Maspalomas Bear Carnival 2023

Bears Bears..everywhere
during Maspalomas Bear Carnival in Gran Canaria

The Bear Carnival in Maspalomas attracts thousands of guys from around the world hoping to escape Winter in the Northern hemisphere for 7+ days of fun in the sun with hot bears, otters and chasers!

• Book your hotel close to the Yumbo Centre early as this event is very popular. Stay close to all the parties at the recently refurbished Barceló Margaritas rated “Fabulous” by guests, with spacious and stylish rooms and two outdoor pools.

Maspalomas Bear Carnival Weather

Let’s face it, by March, most of us are in need of some sun! Gran Canaria is a subtropical island. It enjoys dry, 20-25 °C weather in March. Have fun at the beach and pools with hundreds of bears, 3 months before Summer!

• Visiting for Bear Carnival? Check out the top 10 gay and gay friendly hotels in Gran Canaria.

Daily Events and The Official Bar

• The Nightly bear crawl makes its way around select bars in the Yumbo from 8pm each day. Bars include Barenhohle, Barack’afe, Noxon, Kiki and Tom’s.
• Bear Carnival’s official kiosk is located behind Kimi Bar and includes ticketing info and the official bar.
• Bear Cruising Nights kick off each evening from midnight until 4 am.
• Upgrade your stay in Maspalomas at the Hotel Riu Papayas, an all-inclusive resort, rated “Fabulous” by guests.

Maspalomas Bear Carnival Program Highlights 2023

• Friday 17th – Events kick off with a Warm up BBQ at Basement Studios from noon. Kiki hosts the official pre-party “Neon Beards” from 11pm.
• Saturday 18th – Start your day with the Opening Pool Party (Venue TBD). Enjoy a meet and greet at the official kiosk bar from  7.30 pm.
• Sunday 19th – Head to the gay beach for an informal gathering from noon.  Enjoy the Bear Naked Boat Party from 1 pm to 6.30 pm. Enjoy free entry into select cruising bars if you are in a harness!
• Monday 20th – The week begins with the Bear Brunch at the Axel hotel from 11.30 am.
• Tuesday 21st – Head to Basement Studios for the Pool Party and BBQ from 11.30 am.
• Wednesday 22nd – Don’t miss the “Strongmen” singlet and lycra party at Kiki from 11 pm.
• Thursday 23rd  – Spanish Night in the official bear bar from 10pm.
• Friday 24th – Celebrate the start of the weekend with the Wet and Hairy Pool Party at the Axel Beach. followed by the Mr Bear Gran Canaria contest at Kiki from 8 pm.
• Saturday 25th – Start your Saturday with the Disco Boat Trip from 2 pm until 6.30 pm.  Saturday’ nights main event is at Kiki Bar – “The Bear Circus”.
• Sunday 26th – All good things come to an end with the farewell BBQ and pool party at Basement Studios. Say goodbye to all your new bear friends at Kiki’s closing party from 11 pm.
• Stay close to the pool party at the Vital Suites, rated “Fabulous”, with one of the best pools closest to the Yumbo, modern gym and superb facilities.

Day By Day Events & Day Trips

• Other highlights include an Aqualand Waterpark Trip (Mon 20th), a Mountain Buggy Tour (Thurs 23rd) and Vineyard Visit (Tue 21st)
• New themed events are planned to take place at Holiday World including the Bear Funfair and the Bear Gastro Market from 4pm on Thursday 23rd.

Pool Parties

• Both the Basement Villas Pool, BBQ and the Axel beach pool party are two of the most popular events of the Bear Carnival.

The Yumbo Centre

• The Yumbo, the World’s biggest LGTB leisure centre is open and ready to party during the Maspalomas bear carnival.
• The Yumbo is an open-air gargantuan complex open twenty hours a day, every day of the year, with almost a hundred gay venues around a landscaped square.
• Check out our guide to gay Maspalomas, with tips on where to stay, dine and party.

The Gay Beach

• Bump into some furry friends on the Dunes of Maspalomas and the oasis inside them, maybe the World’s largest and most picturesque cruising ground.
• Head for “El Siete” gay beach (literally “Number Seven”), where hundreds of men are waiting for you in the Sun, with little or no clothing at all (I repeat, in Winter)… There’s even a bear zone, to the right!
• Stay close to the beach at the Riu Palace hotel with epic views, spacious rooms and superb service.

Bear Friendly Venues

The following venues are official supporters of the event and hosts of special parties and theme nights:

• Bärenhöhle – Meaning bear Cave, is one of the oldest gay bars in the Yumbo with a regular clientele.
• Bunker – Famous men only gay fetish and cruise club
• Barack’afe – Friendly bar with great atmosphere and camp music.
• Noxon – Kinky fetish bar with theme nights and cruising area.
• Tom’s – Popular cruising bar with dark room and smoking terrace.
• Kiki – Late night bar with cheesy pop late into the night.
• Discover the best of Maspalomas, from bars and restaurants to top attractions with our gay guide to Gran Canaria.

Trending Maspalomas Hotels

The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the the gay bars of Maspalomas:

Sol Barbacan,   Silvi Villas,    Axel Beach,    Bohemia Suites.