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Your week in the valley

Visiting Big Bear

A live guidebook — conditions, events, and what to know while you're here.

Welcome up. Today’s weather, this week’s events, and where to eat — plus the mountain facts that get people stuck or ticketed. Updated daily.

Conditions

  1. Today62°38°2%
  2. Tue60°37°3%
  3. Wed56°37°72%
  4. Thu47°30°70%
  5. Fri51°32°2%
  6. Sat54°33°1%
  7. Sun54°—2%

Yesterday's call

- Sunny and mild today with a high near 61 and light northeast winds up to 10 mph, after a gusty Santa Ana event that has wound down; it will be clear and cold overnight with lows around 38. Monday warms to around 62 under sunny skies as winds swing to the south at 10 mph or less, and Tuesday holds near 59. The pattern turns Tuesday night as a low approaches from the northwest, bringing rain chances that climb to 44% Wednesday, when highs drop to near 56 and gusty west winds arrive. Showers and thunderstorms are likely Wednesday night and into Thursday, with Thursday's high only near 48. Mountain snow is possible above about 8,000 feet, and the snow level could fall toward 7,000 feet Wednesday night, so expect the heaviest totals on southwest-facing slopes. Drier, warmer weather should return by the end of the week.

All conditions

Getting around

Events

Want your event listed?

Today and tomorrow

  • Board of Directors Meeting - Big Bear Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, 630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (Conference room)

    Monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce.

    • Meeting recurs every month on the 3rd Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

  • Little Builders (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Lake Branch Library, 41930 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    Hands-on STEM activities for exploration and experimentation.

    • Event is targeted for ages 0–5 years (Library Beginners category).

  • Afternoon Acoustic with brad (opens in a new tab) @ Barrel 33, 40754 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

    Live acoustic music by Brad every Tuesday afternoon at Barrel 33. Enjoy food, craft beer, and regional wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

    • Event runs 1:30–3:30 PM on Tuesdays

  • To Infinity and BOO-YOND! - Halloween Event (opens in a new tab) @ 41965 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    The Mom and Dad Project in collaboration with First 5 San Bernardino invites you to join for a spook-tacular Toy Story Halloween Adventure and Pop-Up Literacy Event.

    • Call (909) 878-2326 for more information

  • Friendly Frights Event (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Lake Branch Library, 41930 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    • Event runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on October 20

  • Youth Group (opens in a new tab) @ 800 Greenspot Blvd. Big Bear City, CA 92314

    IYG (Illuminate Youth Group) happens every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. 8th Grade–12th grade students come to discover the Awesome God and become the amazing person God created you to be! We worship, pray, and play together.

Later this week

  • Life Group (opens in a new tab) @ Call for address — contact hosts for meeting location

    Wednesday Night Life Group hosted by Mickey and Susie Hall. Contact is required to receive the meeting address.

    • Contact Mickey Hall through the Ministry tab on the church website's Life Groups section to receive the meeting address

  • Craft Corner (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Lake Branch Library, 41930 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    Create fun, themed art activities.

    • Event is categorized for Kids Zone (6-11 years)

  • Young Adults Group (opens in a new tab) @ 800 Greenspot Blvd, Big Bear City, CA 92314

    Young Adults Group for 20–35 year olds, led by Chris and Lisa Hall. Meets every Wednesday night at the church or someone's home.

  • Storytime (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Lake Library

    Stories, songs, and crafts for all ages.

    • Event is for families and all ages
    • Program runs 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Men's Group (opens in a new tab) @ 800 Greenspot Blvd, Big Bear City, CA 92314 (The Journey Church)

    Join The Journey Church for an evening of study and prayer with the men's group.

    • For more information, call The Journey Church at (909) 585-4428.

  • Boozy Bingo Night (opens in a new tab) @ Barrel 33, 40754 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

    Join us for Boozy Bingo Night — an evening of fine beer & wine, fun prizes and playful competition in a warm, lively wine bar setting.

    • $20 entry includes first beverage

  • Trivia Night (opens in a new tab) @ Stillwells Restaurant

    • Featured food and drink specials available throughout the game

  • Life Group (opens in a new tab) @ The Journey Church

    Join Gary and Shirley Hastings as they lead their group into a time of scripture study.

