Big Bear Summer Events

5 Big Bear Summer Events Not to Miss

If you are coming to Big Bear for a vacation in the summer, odds are you are doing it for the incredible beauty of the area and all of the recreation that it brings. These reasons are enough to justify any vacation here, but there is more that makes a trip here so fun. A few things that come to mind are the endless events that fill the town’s calendar, especially during the summer months. The following are five of the top Big Bear summer events that you will not want to miss.

Bike Rides with Big Bear Cycling Association

Big Bear is one of the best places in the California for biking, whether you are looking for mountain biking or road biking. You can always be sure to have a good time by going out on your own, but when you take advantage of endless summer events provided by the Big Bear Cycling Association, you will be introduced to the very best biking that the area has to offer, all within a fun community. They offer biking events nearly every day of the week, so check their schedule at https://www.bigbear.com.

Movies in the Meadow

There is nothing quite like gathering with the community during cool Big Bear nights to watch some great movies outside. This is exactly what is provided in the Movies in the Meadow Summer Series at Snow Summit. These screenings are some of the best Big Bear summer events and will be taking place every other Saturday at 7:45 pm beginning on June 16th. Bring the whole family and a blanket to 880 Summit Blvd.

Farmers’ Markets

This community features many great farmers’ markets, but the best of all is the one at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center on Tuesdays from 8 am to 1:30 pm. There is no better way to get the flavor of the town than by visiting here. While you are at it, you can get the flavors of some of the freshest fruits and vegetables you will find anywhere, along with unique crafts, arts, and much more.

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

If you find yourself in Big Bear on the 4th of July, there is no excuse for missing the best fireworks display in all of Southern California. There is nothing quite like the shimmering reflection off the lake of endless fireworks bursting off of multiple barges. Find any spot along the shore and enjoy this incredible spectacle beginning between 8:45 and 9:15.

A Lovely Place to Stay After Enjoy All of the Big Bear Summer Events

Big Bear is a lovely place to stay, but this section pertains to the incredible array of vacation rentals that are available for your trip. Nothing tops off a day of Big Bear adventures quite like a cozy and beautiful place to call home. You will find this in spades when you peruse the listings of Big Bear Cabins—the premiere vacation rental company in the area. Find the widest selection and highest quality in cabins, homes, condos, and more when you contact us today!

Fireworks in the sky above Big Bear Fourth of July festivities

Where to Watch Big Bear Fourth of July Fireworks

When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, there are few places in the country that do it better than Big Bear Lake! Every year Big Bear Lake hosts a 4th of July fireworks spectacular with fireworks being shot off from a barge in the middle of the lake to create an extravaganza that needs to be seen to be believed! There are a number of different ways to take in and experience the Big Bear Lake Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza; here are our top three picks on how you can experience it this year on your upcoming vacation.

Big Bear Lake Fourth of July Lakefront Fireworks & BBQ at Marina Resort

The Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake will once again be hosting their annual July 4th BBQ at the Marina Resort, and it promises to be a day full of food, fun, and fireworks! The BBQ runs from 4:30-7:30 PM and features incredible food served by the Barnstorm Café and Nottinghams Tavern, and the night is capped off with a fantastic fireworks show over the lake beginning at 9 PM. There are will also be musical entertainment, games for the kids, and so much more! Tickets are required to enter the event; you can purchase them online.

Above the Boom!

If you’re looking for an event this upcoming Big Bear Fourth of July that is truly unforgettable, we highly recommend checking out Above the Boom, where you can celebrate Independence Day at 8,200 feet! The event begins at approximately 5 PM where you take a sky chair and experience breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Forest as you ride to the top of Snow Summit. Once at the peak, there will be live entertainment, a southern-style BBQ dinner, and the best possible views of the Big Bear Fireworks Spectacular anywhere in Big Bear Lake! If you want to experience this for yourself, make sure to purchase a ticket here.

Head Out on the Water on the Miss Liberty

One of the main attractions of Big Bear Lake is its namesake: Big Bear Lake itself. If you’re going to come vacation here for the 4th of July, why not spend it on the water? The Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat will once again this year be heading out onto the water to provide guests with some of the best views of the Big Bear Fireworks Spectacular, all while offering snacks, music, drinks, and more! Seating is limited, so if you would like tickets, make sure to call (909) 866-8129 today!

