The annual event – now in its 53rd year – is set for Sept. 9-Nov. 5 at the Southern California ski resort town’s Convention Center.
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest serves the very same beer poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest. There are two bars inside of the Convention Center and multiple bier gartens on the outside, including the Craft Haus, which provides a variety of micro brews and craft beers.
The food is very authentic to German tradition, too. The bratwurst and knockwurst are from a German butcher in Los Angeles and fresh apple strudel and pretzels are delivered weekly from a German bakery.
Held in an Alpine town that brings the Bavarian Alps to mind, Big Bear Oktoberfest is an indoor-outdoor event with an oompha band playing all the bierhall classics – including the Chicken Dance – and stein holding and law sawing contests with dance troupes performing customary dances.
A fast-paced, cornhole-toss game that challenges two-player teams to try to score as many points as possible in a timed two- minute battle is new this year.
And, at 6,750 feet, this is the highest altitude Oktoberfest in the U.S.
It’s all open seating except for a preferred area with guaranteed seats indoors or outdoors that also has it’s own cocktail service.
The Big Bear Lake Convention Center is, located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.
Event times are Fridays (October only) 4-11 p.m., Saturdays 1 -11 p.m. and Sundays Noon- 6 p.m.
This year’s event has limited capacity and some dates are likely to sell out in advance. Saturdays in October have set arrival entry time blocks to ensure everyone with a pre-purchased tickets get a speedy entrance into the event.
Tickets are on a first come, first served basis. For ticket pricing details or to purchase tickets online, including general admission (around $30), preferred seating, Sunday Family Fun Package and Über Bürgermeiste Party Pack, go to BigBearEvents.com, or Facebook, or call 909-585-3000.
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