Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 10, 2025
To: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Brighton Bear Weekender 2025
Brighton Bear Weekend is an annual event for bears, cubs and friends in Brighton.
Brighton Bear Weekender 2025
Brighton Bear Weekend is an annual event for bears, cubs and friends in Brighton on the south coast of England. The Weekend is the UK south coast’s legendary bear event, with four days of fur and fun in the sun!
- Brighton is a busy year-round destination, but especially so in the Summer. July is peak season, so plan ahead. Discover the top 10 hotels and book your stay.
Bear Weekend Events
- Next Edition – Thursday 10th July – Thursday 13th July 2025 – Brighton Bear Weekender features a mix of social gatherings, entertainment, and fundraising activities.
- Enjoy club nights, beach outings, and a variety of themed parties, all set against the backdrop of Brighton’s lively seaside atmosphere.
- Brighton Bear Weekender provides a space for fun and friendship while supporting local LGBTQ+ charities through various initiatives and donations.
- The following is an outline of regular events from last year. Use it as a guide.
Thursday
- Kick off the festivities with a lively Quiz Night at the Camelford Arms.
- Gather your team of up to six people and compete for a £300 cash prize.
- For just £2 per person, enjoy a fun evening filled with challenging questions and tasty dinner options available for those who book in advance.
- Upgrade your bear weekend experience at The Grand Brighton, a Renaissance Style hotel with luxurious rooms and beautiful views of the seafront.
Friday
- The excitement continues with the Welcome Party and Brighton Bear Contest at Dorset Gardens.
- From late afternoon into the evening, mingle under the BBW Marquee, grab a drink at the BBW Bar, and enjoy delicious food provided by Lunch Positive.
- Later in the night, head over to Bears at the Angel at The Fallen Angel for some music spun by guest DJs and meet the contenders for the weekend’s main event.
Saturday (Daytime)
- Spend your Saturday at the Garden Party in Dorset Gardens, where you’ll find community organization stalls, vendor stalls, and a host of entertaining performances by guest acts.
- The BBW Marquee and Bar will keep the drinks flowing while Lunch Positive serves up tasty bites followed by the announcement of the Brighton Bear Weekend winner.
Saturday (Evening)
- Wrap up your Saturday with a thrilling Club Night at Dust. Dance the night away from late evening until the early hours with guest DJs.
Sunday
- Sunday offers a more relaxed pace with several delightful activities. Start your day with a round of mini golf at One Under, where you can choose between two unique courses and enjoy a fully licensed bar.
- Sunday Lunch venues to be confirmed.
- Finally, cap off your weekend with Underbears at Manchester Street Art Club. Arrive before doors close at 7pm and enjoy an evening of fun surrounded by friends old and new.
The Venues
- Camelford Arms – Popular pub wood floors and modern decor, quirky Moroccan-style patio, plus classic food and ales. Offering cocktails, cream teas, Italian coffees and light meals, an interesting atmosphere and diverse programme of events. Hosts the annual quiz night from 7 pm ’till late.
- Dorset Gardens – Dorset Gardens is a public garden in Kemp Town, the area of central Brighton containing most of the other Brighton Bear Weekend venues. It is a very short walk from St. James’s Street, which is the main street running through the area. Home to the BBQ Marquee and Mr Brighton Bear Contest and Garden Party.
- Bulldog – Landmark LGBT pub & hangout known for lively karaoke nights & a laid-back atmosphere.
- Legends – Contemporary gay hotel, 3-minutes walk from gay nightclubs and an 8-minute walk from Brighton Pier and the beach and home to the Legends nightclub. Hosts the Bear-a-oke, Bear Kingdom, Bear Affair and Underbear parties.
The Rainbow Fund
- The first BBW was in 2009 and since then has raised more than £15,000 for the Rainbow Fund, who make grants to LGBT and HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT people in Brighton and Hove.
