Beers to You!

First comes hiking, then comes beer! Good news, the hiking leads to the beer at Big Bear Lake, where its annual Oktoberfest stays open until midnight on Saturdays and until 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Begin a 3-mile hike from either Pineknot Campground (or the Snow Summit parking lot; from the lot it’s a short walk east along the fire road to Pineknot). From Pineknot, take the adjacent forest road east, following the bend as it continues north to Switzerland Drive. Turn right on Switzerland and then left onto Elm Street.

Make the first left onto Moonridge Road, followed by a slight right onto Big Bear Boulevard, which meanders through the lively part of town all the way to the festival. When the road reaches the lake at the intersection of the Stanfield Cutoff bridge, opt for the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk for a brief scenic walk before reaching the Convention Center, aka: beer galore! (Both indoors and outdoors.) At the festival, pair classic German food like bratwursts and Bavarian dumplings with any (or all!) of the 22 biers on tap, including offerings from Oktoberfest regulars Spaten (we like the original Oktoberfest brew!) and Franziskaner. Join in on yodel-off contests and dance the “Schuhplatter” to live bands playing—what else?—German music. Got some liquid courage built up? There’s a mechanical bull challenge, so go ahead and add your Western spin on this Munich-originated pastime. Zum Wohl!

TIP: Beer buzz? There’s a complimentary shuttle that runs “until everyone is home”!

Big Bear's Oktoberfest runs weekends through Saturday, October 29 (the last day, and with the mountain’s biggest Halloween Party – a German Spooktacular). Directions to Pineknot Campground, where you can start the hike (Note: Road closure due to construction is scheduled most weekdays this October between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on CA-18.) Service dogs only at Big Bear's Oktoberfest.