Oktoberfest

I have mixed feelings about this place. I think it is a fun Oktoberfest activity but if you don’t plan on getting drunk then this might not be your thing. I didn’t think the food was that great (it was also expensive so it is harder to justify it being not so great). I do enjoy the log cutting and stein holding competitions. I also think that during the daytime this would be a good event to take kids.
One thing that is keeping this review from being lower is the free transportation home. I commend all the people that run the shuttles for leaving the event. I am sure they have stopped many DUIs.

I went here with a group of 12 and it was just OK. The food was cold and didn’t taste good. I’ve been to an Oktoberfest on a street and it was better than this. It’s not worth going to big bear for this.

My friends and I planned our trip to Big Bear to specifically attend Oktoberfest and had been looking forward to the event for the past couple of months. We ended up having a mixed experience, not bad but not amazing.
We planned to buy our tickets ahead of time on the website but when I tried to make the purchase, they were sold out of pre-​sale tickets. I wasn’t even aware that the pre-​sale tickets could sell out before the event or I would have bought earlier in the week. Instead, we decided that we’d stop by the ticket booth earlier in the day to pick up the tickets so we wouldn’t have to wait in a long line when we returned in the evening. I even asked if we could buy now and return later and was told yes. But when we came back later in the evening, around 7 PM, we were told that we couldn’t enter with our tickets because the event was at capacity. Um, what now? Why would you sell more tickets than the event can hold? Apparently, only the online pre-​sale tickets are factored into the event count. Either they need to factor in all ticket sales or make it clear that you can’t buy tickets at the booth ahead of time. Thankfully, after a minute of us standing around discussing what to do and watching the steam come out of my boyfriend’s ears, the lady called us over and said that she would let us go in because our friends had the pre-​sale tickets.
Once we were allowed in the event, our night started to improve, especially after a couple drinks. I don’t like beer so I was pleased to see that they had some wine options. I would have preferred cider over wine but at least there was something for me to drink. I had a couple glasses of riesling and I was set for the night. My boyfriend tried a few of the Warsteiner beers and thought the Dunkel was the best.
We thought we might try some of the food but we ended up eating dinner too close to Oktoberfest. Instead, I bought a small Kettlecorn from one of the outside booths for $ 3.
The inside of the community center was packed with people and it was very warm. Outside, it was about 50 to 55 degrees so it made it difficult to go between the two. I’d have to bundle up to go outside but then take off layers to come back inside.
The bathroom lines were long but not unmanageable. I’d guess it took about 10 minutes to use the inside bathroom.
It’s a bit odd that they stop letting kids enter Oktoberfest after 6 PM on Saturdays but the kids who were already inside are allowed to stay. It makes a strange juxtaposition to see drunk adults stumbling around the small children.
We found a table outside to sit at for a bit and people watch, which was quite entertaining. We also learned an important lesson: be careful who you let sit at your table. You never know the stories you may hear.

I really enjoyed this Oktoberfest back in 2010 and for the past three years have attempted to plan a trip to Big Bear with my boyfriend to go again. We have been to a few different «Oktoberfest’s» around San Diego, but they are nothing more than street fairs with a beer garden. Most do not even offer German beer. The Big Bear one may not be totally realistic as we are not in Munich or something, but it is pretty good in my opinion. I’d say about 25−30% of the patrons were dressed up in lederhosens/​beer girl outfits and at least 50% of the crowd had chicken hats on, which really made it feel pretty festive.
We were finally able to make it this year and it was almost exactly as I remember it to be. My boyfriend was also quite impressed with it and wished he had been feeling better so he could have had more beer. Even with his stomach cramps he forced himself to get a glass of the Dunkel beer and was very happy with it. I tasted it and thought it was pretty good as well.
I bought a medium bag of the roasted almonds from Roberto’s cart and we really liked those. They have a sugar, cinnamon and vanilla glaze and I am pretty sure I’ll be ordering some online to add in Christmas presents this year.
This event is half indoors and half outdoors which is nice to either escape the chilly mountain air or the stuffy indoors warmth, depending on which you want. Inside there is a live band, numerous tables to sit at, a dance floor, wine counters, beer counters, food counters, souvenir booths and a window to purchase beer tickets. Outside there are booths selling a variety of trinkets, beer carts, a stage where events took place, snack carts (churros, funnel cakes, kettle corn, roasted nuts, and pretzels), fair games and a patio with tables to sit and people watch.
Had it been 5 years ago, I would have given it 5 stars, but I was disappointed to find that they no longer had as many activities. I remember there were two over sized rocking horses that one could ride and I was really wanting to do that with my boyfriend, but they were not there. The mechanical bull was also missing.
Overall, I do not think you can go wrong with a weekend getaway to Big Bear and if Oktoberfest happens to be in town, definitely go!