No matter how you choose to enjoy the fireworks extravaganza one thing’s for certain: You won’t be disappointed! Big Bear Lake always delivers incredible 4th of July experiences, and Big Bear Cabins is here to help deliver an incredible rental cabin that won’t leave you disappointed either! Big Bear Cabins is the premier rental company in all of Big Bear Lake and has one that is perfect for your next vacation. So don’t wait! Check out all of the amazing rental properties we have available today, and don’t hesitate to contact a member of our staff with any questions you may have.

Relax with a Glass of Wine at the Best Big Bear Cabins

Best Summer Festivals in Big Bear

When people think of Big Bear, California, their minds often gravitate towards images of some of the best skiing and snowboarding slopes in the country. This is a reasonable phenomenon, but it is also an amazing place to visit during the summer months. Among endless outdoor recreation, summer visitors can enjoy some unique and pleasant summer Big Bear festivals throughout the town and the beautiful surrounding area.

Outdoor Adventure Festival

On July 28th and 29th, you will find a festival celebrating the best of Big Bear’s unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. The Big Bear Discovery Center is offering endless ways to explore this beauty in the form of eco tours and fun adventures. Visitors can take advantage of discovery hikes, water sports, biking, and so much more. This is certainly the best opportunity you will have to immerse yourself in the wildlife, scenery, and everything else Big Bear has to offer.

The Village Summer Wine Walk

On June 9th, 2018 comes an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful area along with some incredible California wines. It is taking place in the charming Big Bear Lake Village Shopping District, where visitors are provided tastes of some of the finest wines of the area along with delicious food pairings. You can enjoy all of this for the low price of $35, or just $20 if you want to skip the wine and just experience the food. Beyond enjoying some incredible wine and food, people love this festival because it immerses them in one of the uniquely beautiful neighborhoods of Big Bear. A day spent exploring this area and sampling the tastes of the town is bound to be a day well spent.

Beautiful Vacation Rentals

Now that you know about just a couple of the amazing summer events in Big Bear, you should turn your attention to finding an amazing place to call home while you are here. There are hotels in Big Bear, but staying in a vacation home—from a cabin in the woods to a condo—is sure to provide more comforts, amenities, and privacy than any hotel can offer. You can find the very best that Big Bear has to offer for all budgets and group sizes by contacting Big Bear Cabins. Our incredible selection is sure to include the home of your dreams for your vacation.

When it comes to summer festivals in Big Bear, there is plenty more where this came from. The community here is so vibrant, and one way you can experience this is through one of countless amazing summertime festivals that bring people together to celebrate things that we all love.

close up of microphone with blurred out audience in the background

Big Bear Spring Festivals

Big Bear Lake is not just a winter wonderland. One of our favorite times of year here is the spring, when the weather warms, the crowds thin, and the flowers burst forth from the forest floor and mountain meadows. As the ice thaws on the lake and the snow clears from the hiking and biking trails, there is a sense of magic as nature’s beauty unfolds before your very eyes. Come see all the lake has to offer!

Spring in Your Step

As the largest recreational lake in southern California, Big Bear boasts plenty more to do than skiing and snowboarding (though forgive us if we think the winter sports here are some of the best around). Beginning in March as the lake thaws, all six of the lake’s marinas are open for business with rentals from pontoons and powerboats to kayaks and fishing boats. Whatever your pleasure, these marinas have you covered with fishing gear, water skiing accessories, and all your supplies required for a day of fun on the water. If fishing is your sport, try your luck at the Big Bear Spring Fishing Festival, April 6-8, and go for the record as you fish for trout, bass, catfish, and carp. Discount tickets are available for those who booked accommodations in Big Bear.

Cave of Rock!

The Cave, Big Bear’s state-of-the-art concert and comedy venue, is THE location for live music with amazing light shows and an amazing sound system. The spring season is highlighted by a parade of performers some of the best tribute bands playing today. Jam to the sounds of Led Zeppelin’s biggest fans (April 3), rock to the heavy metal symphonies of Masters of Puppets’ covers of Metallica (May 25), or strut your stuff to the funky beats of Uptown Funk and their pitch perfect tribute to Bruno Mars (June 9). Check out the full calendar here, and get your fill of music from Johnny Cash to Fleetwood Mac!

Go Natural

Come to Big Bear to get away from it all and lose yourself in nature. Whether you are exploring our hundreds of miles of bike trails and hiking paths or strolling the colorful stands of the Tuesday Farmer’s Markets (open every Tuesday, beginning April 3), the area’s beautiful and accessible natural wilderness is never easier to experience than in spring time. Fewer people mean less congestion on the trails, so grab your binoculars and help the USFS count the bald eagles that nest here in the winter, or just enjoy the peaceful seclusion of this gorgeous alpine lake.

