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The Bear Festival Milan 2026

The Bear Festival Milano is annual international bears meeting with parties, saunas, shows, karaoke etc.

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Higlights

    • Mad Bear with guest DJs,
    • TubberBear sex parties
    • A bear beer bus
    • Saunas party
    • shows
    • karaoke

Bear Festival Milan 2026

The annual Bear Festival Milan takes place every April and his hosted by Company Club, one of the best know gay cruising bars for bears in the city.

  • Are you visiting Milan? Stay in the  Porta Venezia district, home to the city’s bustling gay bar scene and take a taxi to the club. Stay at the World hotel Cristoforo Colombo, rated “Fabulous” by guests, just steps from the bars with opulent rooms and perfect location.

The Festival

  • Next Edition – Wednesday 22nd April 2026 – Sunday 3rd May 2026.
  • The Bear Festival Milano is annual international bears meeting with parties, saunas, shows, karaoke etc.
  • The event is organised and hosted by bar Company Club, one of the most popular Bear bars in Milan.
  • Bear Festival Milan takes place on the weekend of Liberation Day, Festa della Liberazione which marks the country's liberation from German occupation and fascist rule at the end of world war two.

Event Highlights

  • Events include sauna parties, international bear events such as Mad Bear with guest DJs, sex parties, a BBQ and the election of Mr Bear Milano.
  • Each night mix and mingle with a host of famous bear gogos from Italy and around the world.

Sauna, Spa & Pool Days

  • Awaiting Dates.
  • Sauna Fenix – Sauna in the north east of Milan, in the same building as Club Hot Dog with a wet area, cruising zone and cabins on the upper floor.
  • Sauna Royal Hammam – Gay sauna. Very popular on Sundays, hence the day for the party. Also has a lounge bar.

Party in Tram

  • Awaiting Dates – Don't miss the Party in the Tram on – from 7.30 pm, where you can tour the city while enjoying live DJs, drinks and a mini pizza buffet.

Bear Dinner & BBQ

  • Awaiting Dates –  A unique evening dinner with bear friends, old and new at Strippoli. From 8 pm
  • Company bar hosts a delicious BBQ on the final day of the event. From 7.30 pm
  • Strippoli is a highly rated pizza and pasta restaurant, serving delicious food in a classic bright decor.

Night Parties

  • Events are held each night from 9 pm.

Mr Bear Milano

  • Wednesday 1st May – Events kick start with the BBQ at 7.30 pm, followed by a cabaret show at 9.30 pm.
  • The competition for Mr Bear Milano begins at 10.30 pm followed by a dance party.

Company Bar & Milan's gay district

  • Company bar Milan is a late night  gay cruise club and the destination of choice for sexy Roman bears and their admirers.
  • The Club has a dance floor and play area and is located on Via Privata Benadir, 14, a 15 minute drive from  Porta Venezia, the city's bustling gay centre.

Popular Cruising Bars in Milan

  • Bangalov  –  Modern cruising club with an open and relaxed vibe. Hosts various themed nights including (un)dresscode events. Frequented by a mixed age group, especially popular on Friday and Saturday nights. Located at Via Calabria 5, Milan 20158.
  • Depot MilanoA fetish and naked cruising club featuring a bar and a cruising labyrinth. Offers themed nights with specific (un)dresscodes. ARCO/Anddos cards not accepted; an ID is required for a separate membership card. Situated at Via dei Valtorta 19, Milan 20127, near the Turro Metro station.
  • Hot DogNortheast Milan cruising club found in the same building as Fenix Sauna. Entry includes a drink. Available from Tuesday to Saturday nights. Positioned at Via Oropa 3, Milan 20132, conveniently close to the Cimiano Metro station.
  • IlluminedA gay cruising club operating 24/7 near the central railway station. Offers a bar, cruising labyrinth, and dresscode area across multiple floors. Welcomes a diverse age range. Remember to bring an ID alongside your membership card. Located at Via Napo Torriani 12, Milan 20124, easily accessible via the Centrale F.S. Metro station.

Where to stay in Milan

The following hotels are close to the city's gay bars and top attractions:

Hotel Manzoni,    Château Monfort,    Worldhotel,    NH Milano

Gay Map of Milan

Milan is one of the cities that displays the widest variety of LGBT friendly clubs in Italy. Most of the busiest gay bars and clubs are mostly are in the Porta Venezia District. This central area is close to the gay venues on Via Sammartini and Corso Buenos Aires, Milan’s most important shopping area. Transport links at the Central Station make it easy to get around the city.

