Big Bear Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest

Celebrate fall in Big Bear with the valley’s most creative seasonal event!  Local residents and businesses are invited to design unique scarecrows and Día de los Muertos displays, showcasing talent, community spirit, and festive creativity. This contest is a highlight of the Big Bear fall season, attracting locals and visitors eager to experience the charm of autumn in the mountains.

Halloween-themed decorations on a porch of a house participating in the Big Bear Scarecrow Contest.
Destination Big Bear sign decorated with Halloween items pumpkins skulls at the monument sign
A vibrant display of sugar skulls and colorful flowers celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Big Bear.

Find a Big Bear Cabin Rental

Why You Should Join the Contest

Get involved in this exciting Big Bear community tradition and enjoy:

  • A chance to win $9,600 in prizes for both local businesses and residents.
  • Recognition through special Visit Big Bear memberships for business winners.
  • An opportunity to connect with the Big Bear community and showcase your creativity during the vibrant fall season.

How to Participate

  • Register online to secure your spot in the contest.
  • Design and decorate your scarecrow or Día de los Muertos display.
  • Share your creation with the Big Bear community and be part of a beloved seasonal celebration.
Click here to register

Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest: Destination Big Bear!

Join the valley-wide fall festivities with the Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest! Locals and businesses come together to create unique displays, compete for exciting prizes, and celebrate the season in Big Bear. This beloved community event brings creativity, fun, and festive spirit to the heart of the valley.

  • Organizer: Visit Big Bear

  • Venue: Big Bear Visitor Center

  • Location: Big Bear Lake, CA

  • Address: 40824 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

  • Dates: October 1, 2025 – November 3, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Registration:  Click here  ( Registration Deadline is September 21, 2025 )

  • More Info:  Click here

Find a Big Bear cabin rental for a perfect fall getaway to see all the spooky and sweet creations

Pet Friendly Rentals in big bear man on beach with dog
Luxury Rentals in Big Bear collection image of high-end kitchen
Lakefront Rentals in Big Bear a high-end living room with lakefront view
Big Bear Cabins with Hot Tub outside
0 days
0 hours
0 min
0 sec

Event Details

  • Start Date 10/01/2025 9:00 AM
  • End Date 11/03/2025 5:00 PM
  • Status COMPLETED
  • Location Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Venue Big Bear Visitor Center
  • Address 40824 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
  • More Info: Click here

Add to Calendar

Event Map

The Latest

A person stands on the shore, fishing in Big Bear Lake with other boats visible in the distance.

Things to Do in April in Big Bear

April in Big Bear: Fishing, Hiking & Spring Adventures April in Big Bear Lake is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures as spring arrives in the mountains. The lake offers visitors fishing opportunities together with scenic hiking trails and...

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

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...

A giant fish sculpture with a cartoon fisherman on a boat at Big Bear Lake, promoting fishing and outdoor activities.

Captain John’s Marina

Captain John’s Marina: A Relaxing Boating Experience on Big Bear Lake A relaxing experience of Big Bear Lake is available for your mountain getaway through Captain John’s Marina which provides the best lakeside experience in Fawnskin. The marina serves as...

A stream of red wine is being poured into a clear wine glass against a dark background at Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk Get ready, wine lovers! Destination Big Bear is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Big Bear Lake Wine Walk this June. This premier Big Bear event which takes place in the...

Event Details

    0 days
    0 hours
    0 min
    0 sec
  • Start Date 10/01/2025 9:00 AM
  • End Date 11/03/2025 5:00 PM
  • Status COMPLETED
  • Location Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Venue Big Bear Visitor Center
  • Address 40824 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
  • More Info: Click here

Add to Calendar

Upcoming Events

Snowboarders celebrating under a giant Red Bull Roll the Dice inflatable dice at Bear Mountain during a snowy event in Big Bear.

Red Bull Roll The Dice | Big Bear

03/28/2026

9:00 AM

Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

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

Big Bear Boating Opening Day

04/01/2026

8:00 AM

East Public Launch Ramp

Big Bear Lake, CA

Big Bear Lake, CA

A person in a suit skis across a pond of water at the Bear Break pond skimming event at Big Bear Mountain Resort, with spectators watching from the snowy slope.

Bear Break | Big Bear Spring Break Party

04/04/2026

8:30 AM

Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

An image of a plate with a cooked steak, roasted potatoes, and a side salad, with a lit fireplace in the blurry background.

Restaurant Week in Big Bear

04/05/2026

8:00 AM

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, CA

652 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A group of people dressed in banana costumes runs into the freezing cold water at the Polar Plunge in Big Bear, with spectators watching from the snowy shoreline.

Big Bear Polar Plunge

04/18/2026

11:00 AM

Veterans Park

Big Bear Lake, CA

40870 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

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.

Spartan Race in Big Bear

05/16/2026

7:00 AM

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Lake, CA

880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

Four friends in traditional German attire are raising their steins and smiling at the Maifest festival in Big Bear.

Big Bear Maifest

05/23/2026

1:00 PM

Big Bear Lake Convention Center

Big Bear Lake, CA

42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A person is basting chicken wings on a grill at Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake BBQ Festival

05/23/2026

12:00 PM

Meadow Park

Big Bear Lake, CA

41220 Park Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

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.

Memorial Day 5K Run in Big Bear Lake

05/24/2026

7:30 AM

The Village

Big Bear Lake, CA

40641 Lakeview Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A red trolley bus with gold trim and arched windows, known for being a popular mode of transportation and tour vehicle in Big Bear.

Big Bear Fishing for 50K Trout Derby

05/30/2026

6:00 AM

Marina Riviera

Big Bear Lake, CA

40770 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

A stream of red wine is being poured into a clear wine glass against a dark background at Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Village Wine Walk

06/20/2026

2:30 PM

The Village

Big Bear Lake, CA

645 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315

Highlander Adventure comes to Big Bear Lake

Highlander Hiking Event Comes to Big Bear

06/23/2026

7:00 AM

Garstin Trailhead Parking Lot

Big Bear Lake, CA

41798, Garstin Drive, Big Bear Lake, California, 92315

A runner participates in the Hoka Kodiak Ultra Marathons at Big Bear, with the race logo superimposed on the natural landscape.

Kodiak Ultra Marathons

10/08/2026

9:00 AM

Big Bear Village

Big Bear Lake, CA

40729 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315