Event Dates
From: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
To: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week features six days and nights of incredible events and hot bears!
Join the fittest, furriest bears for an unforgettable week of non-stop excitement at Wilton Manors, FL’s most spectacular LGBTQ event!
- Stay at the Courtyard Downtown FTL, host of the rooftop pool party and rated “Excellent” by guests with a stunning rooftop pool, spacious rooms and perfect location.
The Event
- Next Edition: Tuesday 7th April 2026 – Sunday 12th April, 2026.
- Bears everywhere head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to catch some winter sun with an over-the-top, six-day celebration comprising more than a dozen events.
- The massive bear ‘gaythering’ takes place at venues in Wilton Manors, known as “the gayest place on Earth” and beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach, with an signature beach parties, pool events and block parties.
- Highlights include the VIP Bear Cruise, the Beach Party and more.
- Nightly events include the Ignite Party at Scandals and Harness Nights.
- Pool parties take place on the opening day, Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon at various locations.
- Venues include The Easton Rooftop Pool at Courtyard Downtown FTL and the Ed Lugo Resort.
- Stay at the Hayatt Centric Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale and you are close to all the downtown gay bars and clubs, plus the closing pool party.
- The Riverside hotel is also a great option, with a great gym and beautiful riverside views.
VIP Bear Cruise
- Wednesday – To be confirmed – VIP Bear Cruise Water Taxi Private Charter Catamaran, music, cash bar, intercoastal cruise, 2 PM departure
- Ready to set sail on the high seas? It’s time for the VIP Bear Cruise at Jungle Queen, departing from 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. This exclusive cruise experience is reserved for VIP Pass holders, but you can still join the adventure with a la carte tickets.
- You’ll cruise the picturesque Intercoastal Waterways to downtown Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades, making memories to last a lifetime.
- Looking to stay in Wilton Manors during the event? Check out Casa Hermes, a 5 star gay guest house or try The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa an adult only resort, clothing optional with a heated saltwater pool and full service spa.
Bare With Me Harness Party
- Thursday– To be confirmed – The legendary Chi Chi La Rue returns with the ever-popular Bare With Me Harness Party on Thursday, from 9 pm to 2 am at The Eagle.
Camo Beach Party
- Friday – It’s time for some fun in the sun at the Beach Party on the Beach at Birch State Park. The sandy festivities begin at 12 PM and go on until 5 PM. Expect sunshine, skimpy swim trunks, DJ beats, and a cash bar. VIP Pass holders will be treated to a mouthwatering lunch buffet by Smoke BBQ and a generous 3-hour open bar.
- Followed by the Sunset Tea Dance at Scandals Saloon from 7 pm until Midnight.
Bears in the Park & Eagle Dark Dance Party
- Saturday is all about bears and festivities. Head to Bears In The Park at Richardson Park, It’s a festival filled with entertainment, vendors, mouthwatering food, and a cash bar.
- As night descends, take a stroll down the wild side at the Eagle Dark Dance Party at Eagle Wilton Manors, 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL. The party kicks off at 9 PM and lasts until 3 AM.
Pool Parties
- Tuesday – VIP Welcome Pool Party – Solstice at Wilton from 2 pm to 5 pm.
- Thursday – Tropical Splash – The Easton Rooftop from 12 pm to 5 pm.
- Sunday – Tsunami Pool Party – Ed Lugo Resort from 1 pm to 6 pm.
Where to stay during the Bears In Lauderdale Event
We have found hotels with good reviews that keep you close to all the action
Pelican Grand Beach, The Atlantic Hotel, Sonesta, Alcazar Resort
Discover more of Fort Lauderdale:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The W Fort Lauderdale is our top choice
for Fort Lauderdale. Nice rooftop pool
For further information and advice on
Bears in Lauderdale, Website
Fort Lauderdale has gay establishments cater to a broad cross-section of the gay world, with a good selection of gay resorts at Fort Lauderdale Beach, two blocks off the ocean, but within easy walking distance of sand and surf. The gay beach is opposite Sebastian Street, just north of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The nearby gay district of Wilton Manors is where the nightlife is busiest.
999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA
Located opposite Fort , this hotel features an on-site restaurant and a heated outdoor pool. Free WiFi is provided in every room, and Bonnet Gardens is 2 minutes' drive away.
Wide windows with an or park are featured in all rooms at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. A small refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi are provided en suite.
2000 N Ocean Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 USA
Adjacent to the Atlantic , Resort features an oceanfront pool, , and tubing ride.
Beach-inspired guestrooms feature a small refrigerator and 42-inch flat-screen TV. In-room movies, games, and music are provided, as is a coffee maker.
601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA
The luxurious Atlantic Hotel & is located on Boulevard adjacent to white, sandy beaches. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is 1.3 km away from the beachfront resort.
A cable TV, balcony, and ironing facilities are included in each hotel room. A microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, and minibar are also provided. The en suite bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer, free toiletries, and a bathrobe.
555 N Birch Rd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA
Situated 153 m from Atlantic Ocean beaches, this all-male clothing-optional gay hotel is located in Fort Lauderdale. It has 2 heated pools and offers guestrooms with luxury bedding and cable TV.
Rooms at the Alcazar Resort- Gay Mens Resort have modern furnishings and room-darkening curtains. They come equipped with free Wi-Fi and a CD player. Some rooms include a fully equipped kitchenette and views of the pool.
Address: 1243 NE 11th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 2266 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2287 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2426 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2209 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 2440 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2740 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 2000 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 1915 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 2426 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2283 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 2232 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL
Address: 2266 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL
Address: 2021 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL
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We have chosen hotels in Fort Lauderdale that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Follow the guys from Out Loud as they explore the best of Wilton Manors.

Houston Montrose Pride Block Party by The Eagle