Bears in Lauderdale 2023

Bears in Lauderdale 2023

The Bears in Lauderdale event is the bear event of the Summer taking place on the Labor day weekend in the USA.

Bears everywhere head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to end the summer with an over-the-top, six-day celebration comprising more than a dozen events. Bears in Lauderdale is a community initiative presented by WMEG Community Marketing and Events, Hotspots magazine, promoters Chuck and Greg King and Eagle Bar Wilton Manors.

The massive bear ‘gaythering’ takes place at venues in Wilton Manors, known as “the gayest place on Earth” and beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach, with an exclusive Labor Day rooftop pool party at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas.  Singing superstar Deborah Cox and internationally acclaimed DJ DAN DE LEON will headline a Fort Lauderdale Beach Bear Party like no other, while the infamous Ramrod is hosting a Pig Dance “Bear Style”.

Other events include a Furball Underwear Party, a Bear and Leather Ball, and the first annual Mr. Wilton Bear Contest.

Note this is the original schedule for the September dates. The event has been moved to February – we are awaiting final confirmation of events, but the beach party with Dan DeLeon is confirmed.

Here is the preliminary schedule of events for the Bears in Lauderdale Party.

WEDNESDAY

• FURBALL UNDERWEAR PARTY, Eagle Wilton Manors, 9 pm to 2 am
  Furball, NYC’s infamous gay furry dance party. Loved by bears and their friends both nationally & around the world! Comes to Eagle Wilton Manors to kick off Bears in Lauderdale with an Underwear Party
• Private Passholder Party at Leatherwerks, 9 pm to Midnight
  Leatherwerks is throwing their infamous party for all Bears in Lauderdale Passholders. Includes Open Bar.

THURSDAY

• Official VIP Kick Off Party,Hunters. The Official VIP Kick Off Party. Each guests gets a free Cocktail. Free Hors d’oeuvre’s.
  Special performance by Pam Ann Airhostess | Comedian
• Mr. Lauderdale Bear Contest, Georgie’s Alibi,  8 pm to 10 pm
  Watch and cheer on your favorite bear as they compete for the title, “Mr. Lauderdale Bear.” You don’t have to be from Fort Lauderdale to compete, you just need to love it here.
• Mr. Lauderdale Bear Victory Party, Georgie’s Alibi, 10 pm to 2 am
  Start the weekend early with a celebration! Join the newly sashed Mr. Lauderdale Bear at Georgie’s Alibi, home of the famous $3 Iced Tea every Thursday.

FRIDAY

• Bears at the Beach, Sebastian Beach, Noon to 4 pm
  A casual day at the beach. Meet all the hot bears in town at the beach and enjoy the sites. Be sure to pack your itsy, bitsy’est.
• Bear Dance Party, Gym Bar & The Pub, 9 pm to 3 am
  Gym Bar & The Pub combine forces to throw a party that encompasses both bars and the shared parking lot behind.

SATURDAY

• Bears in Lauderdale Beach Spectacular,    Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, 1 pm to 7 pm
  Headliner DJ DAN DE LEON
  Opening DJ Rent Boy
  Dance and Party on the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach all day.
  VIP Lounge with 2 free drinks for every VIP and Front & Center Seating for Deborah Cox Performance
• VIP Social, Drynk Lounge, 9 pm to Midnight
  All drinks discounted for passholders. Delicious craft cocktails in a comfortable and intimate lounge and a beautiful patio.
• Pig Dance Bear Party, Ramrod, 10 pm to 3 am
  Fort Lauderdale’s oldest operating leather bar throws their monthly Pig Dance Bear Style.
• VIP Party at the Manor,  The Manor, Midnight to 4 am

SUNDAY

• Bear Tea Dance, Lit, 1 pm to 5 pm
  Spill the Tea from the weekend at Lit’s Tea Dance in side and on their beautiful patio with plenty of games.
• Bear & Leather Ball, Eagle Wilton Manors, 9 pm to 2 am
  Return to the Eagle for Deep House dance music and a bear and leather dance party where you’ll find all the shirtless bears. Wear as much or as little leather as you like.

MONDAY

• Closing Pool/Dance party, Hyatt Centric Las Olas, 2 pm to 7 pm
  Beautiful views and great dance music from the Roof  Top Pool of the beautiful new Hyatt Centric.
  Headliner DJ Mogote Coyote

Bears in Lauderdale is a community initiative presented by WMEG Community Marketing and Events, Hotspots magazine, promoter Chuck King and Eagle Bar Wilton Manors.

Where to stay during the Bears In Lauderdale Event

Stay at the Hayatt Centric Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale and you are close to all the downtown gay bars and clubs, plus the closing pool party.

The Riverside hotel is also a great option,   with a great gym and beautiful riverside views.

We have found hotels with good reviews that keep you close to all the action

Pelican Grand Beach,   The Atlantic Hotel,   Sonesta,   Alcazar Resort

Discover more of Fort Lauderdale:

• Insider’s guide to gay Fort Lauderdale
• Top 10 Villas in Fort Lauderdale