Big Bear in the Fall: Oktoberfest, Trails and Lake Days
Fall is the season locals quietly consider the best time to visit Big Bear Lake. The summer crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, the aspens and oaks turn gold, and every weekend from mid-September into early November the town throws Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, one of the longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations in Southern California. Add lake days, uncrowded trails and a cabin with a fireplace, and you have an easy autumn getaway.
Fall is the season our Villa Grove guests tell us they would come back for, and the quietest stretch of the year up here. Here is how we would plan a fall trip.
What is Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest?
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest has been held every year for more than five decades at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. It runs on weekends from September through early November, with Fridays added in October, and brings together German bands, polka, bratwurst and pretzels, steins of beer, log-sawing and stein-holding contests, and a lot of lederhosen and dirndls. It is more family-friendly than you might expect: kids’ activities fill the daytime hours, and evening sessions lean toward the beer tent.
A few tips: buy tickets in advance for Saturdays, which sell out most often; bring a jacket because the air gets cold fast once the sun drops; and plan a designated driver. Dates shift a little each year, so check the official schedule when you book.
What else is there to do in Big Bear in the fall?
Oktoberfest is the headline, but fall suits everything Big Bear does well.
- Time on the lake. The marinas stay open into fall, the water is calm on weekday mornings, and pontoons, kayaks and lake tours are easier to book than in July.
- Hiking in cool air. Castle Rock Trail is a short, steep climb to a big lake view, and Cougar Crest Trail on the north shore is lovely when the aspens turn. Both are dog-friendly.
- The Alpine Pedal Path. This flat, paved north-shore path welcomes walkers and strollers as well as bikes, and from late fall into spring bald eagles are often spotted from it.
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. The slide, mini golf and Mineshaft Coaster run through fall without the summer lines.
- Big Bear Alpine Zoo. This rehabilitation zoo in Moonridge cares for injured and orphaned native wildlife and is a short drive from Villa Grove.
- Off-road Jeep tours. Guided tours take you onto forest roads with a guide on the radio explaining the terrain and wildlife.
- Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair. On fall weekends you can ride up and hike down through the changing color.
What annual fall events happen in Big Bear?
Beyond Oktoberfest, the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival takes place every year in September, bringing screenings and filmmakers to town for a weekend. The Village hosts fall car shows and craft fairs and trick-or-treating at Halloween, and in November the snow-play areas and resorts begin opening as weather allows. Exact dates change yearly, so check the Big Bear Lake visitor calendar.
Where should you eat and relax in the fall?
The Village along Pine Knot Avenue is the easy answer for an evening out, with lakefront dining, a brewery, coffee shops and wine tasting rooms within a few blocks. For a romantic night, book a lakefront table. For a slower one, cook at the cabin and take dessert out to the fire pit. Fall nights here are made for a wood fire and a hot tub under the stars.
Why is fall a good time to visit Big Bear?
Fall gives you the best of both seasons: mild days for hiking and lake time, nights cold enough to make a fireplace feel wonderful, and roads and trails far quieter than in summer or ski season. Rates and availability are usually friendlier too, especially midweek.
Where should you stay for Oktoberfest?
Our cabin, Villa Grove, sits in the quiet Moonridge neighborhood, about four miles from the Village and a short drive to the Convention Center where Oktoberfest is held. It has three bedrooms and two baths and sleeps eight, so it suits two families or a group of friends. After the festival, come home to a private hot tub, a wood-burning fireplace with firewood provided, and a fire pit on the deck. The yard is fully fenced with a playset, and one dog up to 60 pounds is welcome.
Frequently asked questions
When is Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest?
It runs every year on weekends from mid-September into early November, with Friday sessions added in October. Check the official schedule for the current year’s dates.
Is Big Bear Oktoberfest family-friendly?
Yes, especially during daytime sessions, which include kids’ games and contests. Evenings lean more toward the beer tent and live bands.
What is the weather like in Big Bear in the fall?
Days are mild and sunny, often in the 60s and 70s in September and cooler by November, while nights drop near or below freezing. Bring warm layers for evenings.
Can you still go on the lake in the fall?
Yes. Marinas typically operate into the fall, and the water is calm and uncrowded. Hours shorten as the season goes on, so check ahead.
Is there snow in Big Bear in the fall?
Occasionally in late October or November, but it is not reliable. The resorts and snow-play areas usually open as conditions allow in late fall or early winter.
Book your Big Bear cabin
If a fall weekend of Oktoberfest, golden trails and fireside evenings sounds right, we would love to have you at Villa Grove. Booking direct through our site runs about 10 percent less than the big platforms, with no service fee, and the cancellation terms are shown clearly before you pay. There is a two-night minimum, and we are happy to help at (949) 407-7448.
Check availability on our Big Bear page.
Because there’s no place you’d rather be.
