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Brighton Bear Weekender 2026

Brighton Bear Weekend is an annual event for bears, cubs and friends in Brighton.

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, July 9, 2026
    To: Sunday, July 12, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Hot Bears
    • Talented DJs
    • Cabaret artistes
    • Auction
    • Parties

Brighton Bear Weekender 2026

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!

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:

Brightonwave,   Drakes Hotel,   Square,   Legends Hotel.

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.

Address:Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU, United Kingdom

  • Large seafront hotel housed in a restored Victorian property.
  • Many rooms feature direct views across the English Channel.
  • Indoor pool, gym, sauna, and steam room support longer stays.
  • Bar and restaurant provide convenient on-site dining.
  • Popular with conference guests yet accessible for leisure breaks.
  • Well placed for reaching Brighton’s shops, beach, and nightlife.
  • Website

Address: 6 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GS, United Kingdom

  • Seafront hotel with 210 rooms, many offering sea views.
  • Amenities include indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.
  • Dining options: Promenade Restaurant, Atrium and Seaview bars.
  • Central location near Brighton's main attractions.
  • Offers underground parking and is close to the train station.
  • Ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
  • Website

Address: 149 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2PP, United Kingdom

  • 4-star hotel in a Grade II-listed Victorian building.
  • Features period details like original mirrors and chandeliers.
  • Some rooms offer sea views; Coastal restaurant serves local dishes.
  • Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service.
  • Located near Brighton's attractions like the Palace Pier & The Lanes.
  • Offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Website

Address: 97-99 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FW, United Kingdom

  • Landmark Victorian hotel set directly on Brighton seafront.
  • Grand interiors with period features and modern updates.
  • Many rooms offer uninterrupted sea-facing views.
  • Restaurant and terrace bar create a lively social hub.
  • Popular choice for celebratory stays and short breaks.
  • Well placed for the beach, shopping streets, and nightlife.
  • Website

Address: 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE, United Kingdom

  • Boutique hotel in two Georgian townhouses.
  • Offers 20 individually styled rooms, some with sea views.
  • Features a cocktail bar overlooking Brighton Pier.
  • On-site fine dining at Dilsk restaurant.
  • Located near Royal Pavilion and The Lanes.
  • Known for attentive service and stylish accommodations.
  • Website

Address: 75-76 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 9JA, United Kingdom

  • Private members, male-only gay cruise bar in central Brighton.
  • Located above Brighton Sauna with a discreet entrance.
  • Structured around cruising zones and low-lit social areas.
  • Themed nights bring in locals and weekend visitors.
  • Focused venue for men wanting an adult, no-distractions setting.
  • Open: Fri-Sat 3pm-4am
  • Website

Address: 129 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar set along the busy stretch of St James’s Street.
  • Modern interior with a layout built for mingling.
  • Regular drag, karaoke, and cabaret shape the weekly rhythm.
  • Draws a mixed crowd from early evening onward.
  • Reliable stop for drinks within Brighton’s core gay area.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-12am
  • Website

Address: 10 Steine Street, Brighton, BN2 1TE, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar in Kemptown built around a musical theatre theme.
  • Cabaret, drag, and singalong nights shape the experience.
  • Stylish interior with space for live performances.
  • Attracts theatre lovers alongside Brighton regulars.
  • Lively setting suited to groups and social evenings.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 4pm-10pm
  • Facebook

Address: 75 St George's Road, Brighton, BN2 1EF, United Kingdom

  • Private members bar for over 25s in Brighton's LGBTQ+ district.
  • Features two floors: lounge bar and Scottish-themed basement.
  • Hosts regular events like quiz nights and themed parties.
  • Known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Popular spot for locals seeking a community-focused venue.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm, Fri 4pm–12am,
  • Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm–8pm
  • Website

Address: 13 Broad Street, Brighton, BN2 1TJ, United Kingdom

  • Gay-owned pub in Brighton's Kemptown district.
  • Features regular drag shows, karaoke, and bingo nights.
  • Dog-friendly venue with a traditional pub setting.
  • Actively involved in community fundraising events.
  • Popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Open: Mon–Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 129–130 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, United Kingdom

  • LGBTQ+ cocktail bar in Brighton's Kemptown district.
  • Undersea-themed decor with live entertainment events.
  • Offers a diverse menu of cocktails and mocktails.
  • Hosts open mic nights, piano performances, and quizzes.
  • Welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
  • Open: Wed-Thu 7pm-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am, Sun 6pm-11:30pm
  • Facebook

Address: 7–8 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH, United Kingdom

