Event Dates
From: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
To: Sunday, October 4, 2026
BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2026
BearScots is a Scottish gay men’s group in Glasgow and Edinburgh and hosts the annual ‘BearScotFest’ in the Autumn.
BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2026
BearScots is a Scottish gay men’s group, hosting monthly bear events in Glasgow and Edinburgh and host the annual ‘BearScotFest’ in September.
- Visiting for Pride? Stay close to all the gay bars and clubs and the pride events on Princess Street. The Kimpton, Charlotte Square is a “superb” rates hotel with a great spa and its dog-friendly.
The Event
- Next Edition: Wednesday 30th September, 2026 – Sunday 4th October, 2026.
- At the Bear Scots Bear Weekend, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces and an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
- The weekend is a haven for socializing, providing ample opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
- BearScots is packed with a variety of organized activities, including lively pub nights, communal dinners, and themed parties that keep the energy high.
- Enjoy a taste of local culture and explore nearby attractions where you can experience authentic Scottish hospitality. Explore the city’s “Pink Triangle”, you’ll find a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and cafes, such as CC Blooms, Planet Bar, and The Street. This area includes parts of Broughton Street, Leith Street, and the top of Leith Walk.
- Above all, the Bear Scots Bear Meeting is a great way to meet fellow bears. Just bring your best attitude, and get ready for a memorable time.
- Stay close to the parties and the gay bars at the Apex Waterloo Palace Hotel, complete with stylish modern rooms, high-end amenities and great location. Plus a great spa and indoor pool.
The Schedule
- Awaiting the full schedule and theme for 2026.
- Don´t miss the trip to the Haunted Dungeon, Explore labyrinthine vaults hidden below the city streets, filled with dark secrets and monstrous histories.
- Other highlights include the Pool Party at Glenogle Baths and the Afternoon Tea at Ten Hill Place Hotel.
Popular Gay Venues in Edinburgh
- The Regent (2 Montrose Tce) A cozy, traditional pub with a unique twist, where all are welcome and beer flows like friendly banter.
- Leith Arches (6 Manderston St,) Venue and event space with bar with two levels in an industrial venue, under a brick, railway archway on what used to be the old Caledonian Leith line.
- CC Blooms (23 Greenside Pl,) Shimmer and dance in this iconic gay bar & nightclub; by day a bar, by night a glittering discotheque.
- The Caves (8 Niddry St S,) A subterranean wonder, this venue offers a historic vibe with craggy walls and arched ceilings – truly unique venue that makes up the sub-structure of the 18th Century South Bridge.
- Steamworks Sauna (5 Broughton Market) Relaxation meets modernity. Shed your troubles (and more) in this contemporary sauna space.
- Glenogle Baths (Glenogle Rd) Splash in style! A Victorian-era swimming pool, radiating charm and offering a nostalgic dip.
- Ghillie Dhu (2 Rutland Pl) Experience the true essence of Scottish revelry in this historic venue, a dramatic vaulted Georgian hall where ceilidhs and whisky flow freely.
- The Street (2b Picardy Pl) More than just a bar! A melting pot of fun, frolic, and fabulous drinks, outside tables and DJs on some evenings.
- Planet Bar (6 Baxter’s Pl) Lively, colorful, and bursting with energy – Edinburgh’s longest running wee gay bar that packs a punch!
Where to stay during BearScots Weekend
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street.
The following hotels will keep you close to all the gay bars and the bear events and parties:
Hotel Indigo, The Glasshouse, The Balmoral Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is our
preferred hotel close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
BearScots Weekend Website
Map of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare. All the bars and clubs are in easy walking distance. The city has more in common with European cities than other cities in the UK so around the city is a cafe culture. Here you will find a gay-friendly relaxed atmosphere.
2 Greenside Place, New Town, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection is a modern 5-star boutique hotel set behind the historic facade of 172-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church. A short walk from both Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station and York Place Tram Stop, it features an 2-acre with over .
Each bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows, with views of the or over Edinburgh city centre. Luxurious touches include a flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, an , a free newspaper and Highland Aromatics toiletries in the bathroom.
27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT, United Kingdom
With a stylish swimming pool and Scottish restaurant, the luxury 4-star Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers sumptuous rooms with free WiFi. The hotel is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, at the end of Princes Street.
The large bedrooms at Apex Waterloo Place each have a modern bathroom with a large walk-in shower and designer Elemis toiletries. Rooms also feature a 42-inch LCD TV and air conditioning.
1-3 Baxter's Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, UK
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh offers accommodation in Edinburgh, in a prime at the foothills of Calton Hill and just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. It offers complimentary WiFi, an on-site bar and free access to the gym.
The spacious, feature locally-inspired furnishings and quality amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and a work desk. Each private bathroom comes with a shower and complimentary toiletries.
51-59 York Place New Town, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, United Kingdom
In Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre, 200 m from the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Hotel Indigo Edinburgh offers stylish rooms with work areas. Featuring a fitness centre and free WiFi, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Princes Street and St Andrew's Square.
