Attracting over 40,000 visitors every year, The Big Bear Oktoberfest offers authentic German food, great beer, and reggae music. World renown, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest will kick off its 48th season in September. Much as it has done over the past several decades, it will continue bringing tourists, local residents, and Oktoberfest vendors into the quaint mountain village. Organized by the California State Fair, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest takes place yearly during the beautiful summer months of May and June. Since the festival is not held on the same day each year, it is celebrated on a Saturday, at the beginning of the third day of Oktoberfest, also German Oktoberfest.
For visitors driving through Northern California, a trip to the Big Bear Lake area may be just what they are looking for to break away from the stressful routine of work and school. Driving through the mountains and down the mountain roads provides one with a scenic experience. If you are looking for a peaceful experience, there is no better way than to spend your days at one of the many outdoor attractions in the area. There are a wide variety of attractions located around the lake, including hiking, riding, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and car washes. The entire area is filled with fun and excitement, all during the months of October, November, and December. The festivals in Big Bear Lake run for a three-day period starting on Saturday, before moving on Sunday, and ending on Wednesday, in preparation for Oktoberfest, which takes place on the same weekend each year.
Big Bear Oktoberfest features live music from a variety of areas and German bands. It is also the day that the free admission starts. Also featured are authentic German food and beer, German dance performances by German bands as well as free performances from local restaurants and eateries. Visitors can partake in the ” Beer Garden,” which has special themed gardens for the visiting brewmasters. The festival also includes an Oktoberfest parade that begins at 11 am.
The festival officially concludes with a huge outdoor concert by a combination of folk artists and local Cali folks. The highlight of the evening is a chicken dance by the local chicken dance group, featuring performers consisting of members of Big Bear Mountain Singers and a band or more. Other performers include the Big Bear Mountain Boys, Alprazia, and several other area native groups. On the first two Saturdays, the stein march is performed by the German contingent of the Parade of Roses, made up of a marching band and drum corps. On the second two days, the parade itself goes by, while the participants enjoy dancing to live music.