There’s only one place where you can have a wood saw competition, live music, authentic German food, a petting zoo, take old western photo-ops, ride a wooden unicorn, ride a mechanical bull and carry a mini keg around while parting through it all, and that’s Big Bear’s Oktoberfest.
With an eclectic group of locals, tourists, families and rowdy singles there are activities for everyone.
Starting at 3:30 on a typical Saturday a line raps around Big Bear’s Convention Center and onto the street with festive thirsty people ready to get the party started.
Walking into the convention center feels extremely similar to that of a German beer hall. There are people dancing, laughing, eating and, most importantly, beer drinking!
Once one enters the hall, you can purchase drink tickets, Big Bear mugs, mini kegs or the large DAS BOOT!
Families and groups stake out their spots early in order to enjoy the long day full of activities. Outside the hall is a mini fair that consists of vendors, food, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, a wooden rocking unicorn, more bars and my personal favorite, the old western photo booth!
As the night progresses, the dance floor grows larger as the entire hall joins in doing The Cupid Shuffle. This is immediately followed by jumping, singing and dancing to the classic party anthem “Shout" that turns the Big Bears Convention Center into the scene straight out of “The Wedding Crashers.”
Once you clock out or got too intoxicated, Big Bear provides everyone with FREE shuttle rides home, a perfect ending to the night.
Big Bear’s Oktoberfest has been a hidden gem for many years and it's definitley an event you don’t want to miss!
