10 Best Bear Weeks in the World in 2027
Okay, listen.
If your idea of a good vacation involves hairy men, pool parties, beach days, questionable decisions (mmmmhmm, I see you nodding your head, sis), and an entire city suddenly being overrun with bears… babyyyyy, I have a travel calendar for you to start planning out your 2027.
Because while Pride gets most of the attention, there is a whole other world of LGBTQ+ travel built around bears, cubs, chubs, otters, admirers, and anyone who simply appreciates a man with a little extra meat on his bones.
And let me be clear… they are TRAVELING.
Bear events happen all over the world throughout the year, from Puerto Vallarta and Rio de Janeiro to Sitges, Palm Springs, Bangkok and Amsterdam.
So if you've ever wondered where the biggest bear parties are, when they happen, and which ones are actually worth getting on a plane for, I put together this list for you.
These are my picks for the 10 best bear weeks and bear events around the world in 2027.
🐻 2027 Bear Week Calendar
| # | Bear Week / Event | Destination | 2027 Dates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BeefDip Bear Week | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Jan. 24–31 | 🌴 Tropical bear vacation |
| 2 | Bears Sitges | 🇪🇸 Sitges, Spain | Apr. 29–May 3 | 🇪🇸 European bear experience |
| 3 | Lazy Bear Week | 🇺🇸 Guerneville, California | July 26–Aug. 2 | 🌲 Community + partying |
| 4 | Provincetown Bear Week | 🇺🇸 Provincetown, Massachusetts | July 10–17 | 🏖️ Classic gay vacation |
| 5 | International Bear Convergence (IBC) | 🇺🇸 Palm Springs, California | Feb. 18–22 | ☀️ Pool parties |
| 6 | Maspalomas Bear Carnival | 🇪🇸 Gran Canaria, Spain | Apr. 8–18 | 🏖️ Big European party |
| 7 | Woof Week Rio | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Jan. 17–24 | 🇧🇷 Latin America |
| 8 | Texas Bear Round-Up (TBRU) | 🇺🇸 Dallas, Texas | Mar. 25–28 | 🤠 Big U.S. bear weekend |
| 9 | Bangkok Songkran Bear Week | 🇹🇭 Bangkok, Thailand | Apr. 12–15 | 💦 Asia |
| 10 | Amsterdam Bear Pride | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands | June 10–13 | 🇳🇱 City + nightlife |
Dates are based on current 2027 event listings and official event sites. The list will continue after this brief interruption
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Back to the list…
1. BeefDip Bear Week — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
📅 January 24–31, 2027
Let me just go ahead and say it: BeefDip is THAT bitch.
If you want a bear vacation that combines warm weather, beautiful beaches, pool parties, boat parties, nightlife and thousands of gay men, it is VERY hard to beat Puerto Vallarta.
BeefDip takes over Puerto Vallarta every January, bringing bears and bear admirers from around the world to Mexico's most famous LGBTQ+ beach destination. And the best part?
You don't have to spend the entire week inside a convention center.
You can wake up, grab breakfast, hit the beach, go to a pool party, take a boat cruise, have dinner in Zona Romántica and then stumble into another party at midnight. Basically: eat, swim, drink, flirt, repeat.
The 2027 event runs January 24–31, and the current international bear calendar lists it as one of the major bear gatherings on the global calendar.
WHERE TO STAY
The Tryst Puerto Vallarta LGBT Hotel
This is probably one of the easiest choices if you want to be in the middle of everything. The adults-only LGBT hotel is just steps from Los Muertos Beach and has a rooftop pool, restaurant, bar and spa facilities. Basically, you can leave the hotel and immediately enter the gay chaos.
Casa Cupula LGBT Luxury Resort
Casa Cupula has been a longtime gay favorite in Puerto Vallarta, sitting up in the hills above Zona Romántica. It's adults-only, has multiple pools, a spa and gorgeous views. It's a little removed from the madness, which can be a blessing after four days of BeefDip.
If beachfront is more your speed, Almar is another gay-friendly option in the heart of Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ zone. It's adults-only and has a pool, spa and beach access.
Other options are here. Get the full 50-page PV guide here. If you see me, say hi! :)
2. Bears Sitges — Sitges, Spain
📅 April 29–May 3, 2027
If you've never been to Sitges, let me explain something: The entire town is already gay.
