Big Bear Lake sits at 6,750 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, about two hours from Los Angeles. Most people come for the skiing, the lake, or the trails — but the town also runs two certified farmers markets during the warmer months. They're a solid stop whether you're stocking a cabin kitchen for the week or just looking for something to do between hikes.
Both markets are seasonal. If you're planning a trip specifically around a market visit, check the dates below before driving up the mountain.
Big Bear Farmers Market (Tuesday)
The Tuesday market runs along Big Bear Boulevard, the main commercial strip through town. It's the morning market — most of the action happens before 11 am. Vendors bring produce up from the valley floor and Inland Empire farms: stone fruit, tomatoes, berries, and greens in summer; citrus and root vegetables in the shoulder months.
Beyond produce, expect to find local honey, mountain wildflower bouquets, homemade jams, fresh bread, and a handful of hot food vendors. The market draws a mix of full-time residents and weekday visitors who came up to beat the weekend crowds.
Big Bear Lake Farmers Market (Friday)
The Friday market runs later in the day — afternoon into early evening — on Park Avenue near the Village. This is the more social of the two markets. Families come after a day at the lake, and the timing catches the Friday-night cabin crowd rolling into town for the weekend.
The vendor mix skews more toward prepared foods and artisan goods compared to Tuesday's market. You'll still find fresh produce, but there's also craft vendors, live music on some weekends, and more of an event atmosphere. It runs a month longer into fall than the Tuesday market, closing in October.
What Grows at 6,750 Feet
Big Bear's altitude and short growing season mean most produce at these markets is grown in the lower elevations — the Inland Empire valley, Yucaipa, and the high desert — then trucked up. But the mountain setting does shape what you'll find:
- Spring (Apr–May): Greens, strawberries, early citrus. April openings can be chilly — bring a layer. The vendor count tends to be smaller at the start of the season.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): The busiest stretch. Peaches, cherries, nectarines, tomatoes, corn, melons, zucchini. Vendor lineups are at their fullest. Get there early for the best picks.
- Fall (Sep–Oct): Apples, pears, pomegranates, squash, pumpkins. The Friday market carries into October, which lines up with Big Bear's fall color season — worth the trip for the drive alone.
Tips for Visiting
- Check the weather before driving up. Big Bear is a mountain town. Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast, and spring mornings can be in the 40s. The markets run rain or shine, but dress accordingly.
- Combine it with other plans. Tuesday's market pairs well with a morning hike at Castle Rock or Alpine Pedal Path. Friday's market is a natural start to a cabin weekend.
- Bring a cooler if you're driving back down. It's a 90-minute descent to the valley, and summer produce doesn't love sitting in a hot car on Highway 18.
- Parking: Tuesday on Big Bear Blvd has street parking and a few lots. Friday on Park Ave is tighter — arrive by 3:30 if you want to park close.
- Cash is king. Some vendors take cards, but cash keeps things moving and is universally accepted.
Other Mountain Markets Nearby
If you're staying in the San Bernardino Mountains but can't make the Big Bear markets, a few other mountain communities run their own:
- Rim of the World Farmers Market — Sundays 10 am–2 pm, Lake Arrowhead (Apr–Oct)
- Running Springs Farmers Market — Saturdays 9 am–1 pm (Apr–Nov)
- Twin Peaks Farmers Market — Thursdays 2–7 pm, year-round
See all 26 certified farmers markets across San Bernardino County on our main directory.