Popular spring German festival returns and it's within driving distance of San Diego

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — While it’s a bit smaller than Oktoberfest, this Southern California German festival packs a big punch. The good news is, it’s less than a three-hour drive from San Diego.

A springtime celebration is coming to Big Bear Lake in May with vibrant flare and tradition that bids farewell to Old-Man Winter and says “hello” to warmer days ahead.

The Annual Big Bear Lake Maifest is returning for its seventh year, bringing with it a hearty of dose traditional German music paired with German-style maibock beers, sizzling bratwursts hot off the grill, and more.

The annual event delivers the same gemütlichkeit ambiance as Oktoberfest, but with a distinct spring-like twist.

“As much as we love the snow, there comes a time when we need to reboot and embrace the new season.” said Big Bear Lake Maifest Director, Monica Marini. “Maifest is a celebration full of festive colors and fun-filled traditions in the open mountain air. It’s the ideal cure for cabin fever!” 

Where does Maifest originate? History shows the German festival dates back to the 18th century, when villagers and townsfolk celebrated the end of winter and the arrival of spring in true Oktoberfest-like fashion.

Some of Southern California’s top German-style bands will be performing at this year’s Maifest. This includes jam sessions from Ladyhosen, an all-woman band that plays a mix of traditional polka songs and classics. The band’s lead singer, Kathrin Jacob, is from Bavaria and is a world-class yodeler.

Also set to perform is lederhosen-wearing musical group Die Sauerkrauts, who will deliver a stimulating blend of traditional German music, Oktoberfest favorites, combined with a solid mix of pop, rock and funk.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to dress in a lederhosen or dirndl, traditional German attire, to heighten the spirit of the event.

Maifest at Big Bear Lake is set kickoff on off Saturday, May 18, followed by two other dates: one on Saturday, May 25 and another on Sunday, May 26 which is Memorial Day weekend.

A complimentary shuttle service will be available, giving guests free rides to and from the event.

San Diegans don’t have to wait until Oktoberfest to bite into warm apple strudels and watch log-sawing competitions — this springtime German festival will be celebrated in the mountains in just a couple of months!