What's Happening in Big Bear This Weekend: October 30–November 1

This is the biggest weekend of fall in Big Bear, and it is a good one. Halloween lands on Saturday, the final full Oktoberfest weekend fills the Convention Center, the Village and the Alpine Zoo go all out for trick-or-treating, and the pumpkin patch at Starlight Equestrian Ranch says goodbye for the season. Here is Holly's guide to everything happening in Big Bear from Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1, plus what is coming in the week of November 2 through 8.

Oktoberfest: the final full weekend

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest returns to the Convention Center at 42900 Big Bear Blvd for its last full three-day run: Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1. Expect German bands, hearty food, the legendary stein-carrying contest, and a kids zone so the whole family can join in. The closing weekend, November 7 and 8, wraps up the 2026 season. Head to the official pages on bigbear.com and bigbearevents.com for tickets and exact hours.

Halloween in the Village

On Saturday, October 31, The Village hosts the free family celebration everyone looks forward to all year: Halloween in the Village, 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Christmas Tree Corner, where Pine Knot Avenue meets Village Drive. Shops pass out candy, costumes fill every walkway, and the whole lakefront turns into one big, friendly street party. Well-behaved costumed dogs are welcome, which in my book makes it even better.

Boo at the Zoo

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo at 42801 Moonridge Road celebrates Boo at the Zoo on Halloween day, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: trick-or-treating stations, animal encounters, and a sweet way to support the zoo's rescued residents. It is included with general admission, and it is one of the most charming Halloween traditions we have up here. Details are on bigbear.com.

Pumpkin patch: last call

The Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival at Starlight Equestrian Ranch, 1635 Shay Rd in Big Bear City, runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, November 1. Horseback and pony rides, a petting zoo, hay maze, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, food vendors, and endless photo spots, all with free admission. After Sunday the patch goes quiet until next autumn, so this is your final chance for the season. Check the details on bigbear.com or at starlightequestrianranch.com.

Scarecrows, ofrendas, and one last haunted maze

All across the valley, homes and businesses are showing off the fall Scarecrow and Día de los Muertos Decorating Contest, with scarecrows, calacas, and ofrendas on display into November. Take a slow drive through the neighborhoods and hunt for your favorites, it is free fun for the whole car. And if you still want a scare, the free haunted maze at Swim Beach wraps its October run this weekend. The full Halloween lineup with dates and times lives on the visitor bureau's Halloween events page.

The week ahead: November 2 through 8

The fun does not stop when the pumpkins go home. One Sky Week runs November 2 through 8, when Care for Big Bear hosts astronomy talks, night-sky conservation programs, and guided stargazing hikes leading up to Dark Sky International's annual gathering. Our mountain night skies are one of the best reasons to own a cabin here, and this is the week to fall in love with them. See the schedule on bigbear.com.

That same weekend, Oktoberfest's closing days run November 7 and 8 at the Convention Center, the Harvest Festival visits Sunnybrook Estate at 42488 Moonridge Rd, and the Big Bear Double Cross cyclocross race takes over The Ranch at 2080 Irwin Ranch Rd. For a calmer pace, Mountain Story Time at the Big Bear Discovery Center in Fawnskin pairs cozy stories with hot chocolate on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

A few seasonal notes

The Friday farmers market wrapped its 2026 season on October 23, so the produce stands will be back in April; in the meantime, the fall color is peaking all over the valley right now, gold aspens against the pines, and an easy lakeside stroll or a drive through the neighborhoods is the best way to soak it in. And mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 11: the City of Big Bear Lake and American Legion Post 584 host the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park on Big Bear Blvd starting at 11:00 a.m.

However you spend this Halloween weekend, enjoy every minute of it. And if these crisp fall days get you dreaming about a place of your own up here, that is exactly what I love to help with. Start with my Buying Guide, wander the Neighborhood Guides to find the community that feels like you, and check the Market Report for the latest numbers. Your Big Bear Realtor, Holly Gardner.