We absolutely love Big Bear year round, but we hope you will explore all the area has to offer even after the snows melt. Beautiful spring days and cool evenings are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or a family retreat, and there are plenty of activities for all ages and interests. Whether you spend your time fishing and boating on beautiful Big Bear Lake or exploring the blossoming forests, we know you will love it here just as much as we do. Visit us and reserve your lakeside cabin today!

christmas in big bear

5 Reasons to Choose Big Bear for Your Christmas Vacation

We all love spending the Christmas season in the comfort of home with friends and family. But travelling to another beautiful area for the holiday season is sure to provide for some of the most fun and lasting memories of your life. This is especially true when you choose Big Bear as the place that you will spend this most special time. The following are five out of the countless reasons that you will love spending Christmas in Big Bear, California.

The Best Snowboarding and Skiing in the World

It is not exactly a Christmas-specific activity, but it sure provides some of the most fun experiences you can have. And the slopes in Big Bear offer some of the best opportunities for this activity that you will find throughout the whole country. You have the option of tearing up two resorts: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Bear Mountain is great for those looking for one of the best terrain parks in the country, while Snow Summit offers some of the widest runs you will ever see.

The Most Beautiful Christmas in Big Bear Imaginable

Big Bear is home to some of the best winter recreation, but simply sitting back and enjoying the beauty is among the most fulfilling ways to spend your time here. Big Bear is the embodiment of a winter wonderland. The lake is spectacular, especially with rolling hills, towering peaks, and snow-capped trees surrounding it.

Countless Ways to Explore

What is better than endless natural beauty? Well, endless ways to explore that beauty, of course! You will find this in abundance in Big Bear. One of the most peaceful ways to do this is to take advantage of the horseback riding services in the area. Renting a pair of snowshoes is also a great way to take advantage of the beauty at your own pace, but you can also go ziplining, hot air ballooning, and even take a helicopter tour.

Great Holiday Shows

You can see your favorite Christmas shows with a great twist in Big Bear. The Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center is putting some of the most unique spins on some of the classics. One show that you will not want to miss is “A Christmas Carol… Askew.” Laugh the night away at this amazing show and countless others.

Finish Up Your Shopping

It can be hard to finish up your holiday shopping, especially because it can get hectic during this season. But shopping in Big Bear is actually a fun experience.

Ready to spend Christmas in Big Bear? Book your stay in one of our amazing vacation rentals and make the most of your stay here.

Thanksgiving dinner in Big Bear

Thanksgiving in Big Bear

It does not take much convincing for someone to understand that Big Bear is an incredible place to visit. The one of a kind lake and every single type of recreational activity are very obviously amazing reasons to visit any place. But it may not be quite as obvious why this city in California is one of the best places to visit during Thanksgiving. Well, this just happens to be the case, and there are plenty of reasons why. You will find a couple of the reasons for having a Thanksgiving dinner in Big Bear below.

Events for the Whole Family

As Thanksgiving rolls around, the Big Bear community and its countless visitors gather for many traditions. One of the most fun of these traditions is the Turkey Trot. On the day of Thanksgiving, thousands of people assemble at Meadow Park for much more than your typical turkey trot. You can choose the 3, 6, or 9-mile option, but there is so much more to enjoy, including activities and even a costume contest. The day after Thanksgiving, you can enjoy a free festival culminating with Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the tree. There are also many concerts, festivals, and fairs!

The Recreation Never Stops

You can also find a wide variety of ways to spend a day in Big Bear that are unique to this area. Boat rides and hikes are of course always there for the taking, but there are also many special activities. One of the classic Big Bear experiences is happening at the Action Zip Line. There is a scavenger hunt happening every day of the year, rain or shine, and the zoo is always open for business. You can also explore the area in incredible ways through jeep tours, helicopter tours, and horseback rides.

Thanksgiving Dinner in Big Bear That Will Make You Give Thanks

The amazing food is not exactly what Big Bear is known for, but it certainly makes a trip here more enjoyable! You can find amazing takes on the classic Thanksgiving dinner in Big Bear at places like The Pines Lakefront, Nottinghams Restaurant, and Peppercorn Grill, among others. But you can also find cuisine that departs from the turkey and mashed potatoes that you have come to expect from the holiday. You can find Tibetan cuisine at Himalayan Restaurant, delicious Thai food at The Royal Thai Café, and Indian at MasalaCraft.

