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
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See you there, San Diego!