Big Bear Lake Maifest will send its top men’s and women’s stein-holding qualifiers to the HB Masskrugenstemmen (Bavarian Steinholding) U.S. National Championships happening in New York City later this fall.
This national ‘clash of the titans’ competition brings together the most fierce, gritty and determined men’s and women’s stein-holding competitors in the nation. The prize for the overall top qualifiers at this year’s Big Bear Lake Maifest will win a paid trip to New York to compete in the U.S. Stein-holding Championships that includes round-trip airfare and lodging accommodations (valued at $2,000 per qualifier).
Those who succeed at the U.S. Finals will then win an all-expense trip to Germany!
Those interested in winning this extraordinary prize can sign up at Big Bear Lake Maifest on May 30. Big Bear Lake Maifest will host two competitions each day over the four-day festival, which gives contestants eight chances to win!
The winner for each class is determined by whoever can hold up a full 1-liter stein the longest. Note: the weight of the liquid-filled dimple stein is approximately five pounds.
The Annual Big Bear Lake Maifest (pronounced My Fest), known as Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest’s little sister, is no stranger to this intense competition. Stein-holding has been a staple at Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest since its inception in 1970, and is now a primary contest held at Maifest.
Stein-holding, which is also known as Masskrugstemmen in Germany, is always a crowd favorite. The object, of course, is to hold a full stein with an outstretched arm, chest high, parallel to the ground, without dropping the arm or spilling the stein’s contents. This is a true contest of tenacity, determination, and stamina. In 2025, Bob Shalak of Wrightstown, NJ shattered the men’s national steinholding record at Big Bear Lake Maifest. Mr. Shalak held a full stein of beer (weighing approximately 5 lbs.) with an outstretched arm for 25 minutes and 29 seconds straight. Bob went on to win the 2025 U.S. National Championships.
The festive Maypole, known as the Maibaum, is an iconic centerpiece that stands 15 feet high and comes adorned with colorful ribbons. The Maifest fun-crew perform customary Maypole dances throughout the day, as well as lead patrons to amusing festive-ribbon dances and Pol Schmücken (maypole-decorating challenge). There’s a live German band, stein-holding competitions, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, vendors and of course the chicken dance. After dark, things take a slight turn, and the party amps up with DJs and American-style bands revving up country and rock hits.
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, or to get the American Heroes access code, log onto bigbearevents.com, or call 909-585-3000.
