Fall is about to look a little different in Big Bear, where one of the mountain town’s biggest annual celebrations is set to stretch across an entire 10 weekends. From mid-September through November, visitors can head up to the mountains for German food, live music, giant beer steins, traditional contests, dancing, and plenty of seasonal fun.
It’s a particularly good excuse for a weekend trip from L.A., since the festivities run well beyond the typical single-weekend festival. You can make a day of it around Big Bear Lake, stay overnight in the mountains, or simply head up for an afternoon and evening of food, music, and beer.
What is Oktoberfest?
The original Oktoberfest dates back to Munich, Germany, where the first celebration was held in 1810 for the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. What began as a royal celebration eventually became the enormous annual festival held in Munich today, and versions of it now take place all over the world.
Big Bear has been putting its own spin on the tradition for decades. The local celebration began in the 1970s and has grown into one of Southern California’s longest-running Oktoberfest events. It brings together Bavarian-inspired food, German beer and traditional entertainment, while adding the distinctly mountain-town setting that makes a visit to Big Bear feel like a fall getaway. The event draws visitors from across Southern California every year and has become one of Big Bear’s signature fall traditions. And despite the name, you don’t have to know your way around a beer hall to enjoy it. There are family activities, live entertainment, German specialties, games, competitions, and a free trolley service that makes getting around the area easier.
What to expect at Big Bear Oktoberfest
The Big Bear Oktoberfest takes place at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, where the festival is divided between the indoor Bier Hall and an outdoor High Altitude Bier Garten. Live music is a major part of the experience, with German and Bavarian-style bands performing throughout the season. Expect plenty of dancing, singalongs and the kind of communal atmosphere that makes Oktoberfest more than just a place to grab a beer.
Food is another big draw. The menu includes bratwurst, knockwurst, kielbasa, sauerkraut, Bavarian dumplings, beer cheese soup and oversized soft pretzels, along with German desserts like apple strudel. There are also several German beer options, including Spaten, Franziskaner, Warsteiner and König Ludwig.
Then come the competitions. Guests can watch — or in some cases participate in — stein-holding contests, log-sawing competitions and the Queen Stein Carrying Contest. There are also beer-drinking races and other activities scheduled throughout the weekends.
One of the more useful details for visitors is the free Big Bear Trolley, which connects the festival with more than 30 stops around the Big Bear Valley. It runs into the evening and can save you from dealing with parking and driving after a few drinks.
Key details
📅 Dates: September 12 through November 14, 2026
🎉 How long: The celebration spans 10 weekends, with different programming throughout the season
📍 Where: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd.
🚎 Getting around: A free Big Bear Trolley serves more than 30 stops around the valley and runs until late evening
🎟️ Tickets: General admission varies by day and entry time, with additional options for VIP experiences
