From Lakeside Lights to Wine Walk Nights, Here’s Why Fall in Big Bear Deserves a Spot on Your Calendar

If you’re the kind of traveler who lives for the sweet spot between cozy and cool, Big Bear Lake in the fall is your dream come true. Crisp mountain air, golden leaves, and just-right weather set the scene for everything from lakeside wine tastings to adrenaline-pumping trail runs. And yes, plenty of bratwurst and beer.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend escape or a full week of high-altitude recharge, Big Bear’s got you covered with art shows, live music, outdoor adventures, and some seriously good eats. And with new boutique stays, wellness spots and cultural events popping up all season long, there’s never been a better time to head up the mountain.

So grab your flannel, rally your crew (or don’t, solo trips hit different up here) and explore eight can’t-miss reasons to make Big Bear your go-to fall getaway.

 

1. Labor Day Weekend Brings Lakeside Energy

End summer on a high note. Big Bear’s Labor Day Weekend is stacked with live music, paddle races, and after-dark adventures like Glow Golf (Aug. 29–31). But Sunday is the real showstopper. From 7–9 p.m., the Boat Parade of Lights cruises from Garstin Island to the north shore, lighting up the lake with decked-out vessels and community spirit. Sponsored by Visit Big Bear and hosted by the Rotary Club, proceeds support local food banks and student scholarships. So yes, it’s sparkle with a cause. Want to join the parade? Register here. Topping it all off? The Labor Day Drone Show. This is a shimmering, synchronized light display that turns the sky into a digital mural above the lake.

 

2. For the Art Lovers

Big Bear’s art scene hits every aesthetic this fall. From brushstrokes to burnouts. The Plein Air Art Competition (Sept. 15–Oct. 26) invites artists to capture the mountain’s natural beauty, culminating in a weeklong gallery show at the Performing Arts Center. Prefer horsepower to paint palettes? Cruise over to Ski Beach Park on Sept. 6 for the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Show (9–11:30 a.m.). And don’t miss the Lowrider Invasion on Sept. 27 (11 a.m.–6 p.m., Holiday Inn Resort), where custom rides, chrome and cash-prize showdowns bring bold color and culture to the Village. Can’t make it to Big Bear until October? Swing by the Porsche Timeline Show on Oct. 4 (10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Bartlett Parking Lot) to see decades of sleek design on display. 

 

3. For the Film Lovers

Big Bear is rolling out the red carpet, mountain style. The brand-new Big Bear Film Festival officially premieres Sept. 24–29, but the buzz begins early with a Pre-Festival Weekend (Aug. 30–Sept. 1) happening citywide. Expect sneak peeks, filmmaker meetups and film-fueled energy across town. Over Labor Day, the Retro Film Weekend sets the mood with outdoor screenings of Jaws, The Goonies and Back to the Future. By the time the full festival hits, with indie debuts, live music, gaming showcases and creator panels, Big Bear becomes a cinematic universe all its own.

 

4. For the Adventure Travelers

Not all adventures involve obstacles and finish lines. Sometimes, it’s just you, a line and a whole lot of mountain air. The 19th annual Trout Fest (Sept. 27–28) reels in families, fishing pros and first-timers alike for two days of lakeside competition, raffles and prize-packed weigh-ins. Held at Big Bear Marina, this friendly, freshwater showdown is a fall tradition with big fish energy, and even bigger mountain views.

 

5. For the Upscale Travelers

Sometimes adventure looks like stillness… and a great glass of wine. This fall, Big Bear is serving up just the right blend of wellness and indulgence. On Oct. 4–5, the Big Bear Yoga Festival returns to the Performing Arts Center for a heart-opening weekend of flow, breathwork, live music, meditation and holistic workshops. This year’s theme? Elevate Your Heart. Bonus: there’s a kids’ schedule too, so the whole family can find their zen.

Then, mark your calendar for Oct. 11 when the beloved Village Wine Walk takes over Pine Knot Avenue. Sip and stroll your way through boutique shops and tasting stations from 2–6 p.m., all in support of the Big Bear Valley Education Trust. It’s wine with purpose… and snacks. Lots of snacks.

 

6. For the Athletic Travelers

Big Bear doesn’t just challenge you, it tests you. This fall, the mountains become your proving ground with back-to-back endurance events made for runners, riders and thrill-seekers. Kick things off Sept. 5–7 at Tough Mudder, a muddy, muscle-burning course at Snow Valley with 5K and 10K options, In-N-Out® Cookout Trucks at the finish line and proceeds supporting the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation.

On Sept. 13, the Grizzly 100 & Gran Fondo brings four levels of high-altitude mountain biking to Snow Summit. Enjoy activities from the scenic 30K to the grueling 100K NUE Epic Series Final.

And for the elite ultrarunners? The Kodiak 100 by UTMB (Oct. 9–12) is the Americas Major on the UTMB World Series calendar. Expect jaw-dropping views, three climate zones and an entire town cheering you through the finish line. This isn’t just a race, it’s Big Bear’s heartbeat at full throttle.

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7. For the Wilderness Wellness Seekers

Meet your new mountain hideout: the reimagined Hotel Marina Riviera, where mid-century lodge meets modern lakeside serenity. Set right on the water’s edge, this design-forward retreat by Casetta Hotels pairs Big Bear’s natural beauty with cozy, elevated wellness vibes. Think lakeside sauna, cold plunge pool, in-room fireplaces and a brand-new spa experience opening soon.

You’re steps from The Village and just minutes from peaceful hiking trails, forest bathing and sunrise paddleboarding. Take a Pilates class down the street, grab a build-your-own picnic at Bear Cupboards Market or flow through a yoga class before winding down by the fire pit. It’s the kind of place where you actually feel your shoulders drop. Come for the alpine air, stay for the restored 1960s charm and that morning view of Big Bear Lake that practically begs you to journal.

 

8. For the Beer Lovers

Crisp air, golden leaves and steins in the air; fall in Big Bear means it’s Oktoberfest season. Now in its 55th year, this high-altitude celebration blends the mountain’s cozy charm with old-world Bavarian vibes. Kicking off Sept. 6 and running every weekend through Nov. 8, Big Bear’s Oktoberfest brings in bands straight from Germany, pours up authentic German-brewed biers and dishes out brats, strudel and pretzels that rival Munich’s finest. Whether you’re dancing to polka or diving into your second plate of schnitzel, this is SoCal’s most festive fall tradition. PROST!