The Ultimate Big Bear Summer Event Guide
There are so many things to do in Big Bear this summer! This mountain getaway offers a lot of fun and unique activities that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, you get to be outdoors at 6,750 feet, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take in the sunshine. With all of these options, however, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.
Luckily, Big Bear Tiki Tours is here to help you lock in your summer adventure. We’re your local authority and personal escape, giving you the chance to sail right on past the chaos and relax on the lake.
Key Takeaways
Here’s your quick-glimpse guide into what we’ll cover.
Discover how to conquer high-altitude events without burning out.
Learn the best insider strategies to trade crowded pavement for cool lake breezes.
Master the art of pairing the mountain’s biggest festivals with a relaxing cruise.
Ready to beat the crowds? Book your Big Bear Tiki Tour today so you get the best seat on the lake!
Your Big Bear Summer Calendar: Dates, Logistics, and Local Secrets
We have the inside scoop on how to avoid the madness and get the most out of the summer in Big Bear. Don’t make rookie mistakes; use our expertise to hit the valley’s best events like a seasoned pro.
How to Navigate the Big Bear Wine Walk 2026 Like a Local
Event Info: Village Wine Walk
Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Check-in: 2:30 PM, Event: 3:30 PM-6:00 PM
There’s so much to see in the Village; let the Wine Walk be your guide. Explore Big Bear’s local shops, art galleries, and more with your 12 tasting tickets. It’s a perfect way to take in the best of all that Big Bear Village has to offer.
Our Pro Tip: The sun can be intense at the 6,750-foot altitude, so make sure to use your 12 food tickets for snacks to keep yourself grounded. Once the 6:00 PM last-pour cutoff hits at Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive, pivot straight to the marina for a breezy, relaxing boat tour cap off your day on the water.
Decompressing After the Tour De Big Bear
Event Info: Tour de Big Bear
Date & Time: Friday, July 31-Sunday, August 2, 2026 | Expo and rides peak all day Saturday
Big Bear comes alive as the Tour de Big Bear returns from this summer, with 3,000 riders hitting the beautiful mountain terrain routes that are close to 100 miles long. It’s an invigorating event, but both competitors and cheering spectators face a hot, sun-baked afternoon.
Pro Tip: The main staging lines and the busy Bikes & Brews festival center around Bear Mountain Resort at 43101 Goldmine Drive, which means dealing with packed crowds. Wind down from the excitement with a relaxing sunset tiki cruise out on the open water. It’s the perfect excuse to trade bike helmets for feeling the lake breeze in your hair, and watch the afternoon traffic melt away from the comfort of the lake during one of the busiest Big Bear summer events of 2026.
Puptopia: The Best Dog Friendly Things to Do in Big Bear
Event Info: Puptopia Big Bear
Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Puppy mania hits Big Bear at the scenic, lakeside setting of Veteran’s Park on Big Bear Boulevard. This festival features fun adventures for your pup like the Pawground agility course and the Spa Bark pampering stations.
One of the biggest headaches for traveling dog lovers is finding activities for the whole family, that don’t leave your pup alone in a rental cabin feeling left out.
We have a welcoming pet policy that continues the fun after your dog’s day at the festival. Friendly, socialized dogs can enjoy the lake as well with the whole family! Reach out to us directly if you’d like to bring a dog on your tiki tour this summer.
Summer Concert Series & Father’s Day Weekend Escape
Event Info: Summer Concert Series
Dates & Times: Saturdays, June 20 - September 12, 2026 | Gates open later afternoon
The Free Summer Concert Series kicks off an exciting season over Father’s Day weekend at the Village Center parking lot on the corner of Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive. This open-air venue brings a fun lineup of regional touring acts to the mountain every weekend through September 12. The best part? Admission is free, and all ages are welcome!
Pro Tip: A late-afternoon or sunset tiki cruise tour is the best pre-concert getaway. It lets you breeze away from the busy streets so that you can relax on the water with some drinks and toast dad in comfort before heading back to enjoy the show.
The Big Bear Tiki Tours Experience
Think of our tiki boat as your personal escape from the sweltering valley heat and concrete gridlock. You can easily enjoy the vibrant energy of the mountain from a peaceful distance out on the water. Best of all, we’re a full-service floating tiki bar, with drinks and snacks that will bring a moment of relaxation to your jam-packed weekend.
Pro Tips For Your Summer Big Bear Trip
Here are some useful tips so you can make the most of your summer in Big Bear:
Beat the Hill Traffic: When heading up for a weekend, take Highway 38 through Redlands for a much less congested, scenic route.
Book Your Docks Early: Our tiki boats have limited capacity, so summer event weekends sell out weeks in advance. Lock down spot early!
Hydrate Ahead of Time: The mountain sun dries you quickly at 6,750 feet. Drink water the night before your trip to prevent altitude exhaustion.
Take Advantage of the Mountain Transit: This free trolley services runs all over the town, and can even take you to Pleasure Point to kick off your tiki boat adventure. Just let the friendly drivers know where you want to go, and they’ll get you there!
Your Chaos-Free Itinerary
10:00 AM - The Daytime Main Event: Hit the ground running with your event. Sample local flavors at the Big Bear Wine Walk, let your dog play at Puptopia, or cheer on the cyclists at Tour de Big Bear.
3:30 PM - Head to the Marina: Head down to the docks as soon as the valley traffic starts to peak. Grab a quick bite before you join us, or enjoy our onboard snacks. It’s time to leave the crowded village behind, and step directly onto the lake.
4:00 PM - Afternoon Tiki Cruise: Decompress on the water with a relaxing, late-afternoon cruise. It’s the perfect way to cool off under the mountain sun and enjoy a few drinks while waiting for the night to begin.
6:30PM - The Concert Encore: Head straight from the marina back into the Village to grab dinner and take in a concert. You’ll catch the best nighttime energy in Big Bear without missing a beat.
Ready to escape the summer crowds and see the mountains from the coolest seat in town? Book your private cruise with Big Bear Tiki Tours today to lock in your spot before the major event weekends sell out.