Rehoboth Beach
Bear Weekend 2026

Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 2026

Bears will find more than a few reasons to get some sand in their fur at the end of September. With a full roster of events and entertainment, this annual weekend is becoming famous for its huge attendance and cool activities. It’s sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Bears, a nonprofit organization that holds social events and fundraisers throughout the year.

• This Host Hotel, The Atlantic Sands,  fills up fast so book your hotel in advance.
• Check out the Brighton Suites, rated “Fabulous” by guests and close to all the beach bear weekend events.

Beach Bear Weekend Schedule

• Next Edition: Wednesday 16th September 2026 – Sunday 20th September 20, 2026 – GET TICKETS
• Events kick off  on Wednesday with a social dinner, followed by a Happy hour on Thursday from 3pm to 9pm and ending with a late night bar crawl. Venues to be confirmed.
• On Friday, hit the Vendor Mall at the Sands Hotel followed by Happy Hour
• The Main party takes place at the Sands Hotel on Friday night followed by the Late Night Bar Crawl at Rigby's.
• Saturday hosts the Aids Walk Delaware at Grove park from 9am.
• End your weekend on Sunday with brunch at the Sands Hotel and an afternoon closing party.
• Stay at the Beach View Hotel, rated “Fabulous” by guests with a spacious outdoor deck and pool, highly-rated breakfast and excellent location.

Delaware AIDS Walk

• Saturday – There is no need to hibernate in the city with this line-up waiting at the beach. The event coincides with the classic Delaware AIDS Walk through town and on the boardwalk.
• Bear Weekend is not just for fun — it’s a charity fundraising event as well. Proceeds from the event go to different charities each year that are near and dear to the local bear community, including a scholarship fund at the local high school for students active in their Gay Straight Alliance.

About Rehoboth Beach

• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which is one of the top gay beach communities in the United States. This charming small town may only have a year-round population of about 1,400, but this number expands to 25,000-plus in summer, and you'll find a remarkable number of fun bars and restaurants with significant gay followings.

The Gay Beach

• During the day, Poodle Beach is where the beautiful boys, masculine men, and everyone in-between go to frolic. Find it by going south down to the end of the boardwalk at Queen Street, and turning toward the ocean. (Later, keep your ears open for the legendary house parties at night.)
• Stay just 4 minutes from the gay beach at the Beach View Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests with an outdoor pool and spacious rooms.

Rehoboth Gay Friendly Venues

The following locations host special events and happy hours during the annual Rehoboth Beach Bears event:

• Aqua Grill – Gay favourite for strong drinks from post-beach on—and probably the best outdoor patio seating in the entire resort.
• Blue Moon becomes the hub of Rehoboth nightlife. Its roof retracts, opening the space to the sky above and giving new meaning to the term dancing with the stars.
• The Purple Parrot – Gay bar & restaurant with burgers & beer, bright cartoon murals & regular live entertainment.
• Diego's Bar and Club – Largest ONLY Dance club-Beach & patio bar in Rehoboth. Dancing Friday Saturday Night.
• Top of the Pines – Dining, live entertainment, and event/catering venue space above The Pines in the heart of Downtown Rehoboth Beach. The Pines is a modern tavern offers a winning combination of sensational interior design, a lively atmosphere, creative american cuisine and craft cocktails.
• Chesapeake & Maine – Dogfish Head Brewery & Distillery is behind this casual, nautical seafood eatery with a raw bar.
• Above The Dunes –  Seafood-forward restaurant from co-owners Mike Venanzi and Bob Frankis.
• For more visit our insider guide to Rehoboth.

Where to Stay?

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action:

The Bellmoor Inn,   Avenue Inn,   Canalside Inn,   Beach View Hotel.