Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 4, 2024
To: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Bear run and party event produced by Southern Bears where you can escape from everyday ordinary to Bears & Balls.
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 2024.
- 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.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Courtyard Midtown has a great location,
spacious rooms and a great gym.
For further information and advice on
Atlanta Bear Fest, visit The Facebook
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.
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We have chosen hotels in Atlanta that keep you close to all the Action, shops, restaurants & bars
The best of Atlanta in 2 days or so!
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.
This eclectic neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere & diverse community. Home to several gay-friendly bars, restaurants, & shops.
Downtown Atlanta offers a variety of shopping options for both residents & visitors. With upscale boutiques, unique stores and famous attractions.