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big bear lake, ca

Summer Lakefest

Big Bear Lakefest

Dive into the ultimate summer escape with Lakefest happening this August 28th - 29th, 2026!

LakeFest is not just a festival, it's a playground of endless fun for the whole family. Join us for a weekend that promises memories as vibrant as the sunsets over the Big Bear Lake!

Register for the ultimate paddle and swim races and stay for the live entertainment. This is a family friendly event and all ages are welcome.



Event Date, Time & Place

August 28th - 29th, 2026
From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Located at Ski Beach Park, 41216 Park Ave

An overhead view of swimmers going towards the viewer during an event called Swim The Bear in Big Bear Lake California.

Additional LakeFest Events

To Be Announced...

Big Bear Paddlefest

  • 6:00PM - Registration and Boat Drop
  • 6:30PM - Race Briefings

Sunday, June 28th

Swim the Bear
  • 7:00AM - 20K Race Start (2 - 4 hours)
  • 7:30AM - 2.4 Mile Swim (1 - 2 hours)
  • 8:30AM - 10K Race Start (1 - 2 hours)
  • 9:00AM - 1.2 Mile Swim (30 min - 1 hr)
  • 9:30AM - 5K Race Start (30 min - 1 hr)

Transportation

LakeFest joins Mountain Transit and Big Bear Cycling Association to promote alternate modes of transportation to the event, all weekend long. The LakeFest event location at Ski Beach will have NO on-site parking. We recommend:

  • Grab your bike and pedal to the park. Use the bike valet to earn a FREE beer coupon!
  • Hop on the Free Big Bear Trolley from multiple locations in town.
  • Park at the satellite lot on Fox Farm and Garstin Dr and use the free shuttles from 12 PM - 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Disclaimer

All patrons are subject to search upon arrival. LakeFest is a rain or shine event and will proceed except in cases of unsafe weather conditions.

For Press/Media inquiries, please contact: media@elevatedsocal.com.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact: vendor@elevatedsocal.com.



Course Details & Route Maps



Swim Lakefest

Sunday, June 28th, 2026

Dive in for the Open Water Swim Race! The 1.2 mile AND 2.4 mile
course will start on the sand at Swim Beach, head out to the tip of
Eagle Point and return.

Register Now

A digital course map for the Big Bear Paddlefest - the red arrows lead around the shoreline and bouys, ending at Swim Beach.
Click To Expand
A digital course map for the Big Bear Paddlefest - there are two race lengths, the blue line for 20k and orange for 10k & 5k.
Click To Expand



Paddle Lakefest

Registration & Starting Date / Time To Be Announced...

Ready your paddles and kayaks for an exciting lake-wide competition, the Dooley Classic!