Big Bear Lake Maifest is the mountain’s official kick-off party to the summer season.
The annual festival has grown quite the reputation as Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest’s little sister. It’s a spring version of Oktoberfest, and provides the same exciting German-style fun. Maifest kicks off Saturday, May 16, and returns the following week for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. The Maifest grand finale is Saturday, May 30.
“Raise a stein this May and prost to the upcoming summer season!” said Big Bear Lake Maifest Director Monica Marini. “An ice-cold German brew in the cool mountain environment is a great way to kick off summertime.”
Big Bear Lake makes for a perfect late-spring / pre-summer get-a-way with daytime highs in the low 70’s, lots of sunshine and wildflowers in bloom. Big Bear Lake Maifest is held outdoors at the highest elevation Bier Garden on the west coast, and delivers all the flavors of spring and summer. Topping the list is Maibock, a German-style brew that’s pale in color and more hop-centric than its fall/winter counterpart bock-style beers. Maibock is only available during springtime and primarily brewed for Maifest. The Maibock poured at Big Bear Lake Maifest is imported from the German brewer Hofbräu München, and provides a unique combo of hand-selected malts and blend of German Hallerhauer hop varieties to create a slightly sweet, yet rich malty flavor. For those who prefer a more fruity-flavored libation, try the champagne-style punch called Maibowle.
Another tradition is the festive Maypole, which is known in Germany as the Maibaum. This iconic centerpiece, which comes adorned with colorful ribbons is ideal for selfies, group photos and social media reels. The Maifest Gaudi Crew will perform customary Maypole dances throughout the day, as well as lead patrons to amusing festive-ribbon dances and Pol Schmücken (maypole-decorating team challenge).
Guests also have a chance to qualify for a paid trip to New York City for the Hofbräu Masskrugestemmen U.S. Steinholding Championships that takes place in September. This national ‘clash of the titans’ competition brings together the most fierce, gritty and determined men’s and women’s steinholding competitors in the nation. There are a total of eight stein holding competitions scheduled over the course of the four days at Big Bear Lake Maifest. The male and female with the lengthiest hold times will win a paid trip to New York that includes round-trip airfare and lodging accommodations (valued at $2,000 per qualifier) and the opportunity to compete in the U.S. Championships.
Other Maifest fun includes live German bands, log sawing competitions, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, and, of course, lots of chicken dancing! This year’s entertainment line-up will feature a mixture of traditional and modern-day songs. During the day, expect to hear traditional Bavarian tunes of the German celebrations style. After dark, things take a slight turn and the party amps up with DJ’s and live American bands. The German-style bands set to play Maifest are Die Sauerkrauts and Ladyhosen.
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.
