Reel Ale Festival
Welcome to the Reel Ale Festival; Big Bear's premier craft beer and outdoor lifestyle event!
Running alongside the legendary Fishin’ For $50K Trout Tournament, the Reel Ale Festival is where the great outdoors meets exceptional craft beer.
Whether you’re coming off the lake after a day of casting or just driving up the mountain for the music and the views, we’ve got your weekend covered.
Event Details
May 29th & 30th, 2026
Meadow Park/Ski Beach located at 41216 Park Ave.
Entrants in the Fishin' For 50K Trout Derby also get FREE access to the Reel Ale Festival (Friday, May 29th) with Fishin' For 50K entry wristband.
VIP All-Access Pass
VIP All-Access Pass - $100
- The Ultimate Weekend: Includes everything in the standard Tasting Pass for both days.
- Skip the Line: Enjoy expedited VIP entry at the main gate.
- VIP Lounge & Pours: Access to a dedicated VIP seating/shade area and exclusive specialty pours not available to the public.
Note: Must be 21+ with a valid ID.
Adult General Admission
Saturday Adult General Admission - $25
- Flexible Entry: Includes entry to the festival grounds for one day of your choice.
- Entertainment & Shopping: Enjoy live music and browse the TackleMeet vendor village.
- Food & Drinks: Full access to all food vendors and public beer sales.
Note: Does not include the commemorative glass or access to the tasting tent.
Kids General Admission
Saturday Kids General Admission - $10
- Flexible Access: Includes full-day or weekend entry for children under 13.
- Festival Grounds: Enjoy the lakeside views, music, and atmosphere.
- Kids Fun Zone: Grants access to the dedicated play area for younger attendees!
Note: Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Beer Tasting Pass
Saturday Beer Tasting Pass - $70
- Flexible Entry: Includes full general admission access for one day of your choice.
- Commemorative Glass: Take home an official festival tasting glass.
- Tasting Tents: Exclusive access to the dedicated brewery tents to sample regional craft beers.
Note: Must be 21+ with a valid ID.
Event Schedule
Day 1: Free Kickoff & Farmers Market
Friday, May 29th, 2026
From 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Start your weekend right! Admission is completely free today. Explore a special extended edition of the California Farmers Market seamlessly integrated with the TackleMeet vendor village.
Shop for local artisan goods, upgrade your fishing tackle, and enjoy full-pint sales at our open-air Beer Garden.
Stick around as the sun goes down—from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Middle Age Dad Bods will take the stage to rock the lake with high-energy classic hits!
Day 2: The Reel Ale Main Event
Saturday, May 30th, 2026
From 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The main event is here! Today is our fully ticketed craft beer festival. Enjoy exclusive pours in the brewery tasting tents, let the kids play in the Fun Zone, and celebrate the start of the Fishin’ for 50K Tournament.
To cap off an epic day of mountain fun, your ultimate party band, the Past Action Heroes, will be performing live from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM!