Big Bear Oktoberfest

Are pre-sold tickets limited?
Yes, we do limit pre-purchased tickets. We recommend that you pre-purchase your tickets as soon as you know you’re coming to Oktoberfest. Pre-purchased ticket sales are cut-off, if tickets are still available, Friday at Noon prior to the weekend’s festivities.

Can I enter Oktoberfest, leave and then re-enter at a later time?
There is no re-entry. Be sure to bring your whatever it is you need, i.e., camera, jacket, Photo I.D., etc. We do understand that there are certain circumstances that require some guests to leave and then return at a later time. These circumstances will be considered on a case, by case basis.

Can I bring my own stein?
Yes you can bring your own stein to the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest – as long as it comes in empty and leaves empty! Just like the two beer sizes we offer – different size steins will require the appropriate amount of beer tickets. Half-liter steins require one beer ticket. Any stein larger than a half-liter up to a one-liter will require two beer tickets. Steins larger than a one-liter will require three to four beer tickets depending on the size.

Do We Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card and American Express
Credit Cards are accepted at the main entrance gate, as well as all the ticket booths inside the facility. We also provide an ATM machine for your convenience.

Are dogs allowed?
Service dogs are always welcome at Oktoberfest. You may be asked to show your official service dog card. However, while we do love dogs, no pets are allowed on the property.

What time are the contests?
Contests are scheduled regularly throughout the day. New this year, we will have contests both inside and at our new outdoor stage. We’ve also added a couple of new contests. Contests take place approximately every two hours. They include: Log Sawing – Men, Women and Mixed teams; Steinholding – Men and Women; Shoot ‘n Yodel; Beer Pong; and the Safe Slam Beer Drinking contest.

What do you get for the admission price?
The cost of admission includes entry and entertainment. The entertainment is non stop from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight on Saturdays and 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. All contests are FREE!

Is there a Taxi Service or Shuttle Service To and From Oktoberfest?
After a full day of Oktoberfest fun, leave the driving to us. Catch a ride on the O’Doul’s complimentary shuttle. The shuttles begin running at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings and will take you door-to-door in the Big Bear Valley. The shuttles continue to operate until the last Oktoberfest fan is out of the building. Please Note: The shuttles will not take you to any other establishment that sells alcohol beverages.

Again this year, the O’Doul’s Complimentary Shuttle will be offering pick-up service from the downtown Big Bear Lake area every weekend Saturday. The shuttle will begin pick-up service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays only and continues to pick-up guests going to Oktoberfest until 6:00 p.m., running approximately every 30 minutes. The pick-up stop is located in the Bartlett Parking Lot in the village (Behind the Visitor’s Center).

What can I expect the weather to be like at Oktoberfest?
Much like the weather at the Munich Oktoberfest, our weather is normally a blend of cool days and chilly evenings filled with plenty of our mountain sunshine. Daytime highs can range from the mid-70’s to the upper 50’s. Night time temperatures generally range from the upper 50’s to the mid 30‘s. Of course, that’s Fahrenheit!

What is there for my children to do?
The Kinder Garten offers game booths, bounce house, and face painting. Sundays are family day with FREE admission for children 12 years and under. Children’s contests are Sunday afternoons at approximately 3 p.m. and include Pretzel Eating and Boot Holding.

Please Note: On Saturdays after 6:00 p.m., only persons 21 years and older will be admitted. HOWEVER, families with children who have entered Oktoberfest prior to 6:00 p.m. will not be asked to leave Oktoberfest after 6:00 p.m.

Can I Bring A Stroller Into Oktoberfest?
Strollers are allowed in the outside area of Oktoberfest and on the Budenstrasse. However, strollers can not be brought into the main indoor area. There are areas outside the building that strollers can be parked – at your own risk.