Big Bear, California is an amazing vacation destination year-round, but there are certain events and celebrations that really bring this dynamic place to life! When you’re hoping to plan a trip that corresponds to some of the most exciting moments on the calendar, be sure to match up your travel plans with these five Big Bear events.
Artwalk Festival
Hosted every year in July, the Big Bear Artwalk festival is a family-fun event that caters to everyone’s creative side. For many local residents and return visitors, the Artwalk Festival truly kicks off the summer season of fun in Big Bear. Guests to this festival enjoy a multi-day lineup of musical performances, crafts, games and of course, plenty of art on display that’s available for purchase. Featuring nearly every type of medium you could imagine, from sculpture and painting, to mixed media, ceramics, and glass, the art here features a wide variety of styles and tastes available to pursue and purchase. Some artists even offer live demonstrations of their medium, perfect for curious onlookers, especially little ones. There’s no admission fee to attend and those with a passion for pleasing the palate will love the fact this festival includes an on-site wine and beer garden. The beer and wine garden features beer from some of the many wonderful local breweries, including Hangar 24, and a great selection of premium wines. The fun atmosphere is truly felt here, with live music playing all festival long. In addition to great brew, the Artwalk Festival features great food from local restaurants and stellar local food trucks. This is a great event for families and art lovers alike in Big Bear!
Oktoberfest
Grab your Bavarian-inspired apparel and head over to the Big Bear Convention Center in October when Oktoberfest celebrations are in full swing in Big Bear. Oktoberfest is held in Big Bear on weekends from September-November, with the specific dates changing annually. However, tickets go on sale as early as August, as locals and tourists alike love celebrating here! This has been a well-loved tradition in Big Bear for nearly 50 years and continues to bring in large crowds looking for some fun. Oktoberfest features German, local and international beers but also includes live musical performances, plenty of German food as well as crafts, games, and activities that are great for guests of all ages. Although much of Oktoberfest centers around the great beer, the event organizers always ensure that attendees get home safe with the free shuttle service they offer throughout the festival. Also, designated drivers receive unlimited complimentary soda, water, and coffee at the many “Designated Driver Pit Stops” located throughout the festival grounds.
Independence Day Fair
When you’re not enjoying a parade or waiting for fireworks to begin, head over to the Independence Day Fair in Big Bear and enjoy fun for the whole family. This event is hosted at the Big Bear Convention Center annually and includes on-site vendors, food trucks and beverages as well as live music. Plenty of contests are held at the Independence Day Fair, giving everyone a reason to enjoy some friendly competition on the Fourth of July at these Big Bear events.
Bald Eagle Celebration
If you’re traveling to Big Bear in March, make time for a trip to the Big Bear Discovery Center where wildlife biologists host an annual Bald Eagle Celebration. This event is always free to the public and invites guests to come on in and learn more about these amazing winged creatures that make their way to Big Bear every year. Held on the second Saturday of each month from December to March, this is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy between trips to one of the local ski resorts! Meet at the Big Bear Discovery Center between 8 and 8:30am, and then journey to the San Bernardino National Forest to count the eagles and learn more about these amazing birds and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. This is an experience that you are sure to remember!
Renaissance Faire
The Big Bear Valley Renaissance Society invites everyone to take a step back in time and enjoy time at the Renaissance Faire in July. This multi-day event works to recreate amazing historical events and includes costumes, period food, arts, crafts, and music too. One of the main attractions at the Faire is interactions with The Queen. Based on Queen Isabel of Spain, she interacts with guests outside the gates of the Faire before it opens. She then embarks on a royal parade through the Faire, ending with the Children’s Honors Ceremony. This ceremony is special for little ones who attend the Faire, as the Queen pronounces them as a prince or princess for a day and they get their chance for a photo with the Queen! At 1pm daily, Her Majesty’s Chocolatada event occurs. Although you do need a special ticket for this event, you can enjoy a unique interaction with the Queen and partake in this uniquely Spanish drink along with pastries and other refreshments. Guests to these events in Big Bear can enjoy the fun at $18 for adults and $15 for children, while kids under 3 can enter at no cost. All proceeds from the Renaissance Faire go back towards supporting education in the area.
Book a Stay Today for More Fun Events in Big Bear
Enjoy the fun of a Big Bear experience to the fullest by booking accommodations that keep you close to those places you can’t wait to explore. Contact our team today to learn more about our many rental property options in the area.
