Heading up to the mountain for a weekend getaway? Are you a music lover who still wants to experience the action, even while you’re away from the city? Big Bear Lake has a vast and eclectic music scene, with many local acts playing live shows. We’ve put together a list of venues that feature live music in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Live Music Scene 2024
ITH Mountain Adventure Hostel
The hostel makes the top of our list, with its assortment of live performances and open mics. Manager Jackie Wolf has spent countless hours connecting with local acts in Big Bear Lake to line up shows at the hostel. As well as Big Bear Lake, Wolf has been successful in luring acts from music hubs like Los Angeles to play at the hostel.
Wolf started the open mics in mid-October 2023. Her reasoning was simple, but her vision has changed since starting to host the open mics. “I wanted there to be a meeting between travelers and locals, rather than just a tourism destination,” says Wolf. “We can meet the cultures together, especially for backpackers, hikers, and internationals. I started to see that they were drawing in the locals, and they wanted a community that was a little younger and experimental.”
Being able to meet other locals, and interact with travelers from across the globe, has created a unique bond between attendees, and attracted more and more locals. Wolf says she’s inspired by seeing people want to come out just as excited as she is to see the regulars. “It’s also fun to think about the journey, and we’re just kind of riding that wave,” she says.
Village Sports Bar
Known for having one of the best stages in town, Village Sports Bar is another spot on this list for live music in Big Bear Lake. The venue features shows regularly, from original acts to cover bands. Come through and you’ll hear a mix of new and old tunes. Village Sports Bar also puts on a karaoke night for all ages. Many of the cover charges for these venues start at $15. As the name describes, this venue is also great for sports lovers and even has pool tables on-site. For a calendar of their shows, check out the website.
Village Music
One of the more unique and eclectic spots in town, Village Music is a nice place to relax and shop. For Big Bear Lake, having Village Music is like having a little library in town, with its range of vinyl, CDs, 45s, and instruments, and it’s also a cool spot to hang out. This mom-and-pop shop has local goods, plus a stage up in the front where performers will come to play. From original acts to cover bands, Village Music hosts an array of musical acts. While the shows are less frequent, they are often worth checking out.
Moonridge Coffee House
As well as being a coffee house and cafe, Moonridge Coffee House welcomes local musicians with their open mics. Typically held on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer, the open mics at Moonridge Coffee House have become popular among locals. The coffee house also plays host to musicians and will feature both original acts and cover bands. Come grab a cup of coffee or snack and watch some live music at Moonridge Coffee House.
Music in the Mountains
Held at the Big Bear Discovery Center, Music in the Mountains is a concert series put on by the Southern California Mountain Foundations that features a wide array of musical acts. Proceeds from the concert series go to help protect public lands in Southern California. In 2024, the series will feature tribute bands for artists such as Prince, Queen, the Eagles, and Tom Petty. Also on hand for the concert series will be food vendors and bar service. Tickets can be found on their website, and season passes are also available for purchase.
Want to know more about the live music scene in Big Bear Lake? Watch this video!
While staying at ITH, make sure to sign up for our Traveler’s Club. This free program will save you money on all future bookings, and it’s easy to sign up!
