Oktoberfest
Stay tuned for 2023 festival info!
Herzlich Willkommen!
Located in a quiet, forested town, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest continuously ranks among the top Southern California festivals year after year. This authentic German celebration highlights family, friendship, and togetherness.
German Feast & Beer, Prost!
Come hungry for a German feast fit for a king. Enjoy bratwurst, knockwurst, or kielbasa with home-style sauerkraut or German potato salad (served warm), Bavarian potato dumplings, beer cheese soup, and colossal, mega-sized pretzels. Save room for desert because the fresh German apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce drizzled on top is a dream come true for taste buds!
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest also has a solid reputation for its wide selection of German beers like Spaten (lager and Oktoberfest), Franziskaner, Warsteiner (pilsner and dunkel) and Konig Ludwig. There are two full-service bars located inside the Convention Center and four different beer gardens outside, which includes The High-Altitude Beer Garden, The Sports Garten, Warsteiner Bier Garten and the Tiki Bar.
Traditional Contests & Live Music
Oktoberfest contests and games are designed to give revelers a chance to compete for prizes and bragging rights, which include stein holding matches, log sawing competitions, the safe slam beer drinking races (non-alcoholic), and the annual Queen Stein Carrying Contest.
Operation Get Home Safe!
Hop on the Free Big Bear Trolley for a complimentary ride to/from the Big Bear Lake Convention Center (home to Oktoberfest). With over 30 bus stops throughout Big Bear Valley, Oktoberfest encourages you to leave the car keys at home and let someone else do the driving. Not only does this help resolve limited parking issues and traffic congestion, but can be a safer alternative after a night of celebrating at Oktoberfest! Free Big Bear Trolley runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Convention Center.