If you think that this is an impressive list of reasons to spend Thanksgiving in Big Bear, then just wait until you experience it for yourself. For every item on this modest list, there are 10 other ways to enjoy the area. Regardless of how you like to spend time on a vacation, you will find endless ways to pursue it in Big Bear. Make this amazing place a part of your Thanksgiving tradition!

Ready to pack your bags? Book a stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals and get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in unique setting.

Top Places to Propose in Big Bear

Big Bear is a small town near the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. As such, it offers some of the most unique beauty and abundant recreation. Because of this, it has emerged as one of the best places to visit in the country because there is something for everyone here. Taking a trip here with the intention to propose would make for one of the best experiences of your life. Here are some of the best ways to propose in Big Bear.

Propose on the Water

Big Bear Lake is famous for its clear blue waters, which make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise. But here, the lake is surrounded by massive mountains and lush forest, making for astounding views. Spending a day on a boat is one of the best ways to take advantage of this incredible area. You can rent a speedboat, sailboat, and many more options. After a day of exploring this beautiful lake, the moment will be perfect for your proposal. It would be great to try and time your proposal with the sun setting over the lake. This will be one of the most beautiful settings for this important moment in your life.

Propose on the Mountain

Thousands upon thousands of people come to Big Bear every year for its incredible mountains. Hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are all great ways to take advantage of this wonderful area so you have many options to plan your proposal around. If you both love skiing or snowboarding, proposing on the chair lift or at the top of the mountain would be amazing. If you aren’t a big winter sports enthusiast, you can plan the trip for the spring when the weather is incredible and the area is bursting with color.

Explore the Trails on Horseback

There are endless opportunities for great horseback riding adventures in Big Bear, and it is one of the most relaxing and beautiful ways to explore the area’s beauty. Nothing sets the mood for your proposal like casually riding through the forest and arriving at a picnic that you set up earlier. This is sure to be the most memorable day of your life.

Regardless of where and how you propose, you can be sure that Big Bear will provide all of the fun and beauty that will make your proposal incredible romantic. After this experience, this amazing place will have a special place in your heart. Let Big Bear help make your proposal perfect!

big bear 4th of july

Big Bear 4th of July!

Get ready to have your Independence Day in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. Big Bear Lake hosts a fireworks show from a barge on the lake that makes it easy for anyone to view it from almost anywhere in the area. In addition to the light show, Big Bear has plenty of activities for you and your family to partake in during the celebration. Check out some of our favorites below!

Above the Boom: 4th of July at 8,200 feet

Get a view of the fireworks show from 8,200 feet at Snow Summit’s Inaugural Fireworks Viewing Party! The party will offer on-site catering, live music, and an incredibly memorable view of the fireworks show. Just jump on the Sky Chair for a ride to this unique 4th of July destination.

Captain John’s Independence Extravaganza

Captain John’s Marina is an ideal place for friends and family to catch the Big Bear fireworks show. With live Reggae music, Hawaiian BBQ, the option to make your own BBQ and plenty of space for beach blankets and umbrellas, this spot will accommodate families, friend groups, and all ages alike. The event starts at 7 am so make sure you get your spot early!

Big Bear 4th of July Cruise on Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Boat

How about watching the Big Bear fireworks show from a boat? The Cruise on Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Boat will give you a cruise of the lake while offering hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks at a for-purchase gallery. The cruise is a great opportunity for a romantic 4th of July date or simply for a new experience. To guarantee your spot on Miss Liberty, buy your ticket ahead a time and show up early! Miss Liberty docks at 8 pm.

Contact Us to Experience a Big Bear 4th of July

We want you to have a fantastic Big Bear 4th of July, whether you are a small family, an elderly couple, or a group of singles! Big Bear Lake wants you to experience the magic of our fireworks show! So don’t miss out: Let us accommodate you in one of our rentals while you figure out which event best suits you. Contact us today to learn more!

image of downtown big bear during the spring

The Top Summer Events in Big Bear, California

Throughout California, you can find countless destinations that serve as amazing places to visit regardless of the season. Depending on where you are, the state offers everything from surfing and fishing to snowboarding and hiking. Big Bear, California is one place in particular, that offers incredible recreation 12 months a year. Another aspect of this community that makes it such a great place to visit is the incredible events schedule. You will find that the schedule is chock full of unique summer events in Big Bear that you will not want to miss.

