Fall is one of the most exciting times to visit Big Bear Lake. Cooler mountain temperatures, beautiful fall scenery and a calendar filled with fishing, art, outdoor activities and community celebrations make September and October a great time for a mountain getaway.
From the annual WON Big Bear Lake Troutfest to the new Wings Over Big Bear celebration honoring beloved bald eagle Jackie, there are plenty of reasons to plan a fall trip to the mountains.
WON Big Bear Lake Troutfest – September 26–27, 2026
Fishing enthusiasts can head to Big Bear Lake for the 20th annual WON Big Bear Lake Troutfest, a family-friendly fishing tournament taking place September 26–27.
The event features divisions for adult men, adult women and kids ages 14 and under, with cash and prizes up for grabs. Thousands of pounds of trout are also scheduled to be stocked in Big Bear Lake before the tournament.
Official activities take place around Big Bear Municipal Water District and Big Bear Marina.
Event Dates: September 26–27, 2026
Location: Big Bear Municipal Water District / Big Bear Marina
Good for: Fishing enthusiasts and families
Wings Over Big Bear – October 3–4, 2026
Big Bear Lake will come together October 3–4 for Wings Over Big Bear, a special community event honoring Jackie, the beloved bald eagle who became an icon through the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam.
Saturday, October 3, will feature a free commemoration ceremony at Bear Mountain Ski Resort. The venue opens at 10:00 AM, with the ceremony beginning at 10:30 AM.
Sunday, October 4, will focus on Wildlife Education Day, with activities throughout Big Bear Valley designed to connect visitors with local wildlife, conservation and the natural environment.
Event Dates: October 3–4, 2026
Saturday Location: Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Admission: Free
Good for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers
Big Bair Takeover – October 3, 2026
Classic car enthusiasts can check out Big Bair Takeover, a family-friendly classic Volkswagen car show at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake, a Holiday Inn Resort.
The event features classic Volkswagen vehicles, trophies, prizes and raffles. The current Visit Big Bear listing gives the event hours as 9:00 AM–4:00 PM on Saturday, October 3.
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge at Big Bear Lake
Address: 40650 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Good for: Classic car and Volkswagen enthusiasts and families
Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition – September 12–October 18, 2026
Art lovers can experience Big Bear through the eyes of artists during the 3rd Annual Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition and Festival of Artist Events.
Artists can create their work throughout Big Bear from September 12 through October 10, with gallery exhibitions taking place October 14–17. The competition concludes with an awards ceremony on October 18.
Visitors can also enjoy the gallery exhibitions and view artwork inspired by Big Bear's mountain landscapes.
Competition: September 12–October 10, 2026
Gallery: October 14–17, 2026
Awards Ceremony: October 18, 2026
Location: Destination Big Bear Event Room
Good for: Art lovers, photographers and visitors looking for a unique fall experience
Plan Your Fall Getaway to Big Bear
Whether you're coming to cast a line, enjoy mountain scenery, admire local artwork, explore wildlife or check out classic Volkswagens, fall brings plenty of ways to experience Big Bear Lake.
Make your fall getaway even better with a cozy Big Bear cabin. After a day of exploring, come back to your cabin and relax among the trees, enjoy a hot tub or unwind with family and friends.
Ready to plan your fall trip? Browse our Big Bear cabins and find your perfect mountain getaway.