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.
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