Event Dates
From: Saturday, July 25, 2026
To: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Celebrate Chicago pride on Saturday at the Bearracuda Party with hot bears, otters, pups and lovers!
Celebrate Chicago pride on Saturday at the Bearracuda Party with hot bears, otters, pups and lovers!
- Visiting for Chicago Pride? Book your hotel in Lakeview, close to all the city's top attractions and on the doorstep of the city's busiest gay
Treasure Trail Edition
- Saturday 25th July, 2026 – Treasure Trail Debut, Chicago
- One of Chicago's most unapologetically fetish-focused dance parties, bringing Matt Bearracuda's Treasure Trail concept to Cell Block for a night of music, cruising and leather energy.
- Hard, driving underground beats from Knocktopuss, keeping the dance floor moving from 9 pm until 3 am.
- Colour-coded wristbands let guests signal what they're looking for, creating a playful and easy way to connect throughout the night.
- Expect a packed crowd of bears, leather men, pups, rubber, cruisers and fetish fans, with stage dancers and a strict no-photos policy.
- Dress how you like, from full gear to almost nothing. Consent comes first, making this one of Chicago's most authentic late-night fetish events.
- Stay close to the party at the Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, around a 5-minute walk away and is one of the most convenient places to stay for Northalsted nightlife.
Treasure Trail Venue
- Cell Block Chicago – One of Chicago's longest-running leather and fetish bars, famous for its cruisy atmosphere and loyal local following.
- Multiple bars, dark cruising areas and a large back room make it one of the city's busiest venues during major event weekends.
- Right in the heart of Northalsted, Chicago's main LGBTQ+ neighbourhood, surrounded by bars, restaurants and late-night food.
Regular Edition
- Next Edition – Awaiting dates.
- Get ready to part with 700+ hot sexy guys and dance with the hottest bear gogos in Chicago!
- The party kicks off at 9 pm and runs until 5 am for an epic night of fun in the Windy City.
- Less is more at the Bearracuda parties. Clothes check available.
- With music by guest DJs.
- Starting in San Francisco in August 2006, Bearracuda is the largest attended bear dance party and most prolific gay dance event in the U.S, with events in 60 cities worldwide.
- Events are held during signature gay events including Chicago Pride, Labor Day and other seasonal holidays.
Regular Venue
- Bearracuda Chicago is held in Jackhammer on 4606 N Clark, a multilevel club with a dance floor with several bars.
- The cruising area “The Hole” is downstairs. Leave your inhibitions at the door or the coat check!
- Jackhammer is a 15-minute drive from Northalsted, Chicago's gay district.
- Check out the Guest House Hotel for a unique stay; an all-suite hotel rated “Superb” by guests and located close to both the club and to the city's gay district and top attractions.
Recommended Chicago Hotels
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action:
get an early deal on your hotel
Book now and pay on arrival.
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events & offers superior rooms & service.
For further information and advice on
Bearracuda Chicago visit Facebook
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
Address:
Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago
Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago
Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago
Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago
Address:
Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
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We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Discover the best of Boystown.
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you'll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
The heart of Chicago's downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
A great place to stay if you're a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city's best shopping.

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