Best experience ever! Delicious beer and food and wonderful atmosphere. We come here every single year for Oktoberfest and meet awesome people. Can’t wait for next year! Happy 45^th anniversary!

$ 20 for beer. $ 5 for bratwurst. $ 0 for entrance/​parking.
Beer was cold but not worth the price. Bratwurst was just ok. Atmosphere was bleh. Probably won’t do that again.

First time going to an Oktoberfest. It wasn’t anything that I expected, but in a bad way. Everything was way overpriced. Half of the booths were closed on a Friday night at 7. And half of the music we heard wasn’t even German music. The beer was the only good part but it was $ 7 for a small and $ 14 for a large. Too much if you ask me.

Pretty disappointed. We’ve been to Oktoberfests in Germany and throughout the USA. This one was poor at best.
Beer Hall was way too crowded. The food was horrible and the tables were stacked with dirty plates etc. Most of the music was NOT traditional German festival music.
This was the 1^st Oktoberfest we’ve attended where more non-​German beer was offered than German beer
This was more a drink and rock and roll festival than an Oktobetfeest.
The Oktoberfest in Lake Arrowhead which is much smaller was much more authentic
SUNDAY UPDATE — Rain keeping people away so much less crowded. Band — no tuba — still playing mostly non-​oktoberfest music — all the piped in break music not traditional — $ 15 pretzel not so great

Great beer like always! I recommend the Spaten Optimator! Great taste and very strong! I really dont like that you have to buy tickets to purchase beer and food.

While this Oktoberfest has always teetered on the verge of disorganized, this year, they tipped over the edge. My wife and I went up last weekend, and upon arriving, we waited in line and purchased our entrance tickets. Once inside, we waited in a much slower-​moving line, because the women selling the food/​beer tickets weren’t sure how to operate the credit card machines. When we made our way to the front of the line, we asked about the «happy hour» special that was in one of their advertisements, which no one knew about. We purchased $ 40 worth of tickets, and went to get our beer, only to discover that we had only been given one booklet, which is worth $ 20. The guy behind the bar said the person before us had the same thing happen to him, so he walked with us back over to the ticket counter, and we got our second ticket book. He was nice, but also knew nothing about the happy hour special.
Strolling around outside, browsing the vendors, we stopped at another ticket booth to ask about the happy hour deal. They weren’t sure here either, so they called a supervisory-​type person on the radio, who came over and said (guessed?) that the deal was if you purchased one of the 45^th-​anniversary ceramic commemorative mugs (at a cost of $ 22), at 2:30 in the afternoon, you could then buy ONE beer for $ 2.50. Such a deal!
The food was passable. I had a brat; the bun was a little stale, and fell into two pieces before I was two bites in. The brat itself was ok, while the kraut was lacking in flavor.
The beer, entertainment, and vendors were all good. You would think that after 45 years of doing this, they would have their ducks in a row, but apparently, that is not the case.

I cannot believe that my favorite Oktoberfest allows a booth inside that sells only confederate flag themed souvenirs! That is a disgrace and needs to be stopped before I EVER return. That flag is a symbol of slavery and racism. California was never a slave state so there is no «it’s our heritage» BS excuse.

Maybe my expectations were too high, or maybe I’ve just experienced much better Oktoberfests and thought for some reason Big Bear’s would reign over even those, but I was wrong.
We came this past October and stayed right across the street at Motel 6 which was convenient for drinking purposes, but it got quite loud at night, understandably so.
I want to say it opens around 11:00am and we got there pretty close to that… we purchased tickets online and got in the short line in and then got in another line to purchase drink/​food tickets.
The inside is like a big mess hall with several little built-​in booths where you can get beer/​wine (no liquor served here) and food. There’s a stage with an all-​day polka music band playing and lots of festive people in leiderhosen, but overall, it got old pretty fast.
Outside they had another band playing, more food booths and crafts and a few contests like log-​sawing, stein holding, etc. Maybe it’s because we came too early and didn’t last into the evening, and maybe the evening time is when it gets more lively, but I wouldn’t plan a whole weekend around coming here… it’s worth stopping in if you’re already in Big Bear, but don’t expect it to be better than any of the multiple ones they have in Orange County/​San Diego.
The food, I will say, was not insanely expensive and it was very good. They have the typical German fare: sausages, pretzels, strudel, etc.
Overall, glad we went, but don’t need to go again.

