Big Bear Valley Events

Big Bear's Signature Events

Visitors and Residents – Activities & Events to Entertain, Inspire and Intrigue You

Big Bear has something special to offer almost any time of the year, whether it is our numerous outdoor activities or our wide variety of events. The following are a few of our signature events that claim Big Bear as their home:

Fourth of July Fireworks Display

Pine Knot Landing – July 4th
(909) 866-4607
Come attend the biggest 4th of July fireworks display in Southern California. The fireworks are shot off from a barge on the Lake directly off of Pine Knot Landing. Don't miss it!

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Big Bear Lake Convention Center – September and October
(909) 585-3000 • Web Site
For six and a half weekends every fall a very special group of people come together in Big Bear for Southern California's party of the season and you're invited to join the celebration! The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest commemorates the traditions of a simpler era. At this event you and your family can partake in the Chicken Dance, amazing entertainment, log sawing competitions, as well as excellent German beer and food, just to name a few. The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest does not disappoint!

Antique Car Club Fun Run

In The Village – August
(909) 866-3938 • Web Site
The Fun Run brings over 500 antique cars to Big Bear’s Village in our biggest car show of the year. This event has everyone reminiscing on the “good-old-days” of the 40s, 50s, and 60s as they stroll down Pine Knot and Village Dr. taking in the astounding display of classic cars and shopping to their heart's content. This free event has something for everyone including food, vendors, and tons of classic rock-n-roll music.

Big Bear Chopper’s Ride the Mountain

Snow Summit – June
(909) 878-4340 • Web Site
This annual event brings roughly 10,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the mountain. With amazing builds, paint jobs, vendors, entertainment, and beer, this event is every motorcyclists dream. So take a drive and ride the mountain!

Run the Bear: Big Bear Lake Marathon

Starts and Finishes on the Lake at Pine Knot Landing – September
(888) 906-9998 • Web Site
Join us and participate in our premier charity event Run the Bear: Big Bear Lake Marathon! Full and Half Marathon, 5K, Bike Tour and Kid's Run. Race course circles the entire lake before finishing on the Lake at Pine Knot Landing 26.2 miles later. Enjoy the fresh air, community, and entertainment all weekend long!

Cowboy Gathering

Performing Arts Center – August
(909)-649-3492 • Web Site
The Big Bear Cowboy Gathering hosts a wide variety of top quality cowboy entertainers, poets and storytellers and is becoming Southern California's premier gathering. With a riverboat gambling cruise on the lake, concerts at the Performing Arts Center, cowboy mercantile, and loads of activities for the chillins, the Gathering has become a cannot miss event for every cowboy aficionado.

Big Bear Lake International Film Festival

Performing Arts Center and Village Theatres – September
(909) 866-3433 • Web Site
The Film Festival screens independent feature films, short films, student films, documentaries, animation, and family films. Jury and Audience Awards are given in each category including separate awards for digital films. For any film maker or film buff this is your chance to not only be in a beautiful place but you also can enjoy some of the world’s up-and-coming films and filmmakers.

Bluegrass, Bluejeans and Beyond Festival

Big Bear Discovery Center – July
(909) 866-3437 • Web Site
An all day festival of Bluegrass, Folk and Country Music from sun-up to sundown. Headliners will be performing at the Discovery Center Amphitheatre with workshops, nature-themed arts & crafts, and other kid-friendly activities taking place on the grounds throughout the day. This event is a fundraiser to benefit "Forest Aid." Your ticket and concession dollars will help support the forest restoration work performed by the San Bernardino National Forest Association.

Big Bear Renaissance Faire

Pederson's Mill – August
(909) 585-7825 • Web Site
Set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, this Faire is an authentic re-creation of an English Summer Faire. Come visit an exciting and vibrant village Faire where you can experience a joust, strolling entertainers, stage performances, beautiful handcrafts, delicious food and drink, children's area and the spirit of the days of William Shakespeare and the Renaissance!

Snowshoe The Bear

In the Village and National Forest Trails – February
(909) 224-9315 • Web Site
A snowshoe event for the entire family with a fully marked 5k or 10k course that starts in the Village and then onto national forest trails. The only snowshoe event in Southern California. You're encouraged to join us at the incredibly beautiful town of Big Bear Lake for this unique winter event.

Big Bear PaddleFest

In Fawnskin – July
(909) 866-3414 • Web Site
Big Bear PaddleFest is a festival of clinics and races for kayaks and canoes on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake. For two days in July, paddlers can test their stamina at 6700 feet, take beginner through advanced clinics, and learn about the latest in paddling gear from vendors and sponsors.

Cal Multi-Sport

Starts and Finishes at Big Bear Discovery Center – July
(909) 224-9315 • Web Site
An exciting new Multi-Sport Event featuring Trail Running and Mountain Biking on the beautiful forest trails on the North Shore of the Lake. For those who like to get outdoors and off the beaten path. Also features a finish festival at the Discovery Center with music, vendors and all sorts of activities for all!

Team Big Bear Mountain Bike Series

On National Forest Trails – May, July and October
(909) 633-6729 • Web Site
Team Big Bear has been promoting mountain bike events in the valley for over 20 years and offers a series of races throughout the season. Most take place on the national forest trails on the south shore of Big Bear Lake.

Old Miners’ Days

Various Locations around the Valley – July and August
(909) 866-4607 • Web Site
Old Miners’ Days is a month worth of fun and activities with a Chili Cook-off, Logger’s Jubilee, Horseshoe Tournament, Children’s Events, and of course the very popular Old Miners’ Days Parade that happens the first Sunday in August. Old Miners’ Days was established in 1957 and celebrates Big Bear’s mining town roots, with an emphasis on the quirky, zany, and fun.

Art on the Lake

Marina Resort – August
(909) 585-2907 • Web Site
For any art enthusiast Art on the Lake is sure to please. With many of our local fine artists showing their photography, painting and jewelry, this event is one of Big Bear’s true treasures. Set on the Shore of Big Bear Lake, visitors are treated to not only talented artists but also beautiful views of Big Bear in its splendor. Also at this event are many of Southern California’s renowned fine artists, as well as a kid’s art area and a catered barbeque. This event is free to the public, but don’t be surprised if you walk away with some amazing art.

Big Bear Pirate Faire

Pederson's Mill – June
(909) 585-7825 • Web Site
Arrrgg me matey! The Big Bear Pirate Faire is full of swashbuckling adventure, battle re-enactments, stage shows, a real live treasure hunt, and of course authentic period food, vendors, and music to boot. This event will have everyone singing “yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me” all the way home.

Christmas in the Village

Locations Vary – November and December
(909) 866-4607
A long standing tradition in Big Bear has become Christmas in the Village. This series of events kicks-off with Santa’s Grand Entrance and Tree Lighting the day after Thanksgiving with Santa coming to town on Old Red, an antique fire truck, guest will also enjoy great Christmas music, hot chocolate, and maybe even snow! Every weekend in December Santa and Mrs. Claus hear children’s Christmas wishes at the Santa House in the Village, and carols roam the Village entertaining holiday shoppers. Tis’ the season and Big Bear celebrates it in style.

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade

Snow Summit – December
(909) 866-5766
Every year on New Year’s Eve the Big Bear ski slopes are lit up with a splendid and inspiring Torchlight Parade. At this event skiers traverse the slopes holding torches as they light the way to a new year. It is always an amazing sight to see and there is no better way to ring in the New Year than with this gorgeous display of lights and the crisp cool winter air of Big Bear.