International Bear Convergence 2023

Bear hibernation is over in February at Palm Springs IBC.

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.

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 2023 Events

• During the day kick back and enjoy pool parties with music provided by world renown DJ’s at the fabulous Hotel ZOSO pool, our 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.

Day by Day Schedule

• Thursday – Events kick off at Hunters with a welcome party from 9pm to 2am.
• Friday – Plunge 2.0 Pool Party from 10am to 4pm at Hotel Zoso with DJ Matt Effect, followed by Meat and Greet at the Blackbook bar from 3.30pm. Evening ends at the Hotel Ballroom from 10pm with the Furrocious XXX party with DJ Marcos Moreno.
• Saturday – Retro Splash Pool party from 10am with DJ Chub Jim, followed by the main event, “Bear Heat”  in the Hotel Zoso ballroom with DJ Alex Ferbeyre.
• Sunday – Hungry Drag Brunch with bottomless mimosas and drag queens kicks off at 9am until noon, followed by the Redemption Pool party with DJ Galaxy. Later, at 8pm, enjoy The Dirty World Show with Skyler Gentry, a show filled with laughs, music and really dirty fun. Events end with the Happy Hour After Dark at the Downstairs Bar at the Hotel Zozo.

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!