    Register

    • Call for the home address; check the Life Group tab for contact information.
    • The Journey Church Big Bear phone: (909) 585-4428

  • Things to Do this Spooky Season (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Mountain Resort

  • Last Twilight Session on October 23 (opens in a new tab) @ Snow Valley Bike Park

    Say farewell to another iconic summer season and take some late afternoon laps at Snow Valley Bike Park for the final Twilight Session on October 23, 2026 from 3PM-6PM. Catch the evening sunset glow and ride the trails for just $19.

    • Twilight Session lift tickets are sold exclusively at Snow Valley ticket windows and cannot be purchased online or via the Call Center.
    • Twilight Session access is inclusive for 2026 Summit + Valley season passes, full-day lift tickets, and one-way lift tickets.

  • Live Music by Seth (opens in a new tab) @ Barrel 33 Big Bear Lake, 40754 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

  • Snow Valley Bike Park Closing Day (opens in a new tab) @ Big Bear Mountain Resort

    Snow Valley Bike Park's final day of summer operations—head to the mountains for one last ride before the season closes on Sunday, October 25.

    • Operating dates may vary from year to year based on weather and staffing; purchasing a season pass and/or making advance reservations does not include a minimum season length guarantee.

  • Bear Mountain Golf Course Closing Day (opens in a new tab) @ Bear Mountain Golf Course, 43092 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    Bear Mountain Golf Course closes for the season on October 25, 2026. Join for one last day to play against the backdrop of fall colors in the San Bernardino Mountains. Book a tee time in advance; green fees due upon arrival.

    MapRegister

    • Book a tee time in advance online for closing day with green fees due upon arrival.

  • Sunday Morning Worship Service (opens in a new tab) @ 800 Greenspot Blvd, Big Bear City, CA 92314

    We at The Journey Church invite you to worship with us! No matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! There is something for everyone: Nursery, Children's Ministry, Jr./Sr. High Ministry, and Adults.

    • Fellowship and refreshments (coffee and pastries) at 9:10 a.m.

  • Live Music by Bill Pomper (opens in a new tab) @ Barrel 33 Big Bear Lake, 40754 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

Ongoing & seasonal

All events

Village Theater

Tickets at Village Theaters (opens in a new tab)
  1. The Long Walk, showtimes 12:20 · 3:40 · 7:00 · 9:45
  2. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, showtimes 1:00 · 4:15 · 7:20
  3. The Conjuring: Last Rites, showtimes 2:30 · 5:50 · 8:40

Coming soon

  1. One Battle After Another opens Sep 18
  2. The Smashing Machine opens Sep 25

Eat

Newsroom picks — not a ranking.

Just arrived

Breakfast

With kids

In the Village

Showing 12 of 40 restaurants · as of October 12, 2026 · ratings by Google

For kids

Year-round, not a ranking. Hours change with the season — check the site.

Essentials

Closest grocery, pharmacy, and care — by neighborhood.

Big Bear Lake
Stater Bros. Markets

Grocery · Open late

Vons

Grocery

CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

7-Eleven

Gas · Open 24 hours

Big Bear Urgent Care(909) 878-3696

Urgent care

Bear Valley Community Hospital(909) 866-6501

Hospital · 24-hour emergency room

Moonridge
Triangle Market(909) 866-7218

Grocery · 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (11 p.m. Fri–Sat)

Sugarloaf
Easy's General Store(909) 585-2134

Grocery · 7 a.m.–10 p.m. (11 p.m. Fri–Sat)

Big Bear City
Lippy's Country Store(909) 585-7486

Grocery · Open late

Community Market(909) 547-0400

Grocery · 7 a.m.–9 p.m. (10 p.m. Fri–Sat)

Need to know

Winter and summer — both, because a weekend up here can hit either. Use the turnouts. Carry chains when it’s chain season.

Summer

  • No lifeguards; stay within 50 feet of shore. The water is colder than it looks. Source
  • Campfires only in Forest Service rings at listed campgrounds and picnic areas — check the current fire order before you light one. USFS fire restrictions

Is it safe to swim in Big Bear Lake?

There are no lifeguards. Stay within 50 feet of shore, wear a life jacket if you are unsure, and treat the water as colder than it looks.

Can I have a campfire in Big Bear?

