BeachBear Weekend is finally here. From May 7 – 12, 2014, bears will travel from near and far to soak up the sun and enjoy a weekend of fun with fellow furry friends. This year, the Pride Center at Equality Park of South Florida is acting as the event’s partner and benefactor. Remember to register and get your BeachBear ID Tag for weekend-long discounts!
Whether you’re soaking up the sun or drinking in the fun, we hope that you have a safe and fun time! BeachBear Weekend 2014 is dedicated to John Fuller, 1970-2014: “A Life Well Lived.”
Thursday 5/8
Kick off your BeachBear party with a Bear Round-Up at Scandals on Thursday, May 8, starting at 8 p.m. The country western gay bar is known for its southern hospitality, helping to cater to the bear community whenever it can. (Scandals – 3073 NE 6th Ave, Wilton Manors, 33305.)
Friday 5/9
On Friday, the party moves to Club Fort Lauderdale for a party known simply as “Wet n’ Wild.” This private men’s club boasts a huge pool, outdoor whirlpool and showers, as well as a sauna, steam room and gym. Relax or get a little wild at this daytime event, beginning at noon. (Club Fort Lauderdale – 10 NW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33311.)
After Club Fort Lauderdale, head to Bill’s Filling Station around 8 p.m. for the biggest bear party in the area. GROWL is a weekly party at Bill’s that targets bears and bear enthusiasts, so expect a packed room full of fur – some familiar, some new. Around 11 p.m., head to Ramrod for a more hardcore, leather vibe! (Bills – 2209 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305; Ramrod – 1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33304.)
Hopefully, you saved your energy, because the after party is taking place at Slammer 321. Beginning at 1 a.m., bears will flock to this men’s private club, where you can BYOB and really let loose. (Slammer 321 – 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304.)
Saturday 5/10
Starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, the official host hotel for the weekend, Courtyard Marriott Fort Lauderdale, will host a Tea Dance. This is your chance to relax poolside! This event is free to the public and features music by DJ Barry Huffine. (Courtyard Marriott – 440 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33316.)
You will have two choices for Saturday night, both beginning at 10 p.m: Bill’s DILF Party, or Hunters Nightclub’s Bear Hunt. (We won’t get into specifics for what a DILF is, but have you ever heard the term MILF?) The DILF: Bear Edition party will feature sounds from DJ Herbie James, while Hunters Nightclub is taking more of a “club” route. The official event description says Hunters is the place to hunt or be hunted, so “Shirts off, and get on the dance floor.” Whichever route you choose, remember that the migration time for the after party at 321 Slammer is 1 a.m. (Hunters – 2232 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305.)
Sunday 5/11
Your Sunday is meant to be somewhat lazy, so thankfully Sunday’s events don’t begin until 5 p.m. at Hunters. Hairy, masculine GoGo dancers will be dancing all evening for your pleasure, so make sure to bring those singles. Afterward, head to Scandals for a Western-themed night of fun, starting at 9 p.m. Sammer 321 will host another after hours event starting at 1 a.m. as well.
Monday 5/12
Though the weekend is over, Monday is being considered a “recovery” day. Whether it’s hair of the dog or you just want somewhere to hang, Rumors is hosting a Recovery Party at 5 p.m. with 2-4-1 cocktails. After, head to the official closing party, Big bear Bash, at Ramrod starting at 10 p.m. If you have it in you, take advantage of the last night of your stay by heading to the last Slammer 321 after party at 1 a.m. (Rumors – 2246 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305.)
