Event Dates
From: Friday, March 6, 2026
To: Friday, March 6, 2026
Belfast Bear Bash 2026
This year’s Belfast Bear Bash is a Friday night affair, celebrating the Mr Bear Belfast Competition.
Belfast Bear Bash Presents 2026
Enjoy a night of bears, beards and beautiful men in Belfast for a fun Friday March bear escape.
- Stay close to Belfast’s top attractions and a vibrant gay scene at the AC Hotel, featuring spacious rooms with city views, a modern gym and highly-rated breakfasts.
The Event
- Next Edition -Friday 6th March, 2026 – Mr Bear Belfast at The Shoe Factory.
- Saturday – Bears on the Roof – Appreciation Night from 10 pm.
- The Belfast Bear Bash is a fun bear meet-up with lots of furry friendly guys from Belfast and beyond.
- The event takes place at The Shoe Factory in Belfast.
- Expect a fun night with hot bears competing for the title.
- Featuring multiple interview rounds and a fun relaxed vibe.
- Upgrade your Belfast stay at The Merchant Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, with stylish rooms, superior service and high-end amenities, just steps from the city’s nightlife.
The Venue
- The Shoe Factory – Housed in a converted 19th-century shoe factory, the club retains its industrial charm with exposed brick walls and high ceilings, complemented by modern lighting and sound systems.
- The venue features a spacious dance floor, a unique clam-shell stage for performances, and a rooftop terrace that offers a more relaxed atmosphere earlier in the evening.
- Part of The Kremlin Complex, one of the city’s famous gay multi-venue destinations which includes The Shoe Factory, and Union Street Bar.
- Union Street is a cornerstone of Belfast’s LGBTQ+ scene, housing both Union Street Bar and The Shoe Factory.
Gay Belfast
- Belfast features a concentrated LGBTQ+ nightlife area centered around Union Street, situated on the fringes of the Cathedral Quarter in the north city center.
- Venues are all within walking distance of each other, making the Union Street area a central hub for Belfast’s LGBTQ+ community.
Popular Gay Venues in Belfast.
- The Roof – Rooftop bar located on the top of Union St (Shoe Factory), with great drinks, great food, fantastic service and great vibes
- Bubu – BUBU is the place for bears in Belfast. This gay club night has drag shows and drink deals for bears.
- Shoe Factory – Gay night club in Belfast on Union street, open until 2 am on Saturdays and host of popular Sunday bingo and monthly men-only nights.
- Discover the top hotels closest to the gay quarter.
Recommended Hotels in Belfast
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
Hilton Belfast, The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Grand Central Hotel, The Merchant Hotel
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Merchant Hotel is our editors choice
when in Belfast in the heart of the city!
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Belfast Bear Bash, visit the Website
Gay Map of Belfast
Belfast is a compact city, easily walkable and full of charm and character. Gay life is centred around the Cathedral Quarter, home to several gay bars and clubs.
16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ, UK
All of the elegantly appointed rooms are decorated with original artwork. They each have black-out blinds, a flat-screen TV, and spacious en suite marble bathrooms.
The Merchant is a Grade I Listed building dating back to 1860. Its Great Room Restaurant has a huge domed ceiling and offers a fine à la carte menu and traditional afternoon teas.
9-15 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7FF, UK
Grand Central Hotel is situated in Belfast and is the tallest building in the city
Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. All rooms have a private bathroom and a city view. The units at Hastings Grand Central Hotel include air conditioning and a desk.
A Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Guests can dine in the in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of local dishes.
Great Victoria St, Belfast, UK
On Great Victoria Street, beside the Grand Opera House, the luxury Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast offers boutique bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. There is a chic restaurant and modern cocktail bar. Valet parking is available for an additional cost.
The sumptuous rooms have crisp Egyptian linens, and the elegant bathrooms feature fluffy robes and designer toiletries. All rooms have an LCD TV, air conditioning and a minibar.
4 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3LP, UK
This 4-star Hilton’s spacious rooms each feature a flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels, mini-fridges, a marble bathroom and 24-hour room service. Many rooms enjoy city, river or mountain views.
