The Budenstrasse (Avenue of the Booths) is designed for the entire family with lots of special treats just for the kids. You’ll find arts, crafts, collectibles and trinkets for mom and dad. The kids will love the carnival games, taking a turn on Samson the Mechanical Bull, the bounce house, balloon artist, face painting and airbrushed tattoos.
We’re beyond excited to see this year’s Oktoberfest arrive on September 7th running weekends through November 2nd. This year marks the 49th anniversary, and it’s on track to be the best one yet. This family event is consistently rated as Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest. Opening weekend will offer free admission to all current and former military, fire fighters, and law enforcement. And this year free admission is extended to their families as well. It’s one of the biggest events on the Big Bear calendar, and one many of our guests return for every year. Enjoying a fun day at Oktoberfest followed by a relaxing stay in one of our luxury Five Star Vacation Rentals is a perfect combination. Buy your tickets in advance and get more details at 
Bear Valley Farms
Oktoberfest continues through the first weekend in November. If you’ve never been, you’ve been missing some great fun. You’ll enjoy some of the best beers from around the world as well as food that will have your mouth begging for more. There are bands, kids events, and a lot more. Check 
What better way to start your Thanksgiving morning than with Big Bear’s annual Turkey Trot? This fun run raises money for the local food bank, and is a great way to work up an appetite for your feast later in the day. There are 3, 6, and 9 mile distances offered, and you’re encouraged to dress as wacky as you like. Get more details and register in advance online at this link: 
The Friday after Thanksgiving is overflowing with events as well. Santa and Mrs. Claus make their annual appearance in the Village with the tree lighting ceremony as part of the festivities. It’s also a great day to get a jump on your Christmas shopping with the 34th Annual Mountain Christmas Boutique at the Big Bear Convention Center. This year’s boutique will feature over 40 arts and crafts vendors, fun events for kids, and lots of great food and drinks.
The festivities kick off September 8th and you’ll enjoy Brats and Knockwursts direct from the German butcher and enjoy the very same beers poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest for the past century and a half. German bands contribute to the festive atmosphere. The fun and games include log sawing, beer stein holding, beer pong, and the ever popular yodeling contest. Kids will find lots of fun things just for them as well. There are game booths, a bounce house, face painting, and crafts.
But wait, there’s more. Consider keeping the kids out of school for an educational journey on Monday night as the Big Bear Village celebrates Halloween. This is a chance for them to conduct a field study of the different varieties of zombies as found in the Big Bear area. Promise their teachers you’ll have them turn in a full report on their findings. You can dress up the entire family as your favorite politician, zombie or monster and stroll among the shops in Big Bear Village. Most shops are offering treats for the kids and adults alike, and it’s a great opportunity to explore some really fun shopping and yummy foods.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is celebrating Wolf Awareness Week October 9th through 16th. Wolves play a vital role in Big Bear’s ecosystem, and this is your chance to learn more about them from the zookeepers. The week will culminate with special presentations at the zoo on October 15th with hourly presentations from noon until 3 PM. Among other interesting facts, visitors will learn about why the wolves howl, and you’ll be invited to join along. It’s sure to be a howling good time!
October is the perfect time for a quick getaway before the hustle and bustle of the holidays really begins. Whether you’re considering a solo trip or a family vacation, nothing will make it unforgettable like booking luxurious lodgings. Five Star Vacation Rental maintains a number of accommodations in Big Bear, including vacation homes that are complete with a gourmet kitchen, dining room, HDTV with cable, and many other luxury features like pool tables and spas. Check out all our luxury Big Bear cabins and estates at 
You’re going to have a lot of great food choices to make. Along with the traditionally yummy brats, you’ll also enjoy knockwurst, polish sausage, roasted chicken, roast beef, and roast pork, and lots of gravy. For dessert there’s apple strudel, cotton candy, kettle corn, and homemade fudge. And this is just a small sampling; there’s much much more. Be sure to pack extra insulin.
September 10th will see the arrival of the hugely popular Young Eagles program at the Big Bear airport. This event is intended to acquaint kids with the thrill of civilian aviation. Aimed at kids ages 8-17, it offers many their first free flight in a private airplane. The pilots will spend time with participants explaining the different parts of the aircraft to teach them the basics of flight and how the planes work. The free flight that follows is the essence of excitement. This is something every parent should do for their kids. And it’s free. This takes place on the second Saturday of each month through September. More info on their website: 
It’s important as these pressures close in that you find time to relax and recharge your batteries. We can think of no better way to do this that a quick weekend getaway in a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear. There’s really something about the crisp mountain air that revitalizes both the body and the soul. Couple this with the luxury of your vacation rental, and it’s a remedy for just about any of the pressures you’re facing.
Oktoberfest is under way, and it’s a great activity for the entire family. Mom and dad can sample some truly amazing beers from around the world while you all can enjoy the music, great food, dancing and booths. Buy one of those beer steins that’s bigger than your head as a souvenir, and you’ll smile every time you pull it out back home. Oktoberfest runs weekends through October.
October has a full slate of other fun activities as well. On Friday and Saturday nights we recommend you take in the Flashlight Safari at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. This is a unique opportunity to observe the animals after dark. The zoo is an entirely different place once the sun goes down, and many animals are far more active. On many nights you’ll hear the wolves howling, the owls hooting, and your kids squealing with delight. It’s a great time. Visit the zoo’s website for more info: www.bigbearzoo.org
On Saturday, October 17, Big Bear will enjoy a rare treat. TV star Kiefer Sutherland brings his band to town for a performance at The Cave. Sutherland has been performing in clubs around the country for years, and this is a great opportunity to hear some great music while spending an evening with one of your favorite TV stars. You can get more information online at www.thecavebigbear.com
Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link. And if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. A well planned weekend away in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate will recharge your batteries and equip the entire family for the challenges back at home. Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
