Experience Dark Sky Week in Big Bear

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Big Bear this spring, Dark Sky Week is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. Each year, Big Bear celebrates its naturally dark skies—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in Southern California. With minimal light pollution and high elevation, this is one of the best places to see thousands of stars, constellations, and even meteor showers with the naked eye.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a longer stay, this is your chance to slow down, look up, and experience Big Bear in a completely different way.

A night sky with star trails over a lake and trees in SkyFest Big Bear event.

What is Dark Sky Week?

Dark Sky Week is a global initiative focused on protecting our night skies—and Big Bear is one of the few destinations in Southern California where you can truly experience it.
Throughout the week, visitors and locals are encouraged to:

Reduce light pollution
Spend time stargazing
Learn more about astronomy and the natural environment

It’s not just an event—it’s where you find yourself becoming an explorer of Big Bear’s nature, both on the ground and in the sky.

What You Can Experience During Dark Sky Week

Free Sidewalk Astronomy (by Barrel 33 in The Village)

Get up close with telescopes and learn from local experts as you explore the night sky. Events are weather permitting, Check here for cancellations.

Location: 40754 Village Dr.

2026 Dates & Times:

Private Guided Night Hikes

Step into the role of explorer with guided hikes under the stars—where you’ll experience Big Bear’s landscape in a completely different way after dark with Big Bear Hiking Adventure.

Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak

One of the best nights of the week to catch shooting stars.

2026 Stargazing and Must-Sees

Mark these fascinating astronomical events on your calendars and enjoy some time outdoors under the beautiful Big Bear night sky!

Meteor Showers:

April 22: Peak Lyrid meteor shower viewing
May 6: Peak Eta Aquarid meteor shower viewing
August 13: Peak Perseids meteor shower viewing
October 21: Peak Orionid meteor shower viewing
November 17: Peak Leonid meteor shower viewing
December 14: Peak Geminid meteor shower viewing

Eclipses

August 12: Total Solar Eclipse
August 28: Partial Lunar Eclipse

Big Bear Solar Observatory Tours (reservation required)

Tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory! Reservations are required, please call 909-866-5791 x210 or email norro@njit.edu or use the link below. Tours are FREE but donations are welcome.

Book with Online Form

Where to Stay for the Best Stargazing

To really experience Dark Sky Week, where you stay—and where you go—makes all the difference. Big Bear is surrounded by pockets of darker skies, and pairing the right location with the right cabin turns a simple night into something unforgettable. Cabins with decks, hot tubs, and open sky views make it easy to step outside and enjoy the stars without ever leaving your home base.

Here are some of the best places to stargaze—and the cabins nearby to match:

1. Holcomb Valley Road (Darkest Skies)

Located off North Shore Dr, this area sits far from the central valley and offers some of the darkest skies in Big Bear.

Stay nearby: MJ’s Hideaway
Tucked away from main roads with outdoor space that makes it easy to step outside and look up.

Covered Big Bear cabin patio with private hot tub, BBQ grill, and relaxing forest views

2. Woodland & Cougar Crest Trailheads (Fawnskin Area)

National forest trailheads with minimal light pollution and wide-open sky views (Adventure Pass required).

Stay nearby: Eagle Nest North
Step outside your cabin and straight into one of Big Bear’s darkest skies.

Big Bear mountain cabin deck with outdoor seating, hot tub, and peaceful forest surroundings

3. PCT Crossover on Hwy 18 (Scenic Turnout)

A quiet turnout along Hwy 18 toward Lucerne where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses—ideal for uninterrupted night sky viewing (be mindful of traffic).

Stay nearby: Lakeview-style homes near Boulder Bay like Shoney Bear Cabin
Stay close to one of Big Bear’s best stargazing corridors with easy access to this scenic route.

Big Bear cabin backyard with hot tub, fire pit, outdoor gazebo, and spacious patio area

4. Ranger Rd 2N08 / Towne Trail (Hidden Gem Hike)

Accessed from The Village, this steep trail leads to a clearing with expansive, open night sky views.

Stay nearby: Upper Moonridge homes like Edgar’s Hideaway
Elevated positioning with a balance of accessibility and reduced light pollution.

Spacious Big Bear cabin balcony with wooden deck seating and scenic mountain forest views

Book with confidence! Recognized by Airbnb for quality.

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

Find Events Happening During Your Stay

An outdoor concert scene with a crowd of people watching a band perform on a stage lit with purple lights at Big Bear

Music in the Mountains

Music in the Mountains – Big Bear’s Unmissable Summer Concert Event Music in the Mountains is a five-show tribute concert series held every summer at the Big Bear Discovery Center Amphitheater, presented by the Southern California Mountains Foundation. This event...

Image of the stars at night over the mountains in Big Bear California

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...

Red classic lowrider car displayed at an outdoor car show with other vintage cars lined up behind it.

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,...

Young girl smiling while riding a mechanical bull at an outdoor fair with people and tents in the background

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....

Families and children participating in Easter egg hunt at Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt at Sunnybrook Estate in Big Bear Easter Egg Hunt at Sunnybrook Estate in Big Bear Lake celebrates spring through a day of festive activities which include games and Easter celebrations at the event. The event offers guests...

Angler holding large fish during Big Bear Lake fishing event

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...

Craft beer being poured from tap at Big Bear Grill and Chill event during Memorial Day weekend

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...

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

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....