There’s something about fall in Big Bear that’s hard to beat.
The temperatures start cooling down, the summer crowds begin to thin out, the leaves start changing, and the entire mountain seems to shift gears. It’s one of my favorite times of year to be up here.
My family and I own a home in Big Bear Lake, so this isn’t just an area I follow from a real estate perspective. We spend a lot of time here ourselves, and over the years Big Bear has become a place where we’ve made some great family memories.
And fall might be my favorite season to do it.
So rather than give you another giant calendar of everything happening around town, I thought I’d share a few of the fall events I’m personally most looking forward to in Big Bear this year — and why.
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest 🍻
When: Weekends from September 12 through November 8, 2026
This one is at the top of my list — and for good reason.
We went to Big Bear Oktoberfest last year as a family and had an absolute blast. So yes, we’ll definitely be looking to make a return trip.
Oktoberfest has been a Big Bear tradition for decades, and the 2026 celebration runs on select weekends from mid-September into early November. It’s an authentic German-style celebration centered around food, music, dancing and, of course, beer.
But what I really enjoyed was the atmosphere. It felt festive without losing that small mountain-town feel.
For me, that’s what makes events like this special. You get the cooler mountain weather, you’re surrounded by the pines, and everyone just seems to be there to have a good time.
After experiencing it last year, this has officially become one of those “we need to do that again” events for our family.
Fall Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest 💀
When: September 30 through November 3, 2026
This is one I think really captures the personality of Big Bear.
Throughout the valley, local homes and businesses create scarecrows, Calacas (skeletons) and Día de los Muertos Ofrendas. Visitors can grab a map and ballot from the Big Bear Visitor Center, drive or walk around to see the displays, and vote for their favorites.
I’m looking forward to this one because it gives us another reason to get out and explore different parts of the valley.
And that’s something I enjoy about owning a place here. There’s always another little neighborhood, restaurant, trail or local business to discover. An event like this gets you away from the usual stops and gives you a chance to experience Big Bear more like a community than simply a vacation destination.
Throw in the fall colors and cooler temperatures, and this sounds like a pretty great way to spend an afternoon.
Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 🏃
When: October 8–11, 2026
I’ll make something clear right now:
You probably won’t find me running 100 miles through the mountains.
But I’ll happily watch someone else do it.
The Kodiak Ultra Marathons bring trail runners to Big Bear for races ranging from 10K all the way up to 100 miles, traveling through high-desert, sub-alpine and mountain terrain. The start and finish are centered in The Village, and the weekend also brings plenty of activity for spectators.
This is exactly the kind of event I enjoy seeing Big Bear host.
Even if you’re not racing, there’s an energy around town when an event like this comes through. And seeing athletes tackle these trails also reminds you just how much outdoor recreation exists beyond the lake and ski resorts.
I’ll stick with cheering them on.
Halloween in Big Bear 🎃
When: Throughout October
Halloween just feels a little different in the mountains.
Cool nights, pine trees, fireplaces going, changing leaves and Halloween decorations around town — Big Bear already has the perfect backdrop for it.
Big Bear celebrates Halloween throughout October with seasonal and family-friendly activities around the valley, and it’s one of those times of year when simply walking through The Village can be part of the experience.
This is one I’ll be watching as more individual events are announced.
And frankly, you don’t necessarily need a scheduled event to enjoy Big Bear this time of year. One of the things I love most about fall here is simply being outside when the weather cools down and the leaves start turning.
Grab some coffee, walk through The Village, take a hike or just spend the evening around a fire.
Sometimes that’s enough.
Big Bear Lake WON Troutfest 🎣
When: September 26–27, 2026
If fishing is your thing — or you’ve got kids who enjoy it — this is another classic Big Bear weekend.
The 20th annual Western Outdoor News Troutfest returns to Big Bear Lake in late September. It’s a family-friendly fishing tournament with adult and kids divisions, and the lake is stocked with thousands of pounds of trout immediately before the event.
What I like about Troutfest is that it highlights another side of Big Bear.
A lot of people immediately associate the area with skiing and snowboarding. Others think about summer weekends on the lake. But fall fishing is another part of the mountain lifestyle — and late September is a great time to be outside before winter starts knocking on the door.
Even if you’re not competing, it’s another good excuse to get outside and enjoy the lake.
Honestly, Fall Itself Might Be My Favorite “Event” 🍂
I know that’s cheating a little, but hear me out.
You don’t necessarily need an organized event to enjoy Big Bear in the fall.
The changing leaves, crisp mornings, hiking, afternoons around the lake and cooler evenings are enough of a reason for me to head up the mountain.
That’s a big part of why my family and I enjoy having a home here.
Each season brings something completely different.
Summer is about the lake. Winter brings skiing and snow. Spring starts opening everything back up.
But fall has a personality all its own.
And I’m looking forward to enjoying as much of it as possible this year.
Planning a Fall Trip to Big Bear? 📆
If you’re thinking about heading up for Oktoberfest, the fall colors or just a cool mountain weekend, my family and I also own Summit Dream Stays, our vacation home here in Big Bear Lake. When we’re not enjoying it ourselves, we make it available to guests visiting the mountain.
You can check availability and book directly at Summit Dream Stays.
Maybe I’ll See You Up Here
One of my goals with this blog isn’t just to talk about real estate.
I want to share some of the places, events and experiences that make the communities I know and spend time in worth experiencing.
Big Bear is certainly one of them.
So if you’re heading up for Oktoberfest, Halloween, one of the races — or you’re just escaping Southern California for a cool fall weekend — maybe I’ll see you around town.
And if you’ve got a favorite Big Bear fall tradition that I missed, I’d genuinely love to hear about it.
— Darren D’Altorio
First IN Homes
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