About

A "Bear Run", "Bear Week", "Bear Weekend" or similar event is like a big, fun get-together for guys who identify as bears or are just into the bear vibe. In the gay community, "bears" are often the rugged, hairy, and bigger dudes who embrace a more traditionally masculine look—think lumberjack, not fashion model. But here’s the thing: the bear community is super inclusive! They’re all about body positivity and pushing back against ageism. So, if you’re comfortable hanging out with bears, you’re totally part of the club! Just a heads up: some bear events, especially those with a more dating or cruisy vibe, are men-only for obvious reasons.

North America and Europe are home to most bear holiday destinations (see stats). Knowing that, bear runs are usually set in awesome locations like beach towns where bears and their fans can let loose. Provincetown, Fort Lauderdale and Puerto Vallarta in North America, and Sitges, Torremolinos and Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) in Spain are probably the most popular resorts with bear events being organized every year. Picture pool parties, bear clubbing nights, boat trips and all sorts of fun events. Some gatherings are laid-back with just a few bar meetups and outdoor hangouts, while others are full-on extravaganzas with tons of activities to keep you entertained. Beyond the traditional Euro and American destinations, we are delighted to index more and more bear events in South America, Asia, Oceania and Africa, with tourist metropolis like Rio de Janeiro, Sidney, or Bangkok recently catching the tidal wave of bear events.

Bear runs have been a thing since late 90s and early 2000s, starting in Cologne (Germany) and Provincetown  (USA). But these days, the bear scene is way more diverse and the bear agenda truly spans for the whole year in the whole World (see stats). Summer months in the Northern Hemisphere see a spike in the number of bear events, but you've got bear trips, cruises, campsites... in all four seasons! Whether it’s a group of bears taking over a regular cruise or a holiday experience that’s all bears, all the time, there’s something for everyone.

These events are all about meeting new people, making friends, and just having a blast with folks who get you. Bear holidays are (mostly) a judgment-free zone where you can enjoy yourself without worrying about your body shape, grooming habits, wardrobe choices, or age. It’s all about having fun and feeling good in your own skin with a bunch of like-minded guys. So, why not join the party?