Highlights
Big Bear Oktoberfest is held at the Big Bear Events Center on weekends from mid-September through October. Expect German and craft beer, brats, schnitzels, pretzels, live polka and rock bands, stein-hoisting contests, and costume competitions at 6,752 feet. Tickets are approximately $15–$25 at the door. Arrive before noon for easiest parking.
Last Updated: May 2026
What to Expect
Big Bear Oktoberfest is organized around the same structure as most Oktoberfests: a large indoor/outdoor event space with beer stations, food vendors, entertainment stages, and room to move around. At 6,752 feet, you'll notice the altitude in the temperature — September evenings in Big Bear drop into the 50s°F even when afternoons are mild. Bring a layer.
Scale: This is a community-scale festival, not a stadium event. The Big Bear Events Center accommodates several hundred people comfortably. It's festive and energetic without being overwhelming. You can hear the band, find a table, and have a conversation without shouting.
Atmosphere: The mountain setting gives this Oktoberfest something flat-city versions don't have. You're surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, the village is five minutes away on foot, and the overall scale feels proportional to the town. This is Big Bear celebrating fall, not a corporate tent pop-up.
Beer and Food
Beer
The beer lineup varies by year but typically includes:
- German imports: Spaten, Hofbräu, Paulaner — the traditional Oktoberfest lagers served in proper one-liter steins
- California craft: Local and regional craft options for those who prefer a West Coast IPA or amber
- Non-alcoholic options: German-style sodas, apple cider, sparkling water
Stein-hoisting contest: A staple of the festival — participants hold a full one-liter stein extended at arm's length for as long as possible. Both serious competitors and casual participants enter. It's reliably entertaining to watch even if you don't participate.
Food
German festival food is the draw:
- Bratwurst and German sausages — grilled on-site, served in a bun with mustard and kraut
- Pretzels — large Bavarian-style, served with mustard or cheese dip
- Schnitzel — breaded and fried, typically pork or chicken, served with roasted potatoes
- Spätzle — soft egg noodles, usually served with butter or cheese (Käsespätzle)
- Strudel and German pastries — apple strudel, Berliner doughnuts, Black Forest cake
Budget: Plan for $20–$40 per person for food, depending on appetite. Beer is additional — typical event pricing per pour.
Entertainment
Live music runs throughout each session on the main stage, typically featuring:
- Polka band sets with call-and-response crowd participation
- Traditional German folk music blending into rock and pop for later sets
- DJ between live sets for continuous energy
Costume contest: One of the highlights. Traditional dirndls and lederhosen dominate, but creative interpretations are welcome. The contest usually happens mid-afternoon with judging by crowd response.
Stein-hoisting contest: Typically run multiple times per session. No entry fee — sign up at the event.
Kids programming: Designated family areas with non-alcoholic options and age-appropriate entertainment. Big Bear Oktoberfest is genuinely family-friendly during daytime hours.
Building a Full Big Bear Fall Day Around Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest typically runs afternoon sessions, which makes it easy to build a complete fall day:
Morning (8–10am): Hike Castle Rock Trail — a 2-mile round-trip with dramatic granite formations and views across Big Bear Lake. One of the best short hikes in the San Bernardino Mountains and especially good in fall when the crowds thin.
Late morning (10am–noon): Walk the Village on Big Bear Boulevard. The Village has shops, coffee, and the lakefront. Big Bear Lake in fall (after Labor Day) is significantly quieter than summer and the walk is pleasant.
Afternoon (noon–5pm): Oktoberfest. Arrive before noon for parking ease and good table selection. Sessions typically run through the late afternoon.
Evening: Big Bear Lake Brewing Company on Panorama Drive for craft beer in a more relaxed setting, or dinner at one of the Village restaurants. If you're staying the night: Big Bear's skies are dark enough for good stargazing — fall nights are among the clearest of the year at 6,752 feet.
Getting There and Parking
From Los Angeles (2–2.5 hours):
- I-10 east → I-30/210 east → Hwy 18 east (Rim of the World Drive) to Big Bear
- OR: I-10 east → Hwy 38 east through Redlands and Mentone (more gradual climb, often faster on busy weekends)
From San Diego (2.5 hours):
- I-15 north → I-215 north → I-10 west → Hwy 30 north → Hwy 18 east
- Or: I-15 north → Hwy 138 west → Hwy 18 east
Parking: Free parking is available near the Big Bear Events Center. On peak October weekends, arrive before noon to avoid the walk. The town has multiple paid and free lots within a short walk of the Events Center.
Chain control: October brings occasional early-season snow above 6,000 feet. Check Caltrans chain control requirements before leaving home — Hwy 18 can require chains after snowfall.
Lodging Tips
Big Bear fills up fast for Oktoberfest weekends. Book lodging 4–6 weeks ahead for September and October weekends.
Options:
- Cabins and vacation rentals — Airbnb and VRBO have the widest selection in Big Bear; A-frame cabins are the classic mountain experience
- Lakeside lodges — A handful of small lodges on the south shore have lake views; book early
- Motel options — More budget-friendly; located along Big Bear Boulevard
Timing note: Friday arrival and Sunday departure works better than Saturday-only trips — Saturday crowds in the Village and at the festival peak between 11am–4pm, but Friday evening and Sunday morning are dramatically quieter.
Insider Tips
Go on a September weekend, not October. September sessions have smaller crowds than the peak October weekends. The weather is similar and you'll have more room to move.
Arrive before noon. Parking fills and the event gets noticeably more crowded after 1pm on peak weekends.
Bring a real jacket for the evening. Big Bear at 6,752 feet drops 20–25 degrees after sunset even in September. October evenings can be legitimately cold.
The Rim of the World drive is part of the experience. Hwy 18 climbs 5,000 feet through chaparral and into pine forest before the final stretch into Big Bear. Pull off at one of the viewpoints on the way — the views south toward the San Bernardino Valley are excellent and often overlooked by people focused on getting there.
Check the Events Center website for exact dates. The festival runs on specific weekends in September and October. Not every weekend is active — some years have one or two dark weekends between sessions.
FAQs
Q: Is Big Bear Oktoberfest the same as Munich Oktoberfest? No — it's a California mountain town's tribute to the tradition, not an official Munich event. But the format is genuine: German beer in proper steins, traditional food, polka bands, and costume contests. It's festive and fun without pretending to be something it isn't.
Q: How much are tickets to Big Bear Oktoberfest? Approximately $15–$25 at the door for most sessions. Pricing can vary slightly by year and by session (weekday vs. weekend). Check the Big Bear Events Center website for current 2026 pricing before visiting.
Q: Is Big Bear Oktoberfest kid-friendly? Yes. Daytime sessions are family-friendly with dedicated areas for families, non-alcoholic options, and age-appropriate entertainment. The event becomes more adult-oriented in the later afternoon sessions.
Q: Is there parking at Big Bear Oktoberfest? Yes — free parking is available near the Events Center. Arrive before noon on peak October weekends to avoid the longer walk from overflow lots.
Q: Can I walk from my cabin to the festival? Depending on where you're staying. The Big Bear Village area and properties along Big Bear Boulevard are walkable to the Events Center (5–15 minutes). Properties on the north shore or farther east typically require driving.