One of our all time favorite Oktoberfest celebrations because of the mountain environment, and activities at the event is held annually at the Convention Center in Big Bear Lake. Launched in 1970, the Big Bear Oktoberfest attracts thousands of visitors from near and far. Many return annually to experience that special time when the cool night mountain air is crisp and cool, and dancing and celebrating are comfortable thanks to autumn's return.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest Sept. 17 - Oct. 29, 2011

Big Bear Lake Convention Center
41st Annual Big Bear Lake  Oktoberfest 
Open Saturdays Noon to Midnight;  Sundays Noon to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $14 most weekends, pre-purchase $12, seniors, kids are less

Die Mainfloesser Band blends traditional German, contemporary German and American music. Also on stage is Southern California's premiere German band, The Express Band.  Trachten Verein Traunstoana dancers direct from Big Bear's sister city Abtenau, Austria perform traditional Austrian dances. Additional dance groups include Big Bear Polka Tots, Danube Swabain, and the Cripple Creek Cloggers.

Ongoing events that take place each weekend included:

* Log Sawing & Stein Holding Contests several times daily.
* Safe Slam Beer Drinking Contest - Saturdays after 8 p.m.
* Children's contests -d Sundays approx. 3 p.m.
* Outside Budenstrasse - Game Booths, Exhibitors, Petting Zoo 

Adults only admission:  Saturdays after 6 p.m. age 21+. However, families with children who have entered Oktoberfest prior to 6 p.m. cut-off will not be asked to leave Oktoberfest after 6 p.m.


America's Heroes Weekend Sept. 17 - 18, 2011
Free admission for Past and Present Military, Law Enforcement & Fire Fighters

Saturday, September 17  - Noon - Midnight
12:30 p.m. - 12 Midnight - The Express Band, Southern California's Premier German band
2 p.m. - Big Bear Lake Polka Tots
4 p.m. - 41st Anniversary Opening Ceremonies
Special All- American tribute to the Troops

Sunday, September 18  - Noon - 5:30 p.m.
12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - The Express Band
2 p.m. - Big Bear Lake Polka Tots

September 24 - 25, 2011

Saturday, Noon - Midnight
12:30 p.m. - 12 Midnight - Die Mainfloesser Band, direct from Germany
Danube Swabain Dancers perform 2 & 5 p.m.
Oktoberfest Queen - Stein Carring Contest - Preliminary 6 p.m. -

Sunday, September 25  - Noon - 5:30 p.m.
12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Die Mainfloesser Band, direct from Germany
2 p.m. - Danube Swabain Dancers

October 1 -  2, 2011
12:30 p.m. - Midnight - Die Mainfloesser Band, direct from Germany
Danube Swabain Dancers 2 & 5 p.m.
6 p.m. - Oktoberfest Queen - Stein Carrying Contest - Preliminary

Sunday, Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Die Mainfloesser, direct from Germany Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Austrian Dancers 2 p.m.

October  7 - 8, 2011

Friday, October 7  - 6 p.m. - Midnight
Local's Night - All Admission Proceeds to Benefit Big Bear Valley's M.O.M./Dad Project
Admission $3 for Adults and Seniors - FREE for Children
6 p.m. - Midnight - Die Mainfloesser Band, direct from Germany
7 p.m. - Big Bear Lake Polka Tots

Saturday, October 8  - Noon - Midnight
12:30 p.m. - Midnight - Die Mainfloesser, direct from Germany
2 p.m. - Austrian Dancers
6 p.m. - Oktoberfest Queen - Stein Carrying Contest - Semi Finals

Sunday, October 9  - Noon - 6 p.m.
Noon - 5:30 p.m. - Die Mainfloesser, direct from Germany
2 p.m. - Austrian Dancers

October 15 - 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15  - Noon - Midnight
12:30 p.m. - Midnight - The Express Band, Southern California's Premier German band
Cripple Creek Cloggers 2 & 5 p.m.
Oktoberfest Queen - Stein Carrying Contest - Finals 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 16  - Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Noon - 5:30 p.m. - The Express Band, Southern California's Premier German band
2 p.m. - Cripple Creek Cloggers

October 23 - 24, 2011
Saturday, October 23  - Noon - Midnight
12:30 p.m. - Midnight - The Express, Southern California's Premier German band
D'Oberlander  2 & 5 p.m.

Sunday, October 24  - Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Noon - 5:30 p.m. - The Express Band, Southern California's Premier German band
2 p.m. - D'Oberlander

October 30, 2011 (Oct. 31 is a Halloween Party at venue, public invited!)
Saturday, October 30  - Noon - Midnight
12:30 p.m. - Midnight - The Express Band, Southern California's Premier German band
2 p.m. - Big Bear Lake Polka Tots
3 p.m. - Children's Halloween Costume Contest
9 p.m. - Adult Halloween Costume Contest
11 p.m. - Auf Wiedersehen - Closing Ceremonies