Every Weekend…September 12 through October 31
The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest turns forty-five this year celebrating friends, family and good times in true German style. Since its inception in 1971, Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest, continues to grow. This year’s festival will run eight consecutive weekends and includes a new beer garden offering additional outdoor seating and beer service.
Located in the mountain town of Big Bear Lake, this quaint celebration has always been based on the lore of the world’s original Oktoberfest. Over the years, the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest has become world renown for its own traditions and old-world ambience. Guests are treated to authentic German entertainment; feast on Brats and Knockwursts direct from the German butcher; and enjoy the very same variety of beer poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest for more than 150 years!
While the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest has moved with the times, each year adding new attractions and entertainment, the atmosphere remains the same. The mountain air stirs up a unique blend of “Getmütlichkeit” and camaraderie that have continued to make amazing memories for forty-five years!
This year’s entertainment line-up features the Franken Power Express band from Hammelburg, Germany. The Franken Power will perform Sept. 19 & 20; Sept. 26 & 27; and Oct. 2, 3, & 4. Southern California’s premiere German band, The Express will perform opening weekend, Sept. 12 & 13 and the remaining weekends through Oct. 31. Other Oktoberfest festivities include dance groups every weekend, carnival games, bounce houses, Samson – the mechanical bull, and the Buden Strasse (Ave. of the Booths) which provides a variety of arts, crafts and collectible vendors.
In celebration of the 45th Anniversary, this year’s festival will run for eight consecutive weekends, kicking off on Saturday, September 12 continuing through Saturday, October 31st. Also new for 2015, is the addition of another Bier Garden – the Buden Strasse Bier Garten, providing additional beer service and outdoor seating.
American Heroes Weekend | Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13
Join us as we celebrate all those American Heroes who put their lives on the line to help keep our freedoms! Admission is FREE for all past and present Military, Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters and their immediate families.
45th Anniversary Celebration | Saturday, September 19
Oktoberfest Queen Reunion, Free Commemorative Give-a-way, Happy Hour Beer Specials and much more!
Oktoberfest “Unplugged” | Friday, October 16
Fans will be treated to an intimate inside look into the history and early beginnings of Oktoberfest while enjoying a night of fine German food and beer. The five-course German dinner will be paired with a variety of German beers and spirits. Entertainment includes story telling by the Uber-Burgermeister and founder of Big Bear’s Oktoberfest, Hans Bandows, as well as several of the event’s original and present day personalities.
German Spooktacular | $1200 in Cash Prizes | Saturday, October 31
Celebrate Halloween German-style. Once again, the day’s festivities feature costume contests for both adult and children. All participants receive a participatory prize. The adult contest will offer up to $1200 in cash prizes.
“Local” Sundays
In celebration of the 45th Anniversary and to thank the Big Bear Lake Community for its years of support, every Sunday throughout this year’s festival will be “Local’s Day” with FREE admission for Big Bear Valley residents on Sundays (must show I.D. with local address).
The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest provides an excuse to enjoy a weekend away from the stress and obligations of everyday life in a beautiful alpine setting. The festival takes place high in the San Bernardino mountains, approximately two hours away from the greater Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego communities.
For detailed information and to pre-purchase tickets, log on to www.bigbearevents.com
