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:
- Memorial Day Weekend events (Maifest, BBQ Festival, Memorial Day 5K)
- 4th of July celebrations and fireworks over Big Bear Lake
- Summer Concert Series
- Big Bear Rodeo
- Big Bear Grand Prix motocross event
- Oktoberfest
- Big Bear Lake fishing tournaments
- Holiday events and winter festivals
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.
Where you stay can make a big difference in your trip—especially during busy event weekends.
- Near The Village: Best for walkability, restaurants, and nightlife
- Near the lake: Great for pairing events with daytime lake activities
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:
- Hiking and trail exploring
- Fishing on Big Bear Lake
- Scenic drives and lake walks
- Village shopping and dining
- Spring events like Maifest and Memorial Day Weekend activities
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:
- Boating and watersports
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Fishing
- Live music and seasonal events
- Relaxing at lakefront restaurants and marinas
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:
- Memorial Day Weekend events
- Maifest
- Big Bear Lake BBQ Festival
- Summer Concert Series
- 4th of July celebrations and fireworks
- Fishing tournaments
- Big Bear Rodeo
- Big Bear Grand Prix motocross event
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.