Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest has kicked off its 2023 season!
The celebrations go until November 4, 2023. It’s nine weekends of good times and lots of prosts (German for cheers)! The theme for this year’s Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is ‘Embrace the Moment – Prost to the Memories,’ which defines Big Bear’s most celebrated event for the past 53 years.
“With our 53-year history, our guests have so many great memories to prost about. Even if this is your first time attending Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, we’re certain that there are plenty of new memories to be had,” said Monica Marini, managing director of Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. “So, when you’re at Oktoberfest embrace the moment and celebrate your friends and family.”
The 53rd Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is the spot where friends and families gather to enjoy Southern California’s most authentic Oktoberfest. On the slate this year are two bands direct from Germany that play an array of traditional Bavarian tunes. Plus, Southern California’s top-rated American-German bands, along with festive beer gardens that serve choice imported German beers, food courts that give off aromas of authentic German fare, an enhanced Fun Zone for the youngsters, and plenty of fun-loving chicken dances.
Organizers of Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest are especially pleased to announce that they have booked two bands from Bavaria to perform the during the peak weekends from September 30 to October 22. Bohemian Street Musicians will delight festival-goers September 30 & October 1, and then again, the following weekend October 7-8. Bohemian Street Musicians from Southern Germany embody the customary music of Germany and add their own unique twist to create a festive Oktoberfest atmosphere. The Aalbachtal Express, also from Southern Germany, returns to Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest for the first time since 2017. The Aalbachtal Express will rock the house October 14-15 and October 21-22. This 10-piece band has grown a solid reputation throughout Europe for its authenticity and upbeat live shows. Their music and energy sincerely reflect the spirit of the original Oktoberfest.
Also, on the entertainment schedule are bands from Southern California that deliver genuine sounds of Bavarian polka music mixed with an array of top-40 pop, classic rock, and country. Bands on the bill for this year’s Oktoberfest includes Die Sauerkrauts, Ladyhosen, and Da Stuben Buden. Plus, Die Gemütlichen Schühplattler Dancers, a traditional German dance troupe will perform customary dances on select dates. The Lithuanian folk-dance ensemble Retro returns to showcase its array of authentic traditional Lithuanian dance choreography mixed with other dances such as polka, waltz, foxtrot and even tango. A second stage located near the outdoor beer garden will have various cover bands performing classic rock and country standards every weekend throughout the nine-weekend stint. A full entertainment lineup will be released in late July.
In addition to the great professional entertainment, there are plenty of opportunities for guests to get into the action themselves. Fun competitions and contests at Oktoberfest include log sawing and stein holding. Organizers are also finalizing a new interactive game that they’ll introduce for the first time this year (more details coming soon). Plus, there are plenty of children’s fun and games such as kiddy mug holding matches, pretzel toss and an enhanced kids’ play area with giant inflatables.
This year, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest honors those who serve in the US Military and first responders with three commemorative weekends September 9-10, September 16-17 and November 4. This tribute honors anyone with an official badge or proper I.D., including active military, veterans, firefighters, and law enforcement with free general admission tickets on these select weekends.
The 53rd Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 9 and runs for nine consecutive weekends through Saturday, November 4, 2023. The weekend festivities take place at Big Bear Lake Convention Center, located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Event times are Saturdays 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sundays 12 noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays (October only) 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets will go on sale the first week of August.
To be the first in the know when tickets go on sale follow Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest on Facebook or Instagram.
For general information visit BigBearEvents.com or call 909-585-3000.
