44th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest Expands German Entertainment

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Category: Haute Travel

Published on Monday, 25 August 2014 13:30

Written by Contributing Editor

Big Bear Lake, California, August 25, 2014 - The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest celebrates 44 years of German style family fun and good times, weekends, September 13th - October 25th. Rated Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest, this fall’s festival once again will expand the entertainment line-up to feature two bands from Germany and more free contests.

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest has continuously expanded its entertainment offerings over the past five years, providing guests with a wide variety of music, dance groups and contests.  With the addition of the outside Spaten Rocktoberfest stage last year, Oktoberfest visitors can now enjoy traditional Oktoberfest German bands and a variety of country, classic rock and blues bands.  This year the event will feature two German bands playing over three of the seven weekends.
 
A long-time favorite of Big Bear’s festival, southern California’s own - The Express, will once again kick-off the festivities on September 13 & 14 and will return later in October to round-out the festival’s 44th year, performing again October 11, 12, 18, 19 & 25.
 
The Goldeizen Band hails from Bavaria and will perform with eight musicians September 20, 21 & 27.  A favorite in Southern Germany, the Goldeizen have two Oktoberfest hits that were nominated in 2013 for the Best Oktoberfest Hits CD produced annually by the Munich Oktoberfest.  The Aalbachtal-Express also hails from Southern Germany and will be performing September 28, October 3, 4, & 5.  This 11-piece band is famous for its authenticity and upbeat performances.  Playing at festivals and fairs throughout Europe, Aalbachtal-Express have performed to millions of fans since they began playing together 35 years ago.
 
Oktoberfest guests over the years have participated in free contests including Log Sawing, Steinholding, and Beer Pong.  Traditionally, the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest provides more than 70 opportunities for guests to participate in a contest over the seven weekends.  This year, the contest schedule expands to include more contests on Saturdays.  Additional Log Sawing and Steinholding contests have been added to the outdoor Spaten Rocktoberfest stage.  As always, sign-ups are taken the day of the contests and are limited to a first come basis. 
 
Oktoberfest once again gets “Unplugged” an additional Friday night.  Fans will be treated to an intimate inside look into the history and early beginnings of Oktoberfest while enjoying a night of fine German food and beer.  The five-course German dinner will be paired with a variety of German beers and spirits.  Entertainment includes story telling by the Uber-Burgermeister and founder of Big Bear’s Oktoberfest, Hans Bandows, as well as several of the event’s original and present day personalities.
 
One of the country’s most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations, Oktoberfest offers nonstop entertainment, dancing and zany German antics exclusive to Big Bear’s festival.  Other Oktoberfest festivities include carnival games, bounce houses, Samson - the mechanical bull, and the Buden Strasse (Ave. of the Booths) which provides a variety of vendors.
 
The annual fall celebrations kicks off with American’s Hero Weekend onSaturday, Sept. 13 offering free admission for all past/present military and their immediate families, as well as firefighters and law enforcement.  The festival closes on Saturday, Oct. 25 with annual costume contests for both adults and children.
 
The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest provides an excuse to enjoy a weekend away from the stress and obligations of everyday life in a beautiful alpine setting.  The festival takes place high in the San Bernardino mountains, approximately two hours away from the greater Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego communities. 
 
Admission: $18 for adults, $14 for seniors (62+) and $8.00 for children. For detailed information and to pre-purchase tickets, log on to www.bigbearevents.com.
 
The event is located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA.
 
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