Where to stay in Gay Brighton
The following hotels are close to Brighton’s compact but busy gay scene and the Bear Weekend events:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Our editors have been to Brighton
many times and stay at Drakes
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Brighton Bear Weekender The Website
Gay Map of Brighton
Most of the Brighton gay bars and pubs are located in the city’s ‘Gay Quarter’ in Brighton’s Kemp Town – a compact strip of pubs and clubs just moments from the seafront.
Hilton Brighton Metropole, Queensbury Mews, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, South East England, England, BN1 2FU, United Kingdom
Hilton Brighton Metropole looks out over Brighton seafront and is close to the shops and city centre. The grand Victorian building has large rooms, two restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre with an indoor pool. The en-suite rooms have a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer and ironing facilities. Some rooms also enjoy panoramic sea views.
Kings Road, Brighton & Hove, BN1 2GS, United Kingdom
Overlooking the seafront, Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront benefits from its own entrance at the front of the hotel in the right corner and is just 400 m from the Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion. It offers free WiFi throughout, a restaurant with sea views, a pool and a spa. The air-conditioned rooms at the Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront feature a Dream bed, a flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom with free toiletries.
Mercure Btighton Seafront, 149, Norfolk Street, Brighton
This elegant Victorian hotel overlooks the beach, sea and promenade, and has a brasserie restaurant for guests to enjoy. It is half a kilometer from Churchill Square shopping centre, and has free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.
Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel has a bar and 24-hour room service. Each clean, modern room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an en suite bathroom with toiletries. Some rooms have sea views.
Drakes, 43-44, Marine Parade, Kemptown, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, South East England, England, BN2 1PE, United Kingdom
This smoke-free hotel features a bar/lounge, coffee/tea in a common area, and 24-hour room service. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, a meeting room, and concierge services. All 20 rooms offer free WiFi and free wired Internet, TVs with satellite channels, and comforts like Select Comfort beds and Egyptian cotton sheets. 24-hour room service, coffee makers, and free newspapers are among the other amenities available to guests.
The Grand, 97-99, King's Road, Queen's Park, Brighton
With its sumptuous Renaissance style, The Grand Brighton has a magnificent location on Brighton’s seafront and is just a 10-minute walk from Brighton Pier. The rooms at The Grand Brighton have high-quality furnishings, including Egyptian cotton bed linen and bathrobes. Each room includes free WiFi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and some Sky channels.
10 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TB, UK
Overlooking Brighton Pier, Pier Court Apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, hob and dishwasher. Each apartment has a flat-screen TV and a Sonos/Amazon Echo. Free WiFi, close to gay bars
St James's St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1RG, UK
The apartment has 5 bedrooms, a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, a washing machine, 3 bathrooms with showers. Free WiFi and is 500 m from The Royal Pavilion
69 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1AD, UK
Offering a terrace and sea views the apartment has 1 bedroom, a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, fridge, & washing machine, 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi
Modern & unique warehouse apartment with outside space. Bright & spacious. Hi-speed internet, 5 speaker surround sound, Smart TV, Netflix. High-quality beds, mattresses & bed linen. 4 minute walk to the seafront.
8 Marine ParadeBrighton
Brighton's largest LGBT venue in the heart of Brighton's Gay Village, home to award winning cabaret, fresh gourmet pub food and an impressive range of craft beers, there is always something happening at the Charles Street Tap. From retro video gaming, drag quizzes and award winning DJs, make sure you don't miss the show.
2-3 High St, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1RP, UK
Glamorous offers a range of nightly special offers on a wide variety of drinks as well as award winning international drag artists, top UK drag artists, resident DJ’s, student nights and much more.
5-7 Marine Parade, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TA, UK
R-Bar is a feisty, friendly and fun LGBTQ+ bar on Brighton’s seafront featuring super cheap drinks deals with DJs & entertainment throughout the week; the perfect warm-up to our bigger venue – Club Revenge – round the corner!
