Top 2024 Events in Big Bear, California
Big Bear is one of California’s best vacation spots, attracting folks from all over the country thanks to its impressive collection of outdoor thrills. Whether you want to surprise that special someone with a romantic escape, take a solo vacation, or treat the gang to a riveting vacation experience, this scenic Golden State gem has something for everyone. Here are the top events in Big Bear in 2024.
Golf Course Opening Day at Bear Mountain: May 17
If you’re a golfing enthusiast, plan for the summer opening season of Bear Mountain Golf Course on May 17, 2024. The nine-hole fairway offers unique golfing experiences for beginners and seasoned professionals, making it a fan favorite. Relish sinking birdies, bogeys, and eagles at 7,000 feet above sea level as you soak in the soothing sunshine against the beautiful San Bernardino Mountain range backdrop. The course features an alpine setting dotted with Ponderosa pine trees, creating a serene ambiance for a laid-back golfing session. Green fees vary, with a 9-hole round costing $45 – $65 for golfers of all ages and skill levels. The 9-hole round for juniors under 15 and seniors over 60 costs $37 – $53, while a two 9-hole round gives you double the fun by extending the round to 18 holes for $68 – $98. The twilight experience runs from Monday to Wednesday after 3 PM, costing $27 – $39. Rent a 9-hole golf cart at $12 per person, an 18-hole cart at $15 per individual, or get a personal cart for $10.
Big Bear Spartan Race: May 18 – May 19
Put your strength and endurance to the test in the famous Spartan Race as you conquer changeable terrain and numerous obstacles. The course features a masterful design, delivering a challenging experience that will push you out of your comfort zone and stretch you to the limit. Choose from several race options, including the Spartan Sprint – 5K, the Spartan Super – 10K, and the Spartan Beast – 21K. The event also features the Spartan Kids Race for 4 to 13-year-olds and the Spartan Adaptive Races for the differently abled. Ticket prices for each event vary, with the May 18 Sprint – 5K costing $128 and May 19 tickets costing $116. The May 18 Sprint – 10K costs $128, while the May 19 race costs $142. The Beast – 21K features three races: an open competition costing $168, an early race for $184, and a competitive race for $190. Register your kids for the Spartan Kids Race, including the $25.99 half-mile open, the $32.99 one-mile open, the $37.99 two-mile open, or the $47.99 two-mile competitive race.
Memorial Day Weekend Grill and Chill: May 25 – May 26
Treat your taste buds to delicious barbecue and craft beers at the annual Memorial Day Weekend Grill and Chill. The event kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, lasting two riveting days. This year’s Grill and Chill will bring the best barbecues to Big Bear, with multiple food trucks serving sizzling cuts, including brisket, ribs, and pork butt. Wash down your meal with a chilled craft beer or special brew, as over 40 breweries will invade Big Bear, offering their signature drinks. The event will also feature a Kids’ Zone with balloon animals, bounce houses, face painting, and a climbing wall, guaranteeing ample fun for the little ones. Enjoy live music courtesy of Tommy Drinkard & The Remedy Tickets as they deliver their famed folk-rock sounds. Tickets for all-day beer samples go for $55, VIP tickets cost $100, and tickets for kid’s activities cost $10. The event starts on May 25 at 10 AM and ends on May 26 at 5 PM.
Big Bear Shoot Out #1 and #2: June 15 – June 16 and June 22 – June 23
Check out an exhilarating biking extravaganza at the Big Bear Shoot in early summer. The event will occur in two stages, the first on June 15 and June 16 and the second on June 22 and June 23. Watch mountain bike professionals and amateurs go head-to-head on Big Bear’s exciting trails. On June 15, the three-stage Kenda Cup Enduro will take place, while on June 16, riders will battle it out in the Kenda Cup XC Sixth Series and the Kenda Cup Marathon. June 22 will host another three-stage Kenda Cup Enduro race, while June 23 will set the stage for the Kenda Cup XC Series Final and the Kenda Cup DH. The events have entries for 30 unique categories, allowing you to sign up and test your skills against other rides. Tickets for the Shoot Out go for $85, with the day’s activities beginning at 9 AM to 4 PM.
Highlander Adventure: June 19 – June 23
Take hiking to a new level on the famous Highlander Adventure and test your body’s limits on this epic multi-day escapade. Explore unique parts of the expansive San Bernadino National Forest on a one-day, two-day, three-day, or five-day hike as you detach from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life. The trek promises to test you physically and mentally but offers incredible rewards as you traverse the scenic terrain and sleep under Big Bear’s clear night sky. The single-day Highlander Lyra takes place on June 22, costing $69 per person, while the two-day Highlander Orion excursion will occur from June 22 to June 23 at $299. Highlander Pegasus takes place from June 21 to June 23, with an individual ticket costing $399, while the five-day Highlander Hercules is slotted for June 19 to June 23, costing $649 for a regular ticket. Each hike has checkpoints where staff help you obtain a stamp, which qualifies you for the Highlander title at the end of the excursion. Checkpoints also serve water and food, giving you much-needed hydration and fuel for the rest of the hike.
