Big Bear Events, Fall Contests & Partner Opportunities

Close out summer with an unforgettable weekend in Big Bear! Labor Day Weekend brings nonstop excitement with thrilling rodeo action, classic cars, live music, illuminated boats and a spectacular drone show over the lake. Then, ease into the next weekend with outdoor adventures, local art, wildlife experiences and even more live music.

 

In this email:

  • This Labor Day Weekend
    • Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival
    • Labor Day Drone Show
    • Big Bear Rotary Boat Parade of Lights

    • Cool Run in the mountains Car Show
    • Music in the Mountains - David Bowie & Elton John
  • Next Weekend
    • Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series - Latin Rock & Funk Night
    • Plein Air Art Competition

  • Fall Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest
  • Register Now: Q3 Digital Summit & Partner Mixer
 

This Labor Day Weekend

Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival

September 4-6

Sandalwood Drive, Big Bear Lake

 

Saddle up for Labor Day Weekend as the Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival brings three days of rodeo action, carnival fun and mountain town excitement to Big Bear

 

CARNIVAL HOURS
Friday through Sunday
12 PM to 10 PM

 

Pre-Sale: $40
At the Gate: $50

 

Each wristband includes unlimited carnival rides for one day. Games and food are sold separately.

 

Watch professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in events like bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, then keep the fun going with carnival rides, live entertainment, food and vendors. Friday kicks off with free admission to the carnival, followed by rodeo action Saturday and Sunday

 

View Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival Details

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Labor Day Drone Show

Sunday, September 6 | Starts at Sundown

Big Bear Lake

 

Wrap up Labor Day Weekend with a colorful show in the sky as Big Bear's Labor Day Drone Show illuminates the night above the lake.

 

Hundreds of synchronized drones will create glowing designs and animations overhead, bringing the holiday weekend to a memorable close. The show will be visible from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center, Rotary Park, Veterans Park, The Village and other nearby locations.

 

View Labor Day Drone Show Details

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Big Bear Rotary Boat Parade of Lights

Sunday, September 6 | 7:30-9:00PM

Big Bear Lake

 

Watch Big Bear Lake light up for Labor Day Weekend as decorated boats cruise across the water during the annual Boat Parade of Lights. Check out the Parade Map to find the best viewing spots.

 

The parade takes place just before the evening’s drone show, with the illuminated boats gathering beneath the colorful display. Together, the glowing boats and dazzling drones create an even more vibrant spectacle over Big Bear Lake—and an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday weekend.

 

View Big Bear Rotary Boat Parade of Lights

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Cool Run in the Mountains Car Show

Saturday, September 5 | 9:00-3:00 PM

Big Bear Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Boulevard

 

Classic cars take center stage at the Cool Run in the Mountains Car Show, bringing more than 100 unique and beautifully maintained vehicles together for a Labor Day Weekend tradition.

 

Stroll through rows of classic cars and motorcycles while enjoying live entertainment, vendors, food, and craft fair. Admission is free for spectators, and proceeds from the event help support local charities and animal rescue programs

 

View Cool Run in the Mountains Details

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Music in the Mountains - David Bowie & Elton John

Saturday, September 5 | 6:30-9:30 PM

Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive

 

Spend an evening under the stars as Music in the Mountains closes out its 2026 season with two legendary sounds brought to life on the Discovery Center stage.

 

David Brighton's Space Oddity celebrates the music and unforgettable style of David Bowie, with Kenny Metcalf  as Elton: The Early Years opening the evening with the hits of Elton John. Proceeds support conservation, recreation and education programs throughout the San Bernardino National Forest.

 

View Music in the Mountains Details

 

Next Weekend in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series - Latin Rock & Funk Night

Saturday, September 12 | 5:30-8:30 PM

The Village at Big Bear Lake

 

The Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series wraps up its 2026 season with one more night of free live music in the heart of The Village.

 

Enjoy Latin rock and funk from Bardo and Mestizo Beat while taking in the mountain-town atmosphere, local dining and family-friendly activities throughout the Village. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

 

View Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series Details

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Plein Air Art Competition

September 12-October 10

Throughout the Big Bear Valley

 

Artists are invited to capture Big Bear's fall landscapes during Visit Big Bear's 3rd Annual Plein Air Art Competition and Festival of Artist Events

 

Throughout the competition, artists can explore the valley and create their interpretation of Big Bear "en plein air," painting outdoors among the mountains, forests and changing fall scenery. Completed pieces will later be featured in the Competition Gallery, followed by an awards celebration in October

 

View Plein Air Art Competition Details

 

Calling All Creative Businesses and Residents!

The Fall Scarecrow & Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest is returning to Big Bear! Help us spread the word and encourage your guests, customers, neighbors, and community members to join the fun.

 

Participants can enter in the Business or Residential division and create a display in one of three categories:

  • Best Scarecrow
  • Best Ofrenda (altar)
  • Best Calacas (skeleton display)

Displays will be featured on the official contest map, giving locals and visitors another fun reason to explore the Big Bear Valley. Participants will compete for cash prizes, memberships, gifts, and community recognition.

 

The contest is open to all Big Bear Valley communities, including Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Baldwin Lake, Fawnskin, and Lake Williams.

 

Please share this opportunity with anyone who might enjoy creating a festive fall display!

 

View contest details and prize information

Register Your Display!
 

Register Now: Q3 Digital Summit & Partner Mixer

Join us on Wednesday, September 16 for two opportunities to connect and stay informed.

 

Q3 Digital Summit | 2:00 PM via Zoom
Hear the latest tourism trends, Big Bear performance updates and news from Visit Big Bear and our local partners.

 

Partner Mixer | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rosa’s in The Village
Connect with fellow members and partners while enjoying complimentary appetizers and your first drink.

Register for the Q3 Digital Summit
RSVP to the Partner Mixer at Rosa's 
 
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Call for General Info
1.800 .424.4232

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