Now imagine adding thousands of bears to that. Sitges is one of Europe's most famous LGBTQ+ beach destinations, and its annual Bears Week brings together bears, cubs, chasers and admirers from all over the world.
You'll find beach days, parties, bars, restaurants and plenty of men walking around town who look like they just stepped out of your favorite gay fantasy.
The May 2027 edition is scheduled for April 29 through May 3.
And honestly, I love Sitges because the destination itself is part of the experience. You're not just attending a bear event — you're vacationing in one of Europe's most famous gay towns.
WHERE TO STAY
This is exactly the kind of hotel I want to see during a bear event. It's gay men-only, adults-only and right in the center of Sitges, just a few minutes from Fragata Beach. It also has a bar, terrace, hot tub and steam room.
3. Lazy Bear Week — Guerneville, California
📅 July 26–August 2, 2027
Lazy Bear Week is one of the big dogs of the bear world.
Every summer, more than 2,500 bears descend on Guerneville, in California's Russian River Valley, for a week of pool parties, music, campfires, dancing and community. But here's what makes Lazy Bear different:
It's not just a party. There's a huge community component to it, and the event raises money for charitable causes. The Lazy Bear Fund says the event has raised more than $2.5 million over the years. And then there's the setting. You're surrounded by the California redwoods.
So instead of waking up in another giant hotel in a city, you're hanging out with a bunch of hairy men in the forest.
Honestly? I'm listening.
WHERE TO STAY
This is one event where I'd recommend booking very early because accommodations in Guerneville are limited and the event attracts thousands of people.
Think local inns, cabins, vacation rentals and nearby Sonoma County accommodations rather than traditional gay resorts.
The Lazy Bear Fund specifically notes that attendees commonly stay in local lodges, campgrounds, cabins and nearby towns.
4. Provincetown Bear Week — Provincetown, Massachusetts
📅 July 10–17, 2027
Provincetown is one of those places that every gay man should experience at least once. It's tiny. It's adorable. It's aggressively gay.
And then, for one week every summer, it becomes even gayer and hairier. Provincetown Bear Week brings bears, cubs, chubs, otters and admirers to Cape Cod for an entire week of parties, cruises, pool events, shows, nightlife and beach time.
The 2027 event runs July 10–17.
What I love about Provincetown is that you don't need to plan every minute around the official event. You can spend the afternoon at the beach. Grab dinner. Walk Commercial Street. Have a drink. Run into approximately 47 men you recognize from Instagram. And then somehow end up at a party.
You know how this goes…
5. International Bear Convergence — Palm Springs, California
📅 February 18–22, 2027
If you want pool parties in February, Palm Springs is calling your name. International Bear Convergence — better known as IBC — is one of the major winter bear events in the United States.
The 2027 event runs February 18–22, and organizers are expecting another huge turnout after attendance records were broken in 2026.
The formula is pretty simple: Palm Springs + sunshine + bears + pool parties + DJs + nightlife. During the day, the action centers around pool parties, while nighttime brings dance parties, drag shows, comedy and other events.
WHERE TO STAY
Vista Grande Resort - A Gay Men's Resort
A gay men's clothing-optional resort with two pools and a huge hot tub, Vista Grande is pretty much designed for the kind of weekend you're about to have.
Another gay men's resort option in Palm Springs, Casa Oliver offers a more intimate resort experience and is popular with travelers looking for a gay-focused place to stay.
IBC's official host hotel is Hotel ZOSO, located downtown and within walking distance of many restaurants, bars and Palm Springs' Arenas District.
6. Maspalomas Bear Carnival — Gran Canaria, Spain
📅 April 8–18, 2027
Maspalomas is basically gay vacation Disneyland.
You've got beaches. You've got nightlife. You've got the famous dunes. You've got gay resorts everywhere. And then you add one of Europe's biggest bear events.
Maspalomas Bear Carnival runs April 8–18, 2027, making it one of the longest events on this list.
If you want a European bear trip that feels like a full-on vacation rather than simply attending a weekend event, this is a great choice.
WHERE TO STAY
Rainbow Golf Bungalows, Gay Men-only Resort
This is exactly what the name promises: a gay men's resort with private bungalows, terraces and a pool. It's in a quieter part of Maspalomas, about a 20-minute walk from the famous dunes.
