Beers to You!

Oktoberfest in Big Bear Lake California

First comes hiking, then comes beer! Good news, the hiking leads to the beer at Big Bear Lake, where its annual Oktoberfest stays open until midnight on Saturdays and until 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Begin a 3-mile hike from either Pineknot Campground (or the Snow Summit parking lot; from the lot it’s a short walk east along the fire road to Pineknot). From Pineknot, take the adjacent forest road east, following the bend as it continues north to Switzerland Drive. Turn right on Switzerland and then left onto Elm Street.

Make the first left onto Moonridge Road, followed by a slight right onto Big Bear Boulevard, which meanders through the lively part of town all the way to the festival. When the road reaches the lake at the intersection of the Stanfield Cutoff bridge, opt for the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk for a brief scenic walk before reaching the Convention Center, aka: beer galore! (Both indoors and outdoors.) At the festival, pair classic German food like bratwursts and Bavarian dumplings with any (or all!) of the 22 biers on tap, including offerings from Oktoberfest regulars Spaten (we like the original Oktoberfest brew!) and Franziskaner. Join in on yodel-off contests and dance the “Schuhplatter” to live bands playing—what else?—German music. Got some liquid courage built up? There’s a mechanical bull challenge, so go ahead and add your Western spin on this Munich-originated pastime. Zum Wohl!

TIP: Beer buzz? There’s a complimentary shuttle that runs “until everyone is home”!

Big Bear's Oktoberfest runs weekends through Saturday, October 29 (the last day, and with the mountain’s biggest Halloween Party – a German Spooktacular). Directions to Pineknot Campground, where you can start the hike (Note: Road closure due to construction is scheduled most weekdays this October between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on CA-18.) Service dogs only at Big Bear's Oktoberfest.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  3. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View
  3. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  4. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View