Summer Starts Now: Memorial Weekend, Fishin’ for $50K & Voting Push

Memorial Day Weekend is here, and Big Bear is stepping into one of the most important kickoffs of the summer season.

In this email:

• Memorial Day Weekend preparation
• Looking ahead to next weekend
• Last 3 days to vote for Best Lake and Best Lake for Watersports

Memorial Day Weekend is one of Big Bear’s biggest opportunities to welcome visitors into the summer season. Guests will be coming up for lake time, mountain biking, BBQ, live music, family activities, dining, shopping, outdoor adventure, and a long weekend in the mountains.

This is the moment where our entire business community can help Big Bear tell a strong and compelling story. When businesses are aligned with the events happening in town, it gives visitors more reasons to explore, stay longer, spend locally, and come back again.

Please make sure your teams are prepared to answer questions, share event information, and direct guests to BigBear.com for the latest details. Whether you are lodging, dining, retail, recreation, or service-based, this weekend is a great chance to help guests connect the dots and experience more of what Big Bear has to offer.

This year’s Memorial Day Weekend highlights include:

Big Bear BBQ Festival Grill & Chill
Taking place May 23–24 at Ski Beach Park, this lakeside BBQ festival brings together award-winning BBQ vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and a full weekend of flavor and fun.

Big Bear Mountain Resort Extended Holiday Fun
From May 22–25, Big Bear Mountain Resort is offering a full holiday weekend of alpine fun, including hiking, basecamp activities, golf, and outdoor recreation.

Summit Bike Park Opening Day
Snow Summit kicks off the bike park season with a special early opening from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. This is a major draw for mountain bikers and outdoor visitors ready to get back on the trails.

Memorial 5K Run
The Memorial 5K takes place Sunday, May 24 in the Village. Participants can race or cruise through scenic Big Bear neighborhoods while honoring fallen military heroes.

Maifest Memorial Day Weekend
Maifest continues May 23 and 24 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, bringing music, food, drinks, and a springtime Oktoberfest-style atmosphere to the holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Ceremony
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony takes place Monday, May 25, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Veterans Park. This free event honors fallen and retired heroes and is made possible by the City of Big Bear Lake and the American Legion of Big Bear Lake. After the ceremony, guests are invited to the American Legion for a celebration with free hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, and fries for veterans and active duty military.

Please help us spread the word and direct guests to BigBear.com for event details: https://www.bigbear.com/events/memorial-day-big-bear/

The momentum continues the weekend after Memorial Day with another strong lineup of events that will bring visitors into town and give our businesses more opportunities to engage with guests.

Fishin’ for $50K Trout Tournament
May 30–31, 2026
Fishin’ for $50K is one of Visit Big Bear’s signature events and one of the biggest family-friendly events of the season. Anglers will compete on Big Bear Lake for tagged trout prizes, including seven tagged trout worth $10,000 each, with up to $70,000 in potential prize money. The Tournament Champion will also win $2,500.

Event info and registration:
https://www.bigbear.com/events/fishing-50k-big-bear/

Reel Ale Festival
May 29–30, 2026
Running alongside Fishin’ for $50K, Reel Ale Festival brings together craft beer, outdoor lifestyle, live music, food vendors, shopping, and lakefront fun at Meadow Park/Ski Beach. Friday includes a free kickoff and farmers market atmosphere, while Saturday features the main ticketed craft beer festival.

More info:
https://www.bigbear.com/events/reel-ale-festival-2/

Last Weekend of Maifest
May 30, 2026
Big Bear Lake Maifest wraps up its final weekend at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. This is one more chance for visitors and locals to enjoy Big Bear’s favorite springtime German-style celebration with food, drinks, music, and a festive atmosphere.

More info:
https://www.bigbear.com/events/maifest-big-bear/

There are only 3 days left to vote for Big Bear Lake in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Big Bear Lake was previously showing in first place for both categories:

• Best Lake
• Best Lake for Watersports

In the final days, the rankings are hidden, so we need to keep the momentum going all the way through the finish line.

This recognition is a huge opportunity for our entire destination. Winning gives Big Bear a positive story to share all year, helps keep us top of mind with travelers, strengthens our reputation as one of the best lake and outdoor recreation destinations in the country, and gives local businesses another strong point of pride to promote.

Please share the voting link with your staff, guests, customers, friends, and family. You can vote daily.

Thank you for helping Big Bear kick off the summer season strong.

Call for General Info
1.800 .424.4232

This email was sent by:
Visit Big Bear, P.O. Box 1936, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

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