The contemporary bedrooms each have a flat-screen satellite TV and an iPod dock. All rooms have a media hub, air conditioning, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower, integrated speakers and Aveda toiletries.
5 Union Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3NQ, UK
This three-bedroom apartment comes with a living area with a satellite flat-screen TV and a modern kitchen with an oven, a dishwasher and washing machine, 2 Bathrooms with showers. Free WiFi
41a Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RH, UK
Located In the Edinburgh City Centre this Chic apartment offers a living room with flat screen TV a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine and a bathroom with shower. Free WiFi is available in all areas
Union St, Edinburgh EH1, UK
This stylish first floor apartment is a rare find offering a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, a living room with a seating area A flat-screen TV & a dining area, 3 bedrooms, & 2 bathrooms with a shower & a bath.
Set in the very heart of Edinburgh New Town, one of the most preserved examples of urban planning, this apartment offers an unrivaled luxury finish complemented by an unmatched location.
23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA
• Edinburgh’s most established LGBTQ+ venue, open since 1994.
• Named after Bette Midler’s character in the film "Beaches."
• Great cocktails, tasty food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Outdoor seating available during the day.
• Lively club atmosphere in the evening.
• Popular Rabbit Hole club night featuring some of the city’s best drag performers.
Daily 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 AM
2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DL
• Relaxed and inclusive bar in the Abbeyhill area.
• Great range of real ales and rotating guest ales.
• Comfort food menu with good vegetarian options.
• Comfy sofas and table-top games available.
• Great range of real ales and rotating guest ales.
• Comfort food menu with good vegetarian options.
• Comfy sofas and table-top games available.
Daily 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
2b Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Independently owned café bar on the corner of the Pink Triangle.
• Great for people-watching by day with glass front and outdoor seating.
• Lively crowd and buzzing atmosphere at night.
• Resident DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Vintage-style black and white photo booth for personal mementos.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday Saturday 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
6 Baxters Place Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Planet Bar and Kitchen is one of Edinburgh's longest running gay bars.
- Entertainment on 7 days a week from DJ's to Drag Queens
Mon-Thu, 1pm-1am Fri-Sat, 1pm-3am Sun, 1pm-1am
265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8PD
• Edinburgh’s longest-running gay bar next door to CC Blooms.
• Reasonably priced drinks and daily entertainment.
• DJs perform every night; Drag DJs on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Showtime Fridays feature local and international Drag Queens.
• Hosts retro, karaoke, and bingo nights.
• Involved with local LGBT charities and sponsors Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ football team.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday Saturday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM
41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• LGBTQ+ friendly venue known for award-winning vegetarian food and local/international beers.
• Features live music and their music partner Paradise Vinyl.
• Vinyl records from local and international acts, curated second-hand disco/electronic gold.
• Sells books, clothes, and works by local artists.
12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Edinburgh that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Glasshouse
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, historic church facade, roof terrace.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso.
- Unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm, heart of the city.
The Balmoral Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, Michelin-starred restaurant, Princes Street.
- Close to the gay district.
- Marble bathroom, interactive TV.
- Iconic Edinburgh hotel with luxurious rooms, castle views, and world-class dining.
Courtyard by Marriott
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, complimentary WiFi, on-site bar.
- Close to the gay district.
- Modern rooms, flat-screen TV.
- Comfortable, value-oriented stay in prime location, with contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Indigo
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, vibrant city center, fitness centre.
- Close to the gay district.
- Satellite TV, rainfall shower.
- Stylish and central, perfect for city exploration with modern rooms and thoughtful comforts.
Video Gay Edinburgh Guide
Discover the best of Gay Edinburgh with Kit & John.
Other Events in September
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dollywood-Harvest-Festival-and-LumiNights-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-28 16:43:462024-10-29 16:31:57Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GayWiesn-Berlin-Oktoberfest-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-09-07 14:11:432025-07-25 15:34:41GayWiesn Berlin Oktoberfest
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Asian-Lantern-Spectacular-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-05-29 11:38:212025-08-31 18:26:23Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Providence
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/The-Big-Bear-Romp-3.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2018-10-08 17:31:402025-09-20 15:48:21The Big Bear Romp
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BENIDORM-PRIDE-3.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2016-07-10 20:48:382025-09-19 13:47:46Benidorm Gay PrideLatest Gay Travel News
The Top Gay Halloween EventsThursday, Sep 18th, 2025 - 8:01 pmGet ready for a season of scary boys, sexy costumes and parties to remember, from Austin to New Orleans and beyond with our guide to the best gay Halloween parties.
- The Top Gay Christmas Markets & Festive EventsFriday, Sep 12th, 2025 - 8:00 pm
The Top Gay Christmas Markets & Festive Events, From Santa Speedo Runs to fairytale Christmas Markets.
- The Top Gay Thanksgiving Events in the USAWednesday, Sep 10th, 2025 - 6:33 pm
Enjoy a vibrant Gay Thanksgiving filled with festivities, from the snowy streets of PTown to the sun-kissed beaches of Puerto Vallarta!
Follow us on Facebook
