Fall Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest
Fall comes alive in Big Bear Lake! Explore the valley as homes and businesses transform into a festive showcase of creative scarecrows, playful Calacas (skeletons) and meaningful Ofrendas honoring Día de los Muertos - a celebration of life, memory and community.
With colorful displays, autumn adventures and just the right touch of Halloween spirit, it’s a frightfully fun way to experience the magic of fall in Big Bear!
How To Vote
Visitors and locals alike can grab a map and ballot from the Visit Big Bear Visitor Center that highlights all participating locations, from businesses to homes.
As you explore the valley and check out the scarecrows, ofrendas, and fall décor, don’t forget to vote for your favorite in each category by filling out the ballot and posting photos of your favorites to your socials tagging @visitbigbear and #BigBearScare. Voting will be open to the public, with prizes awarded based on popular vote.
Event Details
Registration Deadline: September 23rd, 2026
Competition & Voting Dates: September 30th – November 3rd, 2026
Prize Announcement: November 6th, 2026
Contest Categories
Divisions
- Business
- Residential
Contest Categories
- Best Scarecrow
- Best Ofrenda (altar)
- Best Calacas (skeleton)
Prizes!
Business Division Prizes
Note: TBID/Lodging will be listed on a special featured blog post on bigbear.com instead of partnership benefits.
Best Scarecrow
- 1st Place - $800 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
- 2nd Place - $300 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
- 3rd Place - $100 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
Best Ofrenda (Altar)
- 1st Place - $800 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
- 2nd Place - $300 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
- 3rd Place - $100 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
Best Calacas (Skeleton display)
- 1st Place - $800 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
- 2nd Place - $300 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
- 3rd Place - $100 + Pioneer (Tier 1) Membership
Residential Division Prizes
Best Scarecrow
- 1st Place - $800
- 2nd Place - $300 + Gift
- 3rd Place - $100 + Gift
Best Ofrenda (Altar)
- 1st Place - $800
- 2nd Place - $300 + Gift
- 3rd Place - $100 + Gift
Best Calacas (Skeleton)
- 1st Place - $800
- 2nd Place - $300 + Gift
- 3rd Place - $100 + Gift
Over $10,000 in total prizes will be awarded across both divisions, including $7,200 in cash prizes, memberships, gifts, dining credits, and activity credits!
New this year, our judges will select a Judges’ Choice winner for the best overall display in each division, Business and Residential. In addition to special recognition, each Judges’ Choice winner will receive dining and activity credits to enjoy around Big Bear.
Contest Rules
Contest participants agree to:
- Your display must have a name and it must be displayed on your project.
- All participants must ensure that their display or fall decorations comply with City of Big Bear Lake ordinances (for those within city limits).
- Participants are responsible for maintaining their displays throughout the contest.
- By entering, participants agree to allow Visit Big Bear to use images of their displays for promotional purposes
- Pre-filling ballots with your location is not permitted. However, sharing ballots with your friends and customers so they can cast their own votes is encouraged.
- Each voter must submit their own ballot.
- Collecting, transporting, or turning in ballots on behalf of others is not allowed.
- Do not collect ballots at your display/location.
- Any ballot delivered by someone other than the voter will not be counted.
- You must have your display or décor on display from September 30 – November 3. If you are not on display by September 30, you are disqualified from the competition.
- All Business displays must be movable and placed inside during non-business hours where City of BBL requires it. Does not apply to Residential displays.
How To Enter
Register in the category of your choice: Scarecrow, Ofrenda (altar), or Calacas (skeleton) display
Register in the division of your choice: Business or Residence
Once registered, your display will be added to the official map, making it easy for visitors to find your creation and vote for their favorite!
This contest is open to all Big Bear Valley communities - Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Baldwin Lake, Fawnskin and Lake Williams.
Registration Deadline - September 23rd, 2026
Competition & Voting Dates - September 30th – November 3rd, 2026
Be a Part of the Fun!
This event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, culture, and the beautiful fall season in Big Bear!
Whether you’re participating by crafting a scarecrow, creating a Día de los Muertos ofrenda, a Calacas scene or simply touring the valley to see the displays, it’s a fantastic way to support local businesses and enjoy the magic of autumn.
For more information, visit bigbear.com or contact the
Visit Big Bear Visitor Center at 800-424-4232
2025 Display Winners
Scarecrow Display Winners
Business Division
- 1st Place - Sessions Retreat & Hotel
- 2nd Place - Robinhood Resort
- 3rd Place - Gold Rush Mining, Co.
Residential Division
- 1st Place - Gidget M.
- 2nd Place - Daniel C.
- 3rd Place - Linda B.
Ofrenda Display Winners
Business Division
- 1st Place - The Club at Big Bear Village
- 2nd Place - Captain's Anchorage
- 3rd Place - Chirps Nature Center
Residential Division
- 1st Place - Olga R.
- 2nd Place - Joseph S.
- 3rd Place - Angela M.
Calacas Display Winners
Business Division
- 1st Place - Mountain Transit
- 2nd Place - Pampered Pets
- 3rd Place - Moonridge Coffee Company
Residential Division
- 1st Place - Selena E.
- 2nd Place - Cindy A.
- 3rd Place - Lloyd S.