Annual Events
MAY: SPARTAN TRIFECTA
Every May, discover the ultimate challenge, the Big Bear Spartan Race! Featuring the Beast, Ultra, and Super distances, this ultimate obstacle course tests not only physical strength, but mental fortitude as well. Be sure to check out the Kids Races as no one is too young to be a Spartan! Which race will you choose?
880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 844-GO2-BEAR
MAY: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GRILL & CHILL BBQ FESTIVAL
The Big Bear Lake Grill & Chill takes place on Memorial Day Weekend and features a sanctioned KC BBQ State Championship Competition. Cooks compete for a $10,000 prize purse and the title of People Choice! Attendees can enjoy sample portions of competition BBQ, relax in the Chill Garden with an ice cold beer or cocktail, browse vendor goods in the Artisan Marketplace, and groove to live music. There’s even a Kids Zone for the littles in your group to enjoy all weekend long.
JUNE 2021: FISHING FOR $50K TROUT DERBY
Everyone is invited to get out on Big Bear Lake for a chance to win big during our Fishin’ For $50k Trout Derby! Five tagged trout – worth $10K each – are released prior to the Derby and await lucky anglers. An additional 25 non-grand prize tagged trout are worth $200 each! Awards are also given for weight classes for both men, women, boys, and girls.
630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 800-424-4232
JULY THRU AUG.: MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
Each summer, the Big Bear Discovery Center hosts Music in the Mountains, a live, outdoor concert series benefiting their education and conservation programs while bringing music to our ears! A mix of bands and genres (including rock, bluegrass, blues, Western and even Celtic) ensures everyone has the opportunity to enjoy one of these amazing shows under the stars at the Discovery Center’s amphitheater. Buy tickets in advance.
40971 North Shore Drive/Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333 909-878-0204
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Ranked as one of California’s top fireworks displays, this brilliant showcase of color is viewable from 22-miles of shoreline and several high peaks overlooking Big Bear Lake. The show usually takes place from 8:45 pm – 9:15 pm with the fireworks shooting off from a barge on the lake off of Pine Knot Landing. Some of the best views are from the north end of the lake.
4TH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY FAIR
A day of fun for the entire family under the pines. Festivities include kids fun, restaurant and artist vendors, & live music. Big Bear Lake Convention Center 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 909-585-3000
ABOVE THE BOOM SNOW SUMMIT FIREWORKS VIEWING
Take the 4th of July to new heights at this viewing party, featuring live music, kids activities, and panoramic views of the fireworks show from the top of Snow Summit. Ride up on the Scenic Sky Chair through the San Bernardino National Forest to the top of the mountain (elev. 8,200 feet). A Southern-style BBQ dinner and family-friendly entertainment like backyard games, face painting, and bounce houses lead up to the grand fireworks finale. 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 Available online or call 844.GO2.BEAR
4TH OF JULY BBQ AT THE MARINA RESORT
This annual event is fun for all ages.There is seating and meals with a DJ and kid games. 40770 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
MISS LIBERTY CRUISE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Watch the fireworks from Miss Liberty, a 64′ long, 24.5′ high Skipperliner 1500 LX built in 1994 and fully refurbished in 2006. She features a fully shaded upper deck, a fully enclosed and heated main salon, modern restrooms, and small group seating areas. Refreshments and snacks are available. Pine Knot Marina; 439 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 909-866-8129
4TH OF JULY FUN RUN AT MEADOW PARK
This annual event is fun for the entire family, offering three running distances: 5K, 10K and 15K. Participate in the costume contest to win a prize. Proceeds support the Bear Valley Search and Rescue.41220 Park Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315909-866-9700
JULY: BIG BEAR CHILI COOK-OFF
More than 40 top chefs compete for a grand cash prize in the ICS World Qualifier Chili Cook-Off. Craft Beer & Wine Chill Garden for adults. Artisan Marketplace for goods by local bakers, craftsmen, services, and more.
Bartlett Event Center located in The Village: 630 Bartlett Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA
AUGUST: TOUR DE BIG BEAR
As the “Cycling Capital of Southern California” this ever road riding event has a route for every level of cyclist: 10k, 25, 50, 70, 106 and a 109 mile course. The 4-day event includes the Big Bear Cycling Expo and Beer Garden, a Poker Ride and a nighttime Glow Ride.
Bear Mountain • 43101 Goldmine Dr., Big Bear, CA 92314 844.GO2.BEAR
AUGUST: ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
More than 500 vintage autos, dragsters, and custom coupes climb the mountain highways to congregate in the Big Bear Village for the popular annual two-day Antique Car Club Fun Run.
Event takes place at the Village of Big Bear Lake
SEPT: FOX U.S. OPEN OF MOUNTAIN BIKING
Featuring a unique Open Pro/Am format, the Fox U.S. Open offers the most challenging competition in the nation. Anyone can enter the Open Class and compete against pros for the massive cash purse and prove where they rank. Amateur athletes gain bragging rights and some of the best prizes in racing. Spectating is FREE; the bike park is open to the public. Join the party and experience epic competition, spectating, and riding with friends!
Snow Summit: 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 844-462-2327
SEPT. THRU NOV.: BIG BEAR LAKE OKTOBERFEST
Notably one of the Valley’s grandest autumn events, this event has attracted thousands of visitors from across the US to enjoy authentic German food, imported brews, Bavarian bands, and traditional dances and competitions like the Queen Stein Carrying Contest.
Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA
