BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2027

BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2027

BearScots is a Scottish gay men’s group, hosting monthly bear events in Glasgow and Edinburgh and host the annual ‘BearScotFest’ in September.

• Visiting for Pride? Stay close to all the gay bars and clubs and the pride events on Princess Street. The Kimpton, Charlotte Square is a “superb” rates hotel with a great spa and its dog-friendly.

The Event

• Next Edition: Thursday, September 30, 2027 – Sunday, October 3, 2027
• At the Bear Scots Bear Weekend, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces and an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
• The weekend is a haven for socializing, providing ample opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
• BearScots is packed with a variety of organized activities, including lively pub nights, communal dinners, and themed parties that keep the energy high.
• Enjoy a taste of local culture and explore nearby attractions where you can experience authentic Scottish hospitality. Explore the city’s “Pink Triangle”, you’ll find a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and cafes, such as CC Blooms, Planet Bar, and The Street. This area includes parts of Broughton Street, Leith Street, and the top of Leith Walk.
• Above all, the Bear Scots Bear Meeting is a great way to meet fellow bears. Just bring your best attitude, and get ready for a memorable time.
• Stay close to the parties and the gay bars at the Apex Waterloo Palace Hotel, complete with stylish modern rooms, high-end amenities and great location. Plus a great spa and indoor pool.

The Schedule

• Don´t miss the trip to the Haunted Dungeon,  Explore labyrinthine vaults hidden below the city streets, filled with dark secrets and monstrous histories.
• Other highlights include the Pool Party at Glenogle Baths and the Afternoon Tea at Ten Hill Place Hotel.

Popular Gay Venues in Edinburgh

• The Regent (2 Montrose Tce) A cozy, traditional pub with a unique twist, where all are welcome and beer flows like friendly banter.
• Leith Arches (6 Manderston St,) Venue and event space with bar with two levels in an industrial venue, under a brick, railway archway on what used to be the old Caledonian Leith line.
• CC Blooms (23 Greenside Pl,) Shimmer and dance in this iconic gay bar & nightclub; by day a bar, by night a glittering discotheque.
• The Caves (8 Niddry St S,) A subterranean wonder, this venue offers a historic vibe with craggy walls and arched ceilings – truly unique venue that makes up the sub-structure of the 18th Century South Bridge.
• Steamworks Sauna (5 Broughton Market) Relaxation meets modernity. Shed your troubles (and more) in this contemporary sauna space.
• Glenogle Baths (Glenogle Rd) Splash in style! A Victorian-era swimming pool, radiating charm and offering a nostalgic dip.
• Ghillie Dhu (2 Rutland Pl) Experience the true essence of Scottish revelry in this historic venue, a dramatic vaulted Georgian hall where ceilidhs and whisky flow freely.
• The Street (2b Picardy Pl) More than just a bar! A melting pot of fun, frolic, and fabulous drinks, outside tables and DJs on some evenings.
• Planet Bar (6 Baxter’s Pl) Lively, colorful, and bursting with energy – Edinburgh’s longest running wee gay bar that packs a punch!

Where to Stay for BearScots Weekend

Stay around Greenside, York Place or the top of Leith Walk. This puts you close to Edinburgh’s main gay bars and several BearScots meeting points, with Princes Street and the city centre within an easy walk.

• The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection – Five-star hotel directly beside Greenside Place, making it one of the best-positioned luxury options for BearScots. The rooftop garden is a bonus when you need some downtime between events.
• Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Smart four-star hotel on York Place, close to CC Blooms, Planet Bar and the top of Leith Walk. Perfect for combining location, comfort and easy access to the weekend’s nightlife.
• Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh – Modern hotel beside the Edinburgh Playhouse, very close to the main gay bars. A practical choice if you expect to be coming and going throughout the BearScots programme.
• InterContinental Edinburgh The George – Five-star option on George Street. Pick this for a higher-end city break with the BearScots nightlife still within walking distance.

For the weekend itself, Greenside and York Place are the sweet spot. You’ll be close to the gay bars without sacrificing easy access to Edinburgh’s restaurants, shopping and main sights.