With riverside views and floor-to-ceiling windows, Sonoma Bar and Grill offers a menu with Irish produce including Irish lamb. Guests can visit the No.4 bar, specialising in premium drinks including local draft beers and award-winning gins and spirits
Address: 108 Donegall St, Belfast BT1, UK
- Big Gay nightclub with good Djs and dancefloor.
- Offering regular theamed nights and shows
- Open: Daily 10pm-2.30am, Friday & Saturday 10pm-3am
Address: 96 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2GW, UK
- Kremlin Nightclub, Belfast, Northern Ireland's biggest and most popular gay venue.
- Cocktail bar, disco bar and dancefloors in stylish Soviet-themed gay club with PAs and theme nights.
- Open: Monday 22:00–02:30 Tuesday 21:00–02:30
Wednesday 22:00–02:30 Thursday 22:00–03:00
Friday/Saturday 21:00–03:00, Sunday 22:00–02:30
Address: 8-14 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF, UK
- Union Street Bar is a cornerstone of Belfast’s LGBTQ+ scene, set in a converted shoe factory with industrial charm and character.
- It offers a mix of drag shows, DJs, themed nights, and a lively weekend crowd on multiple levels.
- With good cocktails, a friendly vibe, and a welcoming dancefloor, it’s a go-to for a night out in the Cathedral Quarter.
- Open:Monday & Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 5:00PM-1:00AM
Saturday 12:00PM-1:00AM, Sunday 1:00PM-1:00AM
Address: 1 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF, UK
- The Maverick is a popular queer bar in Belfast known for drag shows, DJs, cabaret, and a friendly crowd.
- It serves creative cocktails with good weekday deals and has both indoor and outdoor space.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Address: 38-44 Upper Arthur Street BT1 4GH Belfast, UK
- Cabaret Supper Club in Belfast offers glamorous dinner shows with burlesque, drag, jazz, and live acts in a 1920s-style setting.
- Guests enjoy a three-course meal served by cabaret butlers, plus a wide range of cocktails and wines.
- Open: Monday & Tuesday CLOSED,
Wednesday & Thursday 6:00PM-11:00PM
Friday & Saturday 6:30PM-1:00AM
Sunday 1:00PM-5:00PM
Address: 4 Queens Arcade, Belfast BT1 5FF, UK
- Queen’s can safely boast a unique ‘personality’ not to be found elsewhere in Belfast.
- Offering cocktails and good food.
- Situated in Queen’s Arcade, in the heart of Belfast’s shopping area.
- Open: Daily 11.30am till 5pm
Address: 12-14 Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN, UK
- The cutest little gin bar in Belfast and beyond.
- Trendy gathering place with funky decor offering global dishes, cocktails, gin & draught beer.
- Open: Monday & Sunday 12PM-12AM,
- Tuesday to Thursday 12PM-1AM
- Friday & Saturday 12PM-2AM
Recommended Hotels in Belfast
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Belfast that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Grand Central Hotel
5 Star, Location
- 5-star hotel, city’s tallest building with spectacular views.
- Close to the gay district.
- English/Irish breakfast available, centrally located.
- Central location with easy access to cathedral city, gay district, shopping, and cafes.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
5 Star, Great Value
- 5-star hotel with luxury lounge areas and designer interiors.
- Close to the gay district.
- Elegant rooms with Egyptian linens.
- Great Victoria Street location, next to the Grand Opera House, in proximity to gay street.
The Merchant Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, historic Grade I Listed building with a rooftop gym.
- Located in the heart of the gay area.
- Luxurious, with Veuve Clicquot champagne lounge.
- In the heart of the gay area, close to bars, clubs, & prime shopping.
Hilton Belfast
4 Star Modern Hotel
- 4-star hotel with a modern fitness center and riverside views.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Rooms with tea/coffee maker and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Prime location in city center, close to St. George’s Market and Victoria Square for shopping.
Video Guide to Belfast
Discover the best of Belfast with the Vaga Brothers.
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