Are you ready to create authentic summertime memories? Then start packing for a Big Bear experience that combines summer nostalgia with Big Bear’s rich heritage. As a true four-season mountain lake destination, summertime fun at Big Bear creates memories that last a lifetime. As a rare Sky Island Forest in the heart of the San Bernadino National Forest, Big Bear speaks to your soul through innovative, immersive experiences that both respect the land and inspire wonder. Whether you are treating your senses to the sounds of the melodious Mountain Chickadee or a classic rock or country tribute band at the Big Bear Discovery Center Amphitheater, an escape to Big Bear checks off an entire bucket list of summer fun.
Known for its legendary fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and Big Bear Lake activities, this destination also means nighttime fun, with stargazing, live theater, a summer concert series, and much more. And it’s all waiting for you to experience through Big Bear’s growing commitment to sustainability. With cozy cabin rentals and lakeside lodging for any style and budget, planning a trip to Big Bear is a must-do…ASAP. An array of heritage-rich and innovative events for all ages are stacked on the calendar and ready for you and your friends and family.
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Big Bear Has It All: Past, Present and Future
Labor Day Weekend Drone Show
Relive the Big Bear story through a dazzling drone display using next-generation visuals. Developed with sustainable and environmentally friendly elements, the legacy of Big Bear is told in a captivating and colorful way, setting the tone for additional future-forward events.
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Capped by majestic Mount San Bernadino, the beautiful man-made lake presents the perfect backdrop for the ultimate family or friends getaway. Fresh, alpine air and forested trails combine to stir one’s sense of exploration and adventure. It’s no wonder that it’s a 2025 USA Today Readers’ Choice Best Lake pick! More than 100 miles of open trails offer plenty of inspired hiking and biking. Adding fresh mountain lake fun to your visit is both easy and affordable. From fishing for rainbow trout, bass, and catfish to boating, jet skiing, kayaking and more, the blue waters of Big Bear Lake create family-fun memories that will bring you back year after year.
If exploring on two wheels is more to your liking, then pedaling your way to fun is easy on Big Bear’s iconic trail system. Featuring a diverse selection of trails for all skill levels, trails such as the Skyline Ridge Trail and Grand View Loop reward bikers with scenic overlooks and an array of perfect picture photo ops.
As the site of the Big Bear Gold Rush in 1850, Big Bear is steeped in unique history.
With more of everything, Big Bear is bigger than ever!
Featuring hundreds of boats that traverse the lake’s shoreline, Big Bear’s Rotary Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade of Lights is bigger than ever. This nautical-themed event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake, evokes Big Bear’s gold mining heritage. Additionally, the parade hints at the upcoming Big Bear Film Festival relaunch with a retro-meets-future cultural renaissance vibe.
Big Bear Rotary Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade of Lights
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Scheduled the week before Labor Day, this family-friendly event is part of Big Bear’s Wildcard Weekend and celebrates the pristine night skies and vibrant outdoor culture that’s exclusive to Big Bear. Designed to pair with Big Bear’s Dark Sky Initiative, Skyfest promotes Big Bear’s commitment to sustainability through awe-inspiring stargazing.
Skyfest
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Although Big Bear is a “must do” year-round, no summer is complete without experiencing the alpine splendor and fun of this adventure-filled destination through the summer months and into September. For those in Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles Big Bear is closer than you think, and with a myriad of lodging options, there’s a mountain-framed cabin or lakeside lodge, hotel, or bed & breakfast for any style.
Not sure about your summer travel plans? Not to worry, because the nostalgic, throw-back, future-themed fun at Big Bear doesn’t end in with Labor Day. With more events and activities in the pipeline, the autumn months provide a beautiful and timely backdrop for more mountain high fun. Planning your visit is both fun and easy, just log on to the Big Bear Travel Tool. Here you can find updated information on lodging, activities, maps, local road conditions, and more. You can also reach out to the Visitor Center online or call 1-800-424-4232 with any questions.
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Big Bear sits northeast of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino National Forest. Altitudes range from 6,750 to 9,000 feet and the valley enjoys 300+ days of sunshine each year. Summer temps are ideal, averaging 80 degrees during the day, and Winter brings beautiful snowfall with daytime temps in the low 40s. As an eco-friendly destination, Big Bear specializes in outdoor recreation like fishing, water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter sports. A 9-hole golf course, 7 public campgrounds, great restaurants, entertainment, and shopping offer an experience for everyone. Additionally, the Big Bear City Airport is open 24/7 and is equipped for night landings.
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As part of Big Bear’s Wildcard Weekend, the summer celebration continues with Big Bear’s popular Lakefest. When paired with Skyfest, both of these “fests” combine to form the ultimate double-header, Wildcard Weekend. With a nod to sustainability and carbon-conscious themes, this family-friendly legacy activity represents Big Bear’s pride in staging high-impact events.
Lakefest
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Retro Anniversary Films
Combine family-fun nostalgia with a local theater vibe with Big Bear’s Anniversary Films. Enjoy watching films such as Jaws, Goonies, and Back to the Future at Big Bear’s Village Theaters. Films can include themed props and interactive elements. Additional movies to come with the relaunch of Big Bear Film Festival.
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For a nostalgic outdoor shopping experience with fresh produce and local crafting, the Big Bear Farmers Market is just the ticket. Every Tuesday from 8:30 AM – 1 PM you can pick from a huge variety of collectibles at the Big Bear Convention Center.
Big Bear Farmers Market
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