Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 3, 2025
To: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Atlanta Bear Fest 2025
Bear run and party event produced by Southern Bears where you can escape from everyday ordinary to Bears & Balls.
Atlanta Bear Fest 2025
Atlanta Bear Fest is a 4th of July weekend charity event, bear run and party event produced by Southern Bears where you can escape from everyday ordinary to Bears & Balls.
- Awaiting confirmation of the Host hotel. The Courtyard Atlanta always sells out first.
- Hotels close to the host hotel have very poor review scores (6 or lower), we recommend you stay in Midtown, close to Piedmont Avenue (where you will find the nightly parties at the Hideaway)
- Check out the AC Hotel by Marriott, with a spacious outdoor pool, modern rooms and “Fabulous” rating.
The Event
- Meet hot and friendly local folks from around the world in Atlanta. Not a bear? Not a problem! Come as you are. Southern Bears wants everyone to be able to become familiar with the bear scene. As long as you’re friendly, fun and ready to have a ball (or two), you are more than welcome!
- Eat, drink, party… while making a difference. The main events will be held at the Courtyard Atlanta Executive Park, while side events will be held at some of Atlanta’s hottest cruising bars and clubs.
The Schedule
- Awaiting party schedule for 2025.
- Typically parties kick off with night time events in The Hideaway, including Fetish Friday, The Bear Ball and The Closing Party with day time events revolving around the pool with hot bears and guest DJs.
The Venues
- The Hideaway – A casual gay bar with pool, darts, pinball & other games, plus theme nights & drink specials.
Recommended Hotels in Atlanta
The following hotels are close to the city’s top attractions and gay bars:
Glenn Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, Stonehurst Place, The Ritz-Carlton.
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Courtyard Midtown has a great location,
spacious rooms and a great gym.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Atlanta Bear Fest, visit The Facebook
Map of Gay Atlanta
The Atlanta gay population lives, works and plays all over the city and even into the suburbs. Midtown has several of the city’s most popular gay bars like Blake’s, Burkhart’s Pub, Bulldogs and Swinging Richards. The Atlanta LBGT populace is also partially responsible for the resurgence of Grant Park in the 1980s. The historic neighborhood was falling into ruins when members of the community started scooping up properties, renovating and restoring them to their original glory. This fever pitch trickled over into the neighborhoods of East Atlanta, Ormewood Park and the Old Fourth Ward. These are all eclectic, funky and tolerant neighborhoods, like most of Atlanta.
181 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
This ideally situated downtown Atlanta hotel offers a fitness centre and restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton is less than one kilometer from MARTA mass transit and the State Farm Arena. It offers guests 55-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs.
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta’s elegant and spacious rooms feature feather beds, iPod docking stations and WiFi. They also have minibars and 24-hour in-room dining
923 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this historic bed and breakfast features a daily gourmet breakfast. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Georgia Aquarium is just 3.5 km away.
A flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station are available in each room at Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast Bed and Breakfast. A DVD player is also included. Towels and linen are provided.
866 West Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308
This Atlanta boutique hotel is adjacent to Georgia Institute of Technology and 2.7 km from the Georgia Aquarium and 1.4 km from Piedmont Park. It features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spacious rooms with a 37-inch flat-screen TV.
A seasonal , The Garden at Community Smith, offers evening cocktails, craft beer, light fare, and a . Community Smith, the on-site restaurant, serves dishes with humanely-raised meat and seafood, classic cocktails, wine, and craft beer.
110 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Located in Atlanta, this luxury hotel is within walking distance of CNN Studio Center, State Farm Arena and Georgia Aquarium. Features include an on-site restaurant and spacious rooms with an iPod docking station.
Glenn Hotel of the Marriott Autograph Collection is host to the Rooftop Sky Lounge, providing spectacular views of the city skyline and a variety of cocktails. Modern American cuisine is served daily at Glenn’s Kitchen.
Atlanta, GA 30308
Cozy Hotel Style air conditioned Condo Located Midtown offering 2 bedrooms, a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, patio and an outdoor pool. Free WiFi, a fitness centre. close to the bars and restaurants
Peachtree St NE & Linden Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Amazing Atlanta Fully Furnished air conditioned Apartments features a living room with cable flat-screen TV a kitchen, fitted with a dishwasher, bathroom with a shower, free toiletries. Free WiFi and fitness centre
849 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Amazing air conditioned Midtown apartment with 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom, with living room and fully fitted Kitchen, located in Atlanta's most popular Midtown neighborhood close to bars and lots of restaurants
900 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
West Home is a one of a Kind 2 bedroom 2 bathroom fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine loft overlooking Midtown & offers free WiFi and air conditioning
699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308
Neighborhood gay bar with, pool, a patio, games, a jukebox & nightly specials.
