Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival 2026: Your Guide to Labor Day Weekend

Looking for something different to do this Labor Day weekend? A brand-new Big Bear tradition is coming to the mountains.

The Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival takes place September 4–6, 2026, bringing three days of professional rodeo action, carnival rides, live entertainment, food, vendors, and family fun to Big Bear Lake.

If you're planning a Labor Day weekend in Big Bear, here's everything you need to know about the event and how to turn your visit into a complete mountain getaway.

When Is the Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival 2026?

The Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival takes place:

September 4–6, 2026

The event will be held on Sandalwood Drive in Big Bear Lake.

The weekend begins Friday with the opening-day carnival before rodeo action takes center stage Saturday and Sunday.

Friday: Kick Off Labor Day Weekend

The festivities begin Friday, September 4.

Opening-day carnival activities are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday admission is free.

It's a great opportunity to arrive in Big Bear, check into your cabin, and head straight into the holiday weekend festivities.

Saturday: Rodeo Night, Entertainment & Carnival Rides

Saturday brings even more action.

Visitors can experience the first rodeo night along with entertainment and carnival rides throughout the day.

Professional rodeo events are expected to include favorites such as barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping, along with additional competitions.

After the rodeo, keep the fun going with carnival rides, food, vendors, and entertainment.

Sunday: One More Day of Rodeo Fun

The celebration continues Sunday with a second rodeo night, entertainment, a Cowboy Church service, and carnival rides.

Sunday activities are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

That gives visitors another full day to experience the event before wrapping up Labor Day weekend.

Ride the Carnival Rides

You don't have to be a rodeo fan to enjoy the weekend.

The carnival brings classic midway entertainment and rides for a variety of ages, including the chance to take in the mountain scenery from a Ferris wheel.

Between the lights, rides, music, and mountain setting, the carnival creates a completely different way to experience Big Bear.

Come Hungry

What's a carnival without carnival food?

The official event information highlights favorites including funnel cakes, corn dogs, barbecue, and local specialties.

Grab something to eat, explore the vendors, and settle in for an afternoon or evening of entertainment.

Browse Local Vendors

Make time to explore the vendor area during your visit.

Shoppers can expect a selection of local crafts, Western-inspired goods, and carnival merchandise.

It's a great opportunity to support local vendors and bring home something that reminds you of your Big Bear getaway.

Make It a Complete Labor Day Weekend

The rodeo may be the main event, but there's plenty more happening around Big Bear over Labor Day weekend.

Visit Big Bear's current Labor Day schedule also includes events such as the Cool Run in the Mountains car show on September 5 and the Labor Day Drone Show over Big Bear Lake at sundown on September 6.

That makes it easy to build an entire weekend itinerary around your visit.

Spend Some Time on Big Bear Lake

September still offers opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding Big Bear Lake.

Depending on weather, conditions, and seasonal operations, spend part of your weekend exploring the lake area before heading to the rodeo.

You can also simply grab a coffee, find a scenic spot, and enjoy the mountain views.

Explore The Village

Leave a little time in your Labor Day itinerary for The Village.

Browse local stores, grab lunch, stop for dessert, or enjoy dinner before heading back to the carnival.

It's also a great option if your group wants a slower afternoon between events.

Turn Your Trip Into a Long Weekend

With three days of rodeo and carnival activities plus other Labor Day events happening around town, this is one weekend you won't want to rush.

Arrive Friday, settle into your cabin, experience the opening-day carnival, and spend Saturday and Sunday exploring the rodeo and Big Bear.

Then leave yourself some time to relax before heading home.

Where to Stay for the Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival

Instead of driving up for just one event, make the rodeo part of a complete Big Bear vacation.

At Big Bear Experiences, our luxury cabin rentals give families, couples, and groups a comfortable place to relax between all of the weekend's activities.

Wake up surrounded by the mountains, spend the day exploring Big Bear, experience the rodeo and carnival, and return to your cabin to relax at the end of the night.

Plan Your Big Bear Labor Day Weekend

The Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival is bringing something new to Labor Day weekend in the mountains.

With professional rodeo action, carnival rides, live entertainment, food, vendors, and other holiday-weekend activities happening around Big Bear, there's plenty to fill an entire getaway.

Book your stay with Big Bear Experiences and make the Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival part of an unforgettable Labor Day weekend.