinks, or heading out for the evening without having to coordinate a designated driver.

Less driving and parking stress during busy event weekends

During major holiday weekends or bustling local events, you prefer to park your car once upon arrival and walk everywhere, entirely bypassing the hassle of traffic and looking for parking spaces.

FAQs: Big Bear Events

Big Bear hosts a rotating mix of events every weekend, including festivals, live music, races, seasonal celebrations, and family-friendly activities.

To see what’s happening this weekend, use the event calendar above to filter by date, location, or event type. Events change weekly, especially during peak seasons like summer, fall, and winter holidays.

Some of the most popular annual events in Big Bear include:

These events draw the largest crowds and are often the best times to visit Big Bear if you’re looking for energy, entertainment, and a full weekend experience.

The easiest way to find events in Big Bear by date is by using the event calendar on this page.

You can filter by:

  • Start and end dates
  • Event name or keyword
  • Location

This helps you quickly see what’s happening during your specific travel dates without scrolling through unrelated events.

Summer is officially underway in Big Bear, with live music, lake activities, hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, village events, and family-friendly attractions happening throughout the valley. Visitors can also enjoy the Alpine Slide, Big Bear Alpine Zoo, scenic lake cruises, and the latest eagle nest updates from Big Bear’s famous bald eagles.
 
Use the event calendar above to see what’s happening this weekend and filter by date, event type, or location. Event schedules update regularly throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter, so check back often for the latest events and activities.

Where you stay can make a big difference in your trip—especially during busy event weekends.

Staying close to the events helps you avoid traffic, parking issues, and long drives back at night.

Cabins near The Village are the most convenient option if you’re attending events, especially at night.

Benefits include:

  • Walking to restaurants, bars, and live music
  • Easy access to event venues and shops
  • No need to worry about parking or driving after events

Browse Big Bear cabin rentals near The Village to stay within walking distance and make the most of your weekend.

Big Bear in spring and summer is all about lake days, outdoor activities, events, and cooler mountain temperatures compared to Southern California cities below.

Spring brings blooming trees, fewer crowds, hiking, and fishing, while summer is peak season for boating, watersports, concerts, and festivals around Big Bear Lake.

Some of the best things to do in Big Bear during spring include:

Spring is also one of the best times to visit if you want milder weather and smaller crowds before peak summer season begins.

Summer in Big Bear is centered around the lake and outdoor recreation. Popular activities include:

Summer is the busiest season in Big Bear because the lake becomes the center of most activities and events.

The best time depends on the experience you want.

  • Spring: Best for fewer crowds, cooler weather, hiking, and fishing
  • Early summer: Great balance of warm weather and manageable crowds
  • Holiday weekends: Best for festivals, nightlife, and full event energy
  • Midweek stays: Usually quieter and easier for parking, dining, and lake access

Big Bear’s spring and summer seasons are packed with events, including:

Use the event calendar above to see what’s happening during your travel dates.

Where you stay depends on the type of trip you’re planning.

  • Near The Village: Best for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and walkability
  • Lakefront cabins: Best for boating, lake access, and relaxing views
  • North Shore: Quieter atmosphere with easier access to fishing and outdoor space

Choosing the right location can make your trip easier, especially during busy weekends.

Stay Near the Lake If You Want:

  • Boating and watersports access
  • Fishing and lake views
  • Relaxing outdoor space
  • Easier access to marinas

Stay Near The Village If You Want:

  • Walkability to restaurants and bars
  • Nightlife and live music
  • Shopping and events
  • Less driving during busy weekends

Many visitors choose cabins close enough to enjoy both the lake and The Village during their stay.

Published on: July 31, 2026