Music in the Mountains

Big Bear is probably one of the most ideal places in the world to enjoy live music. Open skies etched with silhouetted mountain tops, fresh air, and pine trees create the perfect environment for an evening of great music. This, along with amazing musical acts, is what makes the Music in Mountains Concert Series such a popular event. One of the things that the concert series is most popular for is the tribute acts that come through including ones for Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin and many more. The Series spans from June to September, occurring once a week at 6 pm. The event is held in the breathtaking Discovery Center Outdoor Amphitheater.

The Village Summer Wine Walk

On Saturday, June 10 from 3:30 to 7:00 pm, the Summer Wine Walk will take over the Big Bear Lake Village Shopping District. Throughout the event, you get an intimate glimpse at some amazing wines from around the state and the world, but also into the unique businesses of Big Bear. While exploring this beautiful town, you can enjoy 12 wine tastings, a complimentary wine glass, and entrance into the event raffle. It is an amazing night where you can enjoy wine and a slow-paced lifestyle as never before.

Fishin’ for $50K Trout Tournament

This event is one of the many that features Big Bear’s status as an amazing place to fish; especially for trout. Essentially, the event consists of two days fishing in the blissful beauty of Big Bear. There are five tagged trout throughout the lake, who are each worth $10,000 if caught. There are also 25 additional tagged trout that are worth $200 each, and even 50 more that will get you $50 if you catch one. You can partake in this event on Saturday and Sunday, June 3rd – June 4th from 6 am to 2 pm. The beauty of this summer event in Big Bear is you do not have to win anything to ensure it is a day well spent.

It is rather difficult to distill the enormous list of Big Bear events into a very short list of “top” events. The truth is, what is considered a top event will vary from person to person. But just know, regardless of what your interests are, you will find a wide variety of events for you in Big Bear California this summer. Check the schedule to find the perfect event for you, and book your next vacation rental in this wilderness paradise. Be sure to contact us for more information!

image of downtown big bear during the spring

What’s Happening in Big Bear? The Top April Events in Big Bear

For many, April brings Spring Break and a chance to take the kids on a great getaway! April is also the time where many warmer climates see the tell-tale signs of summer, and temperatures begin climbing to the 90s. That’s why April is a great time to take a vacation to Big Bear, California’s favorite mountain retreat!

Plus, April is the only chance you’ll have to catch these four events in Big Bear, all at the beginning of the month. If you’re looking for something to add local flair and fun to your vacation, come up to enjoy these!

The End of Bear Break

Big Bear has been making Spring Break a blast for locals and visitors alike with Bear Break! It ends on April 1st, so you can still make it! Enjoy the staples of Bear Break such as larger-than-life beer pong, giant cornhole, and ladder golf—it’s the most fun you can have for free! Cypress Hill, the platinum hip hop group, will also be performing on the first—we’ve really saved the best for last!

Bear Mountain Pond Skim

Also landing on April 1st, this event is… well, you have to see it, but it’s entertaining, to say the least! Pond skims are the most entertaining way to say goodbye to skiing season and hello to swimming season—participants try to ski or snowboard, in costume, across a man-made pond. This year’s pond skim will be at the Bear Mountain Resort, and is sure to fetch cheers and laughter!

Aaron’s Big Bear Bass Tournament Championship Series

Another activity bringing in crowds to Big Bear on April 1st, it’s the first of five bass fishing tournaments being held this year at Big Bear Lake, and takes advantage of the unofficial start of the fishing season. If you think you’re a good angler, or just want to find out what kind of fish you can catch in our bountiful lake, then head over to this event in Big Bear!

The Year’s First Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Markets are popular for all sorts of reasons—refreshing open-air, exciting variation each shopping trip, and the freshest produce you can find outside of a farm. The season for farmer’s markets has begun, with the first market of the season, opening on April 4th, at the Big Bear Convention Center. Pick up some fresh fruits for a refreshing snack, some seasonal vegetables to liven up your meal, some souvenirs, or even some flowers to brighten up your rental home! If you miss this event, don’t worry—the farmer’s market will continue to be open each Tuesday through September.

April Activities at Big Bear Cabins

When you’ve had your fill of excitement, return to your rental home and enjoy your home away from home. At Big Bear Cabins, we’ve got all you need to relax and enjoy yourself, at home or outside. So why not contact us and ask about our exceptional options? April only comes once a year—start it off right!