We had a blast. My boyfriend grew up here so he knows all the secrets. This year was my first time. It was great we closed down the place dancing. The only thing wrong was they needed one person pouring the beer
And one taking tickets. It would make the lines go much faster.

This was my first time going to Oktoberfest here at Big Bear. It cost $ 18 per person for entrance. You have to purchase tickets for food and drink once you get inside. There’s a ticket booth in the building that has a smaller line. The food was good. A dinner will cost you about $ 11. A beer in a small cup will cost you $ 7. Get the strongest beer which is the Oktoberfest more bang for the buck. The beer was expensive my hubby was grumpy telling me that it would be cheaper to go to the bar. I told him that this event only happens once a year. What I learned was that old German folks like to drink get drunk and dance like crazy. Oh and the music was good.

When it hit triple digits in LA, my visiting gal friend and I jumped in my truck and headed to Big Bear… By the time we got there, we found ourselves in the Big-​K shopping for pullovers/​hoodies.
Basically, we flew with the wind, as it took us various places that weekend… Saw a great sunset. Took a few pictures. Drove around… Had meals… We noticed a sign for the Oktoberfest, and ended up there that night. Apparently «Locals Night»… The only Friday they had it going.
Honestly, we had a great time…
It’s an Oktoberfest in Big Bear, so we weren’t expecting very much… And as I’ve aged I’ve learned a thing is what it is… Nothing more. You can either complain about it or celebrate it… It’s really your/​my own decision.
I’m no longer into the whole drinking to get sick thing, and even though we rented a room literally across the street… Neither of us was interested in stumbling home.
On that particular «locals night» there was a great mix of festive happy people, some of whom were totally into it… Some just there having a decent or good time. There were families, kids, older people… It felt very chill.
We didn’t see a whole lot of people stumbling around piss-​drunk… But when we noticed we hadn’t noticed that, we started to really look… Around 11, when we were flying the coop, we noticed the more intoxicated were sort of separated out of the main pack… I guess again, cause it was «locals night,» and they weren’t interested in barfing in front of everyone in town.
Let me state the obvious… Neither of us were local. The wind just blew us there, and people were very gracious with inviting us in. Everyone we met there was lovely and friendly.
The Line: The line was long when we hit it around 7:30/8 PM or so, and not moving, music was playing and people were inside enjoying the festivities… As the line started to rumble… It was like someone poured liquid drain cleaner in the box office and we started moving at a steady pace.
In Retrospect:
1. I’m glad I ordered and had pickled pigs knuckles for the experience, and to say I did, but probably never would order them again.
2. I wouldn’t buy dinner tickets straight off, but would probably purchase from the outdoor vendors instead… Or at the very least see what they’re selling first.
Key note:
A large beer cost 2 drink tickets, so make sure you have 4 for 2 people, or 3 for 2 people if the other person doesn’t want a large beverage.

This is definitely a festive, exuberant Oktoberfest, though plagued with long lines and very limited seating. There are booth to buy fun things outside, but since it was cold, I was glad to find that the real party was inside. Delicious bratwursts, huge beers, and thankfully they had wine (not very good wine, but wine nonetheless) for those of us who just can’t seem to get into the hops. The band was fun, though there were some strange song choices, and lots of people dancing. After about an hour and a half, I was ready to go. :) Oh, and tip – purchasing tickets in advance online will save you four bucks.

