October is one of the best times to visit Big Bear Lake, California. The crisp mountain air, beautiful fall scenery, and packed calendar of events make it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
From exciting car shows and live music to pumpkin patches, art, theater, outdoor adventures, and spooky nighttime experiences, Big Bear has something happening throughout October 2026.
Planning a fall escape? Check out these upcoming October events and start planning your stay!
Fall Festivals & Family Fun
Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival at Starlight Equestrian Ranch
October 3 – November 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bring the whole family to the Starlight Equestrian Ranch Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival for a full day of autumn fun.
Visitors can enjoy horseback rides, pony and unicorn rides, a petting zoo, hay maze, pumpkin painting, mechanical bull, food and treats, local vendors, photo opportunities, and plenty of fall decor.
Location: Starlight Equestrian Ranch, 1635 Shay Rd.
Big Bear Lions Club – Free Pumpkin Patch
October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Big Bear Lions Club brings back its annual Free Pumpkin Patch at the base of Snow Summit.
Families can enjoy carnival games, a bounce house, delicious bites, and a costume contest at noon. Even better, kids 12 and under receive a free pumpkin!
Location: Snow Summit at the Base, 880 Summit Blvd.
Outdoor Adventures & Active Events
Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB
October 8 – 11, 2026
Calling all trail runners! The Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB brings an exciting weekend of ultra-trail running to Big Bear Lake.
The event combines challenging mountain trails with the hospitality and beauty of a classic Southern California mountain town.
Location: The Village in Big Bear Lake / Pine Knot Ave. & Village Dr.
Big Bear Pickleball Getaway
October 22 – 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Grab your paddles and head to the mountains for the Big Bear Pickleball Getaway.
This fall getaway is designed for friends, families, couples, clubs, and players of all levels, featuring social round-robin play, prizes, wellness activities, mountain adventures, and fireside connections.
Location: Big Bear Lake Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave.
Bear Mountain Golf Course Closing Day
October 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy one final round surrounded by the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains before the season comes to a close.
Bear Mountain Golf Course officially closes for the season on October 25, making this the perfect opportunity to take in the fall scenery and enjoy one last day on the greens.
Location: Bear Mountain Golf Course, 43092 Goldmine Drive
Big Bear's October Car Events
Oktoberfest – European Tuner Car Getaway
October 9 – 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Car enthusiasts won't want to miss Oktoberfest – European Tuner Car Getaway, bringing European automotive enthusiasts together for three days in Big Bear.
The weekend includes scenic cruises, meet-ups, a Saturday car show, trophies, activities, and evening parking-lot gatherings.
Location: Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge at Big Bear Lake, 40650 Village Dr.
Renntober – European Car Weekend
October 16 – 18, 2026 | Event starts at 3:00 PM
Another exciting weekend for European car enthusiasts, Renntober offers an opportunity to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and admire an impressive collection of European automobiles.
Location: Bear Creek Resort, 40210 Big Bear Blvd.
Porsche Timeline Car Show
October 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
See Porsche through the decades at the Big Bear Lake Porsche Timeline event.
This event gives Porsche enthusiasts the opportunity to see models and styles from different eras while enjoying the mountain setting and social atmosphere.
Location: Bartlett Parking Lot, 630 Bartlett Rd.
Live Music & Entertainment
Plaid to the Bone at The CAVE
October 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready to rock! Plaid to the Bone brings a 90s rock tribute experience to The CAVE in Big Bear.
Come enjoy the sounds of some of the biggest rock hits from the 1990s with this Southern California tribute band.
Location: The CAVE, 40789 Village Dr.
Tick, Tick...BOOM!
October 15 – 25, 2026
Experience Jonathan Larson's electrifying semi-autobiographical musical Tick, Tick...BOOM!
Set in New York City on the eve of a composer's 30th birthday, this high-energy production explores creativity, ambition, and the pressure of chasing your dreams while racing against the clock.
Location: Big Bear Performing Arts Center, 39707 Big Bear Blvd.
Spooky & After-Dark Experiences
Twilight Safaris
October 10, 17 & 24, 2026
Experience the zoo after dark during Twilight Safaris at Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
These guided tours focus on the zoo's nocturnal animals and offer a unique way to experience the wildlife after sunset. Hot chocolate and cookies are available, making this a fun fall evening for visitors of all ages.
Location: Big Bear Alpine Zoo, 42801 Moonridge Rd.
- $30 Dollars per ticket - Tickets available via website only >>> BIGBEARZOO.ORG
- Tours promptly at 5:00PM, 5:30PM, 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:00 PM & 7:30 PM.
Bring a jacket or sweater—the evenings in October can be chilly in Big Bear.
Spirits of the Past – Night Museum Lantern Walk
October 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Step into Big Bear's history during the Spirits of the Past – Night Museum Lantern Walk.
Explore the Big Bear Valley Museum after dark while listening to stories of ghosts and the fascinating history of the valley.
Sponsored by the Big Bear Valley Historical Society, guests are encouraged to bring a flameless lantern or flashlight.
Location: Big Bear Valley Museum, 800 Greenway Dr.
Nightmare Mountain
Fridays & Saturdays, October 2 – 31, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Looking for something a little more frightening?
Travel into the unknown at Nightmare Mountain, an immersive and interactive outdoor experience inspired by the history, legends, and stories of the Big Bear Valley.
Something lurks in the shadows—and it's waiting to scare you.
Location: Buc N' Doe Diner, 39167 Rim of the World Dr.
Art & Culture
Plein Air Art Gallery
October 12 – 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Take in the beauty of Big Bear through the eyes of talented artists at the Big Bear Plein Air Art Gallery.
Art enthusiasts and collectors can admire artwork inspired by the natural beauty of the area, with pieces available for purchase.
Location: Destination Big Bear, 713 Stocker Rd.
Big Bear Crawl
October 10, 2026 | Starts at 2:00 PM
Raise a glass for a good cause at the Big Bear Crawl in The Village.
Enjoy an afternoon of drinks, community, and good times while supporting a great cause. It's a chance to experience the local atmosphere, connect with fellow visitors, and enjoy an afternoon in the heart of Big Bear.
Location: The Village in Big Bear Lake
Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, a trip with friends, or a getaway centered around one of Big Bear's exciting events, staying in a cozy Big Bear cabin puts you close to all the action.
Make your October getaway one to remember and book your Big Bear cabin with Big Bear Cool Cabins today!