  • Gay cabaret bar located in Brighton's Kemptown district.
  • Features nightly drag performances and karaoke events.
  • Recognizable pink exterior with pride flags.
  • Inclusive environment welcoming to all patrons.
  • Recipient of the Golden Handbag award for Best Cabaret Bar.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri 12pm-2am, Sat-Sun 2pm-2am
  • Instagram

Address: 33 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1RF, United Kingdom

  • Established gay bar positioned along Brighton’s main LGBTQ+ strip.
  • Pub-style interior encourages conversation and group visits.
  • Regular karaoke, cabaret, and live music shape the weekly flow.
  • Draws a blended crowd of locals, visitors, and daytime drinkers.
  • Solid choice for easygoing drinks with entertainment on most nights.
  • Open: Mon-Fri 11am-12am, Sat-Sun 10am-12am
  • Instagram

Address: 2-3 High Street, Brighton, BN2 1RP, United Kingdom

  • Caribbean-inspired bar close to Brighton’s beachfront.
  • Gay-friendly venue with a mixed, social crowd.
  • Tropical cocktails lead the menu behind the bar.
  • Courtyard seating adds space for outdoor drinks.
  • Good warm-up stop ahead of bigger nightlife venues.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-1am
  • instagram

Address: 4 Prince's Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD, United Kingdom

  • Gay-led pub and theatre in Brighton’s Kemptown district.
  • Hosts open mic nights, poetry readings, and themed events.
  • Features an on-site theatre for diverse performances.
  • Offers craft beers and pizzas from Pizza Face.
  • Recognized as a community asset in Brighton's cultural scene.
  • Open: Mon 4pm–11pm, Tue–Thu 4pm–12am,
  • Fri–Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 30–31 Camelford Street, Brighton, BN2 1TQ, United Kingdom

  • Gay-friendly pub in Brighton’s Kemptown district.
  • Offers live blues music on Sundays and a popular Thursday quiz.
  • Features a Moroccan-inspired garden for outdoor seating.
  • Dog-friendly and serving award-winning Sunday roasts.
  • A staple in the local community with a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 12pm–11pm, Fri–Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–11pm
  • Website

Address: 8–9 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA, United Kingdom

  • Established gay bar with a lively, entertainment-led format.
  • Drag quizzes, cabaret, and DJs drive the weekly schedule.
  • Food menu adds flexibility for longer visits.
  • Atmosphere ramps up steadily as the night progresses.
  • Draws a mixed crowd looking for an upbeat social space.
  • Open: Mon–Tue 12pm–12am, Wed–Thu 12pm–1am,
  • Fri 12pm–3am, Sat 11am–3am, Sun 11am–1am
  • Website

Address: 5-7 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar with a flexible, all-day social atmosphere.
  • Multi-level interior offers both lively and calmer spaces.
  • Drag events, karaoke, and DJs shape the weekly lineup.
  • Draws a blended crowd from afternoon into late night.
  • Strong choice for drinks with entertainment near the water.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-1am
  • Website

Address: 32-34 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1EL, United Kingdom

  • Brighton's largest and most iconic gay nightclub.
  • Multi-level venue with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
  • Themed VIP booths and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
  • Hosts weekly events like "ROAR," "Fruity," "Camp Out,".
  • Renowned for welcoming international pop stars, DJs & drag queens.
  • Open:Mon, Thu-Sat 11pm–late
  • Website

Address: 31–34 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TR, United Kingdom

  • LGBTQ+ venue featuring a seafront bar, terrace, and basement club.
  • Hosts drag cabaret, themed parties, and DJ-led club nights.
  • Basement Club events include Glitter Curious & Friday Night Shift.
  • Offers a relaxed café-bar vibe by day & lively entertainment by night.
  • Popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking diverse nightlife.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 10am–3am, Fri–Sun 10am–5am
  • Facebook

Address: 30 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, United Kingdom

  • Gay pub offering a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
  • Hosts drag shows, karaoke nights, and musical bingo events.
  • Known for friendly staff and a welcoming environment.
  • Offers well-reviewed Sunday roasts and a selection of drinks.
  • Dog-friendly venue serving as a community gathering spot.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 3pm–10pm, Fri 3pm–1am,
  • Sat 1pm–1am, Sun 12pm–11pm
  • Facebook

Address: 16 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar offering a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
  • Hosts regular drag shows and bingo nights.
  • Known for friendly staff and a welcoming environment.
  • Dog-friendly venue serving as a community gathering spot.
  • Provides entertainment for a diverse crowd.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 1pm–12am, Fri 1pm–12am,
  • Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Facebook

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

Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront
Booking.com
  • 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

The Grand Brighton
Booking.com
  • 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

Square Townhouse
Booking.com
  • 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

Staybridge Suites
Booking.com
  • 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

Drakes Hotel Brighton

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