Just… meh.
My boyfriend and we’re looking forward to a weekend of German oom-​pah music, cloggers, and beer. We purchased tickets in advance so we didn’t have to wait in line. The weather was awesome so we entered the festival with high hopes. There were some EZ-​ups set up with vendors selling stuff like soap, crochet scarves, and Tupperware. Yes, really. Tupperware. So we walked around a bit and then followed the music and went inside the main hall where there were long tables set up. The place only looked about half full (we got there about 1 pm) so we were pretty sure we’d find decent seats.
Nope.
Come to find out, all of the tables were staked out, reserved. Really? You really think it’s OK to spread your junk out over an entire 12-​foot table? Anyhoo, not wanting to stand around the periphery we wandered outside and listened to the Doo-​wah Riders, a pretty good CW band. Drank our beer. Watched the dog ride the mechanical bull. Wandered back inside, still nowhere to sit.
We left after a couple hours, oom-​pah-​less.
I think they should have some kind of policy about staking out the tables, that kinda wrecked it for us. Doubt we’ll ever go back, I can buy Tupperware online.

You can’t come to Big Bear Oktoberfest and expect it to be like the real thing in Munich. This is a very American drinking festival that has some German decorations and dancing. That being said, it’s a lot of fun. Good food, good beer, and a good excuse to wear lederhosen.
The one thing that is similar to Munich is the price for beer. You’re looking at spending roughly $ 8 for one mas.
I really appreciated the sports garden, which featured picnic tables, big screen televisions, and Foosball tables. A great touch for the college football fans in attendance.
My only huge complaint is the transportation situation at the end of the night. There aren’t enough cabs to accommodate everyone. You’re looking at standing in the cold for over an hour to get a cab (and there’s no coat check). I ended up walking over 2.5 miles back to my rental apartment, instead of hoping and wishing that I’d get a cab before I turn blue. I’m not sure what can be done about this problem, as there aren’t enough cabs in Big Bear to meet demand during a huge event.

Having been a many year veteran of what used to be the best Octoberfest in all of California or the west for that matter,

I was kind of bumned at what it had turned into a money sucking machine. Still my wanderlust for great times gone past brought me here again with a reluctant friend who was a Big Bear «toberfest virgin.
After parking in the mega Sherriff filled parking lot we shuffled up to the entrance to see that it now cost $ 18 a head to get in! Used to be $ 5 back in the 90’s. Wow that’s inflation! Still chill and get your Ledehosen loosened up to party.
Tip #1 Buy tickets on line and save a few duckets for beers later on.
Yea! The place was packed!
and ready to do a duo Halloween — Erin Prosit.
I have so many fond memories of Octoberfest’s past, foggy hazy and otherwise dam good times.





so ya get my fuzzy memories eh?
But my train don’t stop on the dance floor. I had a hankerin’ for some meat! And the bestest meat I like for a «toberfest party is bratwurst
ah yea a brat covered in kraut and mustard will almost certainly wake up my old bones for some chicken dancing
Or maybe you prefer another kind of weinie? Knockwurst

Back to the dance floor!
All that dancing made us hungry and thirsty again and the Gaudi Truppe (waitresses) hooked us up with a couple more tall boys as we found these yummy funnel cakes! Sorry my camera was buzzed too.
Drinking games!
We had to sober up a bit before running the 5 – 0 gauntlet so we wandered around outside and found this bucking bronco deal amongst the hippie peddlers selling junk on the fests perimeter of the party.
Yup this is getting funner by the buck!
Tip #2 park at the hotel across the street to avoid 5 – 0 problems later on. Or just stay there it’s a party too.
Octoberfest is still a fun party so why not get yur butt up her to the mountains and have some fun.
I’ll be back
Octoberfest FYI
For the boys

Something feels different with this years Oktoberfest (2013)…and I just found out why!!! The women’s bathroom attendant told my wife that a new event promoter is running this year’s Big Bear Oktoberfest! WHAT A POOR DECISION!!!
Year-​after-​year BB Oktoberfest is called one of the best in the COUNTRY! But this year is terrible! Any year for the last 5 years would be 5-​stars, but the band that was brought in this years is terrible!!! They are a bad cover band and barely plays the German Oktoberfest classics! I don’t need to hear AC/​DC covers here, but rather bring out the squeezebox and rock the classics that bring people hear in the first place. The mood that they are bringing is not what Oktoberfest is about… not to mention they take more breaks than they play and then they play club music & bad 70’s jams during breaks!!!
Also, why end the games at 9pm??? Only old people should get a chance at the log saw?!?
In summary, very disappointed and if this normally great celebration isn’t fixed in the future, then I’m switching to the Anaheim Oktoberfest going forward.