Address: Corso Concordia 1, 20129 Milano, Italy

  • Five-star boutique hotel with whimsical, art-inspired interiors.
  • Unique themed rooms evoke fairytales and operas.
  • Spa, restaurant and crystal-domed bar add luxury touches.
  • Steps from Piazza San Babila, Duomo and Milan highlights.
  • Romantic, theatrical stay ideal for couples and culture trips.
  • Website

Address: Corso Buenos Aires 3, 20124 Milano, Italy

  • Four-star hotel on Corso Buenos Aires near Porta Venezia metro.
  • Comfortable rooms with clean, modern fixtures and air-conditioning.
  • Good Italian breakfast and attentive, helpful staff.
  • Spa with sauna, Turkish bath and wellness facilities.
  • Ideal base for sightseeing and shopping in central Milan.
  • Website

Address: Via Lazzaretto 5, 20124 Milano, Italy

  • Modern four-star hotel close to Porta Venezia and Centrale areas.
  • Comfortable rooms with practical layout and good soundproofing.
  • Reliable choice for city breaks and business stays.
  • Well connected by metro for easy access across Milan.
  • Calm, professional atmosphere with attentive service.
  • Website

Address: Via Santo Spirito 20, 20121 Milano, Italy

  • Four-star hotel in Porta Venezia near Duomo and fashion streets.
  • Classic Milanese-style rooms with modern comforts.
  • Attentive staff and well-reviewed breakfast service.
  • Short stroll to metro, museums and dining options.
  • Great base for exploring Milan’s central highlights.
  • Website

Address: Via Privata Benadir 14, 20132 Milano

  • Gay bar and bear club with bar, dancefloor and social vibe.
  • Popular with bears, cubs and their admirers from Milan and beyond.
  • Themed nights include karaoke, drag shows and lively parties.
  • Cruisy elements with play spaces add variety to the scene.
  • Welcoming crowd and inclusive energy deep into the night.
  • Open: Thu 9:30pm–3:00am, Fri–Sat 9:30pm–5:00am,
  • Sun 7:00pm–2:00am (often closed Mon–Wed)
  • Website

Address: Via Lecco 5, 20124 Milan

  • Gay cruising club focused on fetish and adult encounters.
  • Dark, direct layout built around play and interaction.
  • Mostly local crowd with visiting fetish travellers.
  • Minimal bar setup, low-key music, serious vibe.
  • Best suited to confident cruisers rather than casual drinkers.
  • Open: Thu–Sun 10pm–3am (hours can vary by night and events)
  • Facebook

Address: Via Alessandro Tadino 6, 20124 Milan

  • Gay bar and friendly cocktail lounge in Porta Venezia.
  • Expertly crafted drinks with creative and classic options.
  • Welcoming, colourful vibe great for socialising and pre-night drinks.
  • Themed nights include drag, karaoke and dancing.
  • Perfect early stop before Milan’s late-night queer clubs.
  • Open: Mon 5pm–1am, Thu 6pm–1am, Fri–Sat 6pm–2am,
  • Sun 6pm–12:30am
  • Instagram

Address: Via Lecco 6/8, 20124 Milano

  • Gay bar and cocktail lounge with a retro-chic vibe.
  • Indoor and outdoor seating perfect for socialising.
  • Creative drinks, aperitivo and friendly staff.
  • Music and DJ sets keep energy relaxed yet upbeat.
  • Great start to queer nightlife near Porta Venezia.
  • Open: Tue–Thu 5pm–1:30am, Fri–Sat 5pm–2am, Sun 5pm–1:30am
  • Facebook

Address: Via Lecco 15, 20124 Milan

  • Gay bar focused on socialising and relaxed aperitivo drinks.
  • Easygoing setting that suits conversation and meet-ups.
  • Popular early evening stop in the Porta Venezia area.
  • Mix of local regulars and visiting gay travellers.
  • Good starting point before moving on to clubs nearby.
  • Open: Tue–Sun 6pm–1am, Mon closed
  • Facebook

Address: Via Lecco 3, 20124 Milan

  • Gay bar and café with a calm, social aperitivo vibe.
  • Easy place to meet friends or start an evening out.
  • More about conversation than loud music or dancing.
  • Mix of local regulars and visiting gay travellers.
  • Reliable stop in the Porta Venezia gay district.
  • Open: Daily 8am–2am
  • Facebook

Address: Via Panfilo Castaldi 31, 20124 Milan

  • Gay bar and cocktail lounge in Porta Venezia.
  • Creative cocktails and aperitivo in a vibrant setting.
  • Indoor and outdoor terrace seating for socialising.
  • Welcoming crowd of locals and visitors.
  • Great pre-night spot in Milan’s queer nightlife area.
  • Open: Mon, Wed–Sun 5pm–2am, Tue closed
  • Facebook

Address: Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini 25, 20125 Milano

  • Gay bar and disco spot with energetic nightlife near Centrale.
  • Lively music and go-go shows on weekend nights.
  • Social place to dance, chat and meet people.
  • Popular with local gay and bisexual crowd.
  • Great late-night stop after aperitivo and bars.
  • Open: Tue–Sun approx 9:30pm–2am–4am (later Fri–Sat until 6am)
  • Website

Address: Via Calabria 5, Milano

  • Gay cruising bar focused on adult encounters rather than drinking.
  • Dark interior with cabins and dedicated cruising areas.
  • Mostly local crowd with visiting gay cruisers.
  • Low-key music and no party or dancefloor focus.
  • Best suited to experienced visitors comfortable with sex venues.
  • Open: Thu–Sun 10pm–3am (hours may vary by night)
  • Website

