Big Bear LakeFest 2026: Your Guide to the Ultimate Lake Weekend

Summer may be winding down, but Big Bear Lake is giving us one more reason to celebrate. Big Bear LakeFest 2026 is happening August 28 and 29, bringing two days of live music, food, outdoor fun, and lakefront entertainment to the mountains.

If you're searching for things to do in Big Bear in August or looking for an excuse to plan one last summer getaway, LakeFest is the perfect opportunity.

Here's everything you need to know before planning your LakeFest weekend in Big Bear.

When Is Big Bear LakeFest 2026?

Big Bear LakeFest takes place:

August 28–29, 2026

The festival is held at Ski Beach Park, 41216 Park Avenue in Big Bear Lake.

Admission to the festival is free, making it an easy addition to a late-summer Big Bear vacation.

What Is Big Bear LakeFest?

LakeFest is a two-day celebration of everything that makes summer in Big Bear special.

The festival brings together live music, local food, art, family activities, and outdoor entertainment against the backdrop of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Visitors can expect attractions including:

• Live music

• Local food trucks

• Beer garden

• Local art

• BMX demonstrations

• Kids activities

• Vendor area

• Community entertainment

Whether you're traveling with friends, your significant other, or the entire family, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend.

Enjoy Two Days of Live Music

Live music is a major part of the LakeFest experience.

Friday kicks off with New Americana Night, followed by even more live performances throughout Saturday.

The combination of live music, mountain scenery, and a lakeside setting makes LakeFest a great way to celebrate the final weeks of summer.

Make It a Full Big Bear Lake Weekend

LakeFest may be the reason for your trip, but there's no reason the festival has to be your only adventure.

Turn your visit into a full weekend getaway and experience more of what Big Bear has to offer.

Get Out on Big Bear Lake

Spend part of your weekend enjoying the lake itself.

Depending on availability and conditions, popular summer activities include:

• Kayaking

• Paddleboarding

• Pontoon boating

• Fishing

• Lakeside picnics

• Walking along the shoreline

Late August is the perfect time to squeeze in another day on the water before summer comes to an end.

Explore The Village

Leave some time to explore The Village during your LakeFest weekend.

Spend the afternoon browsing local boutiques, grabbing a cup of coffee, finding the perfect souvenir, or stopping for dessert.

When evening arrives, choose one of Big Bear's local restaurants for dinner before heading back to your cabin.

Take a Scenic Hike

If you want to add a little adventure to your weekend, Big Bear has hiking trails for a variety of experience levels.

Popular options include:

Castle Rock Trail

Enjoy beautiful views overlooking Big Bear Lake after making your way through the mountain terrain.

Pine Knot Trail

Explore peaceful forest scenery on a longer hiking adventure.

Woodland Interpretive Trail

Looking for something more relaxed? This family-friendly trail provides an easier way to experience Big Bear's natural surroundings.

Check current trail and weather conditions before heading out, bring plenty of water, and start earlier in the day when possible.

Bring the Kids

LakeFest offers entertainment for younger visitors as well, including a kids area and community stage.

Families visiting that weekend can also find additional activities happening around Big Bear, making it easy to turn the festival into a complete family vacation.

Getting to LakeFest

If you're heading to LakeFest, plan your transportation ahead of time.

Event organizers encourage visitors to use alternative transportation options, including biking and Big Bear's free trolley system. Shuttle options may also be available from designated areas.

Checking the latest transportation and parking information before leaving your cabin can make getting to the festival much easier.

What to Bring to Big Bear LakeFest

Mountain weather can change throughout the day, so come prepared.

Consider bringing:

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Reusable water bottle

• Comfortable shoes

• Light jacket or sweatshirt for the evening

• Portable phone charger

And don't forget your camera. Between the lake, mountains, and festival atmosphere, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos.

Where to Stay for Big Bear LakeFest

Instead of making LakeFest a day trip, turn it into a mountain getaway.

Staying in a private cabin gives you somewhere comfortable to relax after a day of live music, lake activities, dining, and exploring.

At Big Bear Experiences, our luxury cabin rentals provide the perfect home base for your LakeFest weekend. Spend the day experiencing the festival and return to your cabin in the evening to unwind and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Plan Your Big Bear LakeFest 2026 Getaway

Big Bear LakeFest is the perfect way to celebrate the final weeks of summer.

With live music, local food, outdoor entertainment, family activities, and Big Bear Lake just steps away, you can experience the festival while also enjoying everything that makes a summer getaway to the mountains so memorable.

Book your stay with Big Bear Experiences and turn LakeFest weekend into one last unforgettable summer escape.