30+ confirmed events for 2026 — festivals, races, concerts, markets & holiday celebrations in the San Bernardino Mountains
A valley-wide dining celebration with specials at participating restaurants. Hosted by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Bear. Book weekend dinner reservations early.
Confirmed 2026End-of-season spring party at Bear Mountain with pond skim competitions, live entertainment, and mountain vibes. Free registration; pond skim requires lift ticket or season pass. Waiver required.
Confirmed 2026Brave the freezing waters of Big Bear Lake for charity! Minimum $50 donation to plunge. Includes family fun area and vendor booths (weather dependent). Costumes encouraged! A fundraiser for Special Olympics Inland Empire.
Confirmed 2026High-altitude obstacle course race at 8,200 ft elevation. Sprint, Super, and Beast distances plus Kids Race and Adaptive races. One of the most challenging Spartan courses in the country.
Confirmed 2026A spring celebration with German-inspired food, music, and fun! Ticketed event with trolley/rideshare encouraged due to limited parking. Great way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend.
Confirmed 2026Annual run/walk through Big Bear during Memorial Day weekend programming. Registration-based via RunSignUp. A great community event to kick off the long weekend.
Confirmed 2026Big Bear's premier fishing tournament with $50,000 in prizes. Entries limited to 1,000 anglers. Adult and kid categories with scheduled fishing hours, weigh station, and awards ceremony.
Confirmed 2026Season-long fishing challenge: May 1 – Aug 31, 2026. No registration needed — just catch carp and bring them for tally at the Municipal Water District office. Prizes for adult and youth divisions.
Confirmed 2026A scenic endurance trail run through historic Holcomb Valley, including portions near the Pacific Crest Trail. Registration-based; serves as a fundraiser for local volunteer search & rescue support.
Confirmed 2026Part of the global Make Music Day celebration. Over 100 musicians and bands perform at 18+ business locations throughout the village and Moonridge corridor. Free public performances all day long.
Confirmed 2026A multi-day guided hiking adventure through the San Bernardino Mountains. Registration-based with multiple route difficulty options. An immersive backcountry experience with camping and community.
Confirmed 2026Big Bear's signature Independence Day fireworks show over the lake — the biggest event of the year! Visible from shore all around the lake. Plan parking and viewing early; vantage points fill fast. Even in July, nighttime temps drop — bring a layer.
Confirmed 2026Watch the July 4th fireworks from above on Snow Summit's scenic chair ride. A unique elevated viewing-party experience connected to the lakefront fireworks show. Ticketing likely for lift access.
Confirmed 2026Championship-level professional downhill mountain biking event at Snow Summit's bike park. Spectator-friendly. Details and schedules typically finalized closer to the event.
Confirmed 2026A lakeside festival with race components and whole-family programming at Ski Beach Park. Registration links available for race elements. A great summer day at the lake with food, activities, and community spirit.
Confirmed 2026Premier scenic road cycling event. Jul 31 – Aug 2, 2026. Over nine event components plus family-friendly activities. Multiple distance options with challenging climbs. Adaptive categories available.
Confirmed 2026The Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club presents approximately 500 classic cars each year. A 3-day show in The Village and Bartlett lot. Spectator access is generally free.
Confirmed 2026A challenging mountain obstacle/endurance event welcoming kids and families. Registration required; free parking. Spectators can purchase sky chair access for elevated viewing.
Confirmed 2026Motocross racing at Bear Mountain with race classes ranging from youngsters to 60+. Multi-day motorsports event. A unique mountain motorsports experience.
Confirmed 2026A stunning aerial drone light show over Big Bear Lake for Labor Day. Launched from Pine Knot Marina and visible from multiple lakeside areas. Hosted by Visit Big Bear. Free spectator viewing — arrive early for the best spots.
Confirmed 2026The RodRiders Car Club of Big Bear presents 100+ classic and custom cars at the Convention Center during Labor Day weekend. Free admission for spectators. A great pairing with the evening drone show!
Confirmed 2026The legendary obstacle course race comes to Big Bear's mountain terrain. Registration via Tough Mudder; spectator passes available. A grueling endurance challenge with mountain elevation adding extra difficulty.
Confirmed 2026A 2-day fishing festival organized by Western Outdoor News with entry limits of 600 anglers. Described as "perfect for the entire family." BBMWD events list links to this partner event.
Confirmed 2026Big Bear's legendary Oktoberfest — one of the longest-running in California! Traditional German-style festival with bratwurst, pretzels, craft beer, live polka bands, dancing, contests, and kid-friendly activities. Typically runs early Sep through early Nov on select weekends. "Locals free Sundays" promos available.
2026 dates coming soonWorld-class ultramarathon through the San Bernardino National Forest. Multiple distances: 10K, 21K, 50K, 50-mile, and 100-mile. Runner check-in Oct 8–9. Challenging mountain terrain attracting elite runners worldwide.
Confirmed 2026A Halloween-themed daytime event with costumes, trick-or-treating, and kid-friendly activities at the Alpine Zoo. Typically held on a Saturday in late October. Confirm date closer to Halloween.
Date not yet publishedA festive evening light experience at the zoo, running Wed–Sun evenings from Nov 6 through Jan 4. Walk through illuminated animal exhibits and thousands of holiday lights. $20 tickets — reserve early. Dress warmly.
Confirmed 2025–26 SeasonKick off the holiday season with carols, Santa visits, hot cocoa, and the annual tree lighting in The Village. Hosted by the City of Big Bear Lake. Arrive early for parking and bring layers.
Date not yet publishedAnnual December holiday decoration contest where homes and businesses compete for the best festive displays. Drive through the valley to see spectacular light displays. 2026 details and dates will be announced later.
Dates TBA for 2026Ring in the New Year with a spectacular torchlight parade down the slopes of Snow Summit. Skiers and snowboarders carry flares down the mountain, followed by fireworks over the lake. Free to watch from the base area.
Annual Dec 31Winter is prime time for bald eagle viewing — typically December through March. Guided eagle watching tours run from the Big Bear Discovery Center. Bring binoculars and never approach nests. Eagle Hub →
Annual SeasonWeekend snow play is a winter staple — tubing, snow play areas, and family-friendly mountainside fun. Buy tickets ahead when possible and always check road conditions before driving up.
Seasonal (conditions vary)These recurring series run on a weekly or seasonal schedule — perfect for planning around your visit dates.
Local produce, food vendors, and artisan goods at Meadow Park (41220 Park Ave). Go early for best selection. Evenings cool off fast — bring a layer.
Morning market at the Convention Center with fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors. A great way to start your day in Big Bear.
Free live music in The Village and at various venues. Family-friendly summer evenings. Pack a light jacket — Big Bear nights cool off quickly.
Summer concert series at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Check BigBear.com for the latest schedule once published.
Big Bear sits at 6,750 ft elevation. Nights are always cooler than you expect. NOAA averages for packing — not forecasts.
Full Weather Hub → | Winter travelers: Check Caltrans road conditions & carry chains Nov–Apr.