Fresh mountain air: Check. Lakefront village beauty: Check. A slower pace where you can reconnect with loved ones: Check. Awesome events to fill your summer vacation with fun: Big check! Big Bear checks all these boxes and more to deliver a summer vacation that will have you coming back next year, and other times throughout the year, too. Check out the best Big Bear summer events below!
Fishin’ for $50K Trout Tournament
Cast a line into Big Bear Lake in search of your next big fish story this summer. Just reeling one in is a prize in itself, but there will be five of the 30 tagged trout that will be worth $10,000 each. Catch all five for a total of $50,000! This year, a select Anniversary Tournament Champion will win $2,500.
Weight class prizes are given for adult and child anglers, as well as raffle prizes of new fishing equipment in both categories. This year’s event is June 8 & 9. Register to fish online at the Big Bear events page, and see the schedule, rules, and other information.
Big Bear Lake Carp Round-Up
Cast a line, win prizes, and help keep Big Bear Lake clean and healthy. Carp are an invasive species to Big Bear Lake, and the annual event helps control the population. The event is sponsored by the Big Bear Municipal Water District (BBMWD) and attracts hundreds of hunters and anglers from across the country.
Prizes are awarded for 1st-3rd places in shoreline bowfishing, boat bowfishing, and ‘fishing only’ hunters. Other prizes include Biggest Goldfish, Biggest Carp (by weight), Smallest Carp (by weight), Biggest Catfish (by weight), and an optional 50/50 Biggest Carp side pool.
Find the registration form, as well as a list of rules, online on the Big Bear events page. One child 13 & under is free with each paid adult hunter.
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
One of the biggest celebrations of the summer in the U.S. is the 4th of July. We celebrate our independence and birth as a nation of our own. The July 4th holiday is a popular time for a summer getaway, as well as fireworks shows and other events. Big Bear doesn’t skimp on the festivities. Fireworks explode over Big Bear Lake in a free show sponsored by local radio station KBHR – where you can hear musical accompaniment on their 93.3 and 102.5 FM stations. The event takes place Thursday, July 4, 2024. It starts between 8:45 and 9:15 p.m. and runs approximately 30-40 minutes in length.
Above the Boom With These Big Bear Summer Events
Take scenic sky chair ride for the best view of the fireworks in the house! Other activities include a DJ and more. The event is located at Snow Summit, 880 Snow Summit Blvd in Big Bear. It takes place July 4, 2024, 7-10 p.m. – in conjunction with the fireworks spectacular. Tickets are required and go on sale in June.
Tour de Big Bear
The bike race cuts through Big Bear’s beautiful mountain scenery for a 5K, or 25-, 50-, 70-, or 100-mile course. New this year are two 25/50 mile “Dirty Cub”/”Dirty Bear” gravel rides. E-bikes are allowed on the road events only, but you will be exempt from winning certain awards. Adaptive cyclists are welcome and encouraged to participate as well – get in touch with Big Bear Cycling to discuss your needs.
Riders can register online, or there will be on-site registration on a first-come/first-serve basis. The main event is August 3, 2024. Additional rides include the Poker Ride or Glow Ride on August 2, and the Recovery Ride on August 4. Sign up for all events on the Big Bear event website.
Bonus: Highlander Adventure
Even if you’re not a Scout, it’s always good to ‘be prepared.’ That means for anything from a home emergency to being lost in the mountains. Get “lost” in the mountains of Big Bear this summer and put your survival skills to the test. The event tests each participant’s resourcefulness and preparedness for what might come next. There are a range of adventures to choose from, including the 1-day, 15-mile Highlander Lyra, all the way up to the 5-day, 103-mile Ursa Major adventure.
Participants will be responsible for obtaining a sleeping system and cooking system for themselves, a compass, minimum of 2 liters of water to start, and basic first aid supplies.
Register on the Highlander Adventure website. The event takes place June 19-23, 2024.
Summer 2024 Fun in Big Bear
You came to the area for a fun getaway this summer to release the stresses of everyday life and celebrate the fun and exciting events of summer. Start with your accommodations when you book a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make the family’s favorite home-cooked meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Gather together on the couch and watch a movie or TV show, recount your event experiences, or spend some time outdoors near your rental.
Choose a cozy one-bedroom for your solo or sweetheart event getaway or combine units for a custom Big Bear experience to enjoy the top Big Bear events.