Address: Via dei Valtorta 19, Milan 20127

  • Men-only gay cruising club focused on fetish and adult encounters.
  • Dark, discreet interior designed around cabins and play spaces.
  • Minimal bar and background music keep attention on cruising.
  • Mostly local gay crowd with experienced visiting cruisers.
  • Late-night destination for those comfortable with sex venues.
  • Open: Thu–Sun 10pm–3am (hours may vary by event)
  • Website

Address: Via Oropa 3, Milan 20132

  • Men-only gay cruising club with themed fetish nights.
  • Multi-level layout with cabins, cruising spaces and play areas.
  • Hosts Naked, Underwear and varied party events weekly.
  • Mostly local gay men with visiting cruising crowd.
  • Underground vibe tailored to adult nightlife and interaction.
  • Open: Tue, Wed 9pm–2am; Thu–Sat 9pm–4am; Sun–Mon closed
  • Website

Address: Via Napo Torriani 12, Milan 20124

  • Men’s gay cruising bar with cabins, darkrooms and play areas.
  • Multi-floor cruising feels at the centre of the experience.
  • Open 24 hours with a late-night, adult-focused atmosphere.
  • Gay male crowd from local and visiting guys.
    Good stop for cruising rather than drinking or dancing.
  • Open: Open 24 hours daily

Facebook

Address: Via Arcangelo Corelli, 62, 20134 Milano

  • Gay weekly party aimed at Milan’s LGBTQ+ crowd and friends.
  • Social Sunday night mixing aperitivo, karaoke and DJs.
  • Starts relaxed with food and drinks, shifts into dancing later.
  • Draws a mixed crowd of locals, regulars and visiting gays.
  • Fun, community-driven night rather than a standard club scene.
  • Open: Sunday 7pm–2am
  • Website

Address: Via Felice Cavallotti 204, Milan 20099

  • Gay dance club with pop and commercial music.
  • Historic Milan gay party venue active since the 1980s.
  • Themed weekend nights draw bears and mixed gay crowd.
  • Bar, dancefloor and social spaces keep energy up late.
  • Inclusive, lively vibe with casual dress and friendly tone.
  • Open: Sat 11pm–5am
  • Website

Address: Largo Bellintani, 2, Milan

  • LGBTQ+-friendly bar-café with creative drinks and aperitivo.
  • Modern, stylish interior with a sunny outdoor terrace.
  • Friendly staff and relaxed social vibe ideal for evening drinks.
  • Cocktails and Sicilian-inspired snacks complement the bar menu.
  • Not a gay bar per se, but popular with queer and mixed crowds.
  • Open: Tue–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri–Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 4pm–1am
  • Instagram

Recommended Hotels in Milan By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Milan that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Château Monfort
5 Star, Luxury

Château Monfort - Relais & Châteaux
Booking.com
  • 5-star, fairy tale-themed rooms, historic center.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Elegant parquet floors, LCD TV.
  • Enchanting luxury with a unique fairy tale theme, close to Milan's fashion district.

Hotel Manzoni
4 Star, Readers Choice

Hotel Manzoni
Booking.com
  • 4-star, in fashionable Via Montenapoleone area.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Refined wood floors, LCD TV.
  • Sophisticated elegance in Milan's shopping heart, ideal for a stylish and comfortable stay.

Worldhotel Cristoforo
4 Star, Great Value

Worldhotel Cristoforo Colombo
Booking.com
  • 4-star, on Corso Buenos Aires, spa.
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  • Air-conditioned, free WiFi, parquet floors.
  • Historic charm with modern comforts, conveniently located for shopping and sightseeing.

NH Milano Machiavelli
4 Star, Location

NH Milano Machiavelli
Booking.com
  • 4-star, bright red accents, modern rooms.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access.
  • Contemporary and vibrant, perfectly situated for exploring Milan's rich cultural landscape.

Video of Bear Festival Milan

International Bear Festival 2014

Senato Hotel Milan

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Milan

Milan, as a global fashion and cultural hub, is known for its open-mindedness and acceptance. While specific LGBTQ+ spaces and events exist, the city's inclusive attitude means that LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can generally explore and enjoy various areas without feeling out of place.

Porta Venezia | The Guy Hub of Milan

Porta Venezia Milan
Photo: Porta Venezia is home to some of Milan's most popular gay bars
  • This neighborhood has historically been one of the LGBTQ+ centers in Milan.
  • Via Lecco and the surrounding streets have many LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants.
  • The area is known for its inclusive atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.
  • Discover the best things to see and do in Milan

Navigli

Navigli District Milan

Famous for its picturesque canals & a lively nightlife scene. It hosts various gay-friendly venues, bars, & events.

Brera

Brera Milan
Brera is known for its artsy and bohemian vibe. You'll find unique boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops here.

Isola

A trendy neighborhood known for its artistic street art & alternative vibe. With some gay bars, cafes, & shops.

Quadrilatero della Moda

Quadrilatero della Moda Milan
The heart of Milan's luxury fashion scene. With flagship stores it's a paradise for luxury shopping enthusiasts.

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