Beer drinkers rejoice. Big Bear’s spring Oktoberfest celebration is back this month for three weekends. The event, called Maifest, is the mountain’s official kick-off party to the summer season.
During this year’s Maifest, guests have a chance to participate in a steinholding competition for a chance to qualify for a paid trip to New York City for the national Steinholding Championships that takes place in September.
Entertainment this year will feature live German bands Die Sauerkrauts and Ladyhosen. During the day, expect to hear traditional Bavarian tunes. After dark, the party amps up with DJs and live American bands.
Other Maifest fun includes log sawing competitions, a balloon artist, kids’ activities and plenty of traditional chicken dancing.
“Raise a stein this May and prost to the upcoming summer season,” Big Bear Lake Maifest Director Monica Marini said. “An ice-cold German brew in the cool mountain environment is a great way to kick off summertime.”
Maifest kicks off Saturday, May 16, and returns the following week for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 at the Big Bear Convention Center located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd. The Maifest grand finale is Saturday, May 30. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the celebration continues to 8 p.m. each day. Tickets are available for purchase online at bigbearevents.com.
Steinhold your way to New York
Maifest guests have a chance to participate in eight different steinholding contests throughout the three-weekend celebration.
The male and female with the lengthiest hold times will win a paid trip to New York in September for the U.S. Steinholding championship, which includes round-trip airfare, accommodations and the opportunity to compete for the $4,000 grand prize.
Big Bear brews something for everyone
Big Bear Lake Maifest is held outdoors at the highest elevation Bier Garden on the west coast, and delivers all the flavors of spring and summer. The German-style Maibock brew is a crowd favorite. It’s pale in color and more hop-centric than its fall/winter counterpart, bock-style beers. Maibock is only available during the springtime and is primarily brewed for Maifest.
The Maibock poured at Big Bear Lake Maifest is imported from the German brewer Hofbräu München, and provides a unique combo of hand-selected malts and a blend of German Hallerhauer hop varieties to create a slightly sweet, yet rich malty flavor. For those who prefer a more fruity-flavored libation, try the champagne-style punch called Maibowle.
McKenna Mobley is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Big Bear Mountain kicks off summer with a May Oktoberfest extravaganza
Reporting by McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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