As day turns into night, the lights go down on the ground floor, to give way to a vibrant pre-clubbing feel with queer-themed neon signs and plenty of selfie opportunities!
30 Western St, Hove, Brighton BN1 2PG, UK
Brighton's infamous back street gay boozer. Home to the notorious Bonkers Musical Bingo every Sunday
83 St George's Rd, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1EF, UK
Set in the heart of Kemptown at one of the City’s most iconic nightspots, just a stonesthrow from Brighton beach, Proud Cabaret Brighton offers world-class cabaret, dragand burlesque dinner shows.
31-34 Marine Parade Brighton
Big wide windows open up on a large terrace making Legends a great place to sip a coffee, enjoy a drink, a bite to eat, or just kick back and enjoy the panoramic sea views from Brighton’s biggest terrace bar whatever the time of day. With Brighton legends like Davina Sparkle, Miss Jason and many up-and-coming acts appearing on Legends stage
59 West St, Brighton BN1, UK
FunnyBoyz is a unique gay concept in Drag Cabaret – bringing you the most hilarious Drag Shows, Drag Events, Comedy Bingo, Silly Games, Cheesy Tunes and the best value drinks. Come mingle with our drags & have fun!
13 Broad St, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TJ, UK
Marine Tavern is well known for it's comfortable, cosy atmosphere, which is just as well considering we are certainly one of Brighton's smallest pubs!
16 Western St, Hove, Brighton BN1 2PG, UK
Stylish, modern, friendly neighbourhood bar serving the LGBTQ+ community and friends With drag shows
11-12 Marine Parade, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TL
Fun Gay bar with regular drag shows
31 Upper St James’s Street Brighton
Brighton's oldest Gay Bar that offers happy hours, regular DJs, Karoake and live entertainment. A very lively, busy bar that you must visit when in Brighton.
10 Steine St, Kemptown, Brighton BN1, UK
Great Central Brighton Gay Bar showing Musicals non stop. Very Friendly Staff in Comfortable surroundings.
129 St James's St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TH, UK
A small but perfectly formed gay bar with an excellent drinks menu at reasonable prices with fun drag shows
7 Marine Parade Brighton
Club and Bar Revenge are Brighton’s biggest and busiest LGBTQ+ venues
With 2 floors of music, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the iconic Palace Pier,
120 St George's Rd, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EA, UK
Gay cafe bar offering regular drag shows
129 St. James’s Street Brighton
New in Kemptown, Nautilus Gay Lounge offers an extensive cocktail list
7-8 George Street Brighton,
The Queens Arms, bringing you cabaret 10 times a week.
Brighton's foremost gay cabaret bar and winner of the Golden Handbag award for - Best Cabaret bar.
33 Upper St James’s Street Brighton BN2, UK
A fun and friendly bar situated in the heart of the gay village. Top cabaret and live music every weekend, fabulous drinks and available for events.
Recommended Hotels in Brighton By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Brighton that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Leonardo Royal Hotel
4 Star, Luxury
- 4-star luxury, seafront location with pool and spa.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
- Perfect for seaside relaxation, offering stunning sea views and convenient access to Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion.
The Grand Brighton
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, Renaissance style on Brighton’s seafront.
- Close to the gay district.
- Egyptian cotton linen, bathrobes.
- Offers a blend of luxury and history, ideal for experiencing Brighton’s seafront elegance and cultural landmarks.
Square Townhouse
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, in fashionable Kemp Town, Regency garden square.
- Close to the gay district.
- Ocean views, exclusive bar.
- Combines style and comfort, perfect for enjoying Brighton’s vibrant atmosphere and seafront, with pampering options available.
Staybridge Suites
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, near Brighton Beach and cultural attractions.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Air-conditioned rooms.
- Ideal for extended stays, offering modern amenities, close to Brighton’s attractions and beach for a convenient experience.
Video of Brighton Bear Weekender
Sophie Cook at the Brighton Bear Weekend 2016
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