Bring the Pup up to Big Bear for Puptopia 2026
Big Bear is throwing its third annual Puptopia Festival, and it’s a full day built for dogs (and the humans who love them). We’re talking stunt shows, agility courses, tiny dog races, and a lakeside park that turns into one big off-leash playground. Best part: it’s completely free.
For anyone with a dog and a car, this is worth the trip up. Big Bear is the setting we didn’t know we needed for a dog-focused day – trees, mountain air, and a lakeside park at the end of the drive.
The Pawground, the Pupformance Zone, and Tiny Dog Races
The Pawground is the obvious first stop: a giant ball pit, a fire hydrant splash area, and open social play space where our pup can make new friends. Then it’s over to the Pupformance Zone for owner-led agility courses with tunnels, ramps, jumps, and obstacles.
Elsewhere on the grounds: live dog stunt performances, training demos, tiny dog races (yes, and Tiny Dog vs. Owner Races), a Spaw experience with grooming and pet-icures, dog costume contests, and breed meet-ups for labs, huskies, doodles, and more. Add in a Pet Marketplace with local vendors and treat stations, and there’s basically zero downtime.
If we want to burn some post-festival energy, paddleboarding and kayaking with the pup are options on the lake before or after.
Dog-Friendly Deals Around Big Bear
Visit Big Bear teamed up with local spots to run day-of specials, so the whole town is basically in on the dog-day energy. Worth knowing:
- Jazzy Bear Ride Service: 15% off private rides when we bring a furry friend
- Dank Donuts: 50% off one dog donut when we mention Puptopia
- The Moonridge Room: free pup patty when we post about our visit and tag @themoonridgeroom
- Barrel 33 Big Bear: Yappy Hour with $2 off select beverages, complimentary dog treats with drink purchases, and a special dog menu with pairings
Between the festival and the deals, this is easily the most dog-friendly day of the summer.
See you there!
Load up the car, pack the leash, and head up to Big Bear – Puptopia is one of the more purely fun days our dog will have this summer.
📆 Saturday, July 25 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 40870 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake
🎟️ RSVP now
ℹ️ Get into the details
See you there, San Diego!
