Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest continues its 55th Anniversary celebration with authentic German bands direct from Bavaria taking center stage over the next several weekends. The tradition of featuring real German musicians brings the same tone, pageantry, and jubilant atmosphere as the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
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First up, The Frankenrebellen Express, a high-energy band from Bavaria known throughout Europe for its lively performances, will kick off the festivities. Their spirited sets are sure to ignite the dance floor with traditional oom-pah-pah, pop hits, and sing-alongs that get everyone clapping and cheering. Following them, The German Streetmusicians return for multiple weekends with their signature upbeat sound and interactive shows that keep festivalgoers out of their seats and on their feet.
Once the visiting bands wrap up their U.S. tour, two of Southern California’s top American-German acts — Die Sauerkrauts and Ladyhosen — take over the stage for Big Bear’s encore weekends in early November. Both fronted by singers born and raised in Germany, these fan-favorite groups deliver a mix of traditional Bavarian anthems, modern party hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “99 Red Balloons,” and classic sing-alongs such as “Ein Prosit” and “Das Esellied.” Ladyhosen even features international yodeling sensation Kathrin Jakob, whose show-stopping voice guarantees smiles all around.
An outdoor beer garden stage also runs each weekend, featuring cover bands playing rock ’n’ roll and country favorites.
In addition to its world-class music lineup, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest delivers a genuine Bavarian-style experience — complete with alpine scenery, authentic food, and the very same beer poured at Munich’s famed festival. Bratwurst and knockwurst come from a German butcher in Glendale, while fresh apple strudel and pretzels are baked in Costa Mesa and delivered weekly.
Guests can also take part in classic Oktoberfest contests, including stein holding, stein carrying, and log sawing, while dance troupes perform traditional routines. And of course, everyone is invited to join in the legendary Chicken Dance!
The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest 55th Anniversary Celebration runs every weekend through November 8, 2025, at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center (42900 Big Bear Blvd). Event hours are:
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Saturdays: 1 p.m.–11 p.m. (September) and 1 p.m.–12 midnight (October)
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Sundays: 12 noon–6 p.m.
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Fridays (October only): 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
For tickets, pricing, and more information, visit BigBearEvents.com or call 909-585-3000.
