Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 19, 2026
To: Monday, February 23, 2026
The Palm Springs International Bear Convergence is the premier winter event for Bears & admirers in Palm Springs, California.
The international Bear Convergence (IBC) is the premier winter event for Bears in Palm Springs, California, welcoming thousands of frisky, bears, muscle bears, cubs, chasers, chubs, admirers & their fans to have the time of their lives! The four-day event comes to life with DJs, live entertainment, and thousands of bears from around the globe.
The host hotel, the Hotel Zoso fills up fast. The following hotels are close by and have some availability, but don’t wait, book as soon as possible:
- Best Western Plus Las Brisas – 3 minutes walk from host hotel – 3 star with great location, on site pool and gym.
- Renaissance Palm Springs – 3 minutes drive from host hotel – 4 star complete with large outdoor pool area and sun deck.
- 7 springs and suites – 3 minutes drive from host hotel – Relaxed 3 star hotel with spacious rooms, pool and friendly staff.
- Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – 1 minute walk from host hotel – Sublime 4 star hotel with stunning pool and high end room amenities.
Palm Springs in February
- Next Edition: Thursday 19th February – Monday 23rd Feb, 2026 – Known for its crystal blue skies and year-round sunshine, Palm Springs is the perfect holiday weekend destination and one of the only US cities that boasts an average temperature of 70 degrees (22 Celsius) in February.
IBC 2026 Events
- During the day kick back and enjoy pool parties with music provided by world renown DJ’s at the fabulous Hotel ZOSO pool, the host hotel.
- With multiple bars, cabanas, outdoor lounge areas, and sun deck area overlooking the action at the pool.
- After the sun goes down, evenings will heat up with high-energy dance parties, drag shows, & comedy shows.
- Events include the Plunge Pool Party, The Retro Pool Party, The Hungry Bear Drag Brunch and the Redemption Party.
- Check out our gay guide to Palm Springs for the best places to dine, stay and play.
Full Schedule of Events
Thursday Feb 19
2PM-8PM Registration – Weekend check-in at the host hotel. Hotel Zoso 9PM-2AM Hunters Presents “Early Bear Welcome Party” – Start the weekend with drinks, dancing and a fun first night. Hunters Nightclub Friday Feb 20
9AM-8PM Registration – Pick up passes and credentials. Hotel Zoso 10AM-4PM Plunge 2.0 Pool Party with DJ Radiochi (Madrid) – Cocktails, sunshine and men by the pool. Hotel Zoso Pool 3:30PM-7PM Meat & Greet – Meet old friends and make new ones, hosted by Blackbook. Blackbook Bar, Arenas District 7:30PM-9PM Speed Dating with host Joe Martone – Meet Mr Right or Mr Right Now. Encore Loft, Hotel Zoso 9:30PM-2AM Gladiator Party with DJ Marcos Moreno (Barcelona) – Toga themed night of fun and debauchery. Hotel Zoso 11PM-2AM The Maze is Back – Late night adventure experience running both Friday and Saturday. Hotel Zoso Saturday Feb 21
9AM-Noon Registration – Final opportunity to check in. Hotel Zoso 10AM-5PM Retro Splash Pool Party with DJ Chub Jim (Las Vegas) – Sun, drinks and furry fun by the pool. Hotel Zoso Pool 2PM Mr IBC Contest – Cheer for your favorite contestant at the main contest of the weekend. Hotel Zoso Pool 1PM-2PM Poolside Shenanigans and Alumni Photo – Pool games hosted by Brad Loekle plus annual group photo. Hotel Zoso Pool 7PM-8PM VIB Mixer – Social mixer and meet-up before the big night. The Kitchen Restaurant, Hotel Zoso 10PM-3AM Joe Fiore Presents Furball with DJ Tony Moran (New York) – Leather, onesies and jocks themed late night party. Hotel Zoso Sunday Feb 22
10AM-1PM Hungry Bear Drag Brunch – Drag performances, bottomless mimosas and brunch fun. Show at 11:30AM, reservations required. Hotel Zoso 10AM-4PM Redemption Pool Party with DJ Retrocrub (Long Beach) – Recover from Saturday night with music, drinks and poolside fun. Hotel Zoso Pool 8PM Last Laugh Comedy Show with Brad Loekle – Sharp comedy, weekend roast energy and audience fun. Hotel Zoso After Show Happy Hour After Dark – Complimentary drinks with select adult beverages. Fillmore Room, Hotel Zoso Monday Feb 23
N/A Bon Voyage – Farewell and departure day. Hotel Zoso Other Circuit Parties
- IBC weekend has morphed into a mega-bear-weekend with several Palm Springs hot spots hosting unofficial parties and events including:
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 – House Of Leather – The hottest leather dance party in Palm Springs with dress code events and lots of play spaces.
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Megawoof – The daddy of all bear events takes over Chill Bar with guest DJs and sexy bear gogos, typicall on the Friday of the weekend, followed on Saturday by “a Megawoof Theme party” at Reforma.
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Furball – The Furball Fetish & Gear event is the one of the hottest bear events held in Palm Springs.
Other Parties to be confirmed
- Tuff – Leather and muscle party, direct from LA with guest DJs and sexy gogos.
- Chill Bar Presents – One of Palm Springs most popular venues. Hosts the Dirty Disco Party, Bear Block Parties and other events.
Where to stay?
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action:
Andreas Hotel & Spa, Hilton Palm Springs, Alcazar Palm Springs, Casa Cody
For more information check out our guide to gay Palm Springs for the best places to dine and party!
Hotels Fill up Fast so plan early!
Book now and on pay arrival.
The Colony Palms is charming & has a
great pool, offers great value for money.
For further information and advice on
The IBC, take a look at the Website
Palm Springs has a number of gay bars and clubs most of which are located around Canyon Drive in down town area.
Address: 888, East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Address: 400 E Tahquitz Canyon WayPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 227 N Indian Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 175 S Cahuilla RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 68369 Sunair RdCathedral City, CA 92234
Address: 217 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 302 E Arenas RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 315 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Address: 541 Industrial Pl E, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Address: 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #102, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 200 S Indian Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 301 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Address: 600 E Sunny Dunes RdPalm Springs, CA 92264
Address: 2100 N Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 224 E Arenas RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #108, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Address: 67555 E Palm Canyon DrCathedral City, CA 92234
Address: 224 N Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Palm Springs that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Discover the best gay places with Will!
Palm Springs, an oasis in the California desert, has long been an LGBTQ+ haven, drawing visitors with its warm climate, iconic mid-century architecture, and welcoming vibe. Many neighbourhoods have a significant gay presence, but Arenas Road is undeniably the heart of the city’s gay scene.
4-minute drive from Arenas Road with a relaxed vibe, superb adults-only resorts and famous pool parties.
A 10-minute drive from Arenas Road and home to the world Famous gay parties at the Barracks complex
