Every year, the last Monday in May pays homage to U.S. military members who died serving in the armed forces. Known as Memorial Day, this annual celebration is well at home in Big Bear Lake, California. Visitors and locals alike enjoy spending the holiday amidst the myriad shops, restaurants and recreational spaces. Big Bear Frontier invites you to book a cabin for your next visit and take part in the area’s finest Memorial Day festivities.
Big Bear Lake Memorial Day Festivities
From the springtime blooms to the bright leaves of fall, there are recreational activities all year around Big Bear Lake. However, Memorial Day brings its own flavor of events to the lakefront scene, filled with good food and engaging recreational activities. You can always count on the trails, forests and lake itself to be there for your next southern California excursion, but the end of May could be the start of your newest slate of experiences at Big Bear Lake.
Grill & Chill BBQ and Brew Festival
Back in 2018, Big Bear Lake hosted the area’s first ever Grill & Chill event. Since then, this popular Memorial Day weekend attraction has been serving up the best BBQ from surrounding vendors. Several local breweries are also present, providing samples, as well as a plethora of craft beers for purchase. The kid’s area often includes an assortment of face painting, crafts and physical activities, plus, live music is a staple at every Grill & Chill BBQ and Brew Festival. Purchase your festival tickets before Memorial Day at bigbear.com.
This event evokes a competitive spirit, with recognition given to a favorite BBQ and beer selection. While general admission is free, event goers can purchase tickets to take part in the BBQ and brewery tastings which factor into the final awards.
Big Bear Lake Fireworks
The City of Big Bear Lake holds an annual Memorial Day fireworks celebration over the lake every year. It’s hard to miss the loud booms and bountiful colors, but the best views of the fireworks display are found on the multiple piers and lakefront resorts directly adjacent to the water. Consider booking a one or three-bedroom lakefront cabin at Big Bear Frontier before the celebration. The three-bedroom cabin is perfect for the occasion, offering guests a beachfront barbecue and two private lakeview decks to accommodate your Memorial Day weekend. Fireworks displays frequently start around 9:30pm; be sure to plan ahead so everyone is situated at the cabin when the show begins.
As aeronautic technology improves, drone light shows are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional fireworks display. In 2021, a Memorial Day firework show hosted by Visit Big Bear was shelved in favor of a drone light show. This occurred due to the presence of a bald eagle nest with chick near a Visit Big Bear property. Drone shows are quiet and don’t pose any air quality or fire hazards, making for a great alternative Memorial Day light display.
Veterans Park Ceremony
At the intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Big Bear Boulevard, Veterans Park is the site of Big Bear Lake’s yearly Memorial Day ceremony, presided over by the American Legion post 584. Built to honor those who served in the U.S. armed forces, it hosts a lakeside gazebo, memorial archway and flag monument on the premises. Veterans Park also has multiple benches placed alongside the walking space.
Restaurants to Visit Memorial Day Weekend
Most U.S. holidays feature their own seasonal foods to spruce up the celebration. Make your next Memorial Day a tasteful occasion by visiting any of the myriad restaurants, snack shops and eateries along the side streets of Big Bear Boulevard. Many have their own holiday specials available only during Memorial Day weekend. This May, it’s time to honor veterans and indulge your appetite.
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
These brewers are a staple at the annual Grill & Chill event, serving up savory drinks to newcomers and returning partygoers alike. Pour yourself a pint at their Stone Road location and wash down their homemade desserts with the seasonal brewmaster’s choice. Big Bear Lake Brewing Company features a separate gluten-free, as well as children’s menu to accommodate every visitor. Start by asking about their holiday specials and end by making this restaurant a surefire stop on your Memorial Day weekend journey.
The Cookshak at the Elks
This restaurant first opened May 27, 2021, just days before Memorial Day. After a year of successful business, the Cookshak introduced their mesquite-smoked, tri-tip sandwich as a 2022 Memorial Day special. Tri-tip is a cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. For this recipe, it’s slow-smoked on the grill and placed on a roll with BBQ sauce, then sprinkled with fresh-made coleslaw. So, what’s in store for this year’s Memorial Day specials? Drop by to find out! They specialize in BBQ, Cajun and overall American cuisine. The Cookshak even has a dedicated food truck and catering options, making it easy to bring their best foods straight to you.
Village Sports Bar
As another participant in the yearly Grill & Chill, Village Sports Bar knows how to celebrate Memorial Day! Their talented chefs regularly cook up classic pub fare BBQ and serve refreshing, ice-cold beers to festival attendees. Inside the restaurant itself, expect to find an assortment of wings, burgers, sandwiches and pizzas to tighten your waistline. Village Sports Bar frequently hosts live music performances and tribute shows so you can jam to old hits and new tunes alike, all happening in this lively, event-centric atmosphere.
Book Your Stay at The Frontier
Big Bear Frontier offers the perfect lodging amenities for your stay in Big Bear Lake, California. Call 909.866.5888 to reserve a hotel room or book an individual cabin with a lakefront view. All of our accommodations feature a full bath, small refrigerator, microwave, TV and coffee maker, as well as free Wi-Fi. Additionally, each cabin is outfitted with a toasty fireplace to keep guests warm at all hours. Both our hotel and cabins are pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family on your next Big Bear Lake excursion.
Let Big Bear Frontier add to your seasonal fun this Memorial Day weekend. Our heated pool and adjacent hot tub are open all year long. The property also contains an outdoor basketball court, table tennis setup, cornhole game and horseshoe toss, perfect for relaxing during the holiday. And no Memorial Day is complete without some action on the barbie! Sear and char your favorite foods at any of our charcoal BBQs and officially kick off the year’s grilling season.
Enjoying the weekend around the lake? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @BigBearFrontier and sharing a photo of your Memorial Day activities.
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