Say Hello to Oktoberfest’s Little Sister – Big Bear Lake Maifest

Oktoberfest in May? Yep!

Big Bear Lake Maifest is the little sister to Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. The organizers of Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest conceived this novel idea when they learned about numerous celebrations that occur every spring throughout Germany called Maifest. These traditional German festivals date back to the 18th century. This is when villagers and townspeople celebrated the end of winter and the arrival of springtime. This winter, Big Bear enjoyed its best season in years with more than 80 inches of snow, and now it’s ready to welcome a long-awaited spring with open arms. In doing so, Big Bear’s Maifest will deliver a scaled-down version of Oktoberfest to revelers Saturday, May 16 and Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 & 24, as well as Saturday, May 30. While Big Bear Lake Maifest is on a much smaller scale than her big sister Oktoberfest, there is one thing for certain and that is Maifest packs a big punch!

UNIQUE TO BIG BEAR LAKE MAIFEST:

• Festive Maypole – Adorned with Colorful Ribbons
• Customary Maypole Dances Performed by Die Gemütlichen Schühplattler
• Maibock (Traditional German Springfest Beers)
• Maibowle (Champagne-style punch)

COMBINED WITH OKTOBERFEST FAVORITES: 

• Sizzling Bratwursts Hot of the Grill
• Homemade Sauerkraut
• Fresh Pretzels
• Apple Strudel w/ Vanilla Sauce
• Live German Bands
  • Ladyhosen Band
  • Die Sauerkrauts
• Stein Holding Competitions
• Kids’ Fun Zone

GET A FREE WARSTEINER GIFT: 

Those who come dressed in traditional German attire like a Lederhosen or a Dirndl receive a free gift, compliments of Warsteiner Beer!

Big Bear Lake Maifest gates open at 1 p.m. and continues to 8 p.m. each day. The dates are Saturday, May 16; Memorial Day Weekend May 23 & 24; and Saturday, May 30, 2026. General admission tickets are $15, senior tickets are $12 and children’s tickets are $8. Special American Heroes tickets are free with access code. Tickets are available for purchase online at bigbearevents.com. Big Bear Lake Maifest festivities take place at Big Bear Lake Convention Center; home to Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd. For general information or to purchase tickets online, log onto bigbearevents.com, or call 909-585-3000.

For other fun things to do in Big Bear be sure to check out the recreation and activities page.

Other Big Bear links of interest:

Big Bear Dining

Retail in Big Bear Shopping

Big Bear Real Estate 

 

California’s First & Only Mountain Coaster is Mineshaft Coaster

Mineshaft Coaster is a roller coaster thrill ride! It is commonly referred as a mountain coaster, which is built directly into the mountainside. It allows riders the freedom to control the speed of the ride, which can reach up to 30 mph. The new Big Bear ride is family-friendly. Therefore, all generations can enjoy it. Mineshaft Coaster is the first and only mountain coaster in California! Of course, this is great news for those seeking something new.

Mineshaft Coaster carts are fastened to the track. Therefore making it very safe. It can accommodate one or two persons. Two people in a single cart must be from the same household. Each cart comes equipped with a side-lever braking system. This allows a rider full control of the cart. First, this feature gives individuals the ability to go at their own pace. However, riders can reach max speeds of 30 mph if they choose.

Mineshaft Coaster is quite big! It’s a steel track that stretches 5,300 feet in length. It spans several acres along the natural curvatures of the mountain. The ride presents a variety of thrill-ride features, too. These include steep drops, rollers, dips, twists, hairpin turns, tunnels, bridges and 360-degree corkscrews. The ride is estimated to last about eight minutes. Mineshaft Coaster is fun from start to finish.

The ride presents a variety of thrill-ride features, too. These include steep drops, rollers, dips, and twists. Furthermore, there are hairpin turns, tunnels, bridges and 360-degree corkscrews. The duration is estimated about eight minutes. Depending of course on the speed of the rider.

Fully Prepared for Covid-19

Alpine Slide is fully prepared for Covid-19. Therefore, it is following necessary CDC guidelines. For example, physical distancing policies and multiple hand-sanitizer stations throughout the park. Moreover, the staff wears face coverings. Plus, there is continual disinfection of high-touch points and guest-flow signage. Also, Alpine Slide pro-actively encourages guests to wear face coverings. Furthermore, Mineshaft Coaster is a unique ride during the coronavirus pandemic. Why? It’s mainly because of its individual carts, which provides a fixed way for social distancing in place. 

Mineshaft Coaster opened in July. Hence making it the park’s sixth summer attraction. Other attractions include the Alpine Slide ride, a double waterslide, the Soaring Eagle ride, a go-kart track and miniature golf. Most importantly, the company’s top priority is the health and safety of both guests and staff.

Mineshaft Coaster Details

Height requirement for a solo rider is over 54”. However, passengers that are 38” and above may ride with a driver 18 years or older. Furthermore, the driver must be at least 54” tall. Another point, is passenger may not obstruct driver’s view. Maximum combined weight is 375 lbs. Moreover, max weight varies with weather conditions. 

The cost is $20 per person (54” and above), per ride; and children who are at least 38” and below 54” in height are $10 per person, per ride. Alpine Slide is located at 800 Wildrose Lane (just off Big Bear Blvd.). Alpine Slide is open daily. Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to call ahead for operating hours. Note: operating hours may change throughout the year. For more details call 909-866-4626 or visit AlpineSlideBigBear.com.  

For more thrilling activities in Big Bear check out https://www.bigbearguide.com/recreation-activities/