Vista Bonita - Gay and Lesbian Only Resort
Another solid LGBTQ+ resort option, Vista Bonita offers duplex-style accommodations with kitchenettes and terraces that lead toward the pool and garden.
7. Woof Week Rio — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
📅 January 17–24, 2027
You already know I'm going to tell you to consider Rio. Because: RIO. Now add bears.
Woof Week is promoted as South America's Bear Week, and the 2027 event runs January 17–24. This is the one for the traveler who wants their bear vacation with a serious dose of Brazilian energy.
Rio already has one of the world's most famous LGBTQ+ nightlife scenes, spectacular beaches and a ridiculous amount of eye candy. Add an international bear crowd and you've got a pretty damn good vacation. And unlike some smaller bear weekends, you're also getting an actual major international destination.
So if you're flying all the way to Brazil, you can build an entire Rio trip around the event.
WHERE TO STAY
If you want to be in the heart of Ipanema, this is a great choice. It’s just a few minutes from Ipanema Beach and close to restaurants, bars, shopping and the LGBTQ+ scene.
Want to be basically ON the beach? Hotel Arpoador sits right at the intersection of Ipanema and Copacabana, making it an excellent home base for exploring both neighborhoods. It also has a rooftop area with beach views.
This is the more intimate option. RARO is an adults-only boutique hotel between Ipanema and Copacabana, with a garden, terrace and bar. It's a good pick if you'd rather have a stylish boutique experience than a giant beachfront hotel.
If you're ready to splurge, honey, this is the one. The legendary Fasano sits directly across from Ipanema Beach and has that gorgeous rooftop pool overlooking the ocean. This is definitely the “I'm going to Rio and I'm going to LIVE” option.
Another excellent beachfront-area option, particularly if you want easy access to Ipanema Beach, restaurants and nightlife. The rooftop pool and views are a major bonus.
8. Texas Bear Round-Up — Dallas, Texas
📅 March 25–28, 2027
Everything is bigger in Texas. Apparently that includes the bears.
Texas Bear Round-Up — or TBRU — began in 1995 and has grown into one of the largest bear events in North America. The 2027 event takes place March 25–28 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.
And this isn't just a bunch of people standing around drinking beer.
TBRU has daytime events, nighttime entertainment, parties, community events and charity fundraising. The Dallas Bears say the event and its partners have donated more than $1 million to the local LGBTQ+ community.
There's also a shuttle connecting the host hotel with several of Dallas' major gay bars and nightlife spots, which makes getting around much easier.
WHERE TO STAY
The Hyatt Regency Dallas is the official host hotel, and honestly, I'd stay there if you're attending TBRU.
The whole point of a bear weekend is not having to Uber everywhere when you're already three cocktails deep.
9. Bangkok Songkran Bear Week — Bangkok, Thailand
📅 April 12–15, 2027
Want to do a bear week in Asia? Bangkok. And if you're going to Bangkok, doing it around Songkran is pretty iconic.
Bangkok Songkran Bear Week runs April 12–15, 2027, right around Thailand's famous water festival. So you've got the bear events happening alongside one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand.
Translation: You are going to get wet…Very wet. LOL!
Songkran is already one of the most fun times of year to visit Thailand, and combining it with Bangkok's LGBTQ+ nightlife and an international bear gathering makes this a particularly interesting option for travelers who want something different from the traditional European and American bear circuit.
And if you've never been to Bangkok before, this could easily become a much bigger Thailand trip.
Bangkok → Chiang Mai → islands → beaches.
Don't threaten me with a good time. Check out more from Thailand here.
WHERE TO STAY
Amara Bangkok Hotel — A great option if you want to stay near Bangkok's LGBTQ+ nightlife. It's in Bang Rak on Surawong Road and has a rooftop pool with city views.
SO/ Bangkok — A stylish 5-star option near Lumpini Park and the MRT, with a rooftop bar, infinity pool and spa. It's a particularly good choice if you want something more upscale.
W Bangkok — A luxury option in the Silom/Sathorn area that's convenient for nightlife, restaurants and getting around the city.
10. Amsterdam Bear Pride — Amsterdam, Netherlands
📅 June 10–13, 2027
Amsterdam is one of those cities that just works for a gay vacation.