Above the Book: July 4
Enjoy an exciting Fourth of July celebration at the Above the Boom fireworks ceremony. The experience begins with a ride aboard the Scenic Sky Chair, taking you to the peak of Snow Summit, 8,200 feet above sea level. Relish the breathtaking views as a DJ keeps you entertained with live music. Tickets go on sale in June, with three options for adults (folks aged 13 and above), children (aged 5 to 12), and toddlers (kids aged four and under). Each ticket includes a round-trip on the Scenic Sky Chair ride, one glass of champagne (adults aged 21 and over) or hot chocolate, a barbecue dinner, live entertainment, and panoramic views of the largest fireworks show in Southern California. The tickets give your little ones access to fun-filled activities, including bounce houses, face painting, balloon twisters, and a craft zone. The event will start at 5:30 PM, with the fireworks show happening at 9 PM and crowds exiting at 9:45 PM.
Tour de Big Bear: August 3
Tour de Big Bear has become a Southern California staple, drawing riders of different abilities and ages. This annual cycling escapade traverses Big Bear Valley across multiple distances, including 25, 50, 70, and 100-mile routes. This year’s event will also include a new gravel section spanning 25 and 50 miles, offering the ultimate cycling experience. Cycle across Big Bear’s picturesque scenery as you soak in the soothing summer sunshine. Organizers allow E-bikes on road events only, owing to stipulations by the Forest Service that restrict E-bikes on gravel. The registration fee for all distances is $135, with tandem teams (two people on one bike) paying $195. For the 25-mile road and gravel race, registration for kids aged 12 and under is $75, while riders 23 years and below will pay $115 for the 50, 70, and 100-mile events. Check-ins and late registration begin from 3 PM to 6 PM on August 1 to August 3 from 6 AM to 9 AM, with organizers set to announce start times.
Conquer the Wall: August 10
This unique one-mile uphill race is the brainchild of Big Bear resident Ryan Hall, who used the “The Wall” for weekly timed runs. The legendary coach utilized the hill to condition his track and cross-country team physically, helping boost their overall fitness. The hill’s 43-degree incline offers a stern test, pushing the team members’ bodies to new limits, giving them an edge over competitors. Today, the event draws people from all walks of life looking to conquer the steep ascent. The race will begin at 9 AM at Snow Summit, hosting runners from different age groups. The age categories include eight male and female groups: 13 and under, 14 to 18, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and over. The award ceremony will take place at the summit of the course at 10:15 AM, with the top male and female participants from each age group receiving awards, alongside the top men’s, women’s, and mixed teams. Participants will receive water, fruits, or Gatorade at the top, but you can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant as you relish the magnificent views.
Labor Day Weekend Glow Golf: August 30 – September 1
Experience a one-of-a-kind glow-in-the-dark golfing extravaganza on a thrilling nine-hole course. The event takes place on Bear Mountain Golf Course, beginning with a finger food dinner and a draft beer or fountain soda. All golfers take shotgun start 8 PM, followed by two hours of fun until 10 PM. Choose any date from August 30 to September 1 and enjoy a unique evening of golfing. Each reservation caters to dinner, drinks, one glow ball, the green fee, and a cart rental. Feel free to purchase extra glow balls at the Pro Shop. Check in the clubhouse on your reserved date and put your glow golfing skills to the ultimate test. Enjoy a scenic golfing escapade with a beautiful summer sunset and a lovely mountainous backdrop as you land those bogeys, birdies, and eagles. Registration for the event costs $75 per person.
Grizzly 100 and MTB Gran Fondo: October 5
The famous Grizzly 100 and MTB Gran Fondo race offer a stern challenge to bikers of different skill levels across four distances. Choose from the 100K, 75K, 50K, or 30K race and traverse the vast backcountry of Big Bear on a thrilling yet arduous biking adventure. Starting times vary, with the 100K experience at 7 AM, the 75K journey at 7:05 AM, the 50K ride at 7:45 AM, and the 30K escapade at 8:15 AM. You can register via Active or BikeReg, with charges varying based on your preferred race. Active charges range from $150 for the 100K race, $125 for the $75 for the 75K race, $85 for the 50K race, and $65 for the 30K race. BikeReg’s charges range from $125 to $175 for the 100K race, $125 for the 75K race, $85 for the 50K race, and $75 for the 30K race. Add a short-sleeve or long-sleeve performance t-shirt for $25 or $30 to your ticket purchase and enjoy the benefits of professional attire. These t-shirts feature moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate more rapidly. Their technical material allows for better breathability, while their lightweight, flexible nature allows quicker drying and seamless movement as you maneuver around bends.
Book Your Big Bear Vacation Rental Early
Big Bear is a vacation hub that delivers exhilarating events and escapades for a memorable holiday experience. 2024’s robust events list promises multiple thrills, ideal for solo vacationing or an exciting escape with family or friends. As you plan for one or more of these experiences, book your Big Bear vacation rentals with Big Bear Cabins and enjoy an impressive selection of over 400 rentals offering top-notch amenities. Our properties range from one-bed Big Bear rentals for two guests to 19-bed homes that accommodate up to 63 people, giving you ample choice to suit your lodging needs. Contact us today to secure your Big Bear rental early and relish an exhilarating escape in the city’s finest lodging.
