We all know that bears love to party outside with their shirts off in the summer, and there are lots of places for them to do so. But why stay local? If you want to get a bit more international with your bear parties this year, there are plenty of travel-worthy destinations, too. Check out the list below of the best bear parties across the globe to get an idea of where you could head this year.
With other big bear events like Stockholm Bear Pride, Bear Festival Milan, Fierté Ours Bear Pride in Paris, and Oslo Bear Weekend that are still yet to be officially announced for 2022, you’ve got your pick of places on the globe to enjoy the view—and we don’t just mean the bears.
BeefDip
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January 30th to February 6th, 2022
If you need some sun in the winter, BeefDip might be the event for you. Head to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and you can enjoy lots of themed parties, pool parties, karaoke (aptly named Bearaoke), and other events that help you get out and see Mexico with the opportunity to make new friends.
Bear Essentials Sydney
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February 20th to March 6th
It may be winter for most of the world right now, but it’s summer in Australia. Bear Essentials in Sydney is a two-week-long event with a picnic, beach days, and a parade happening during the weekends. While the indoor events are canceled because of Covid, there’s still a lot to do outside in the sun.
Tidal Wave
June 2nd to June 5th
Tidal Wave is a bear party for bears, cub, chubs, chasers, and their admirers. It takes place in Lake Buena Vista, Florida in Disney Springs, right by Orlando, Florida near Disney World, so if you’re a proud Disney gay, you can jump between hitting up the park and enjoying all the bear activities at Tidal Wave. They’ve got all kinds of pool parties, cabaret shows, dirty bingo, and lots and lots of tea dances.
Provincetown Bear Week
July 9th to July 16th
Pool parties, beach outings, dance parties, leather events, drag shows, and The Bear Sunset Cruise. That’s what you’ll find at Bear Week in Provincetown, MA. According to their website, this is the largest gathering of bears in the world, with tens of thousands attending every year. This bear week is hugely popular—if you’re only going to do one big event, this might be the one to do. No international bear party list is complete without this one.
Lazy Bear
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August 1st to August 8th
Hang out in the Russian River, sit by campfires, enjoy live DJs, or attend the beach parties and pool parties in Guerneville, California in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at Lazy Bear. Most attendees stay in local lodges, campgrounds, cabins, or nearby towns. Lazy Bear has been happening for the last 25 years, and thousands travel for it every year.
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