It's walkable. It's beautiful. It's international. And there's a gay bar seemingly every five feet.
Amsterdam Bear Pride brings the bear community together for a weekend in June, with the 2027 event scheduled for June 10–13.
This is a great option if you want a city break rather than a traditional resort-style bear vacation.
You can spend your days exploring Amsterdam's canals and museums, grab dinner, hit the bear events at night and still have plenty of time to experience the city.
Amsterdam's tourism organization also highlights a range of LGBTQI+-friendly hotels throughout the city, so you don't necessarily need to stay in a specifically gay hotel to feel welcome.
Hotel MAI Amsterdam — A stylish boutique hotel in central Amsterdam, just a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal and right in the middle of the city's attractions and nightlife. Its Booking.com location score is currently 9.5/10.
W Amsterdam — If you want to splurge, this is the move. It's directly off Dam Square and has two pools, a spa, rooftop lounge and multiple restaurants.
INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery — A stylish boutique option in a very central location, making it easy to get around Amsterdam on foot or by public transportation.
Hotel Arena — A more distinctive option in a former church building near Oosterpark. Good if you want something with a little more personality and a quieter neighborhood feel.
So… Which Bear Week Should You Go To?
Okay, now for the important part.
Because not every bear event is the same.
🌴 Best Tropical Bear Week: BeefDip
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you want sunshine, beaches, pools, boats and nightlife, this is my pick. You also get the advantage of staying in one of the world's most established gay travel destinations.
My rating: 10/10
??🇸 Best European Bear Week: Sitges
Sitges, Spain
If you've never been to Sitges, GO. The combination of the town, beaches, nightlife and bear crowd makes this one of the easiest recommendations on the list.
My rating: 9.5/10
🌲 Best for Community: Lazy Bear
Guerneville, California
Lazy Bear feels different. There's a genuine community and charitable component, and the redwood setting makes it unlike almost any other bear event.
My rating: 9.5/10
🏳️🌈 Best Classic Gay Vacation: Provincetown
Provincetown, Massachusetts
If you want the classic American gay summer experience, it's hard to beat P-Town. And during Bear Week? Baby…
My rating: 9/10
☀️ Best Winter Bear Escape: IBC
Palm Springs, California
If you're trying to escape cold weather and want pool parties with thousands of bears, this is your girl.
My rating: 9/10
🏖️ Best Long European Party: Maspalomas
Gran Canaria, Spain
The event lasts more than a week, and you're staying in one of Europe's best LGBTQ+ vacation destinations.
That's a win.
My rating: 9/10
🇧🇷 Best Latin American Adventure: Woof Week Rio
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
For travelers who want their bear vacation to feel like an actual international adventure, Rio is the move.
My rating: 8.5/10
Do You Have to Be a Bear to Attend Bear Week?
Absolutely not. And please don't overthink this. Bear communities include bears, cubs, chubs, otters, admirers, chasers and plenty of people who don't neatly fit into one category.
If you're attracted to the men there and you're respectful of the community, you're probably going to have a good time.
You don't need to show up with a 10-inch beard and a membership card. Although… if you have the beard, by all means.
What's the Biggest Bear Week in the World?
There isn't one universally agreed-upon ranking because different events measure attendance differently.
But Sitges, Lazy Bear Week, Provincetown, IBC, BeefDip and Maspalomas are all among the major international bear events worth knowing about.
Lazy Bear Fund says more than 2,500 bears attend its annual event, while IBC describes its event as welcoming thousands of bears from around the world.
The best event for you, however, depends on what kind of trip you're looking for.
My 2027 Bear Travel Bucket List
If I were building a bear travel calendar for 2027, I'd probably prioritize:
January: BeefDip 🇲🇽
February: IBC 🇺🇸
April: Maspalomas 🇪🇸
April/May: Sitges 🇪🇸
June: Amsterdam 🇳🇱
July: Provincetown 🇺🇸
July/August: Lazy Bear 🇺🇸
And if you're really committed?
You could build one hell of a Bear World Tour.
Because honestly…
Why choose one when you can collect them all? 🐻🌎
Related Posts:
Looking for the best Bear Weeks in 2027? Discover 10 of the world's biggest gay bear events, including BeefDip, Sitges, Lazy Bear, Provincetown and more.