Oktoberfest is so famous that it has inspired many similar festivals in other cities, much to the delight of enthusiastic revelers. This means that you won’t have to travel far to find festivities when the time rolls around. Since you have so many to choose from, you’ll want to be sure to pick one whose surroundings are just as incredible as the celebrations. Our favorite is the Big Bear Oktoberfest, and here’s why.
With a beautiful location by a lake that enjoys a dramatic backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, there is so much to do here—you won’t be limited to the Big Bear Oktoberfest. Request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide for instant access to top recommendations for all the best outdoor recreation, events, dining, and more! Find the perfect cabin and search by location to ensure your cabin is located next to Oktoberfest!
What Is the Big Bear Oktoberfest?
Big Bear Oktoberfest is modeled after the original Oktoberfest held annually in Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest is, above all else, a beer festival. Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest stays true to this focus while adding local influence through vendors and entertainment.
Thousands of people attend this lively celebration yearly at the Convention Center at Big Bear Lake. The Big Bear Oktoberfest begins in September and continues each Saturday and Sunday through to November, making this extravaganza longer than even the original! The Big Bear Oktoberfest is also one of the longest-running Oktoberfests in California, not to mention one of the most authentic, as it was founded 48 years ago by German immigrants Hans and Erika Bandow’s.
There is no fee to attend the Big Bear Oktoberfest. Once inside the convention center, you can purchase beer tickets to exchange for, well, beer. Beers are offered in two different sizes. You are allowed to bring your own stein, though it is subject to the same ticket system. If you have a little too much fun, don’t worry. You can take the complimentary shuttle back to your lodgings.
What Will I Find at the Festival?
Beer
You can, of course, expect to find an incredible array of beers at several different stands. German beers, IPAs, lagers, ales, ciders, mini kegs, craft beer, you name it, you will find it at this festival. If this is your first Oktoberfest, you’ll want to know the difference between the different types of beer:
German beers
Imported German beers.
Craft beers
When small brewers brew beer based on traditional or innovative methods.
IPAs
India Pale Ales usually have a higher alcohol content, as they are made with more hops. They tend to have a more bitter taste.
Lagers
Lagers are fermented at cool temperatures. They can be pale, golden, amber, or dark and tend to have a more clean, crisp taste.
Ales
Ales, on the other hand, are fermented at warm temperatures, which imparts a sweet, full-bodied taste.
Ciders
Ciders are quite sweet as they are made from fermented apples.
Food
There will be just as much food available as beer, and the aromas will make your mouth water! Choose from traditional German fare when your stomach begins to rumble. There will be a variety of sausages, including bratwurst, knockwurst, and polish sausage. Pair these with sauerkraut, warm beer cheese soup, Bavarian dumplings, or apple strudels.
If you don’t have a craving for German-style food, never fear! There will also be American and Tex-Mex food. There are a few options for vegans and vegetarians, too, in the form of veggie burgers, potato dumplings, and pretzels.
Entertainment
However, the fun doesn’t stop with the food! Catch one of the shows from the live bands performing German music, some of which hail from Germany. Marvel at the lively dance groups and partake in one of the many themed contests, like the stein-carrying or the log-sawing contest. If you have little ones with you, there will also be children’s activities like face painting and a bounce house.
Take a break from the libations and stroll down the Budenstrasse (Avenue of the Booths) to peruse the unique arts and crafts from the various vendors. Past offerings have included old-time photography, goods made from alpaca wool, carnival treats like fudge and roasted almonds, and even a place to get your stein engraved.
Book a Cabin today!
Choose from 50+ cabins for your Big Bear vacation! There’s a rental for everyone with pet-friendly options and cabins right on the lake. Every couple and family are sure to find their perfect vacation retreat with homes ranging from one to seven bedrooms. Enjoy different rentals with feature amenities such as private hot tubs, spacious kitchens and fabulous locations.