227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Straight-friendly gay bar & neighborhood hangout with karaoke, live DJs & drag shows since 1988
990 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Fun gay bar with drag shows, DJs and dance floor
1510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, United States
Gay bar with regular karaoke shows, performers, DJs, dancing & drink specials.
1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Gay leather bar with pool, dancing, karaoke & frequent theme nights.
990 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Popular with everyone this gay bar is always busy
893 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Legendary Bulldogs is the oldest gay bar in Atl!! Predominantly African American clientele. A great spot for men. Food, drinks, and more!!
1510 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324
Oscar's has always been the best martini, art bar, show tunes and video on demand gay bar
465 Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30312
this is a mans bar popular with bears and leather guys with events like Beer Bust, Dirty Boy Bingo, Balls Deep Karaoke & Dude 80's Night you know its going to be a fun night
1287 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, United States
Relaxed gay bar with karaoke & DJs spinning alternative tunes.
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Friends Neighborhood gay bar with drage shows can be lots of fun
1544 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324
The neighborhood gay bar with daily drink specials and entertainment!
1492 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324
Mixx Atlanta is Atlanta's Premier Nightlife Destination! with regular gay events
2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324
BJ Roosters gay bar features the hottest Men nightly! Great music, cold drinks, pool, darts, and hot guys.
2425 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324
Since 2002, Woofs has been the nation’s leader in full service sports bars serving the gay community.
66 12th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309
My Sister's Room has been Atlanta’s number-one lesbian bar for more than 24 years and a favorite destination for the queer community since 1996. The bar is a safe haven and home to everyone who enters featuring nightly drag shows, burlesques shows, comedy, karaoke and more.
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, Georgia 30324
Gay Night Club with regular events
1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
The Atlanta Eagle is Atlanta’s premier levi and leather bar that caters to ALL
227 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Blake’s On The Park popylar gay dance bar, Never A Cover, Always A Groove
Recommended Hotels in Atlanta By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partners Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Atlanta that keep you close to all the Action, shops, restaurants & bars
The Ritz-Carlton
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5 Star, Luxurious, downtown location, elegant rooms.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Elegant rooms with feather beds.
- Stay for luxury in the heart of Atlanta, with upscale amenities & convenient downtown access.
Stonehurst Place
4 Star, Charming B&B
- 4 Star, Historic, gourmet breakfast, cozy atmosphere.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, iPod station.
- Ideal for a charming, intimate experience with gourmet breakfast & historic ambiance.
Renaissance Atlanta
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Boutique hotel, rooftop bar, city views.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Spacious rooms, 37-inch TV.
- Offers great value with a stylish rooftop bar & modern rooms in a vibrant neighborhood.
The Glenn Hotel
3 Star, Great Location
- 3 Star, Modern, city skyline views, rooftop lounge.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Spacious rooms, iPod docking.
- Perfect for experiencing Atlanta’s skyline from a rooftop lounge, with modern amenities, central location.
Video 48 Hours in Atlanta
The best of Atlanta in 2 days or so!
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Atlanta
Atlanta has a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community, and it’s often considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. The city was home to some early LGBTQ+ activist organizations, and it played a significant part in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Midtown | The heart of the city’s gay community
Photo: Midtown is home to some of Atlanta’s most popular gay bars
- Midtown Atlanta is often considered the heart of the city’s gay community.
- It’s home to many gay bars, clubs, and businesses, including the famous Atlanta Pride Festival.
- The intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue is often referred to as the epicenter of gay life in Atlanta.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Atlanta
Virginia-Highland
This eclectic neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere & diverse community. Home to several gay-friendly bars, restaurants, & shops.
Buckhead
An upscale & affluent neighborhood located in the northern part of Atlanta. Renowned for its elegant homes, high-end shopping & fine dining.
Downtown
Downtown Atlanta offers a variety of shopping options for both residents & visitors. With upscale boutiques, unique stores and famous attractions.
Piedmont Park
One of Atlanta’s most iconic & beloved green spaces, located in the heart of the city. It is often referred to as the “Central Park of Atlanta”.
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