During fire restrictions, wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in a Forest Service-provided ring or BBQ at designated campgrounds and picnic areas. They are not allowed at Yellow Post or dispersed sites. A California Campfire Permit does not override the order. Check the San Bernardino National Forest fire-restrictions page before you go. Fireworks stay illegal year-round.

Winter

  • Carry chains November 1 through April 30. CHP posts R-1, R-2, and R-3 requirements — check live controls before you drive up. CHP chain requirements · Caltrans · QuickMap · Live conditions
  • Walking on lake ice is illegal — the ice is never thick enough, and San Bernardino County Code 52.0502 bans it. Source
  • Snow play does not belong in streets, on lake ice, or in highway turnouts. Source

Do I need chains to get to Big Bear?

California requires you to carry chains from November 1 through April 30. CHP lists three control levels: R-1 (snow tires OK on many passenger vehicles), R-2 (4WD/AWD with snow tires exempt), and R-3 (chains on every vehicle). You can be cited if you skip a posted control. Check CHP for the rules and Caltrans QuickMap for what is posted on SR-18, SR-38, and SR-330 right now.

Can I walk on Big Bear Lake ice?

No. Lake ice in Big Bear never gets thick enough to hold a person. Walking or playing on it is illegal under San Bernardino County Code 52.0502.

Where can we sled or play in the snow?

Not in streets, not on lake ice, and not in highway turnouts — those are for chains and for letting traffic pass. Visit Big Bear’s safety page lists the legal play areas.

Year-round

  • If a line of cars is stacked behind you, pull into a turnout and let them by. Don’t park, picnic, or sled there. CVC 21656 · CHP winter driving
  • Fireworks are illegal in the city, the county, and the national forest. Source
  • The valley sits around 7,000 feet — hydrate, and the UV is stronger than it feels. Source
  • Many trailhead and picnic lots need a USFS Adventure Pass. The Visitor Center sells them. Source
  • Don’t feed wildlife. For an injured animal, call 909-584-1299. Source
  • Pack it in, pack it out. The free trolley cuts Village traffic on peak weekends. Source

Should I use the highway turnouts?

Yes. California Vehicle Code 21656 says a slower driver must use a designated turnout when five or more vehicles are behind. On the 18, 38, and 330 that is ordinary mountain courtesy in every season. In winter, turnouts are also where you chain up — pull all the way off the pavement. Never stop in the lane, and never use a turnout as a parking spot or a sled hill.

Are fireworks legal in Big Bear?

No. Fireworks are illegal in the City of Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, and the San Bernardino National Forest.

How high is Big Bear, and what should I do about altitude?

Big Bear Valley is about 7,000 feet. Drink more water than usual, ease into the first day, and use sunscreen — UV is stronger at this elevation.

Do I need an Adventure Pass to hike?

Many San Bernardino National Forest trailhead and picnic lots require a USFS Adventure Pass. Buy one at the Village Visitor Center (Pine Knot and Big Bear Boulevard).

What should I do if I see wildlife or an injured animal?

Do not feed deer, bears, or birds. If you find an injured animal, call 909-584-1299. Bald eagle habitat is closed December through July.

What is Care For Big Bear, and is there a free trolley?

Pack out what you bring. On busy weekends the free Big Bear Trolley covers the Village, groceries, and resorts so you can leave the car parked.

Community

Power outages

Neighbor reports from around the valley.

No live reports around the valley.

Recent dispatch

Public-safety calls from the last 24 hours.

  • Traffic collision with unknown injuriesHwy & Cedar Falls Rd Barton FlatsBBLFD
  • Assault**(CLEAR) / Leonard Ln, SugarloafBBLFD
  • AssaultSBSO
  • BurglarySBSO

Around town

Public Facebook groups, read each morning. Themes — not quotes or names.

Groups were quiet this morning — no themes rose above the rest.

Hired help

Local trades and services. Powered by Big Bear Pros (opens in a new tab)

Community

Maps, lodging, and the Adventure Pass: the Village Visitor Center at Pine Knot and Big Bear Boulevard.

Hosts: this guide is curated by the Big Bear News newsroom and updates daily. No lodging ads, ever, and the address won’t change — share bigbear.news/visitor with your guests.

The newsletter

The morning briefing, while you're here.

Conditions, closures, and what's on — one calm email each weekday morning. Every claim cited. Unsubscribe when you head home.

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