Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, Worthy Of A Special Road Trip Just for This Event
There are so many reasons to celebrate Oktoberfest, but there are even more reasons to spend it in Big Bear Lake, especially this year as it comes up on its 50th Anniversary.
If authenticity, warmth, fun, and participation are some of the priorities on your list to experience a memorable Oktoberfest, there is no doubt that Big Bear is the place for you. In fact, Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest is such a high demand among locals and tourists, that this year they celebrate their 49th Annual Oktoberfest. That’s right; 49 years running!
Full of fun with a lively, traditional performing troupe and competitions from beer stein holding contests to Hansel & Gretel log sawing contests held around the clock, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest will keep a beer in your hand and a feathered hat on your head until midnight.
Make your Oktoberfest experience complete with an array of traditional, Bavarian cuisine from a mouthwatering menu of bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, pickled eggs and bierknockers. But remember to save room for apple strudel for dessert. Over 70 miles of these famous third-pound wursts, have been enjoyed by Big Bear Oktoberfest over the years. (If you linked the hearty sausages end to end.) Sausages and desserts are brought in from authentic bakeries and butchers to make the goodness extra special.
When it comes to beer there are 25 offerings both domestic and imported. Many of the exact beers poured in Munich are offered, including Warsteiner, Paulaner, King Ludwig, and Dunkel.
Other vendors in the outdoor food court also serve vegan options, vegetarian, and even gluten-free. Everyone is welcome. There’s never a dull moment when you “Oktoberfest” Big Bear Lake-style. Sundays run from 12PM – 6PM and Saturdays from 12PM – 11:30PM. The fun lasts until November 2nd, so plan your Oktoberfest trip to Big Bear Lake right away. The peak-season usually begins in October as September weekends tend to be less crowded while the alpine weather can be still quite warm with cool autumn evenings.
The Big Bear Trolley offers free rides to and from Oktoberfest on Saturdays and Sundays, just in case you decide to enjoy lots of German beer offerings. There is also a wonderful program offered at any food concession. They will kindly provide the designated driver with a wristband good for free non-alcoholic drinks.
Big Bear Lake has always been our number one, top destination in Southern California, adjacent to many of our favorite venues in the region. Big Bear shares the similar alpine feel of Lake Tahoe but it undoubtedly stands alone with its own native charm and laid back lifestyle, affectionately referred to by locals, as being on “Big Bear Time.”
We always plan on making Big Bear a cherished rest stop to cut the driving time on our long road trips home from Disneyland or San Diego, to Northern California.
Whether you’re planning to vacation at Big Bear Lake or make it a spur-of-the-moment stop, finding reasonable and affordable prices in this quaint, hidden jewel is hassle-free. Should you choose to extend your stay, some of the upscale, luxurious cabins that enhance the warmth and charm of Big Bear Lake, will complete your home-away-from-home experience.
If there’s one word to describe Big Bear, it’s: fun. This active little alpine getaway is perfect for party groups, reunions, or couples traveling alone. When the fun was over at the end of our day spent at Big Bear’s Oktoberfest, the party rolled on later into the evening in the comfort of our gorgeous vacation cabin.
You can guess it was hard to get to sleep for continuing the road trip the next day. This was not due to lack of comfort or luxury but just because our cabin was so wonderfully appointed. Complete with a gaming room, upstairs pool table, spacious bedroom suites, TV room, and an on-deck spa underneath the stars, our huge (and when we say huge, we mean huge) cabin truly felt like a home away from home. It even had a full kitchen, several bedrooms, sauna, bar area, and luxuriously comfortable linens, bedding, and toiletries. That’s the kind of experience Big Bear Lake gives you. We stayed in a fabulous vacation cabin that far exceeded our expectations, offered by Resort Town Rentals.
You can stay in lodging similar to ours, or stay in one of many other breathtaking cabins that make Big Bear Lake the magical, all-season gem that it is.
Money can be saved by purchasing your Oktoberfest tickets in advance, online, or by visiting BigBearGuide.com.