Credit: Kit Leong via Shutterstock.
Big Bear Lake has been racking up some serious recognition lately. In USA Today’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice awards, Big Bear Lake landed No. 2 for Best Lake nationally and took the No. 1 spot for Best Lake for Water Sports in the country. Just two hours from Los Angeles, it’s easy to see why: mountain views, cool summer air, and a lakefront that somehow still feels like a well-kept secret. This month, that lake is throwing its biggest party of the summer with Lakefest, taking over Ski Beach Park on August 28–29 with two full days of live music, comedy, art, food, and outdoor fun.
What to expect from Lakefest
Friday: Americana Night
Friday kicks off in the afternoon with a Farmers Market, beer garden, yard games, and a Kids Zone, all starting at 3pm. From there, the day shifts into an evening built around live Americana music paired with rotating sets of stand-up comedy from local comics. The night builds toward two headlining acts, Tristen & Delaney, taking the stage at 7pm to close things out.
Saturday: Bluegrass in the Grass
Saturday starts slower and builds momentum throughout the day. Gates open at 10am, with the Lake Arrowhead Beer Garden, yard games, and Kids Zone opening an hour later alongside live wood carving and a rotating lineup of bluegrass-leaning acts, including Honey Buckets, The Guesthouse Band, Roses Pawn Shop, and Dogs Breakfast. Midday brings a music workshop with Roses Pawn Shop and an afternoon karate demonstration. As evening approaches, the festival shifts tone entirely — a drum circle, a BMX show from Built For This, and a final live set carry the day to its 7pm close.
What to know before you go
General admission to Lakefest is free, with no ticket required for entry. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chair or blanket and post up on the grass for the day. Coolers, outside food, and outside beverages aren’t permitted, though food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event. Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed at all times. Parking is limited on-site, so organizers recommend walking, biking, carpooling, or arranging a ride rather than driving in solo — a detail worth planning around, especially for a day trip from L.A.
📍 Ski Beach Park — Big Bear Lake
📅 August 28–29
🎟 Free general admission
🍺 Food vendors + beer garden
🪑 Bring a chair, grab a spot and hang out for the day.