Big Bear Antique Car Club Fun Run brings 500+ classics — and a $2M boost — to the Village

The Big Bear Antique Car Club Fun Run rolled into Big Bear Lake Village on August 8–9, 2026, drawing more than 500 classic and antique vehicles to one of Southern California's longest-running vintage automotive gatherings^[1]. For residents and visitors alike, the weekend meant free admission, live entertainment, and a parade of gleaming chrome through the heart of the mountain community — along with a significant shot of economic activity at a time when the Valley's summer season is in full swing.

What happened and when

Saturday's centerpiece was the Show & Shine, which ran from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM along Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive^[1]. Spectators could walk the route and get close-up looks at muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage roadsters entered by owners from across the region. At 3:30 PM, those same vehicles formed a rolling parade for the event's signature lap around Big Bear Lake^[1] — a crowd-pleaser that takes the show beyond the Village and onto the lakeside roads many residents drive daily.

Sunday morning brought the awards ceremony, where top entrants competed across 70 judging categories, including "Best of Show" and "Best Paint"^[1]. Throughout the weekend, local food vendors, merchandise booths, and live entertainment rounded out the experience — all at no cost to spectators^[1].

The community stakes

The Fun Run is more than a car show. According to figures cited by KBHR, the event draws an estimated 22,000 visitors and generates approximately $2 million in economic activity for Big Bear Valley^[1]. Those numbers come from the event organizer; neither the City of Big Bear Lake nor the Big Bear Valley Tourism District has independently published attendance or spending data for this year's event, so treat them as the club's own estimate.

What's clearer is where the money goes internally: proceeds fund 84% of the Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club's annual budget^[1]. The club directs those funds toward local nonprofits, high school scholarships, and youth programs including the Pinewood Derby^[1]. For a volunteer-run car club, that's a meaningful financial footprint — one that extends well past the weekend's tailpipes and trophy tables.

What to watch for

Independent confirmation of the economic impact figures would give residents a clearer picture of how much the Fun Run actually moves the needle for Village merchants and lodging operators. The Big Bear Valley Tourism District and the City of Big Bear Lake are the most likely sources for verified visitor and spending data. If those numbers are published in the weeks following the event, Big Bear News will report them.