Golden Leaves & Cozy Nights: Insider Tips for Fall in Big Bear, California

Dance and imbibe at Oktoberfest

Big Bear’s Oktoberfest is the event locals mark on their calendars months in advance. It transforms our convention center into a Bavarian beer hall with bratwurst, pretzels, and stein holding contests, and 2026 will be no different—official dates haven’t been posted yet, but it usually runs weekends from early September through early November. I like going on Fridays when the lines are shorter and I can chat with the lederhosen clad bartenders; Saturdays are wild and loud, and Sundays are perfect for families. My best tip? Dress up. Wearing a dirndl or lederhosen not only gets you high fives, it makes the chicken dance way more fun. Plan ahead: popular weekends sell out quickly.

Smash pumpkins while zip-lining

If you’ve ever wanted to catapult pumpkins at targets while soaring through the trees (and who hasn’t?). Action Zipline’s Pumpkin Smash Tour is the most ridiculous way to welcome fall. Every Saturday from October 3 to October 31, 2026, guides strap you into a harness, send you down high-speed ziplines, and hand you mini pumpkins to lob at bullseyes. The rush of flying above pine trees and the satisfying thud when you hit a target is addictive. Wear closed-toed shoes and bring your loudest victory yell.

Stargaze at Sidewalk Astronomy

Our mountain skies are incredibly dark in autumn, and the Bear Valley Astronomical Society sets up telescopes outside Barrel 33 in The Village for Sidewalk Astronomy on select evenings from April 25 to December 19, 2026. Grab a hot cocoa, browse the shops, then stop by the telescopes to see Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons. The scheduled fall dates include October 17 and November 15. If the night is clear, you might hear excited gasps from locals seeing the Andromeda galaxy for the first time. It’s free, but bring patience—cloudy or windy nights cancel the show.

Hike through the leaves

Big Bear is one of the few places in Southern California where you can witness aspens, maples, and oaks explode into color. Dress in layers; mornings start near freezing and afternoons can be sunny and warm. My favorite trails this time of year are:

• Castle Rock Trail: A two-mile climb through oak and cedar forest leading to boulder outcroppings and panoramic lake views. Bonus: Castle Rock Trail Parking Lot opened last summer, so no more having to park on the side of the road.

• Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point: A 7-mile out-and-back path from Aspen Glen picnic area up to Snow Summit with spectacular views of Big Bear Lake. Make sure to grab a Forest Service Adventure Pass for parking at Aspen Glen Picnic Area.

• Towne Trail: This easy three-mile route links Snow Summit to the Village. It’s my go-to for a post-work dog walk when I want to see color without breaking a sweat. Just keep an eye out for mountain bikers.

• Alpine Pedal Path: A paved, ADA-friendly path along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Ideal for hikers, bikers, joggers, strollers, and wheelchair users, the path provides an easy way to be outdoors with the entire family.

Run (or walk) the Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving morning isn’t complete without the Big Bear Turkey Trot, held on Thursday, November 26, 2026. It’s a three-mile fun run/walk starting and finishing at Dank Donuts with a route along Rathbun Creek Trail and through the Moonridge Zoo. There’s a yoga warm-up, costume contest, live music, and a “Danksgiving” party at the finish line. I recommend wearing a silly turkey hat and grabbing a maple-bacon donut as a reward at the end.

Grizzly Manor Café

Tiny. Plastered in stickers. Always buzzing. This diner—a favorite of locals and visitors alike, serves up enormous portions with a menu of items named for “famous” locals. The staff treats everyone like an old friend There’s always a line so go early, be hungry, bring cash.

Murray’s Saloon & Eatery

Part Irish pub, part dive bar, Murray’s attracts bikers, skiers, and karaoke lovers. The half-pound burger is legendary, and on cold nights it pairs well with a Guinness and singing “Sweet Caroline” with strangers.

Himalayan Restaurant

When I’m tired of burgers and pizza and cooking at home, I head here for butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and garlic naan. The menu highlights Nepali, Tibetan, and northern Indian dishes made with fresh spices. Indoor seating provides warmth and a calm escape from the Village bustle. They also offer takeout and delivery within five miles, handy if you’re staying nearby.

The Bear Trap

After a day of hiking the trails, I love winding down at The Bear Trap. The space is rustic-modern with a whole lot of character. They constantly rotate taps to showcase California lagers, bold IPAs, stouts, and sours, and offer flights so you can try a few. The Smash Burger is a personal favorite, along with the Nashville Hot Wings with just the right amount of heat.

Pickle’s Pie Shop

This tiny cottage-style bakery in Big Bear City is a cult favorite. This husband-and-wife small business bakes everything from scratch every morning, turning out buttery pecan pies, Dutch apple, mixed berry, and inventive seasonal combinations. Because they bake small batches and sell out fast, locals know to arrive early or call in a reservation. The to-go format makes you can take a whole pie—or just a slice—back to your cabin for a fireside dessert. They’re open 10:30 a.m. until they sell out—which happens quick!