Event Dates
From: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
To: Sunday, October 4, 2026
BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2026
BearScots is a Scottish gay men's group in Glasgow and Edinburgh and hosts the annual ‘BearScotFest' in the Autumn.
BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2026
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: Wednesday 30th September, 2026 – Sunday 4th October, 2026.
- 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
- Awaiting the full schedule and theme for 2026.
- 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 during BearScots Weekend
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street.
The following hotels will keep you close to all the gay bars and the bear events and parties:
Hotel Indigo, The Glasshouse, The Balmoral Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is our
preferred hotel close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
BearScots Weekend Website
Map of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street, Edinburgh's main thoroughfare. All the bars and clubs are in easy walking distance. The city has more in common with European cities than other cities in the UK so around the city is a cafe culture. Here you will find a gay-friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Five-star boutique hotel behind historic church façade
- Large rooftop garden with rare city-centre outdoor space
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace-access rooms
- Strong design blend of heritage and modern luxury
- Steps from Playhouse Theatre and Calton Hill
- Premium base for luxury city breaks in Edinburgh
- Website
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ, United Kingdom
- Four-star hotel in a grand Georgian building on Waterloo Place
- Steps from Princes Street, Calton Hill, and Waverley Station
- Yu Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
- Stylish rooms blending heritage and modern comfort
- On-site brasserie and cocktail bar for easy dining
- Strong base for luxury city breaks and theatre stays
- Website
Address: 1-3 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Modern four-star hotel next to Edinburgh Playhouse
- Steps from St James Quarter and Calton Hill
- Contemporary rooms with local design touches
- On-site restaurant and lounge with terrace seating
- Easy walk to Princes Street and Waverley Station
- Strong choice for theatre trips and city breaks
- Website
Address: 20 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN, United Kingdom
- Boutique hotel in a landmark Victorian building on Princes Street
- Directly opposite Waverley Station for easy transport access
- Contemporary rooms inspired by Edinburgh’s cultural history
- Some rooms with views towards Edinburgh Castle
- On-site restaurant and Juniper cocktail bar
- Prime base for Old Town and New Town sightseeing
- Website
Address: 23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and club near Leith Walk and Playhouse
- Two-level venue with bar, food, and late-night dancing
- Regular drag, cabaret, and themed party nights
- Popular with locals, theatre crowds, and visitors
- Key LGBTQ+ nightlife hub in central Edinburgh
- Open: Mon-Sat 1pm-3am, Sun 1pm-3am
- Faceboook
Address: 2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5DL, United Kingdom
- Real-ale focused gay pub near Calton Hill
- Cosy sofas and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibe
- Strong CAMRA reputation for quality cask ales
- Popular with leathermen, bears, and older regulars
- Calm alternative to Edinburgh’s louder gay clubs
- Open: Mon-Sun 4pm-12am
Address: 2B Picardy Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JT, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and nightclub near Picardy Place
- Two-level venue with separate basement nightclub
- Daytime bar and food shift into late-night club energy
- Regular DJ nights and themed events
- Key LGBTQ+ social and party hub in central Edinburgh
- Open: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12:30pm-1am
Address: 6 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh’s longest-running gay bar in the Pink Triangle
- Strong focus on drag, karaoke, and DJ party nights
- Friendly, community-led crowd with mixed LGBTQ+ groups
- Popular with lesbians and long-time local regulars
- Reliable late-night stop near Leith Walk and Calton Hill
- Open: Sun-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri-Sat 1pm-3am
Address: 265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8PD, United Kingdom
- Mixed gay-friendly bar on Leith Walk near Pink Triangle
- Relaxed, international crowd with DJs and themed nights
- Good-value drinks and casual social atmosphere
- Popular for after-work and pre-club meetups
- Local favourite with steady LGBTQ+ following
- Open: Mon-Tue 4pm-12am, Wed-Thu 2pm-12am, Fri 2pm-1am,
- Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 1pm-12am
Address: 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HB, United Kingdom
- Alternative bar and vegan diner on Lothian Street
- Retro dive-bar decor with late-night party energy
- Strong LGBTQ+ following and creative crowd
- Plant-based comfort food and tropical cocktails
- Popular late-night hangout near Bristo Square
- Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun 12pm-1am
Address: 12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh EH1 3LY, United Kingdom
- LGBTQ+-friendly bar hidden off Broughton Street Lane
- Relaxed, inclusive atmosphere with mixed local crowd
- Popular courtyard beer garden in warmer months
- Craft beers, cocktails, and DJ-led evenings
- Social hangout away from Edinburgh’s main club zones
- Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-1am, Sun 5pm-1am
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Edinburgh that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Glasshouse
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, historic church facade, roof terrace.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso.
- Unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm, heart of the city.
The Balmoral Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, Michelin-starred restaurant, Princes Street.
- Close to the gay district.
- Marble bathroom, interactive TV.
- Iconic Edinburgh hotel with luxurious rooms, castle views, and world-class dining.
Courtyard by Marriott
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, complimentary WiFi, on-site bar.
- Close to the gay district.
- Modern rooms, flat-screen TV.
- Comfortable, value-oriented stay in prime location, with contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Indigo
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, vibrant city center, fitness centre.
- Close to the gay district.
- Satellite TV, rainfall shower.
- Stylish and central, perfect for city exploration with modern rooms and thoughtful comforts.
Video Gay Edinburgh Guide
Discover the best of Gay Edinburgh with Kit & John.
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