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.

kids climbing rope obstacle during Kids Adventure Games Big Bear outdoor challenge
UPCOMING

Big Bear Kid’s Adventure Race

Big Bear Kid’s Adventure Race: A Mountain Challenge Built for Young Explorers Get ready for the ultimate kids’ adventure race! Designed specifically for children, this multi-sport obstacle course event takes young participants off the couch and onto the mountain for...
A group of four people paddleboarding on Big Bear Lake, with a massive pile of striated boulders and a lush, green treeline in the background.
UPCOMING

Big Bear Lakefest

Big Bear Lakefest Experience a weekend filled with activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun at Lakefest Big Bear Lake 2026. This event is where adrenaline meets mountain peaks, with a full weekend of trail runs, mountain biking, paddle races, and...
Bearly Famous musician performing acoustic music indoors with guests enjoying the live entertainment
UPCOMING

Barrel 33 Labor Day Event

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with Live Music at Barrel 33 Spend your Labor Day weekend at Barrel 33 in Big Bear Lake and enjoy a lineup of live music in a relaxed mountain setting. Whether you're visiting for the weekend...
Young girl smiling while riding a mechanical bull at an outdoor fair with people and tents in the background
UPCOMING

Big Bear Rodeo Labor Day Weekend

Big Bear Rodeo: A Wild Labor Day Weekend Celebration in Big Bear Lake The Labor Day Weekend Rodeo at Big Bear Lake transforms the alpine area into a festive experience that combines traditional rodeo events with a complete carnival celebration....
Live music stage setup at Fire Rock Burgers & Brews featuring drums, lighting, and performance equipment
UPCOMING

Fire Rock Burgers Labor Day Live Music

Fire Rock Burgers Labor Day Live Music Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to enjoy great food, live entertainment, and a fun mountain atmosphere in Big Bear Lake. Fire Rock Burgers & Brews is bringing the holiday weekend to...
A line of classic cars, including a VW bus and a vintage woody wagon, are on display at a car show in Big Bear.
UPCOMING

Big Bear Cool Run in the Mountains Car Show

Cool Run in the Mountains Car Show Polish up your ride and cruise into the mountains for the Annual Cool Run in the Mountains Car and Motorcycle Show in Big Bear Lake! Hosted by the RodRiders Car Club, this chrome-filled...
Illuminated boats are on the water at Big Bear during a boat parade with a town and mountains in the background.
UPCOMING

Labor Day Boat Parade

Big Bear Rotary Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade of Lights Light up your Labor Day weekend at one of the most unforgettable events on Big Bear Lake, the Boat Parade of Lights, hosted by the Rotary Club of Big Bear...
A bear illuminated by red lights stands on a hill during the Labor Day drone show in Big Bear.
UPCOMING

Big Bear Labor Day Drone Show

Big Bear Labor Day Drone Show Experience a breathtaking alpine evening as the sky above Big Bear Lake lights up in a dazzling display of color and choreography.  This free community celebration features a fully synchronized drone light show visible...
A band poses for a picture on a stage with a crowd of people in the background at the Big Bear Oktoberfest
UPCOMING

Oktoberfest in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest: Lodging Deals, Tickets & Weekend Guide Big Bear Oktoberfest returns this fall with German food, beer tastings, live entertainment, games, dancing, and one of the most popular weekend events in the mountains.
An oil painting of a rustic cabin in a wooded setting is shown, with a title for the Big Bear Plein Air Arts Festival at the bottom, which includes the place name.
UPCOMING

Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition

Big Bear Plein Air: Art in the Mountains Experience the beauty of Big Bear Lake through the eyes of talented plein air artists during the annual Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition. This much-anticipated event gathers skilled painters from across...
Close-up view of Srixon ZX series golf clubs and irons arranged for demo at Bear Mountain Golf Course.
UPCOMING

Golf Demo Day at Bear Mountain Golf Course

Golf Demo Day at Bear Mountain Golf Course Looking to find the perfect clubs to elevate your game? Golf Demo Day at Bear Mountain Golf Course is your chance to discover the latest equipment, get expert fittings, and play in...
A man holds a large rainbow trout with a lure in its mouth, showing off his catch from Big Bear Lake.
UPCOMING

Big Bear Troutfest

Big Bear Lake WON Troutfest Join us for the WON Big Bear Troutfest, a must-attend fishing competition where anglers can compete for exciting prizes, cash awards, and ultimate bragging rights! This event promises thrilling fishing action, a chance to win...

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