REYKJAVIK BEAR 2027

REYKJAVIK BEAR 2027 – September sees temperatures rise on the ice!

Every September, Reykjavik,the Icelandic capital sees saw an influx of hairy and hunky men for what was once known as “Bears on Ice”. It is an annual gay gathering of bears, chasers and admirers. The event typically falls during the Labor Day Weekend in the USA.

• For a boutique stay, consider the Hotel Sand, offering stylish rooms in the heart of the city with comfortable beds, bathrobes, luxury toiletries, a fitness centre and excellent location.

The Program

• Next Edition: Thursday 2nd September to Sunday 5th September 2027
• Formerly known as Bears on Ice, the event combines Reykjavík nightlife with geothermal bathing, sightseeing and small-group social activities.
• RVKBear is an intimate international gathering built around meeting people.
• Expect a friendly crowd rather than a vast circuit-style festival.
• Enjoy three social nights, beginning with a welcome party, followed by the Friday Top-Off party and a Saturday celebration featuring the Mr Reykjavík Bear Contest and Show.
• Optional excursions showcasing Iceland, which have included the Golden Circle, food walks and visits to geothermal lagoons.
• Several pass choices, allowing guests to add selected tours, lagoon visits, brunch and festival merchandise.
• Stay close to the gay bars of Reykjavik at the Konsulat Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests featuring spacious rooms, a modern gym and excellent location.

The Schedule

Date	Event	Venue & details
Thursday 2nd September	Welcome Party	Festival check-in, welcome drinks and the first opportunity to meet the Reykjavík Bear crowd.
Friday 3rd September	Iceland Excursion	An optional sightseeing experience exploring some of Iceland’s best-known natural attractions.
Friday 3rd September	Top-Off Party	The signature Friday-night party with DJs, dancing and a playful bear crowd in central Reykjavík.
Saturday 4th September	Geothermal Lagoon Experience	A relaxing group visit to one of Iceland’s geothermal lagoons. The selected lagoon will be announced with the final programme.
Saturday 4th September	Mr Reykjavík Bear Contest & Show	The main Saturday celebration featuring the Mr Reykjavík Bear contest, live entertainment and closing party.
Sunday 5th September	Bear Brunch	A relaxed final gathering with food, drinks and time to catch up with new friends.
Sunday 5th September	Farewell Event	The official close of Reykjavík Bear 2027.

Golden Circle and Iceland Tours

• Go beyond the city to Iceland’s best-known natural attractions, including the Golden Circle.
• Tour content can change each year, so check the final programme before booking separate excursions that might overlap.

Geothermal Lagoon Visit

• A group lagoon visit is one of the weekend’s defining experiences.
• The organiser has used both Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon options in past editions.
• Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula can affect planning, and the chosen 2027 lagoon will be confirmed with the final programme.

The Parties

• The nightlife program is social and playful, moving from welcome drinks into a busier Friday party and the Saturday contest show.
• Venues are in or close to central Reykjavík, keeping taxis and late-night travel to a minimum.

Mr Reykjavik Bear Contest

• The contest celebrates a representative of Iceland’s bear community rather than a conventional beauty title.
• The winner appears at local and international events during the title year, with the Saturday show forming a major moment of the festival.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Stay in the 101 Reykjavík centre near Laugavegur. This places the city’s queer bars, restaurants and many festival meeting points within walking distance. September availability can tighten quickly once passes go on sale.

• Sand Hotel by Keahotels – A refined boutique stay directly on Laugavegur, close to bars, cafés and central attractions.
• Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre – A stylish central base with an easy walk to Reykjavík nightlife and festival meeting points.
• Alda Hotel Reykjavik – A modern hotel on the upper section of Laugavegur, balancing nightlife access with quieter rooms.
• Hotel Reykjavik Centrum – A comfortable downtown option near restaurants, museums and Reykjavík’s late-night venues.

Gay Reykjavik

• The gay bars are on Laugavegur, a popular street in the heart of Reykjavik. Check out the top hotels close to the gay bars.
• Marbar – home to the Bear Opening Party. Party of Rio and serving a Icelandic craft beers, local snaps, wine and cocktails.
• Hurra – the RVK Bear Club Night and popular live music venue.
• Gaukurinn – The Friday Top Off Party. Gaukurinn hosts local bands, drag shows and is located in the downtown district.
• Jomfruin – Perfect for a bear brunch. Long running restaurant in the centre of Reykjavik serving a great selection of Danish Smørrebrød along with Danish and Scandinavian main courses with a spacious outdoor terrace.
• Discover the best places to stay and play with our comprehensive gay guide to Reykjavik.

Getting to Reykjavik

• International flights arrive at Keflavík Airport, around 50 km from central Reykjavík.
• Airport coaches connect the terminal with the city, with onward hotel drop-offs available.
• Taxis cost far more, though they can suit small groups sharing the fare.
• Reykjavík itself is compact and most central journeys are easy on foot.
• Early September weather can shift quickly.
• Pack a waterproof outer layer, warm clothing and suitable shoes for excursions, alongside swimwear for the lagoon program.