Pine Cone Festival (Running Springs)

The Pine Cone Festival returns October 3, 2026, to Running Springs, a quiet mountain community tucked between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead at 6,000 feet elevation. This free, family-friendly street fair takes over the center of town from morning through late afternoon, with vendors lining both sides of Highway 18 selling handmade jewelry, woodwork, pottery, and fall-themed crafts. You’ll also find booths serving kettle corn, barbecue, funnel cakes, and hot apple cider, the kind of snacking that makes a lazy autumn Saturday feel complete. Live music fills the air from a main stage near the community center, typically featuring local country and folk bands, and kids can bounce in inflatables or try their hand at carnival games set up in the parking lots.

Running Springs sits just 15 minutes downhill from Big Bear Lake and 20 minutes uphill from Lake Arrowhead Village, making it an easy day trip if you’re staying at either lake. October weather in the San Bernardino Mountains brings crisp mornings in the low 50s and sunny afternoons reaching the mid-60s, so wear layers and bring a light jacket you can tie around your waist once the day warms up. The festival draws a loyal crowd of regulars who return year after year for the small-town feel and handmade goods you won’t find at big-box stores. Parking is free but fills quickly after 10:00 AM, so arrive early or be prepared to walk a few blocks from side streets. Pets on leashes are welcome, and you’ll see plenty of dogs sporting bandanas and soaking up attention from vendors.

Browse at your own pace and don’t miss the local honey vendors and pine-scented candle makers, both staples of mountain craft fairs. If you have young kids, plan for at least two hours so they can enjoy the games and activities without feeling rushed. For a longer outing, pair the festival with a scenic drive along the Rim of the World Highway, which offers pullouts with sweeping views across the valleys below. On your way back to Big Bear, stop at the Antlers Inn Restaurant & Bar (founded 1937) in Running Springs for hearty mountain comfort food and a slice of their signature berry pie.

If you’re making a weekend of it, book a cabin near Big Bear’s South Shore or Lake Arrowhead’s North Bay on Lake.com, where you’ll have easy access to both lakes and the quiet charm of Running Springs in between. The festival’s low-key vibe and free admission make it a perfect addition to a fall getaway, especially if you want a break from the busier events happening at the lakes themselves.