Celebrate Art, Family, and Lake Morton at Mayfaire by-the-Lake
A chilly lakeside plunge into Big Bear Lake supporting Special Olympics, with family activities like a rock wall, music, and food.
Event details
Each spring, as snow still lingers in the pines and Big Bear Lake sparkles with early thaw, a brave and boisterous crowd gathers on the north shore for one of California’s boldest charity traditions. The Big Bear Polar Plunge—known affectionately among locals as “the Coolest Event of the Year”—returns to Veteran’s Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
It’s not just a plunge into alpine waters. It’s a plunge into purpose.
Who It’s For
The Big Bear Polar Plunge is for anyone with a big heart and a strong constitution. While the water may be cold, the community spirit is unmistakably warm. You’ll see families bundled in matching team sweatshirts, Special Olympics athletes beaming with pride, first-timers in costume psyching themselves up at the shoreline, and returning plungers who wear the icy badge of honor year after year.
You don’t have to be an athlete to jump in—but many are. Teams from fire stations, high school clubs, and community groups show up year after year, plunging with intention and raising real impact. And if you’re more of a cheerleader than a swimmer? No problem. Register as “Too Chicken to Plunge,” donate, and support the cause from dry land.
When It Happens
The 2026 Polar Plunge takes place on Saturday, March 28. On-site registration opens at 10:00 AM at Veteran’s Park, followed by opening ceremonies at 11:45 AM. The main event—the plunge itself—takes place just after noon. The energy carries through until 3:00 PM with music, costumes, awards, and warm drinks flowing.
Where It Happens
Veteran’s Park, located at 40870 Big Bear Boulevard, is the official launch point for the plunge. Set along the lake’s edge in Big Bear Lake, California, the park is flanked by pine forest and mountain views—a crisp and unforgettable place to take the leap.
Big Bear is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, just under two hours from Los Angeles. Most attendees drive in via Highway 330 or 38, with parking and shuttle access provided. San Bernardino International Airport is the closest commercial airport, about 45 miles away. For weekenders, local lodges, cabins, and chalets fill up quickly—so booking ahead is encouraged.
Why It Matters
The Polar Plunge is more than a feel-good splash. It’s a high-spirited fundraiser for Special Olympics Inland Empire, supporting year-round programs that provide free health screenings, fitness and leadership opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Every dollar raised helps fund transformative programs that empower and connect.
The experience itself is unforgettable: a countdown echoes over the lake, and then—plunge! Some sprint, some tiptoe, others cartwheel into the icy shallows. Costumes, cowbells, and laughter fill the air. For a few moments, the chill is real—but the rush of community and courage is warmer than you’d expect.
The Takeaway
At its heart, the Big Bear Polar Plunge is about bravery—not just in the water, but in building a more inclusive world. It’s about showing up, getting cold, and doing good. Whether you’re diving in with a team, cheering from shore, or donating from afar, your impact matters.
So grab your warmest layers—and maybe a tutu—and join the movement. The plunge is cold. The cause is powerful. The memory? That stays with you.