Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 9, 2026
To: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Brighton Bear Weekend is an annual event for bears, cubs and friends in Brighton.
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 9th July 2026 – Sunday 12th July, 2026.
- 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.
- Upgrade your bear weekend experience at The Grand Brighton, a Renaissance Style hotel with luxurious rooms and beautiful views of the seafront.
Event Highlights
- Friday: Kick things off with the lively Welcome Party and Brighton Bear Contest under the BBW Marquee, followed by late-night beats at Bears at the Angel with guest DJs.
- Saturday: Enjoy daytime fun at the Garden Party in Dorset Gardens, then dance into the night at the high-energy Club Night at Dust.
- Sunday: Wrap up the weekend at the legendary Underbears party at Manchester Street Art Club.
- All Weekend: Expect great food from Lunch Positive, community vibes, and entertainment throughout the BBW Bar and Marquee.
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:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Our editors have been to Brighton
many times and stay at Drakes
For further information and advice on
Brighton Bear Weekender The Website
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.
Address:Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU, United Kingdom
Address: 6 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GS, United Kingdom
Address: 149 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2PP, United Kingdom
Address: 97-99 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FW, United Kingdom
Address: 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE, United Kingdom
Address: 75-76 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 9JA, United Kingdom
Address: 129 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, United Kingdom
Address: 10 Steine Street, Brighton, BN2 1TE, United Kingdom
Address: 75 St George's Road, Brighton, BN2 1EF, United Kingdom
Address: 13 Broad Street, Brighton, BN2 1TJ, United Kingdom
Address: 129–130 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, United Kingdom
Address: 7–8 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH, United Kingdom
Address: 33 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1RF, United Kingdom
Address: 2-3 High Street, Brighton, BN2 1RP, United Kingdom
Address: 4 Prince's Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD, United Kingdom
Address: 30–31 Camelford Street, Brighton, BN2 1TQ, United Kingdom
Address: 8–9 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA, United Kingdom
Address: 5-7 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA, United Kingdom
Address: 32-34 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1EL, United Kingdom
Address: 31–34 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TR, United Kingdom
Address: 30 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, United Kingdom
Address: 16 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, United Kingdom
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We have chosen hotels in Brighton that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Sophie Cook at the Brighton Bear Weekend 2016

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