Redditors share the best gay bear events in Europe this summer
This summer, Europe's gay bear community is hosting events that are all about love, pride, and unity!
Last month, Reddit user noamguy78 asked, “Where should I travel this summer as a gay bear (in Europe)?” and the r/askgaybros community shared some amazing suggestions.
These events aren’t just random, though; they’re backed up by Growlr, a popular dating app for the gay bear community. So, if you’re up for some adventure, culture, and a ton of fun, this list is your treasure map to the best gay bear events across Europe.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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Who are the “bears” in the LGBTQ+ community?
Before we dive into the events, let’s chat about what “bears” mean in the LGBTQ+ community. Bears are usually gay men who are a bit larger and hairier, but it’s more than that. It’s about being warm, friendly, and proud of who you are, no matter your shape or size.
Bear events are super welcoming, promoting a message of body positivity and community. They’re places where you can be yourself, meet others, and join in on celebrations that are all about love, acceptance, and fun.
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Your ultimate European summer as a gay bear
Embark on a journey through Europe’s most inviting bear events with this handpicked guide, designed to infuse your summer with unforgettable experiences. We’ve lined up a diverse array of celebrations from the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the scenic coasts of Spain, each offering a unique blend of fun, camaraderie, and cultural richness.
Amsterdam Bear Week (June 5-9)
Summer vibes in Amsterdam! It’s all about celebrating you and your bear pals in one of Europe’s coolest cities. And let’s not forget the highlight—the election of the new Mr. Bear Netherlands!
Mediterranean Bears Cruise from Athens (Starting June 15)
Picture yourself sailing the Mediterranean, making pals, soaking up the sun—all against a stunning backdrop with a shared bear community vibe. This cruise kicks off from Athens, Greece, and sails all the way to Barcelona, Spain.
Set Sail on the Mediterranean Cruise
Bear Summer Berlin (June 17-23)
Berlin is calling all bears to a week filled with culture, parties, and unity. Get ready for 7 days packed with non-stop bearish fun, from their iconic UNSHAVED Party to the WOOF Summer event!
Dublin Bear Pride (June 28-30)
Experience the warm Irish welcome at Dublin Bear Pride! Gay bear events align with the broader Dublin LGBTQ Pride festivities. Dublin‘s Pride has evolved from a one-day parade to a vibrant ten-day celebration of social and cultural queer happenings.
Celebrate at Dublin Bear Pride
Brighton Bear Weekend (July 11-14)
Brighton is known for its chill, fun vibe, perfect for a weekend full of bear parties and community spirit. From the Welcome Party to Bear-a-oke, as well as the crowning of Mr. Brighton Bear, it’s definitely a weekend you won’t want to miss!
Dive into Brighton Bear Weekender
Torremolinos Bear Fest (July 17-21)
Spain’s sunny coast of Torremolinos calls you to let loose with fellow bears, enjoying beach parties, music, and an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
Party at Torremolinos Bear Fest
Cologne’s Mr. Bear Europe (July 19-21)
This year Cologne Pride 2024 hosts Mr. Bear Europe Weekend from July 19-21, 2024! The highlight? Mr. Bear Europe 2024 election on July 20th, 2024, aboard the Pride Boat by Rheinfetisch. It’s a 3-hour boat trip on the Rhine you definitely won’t want to miss!
Experience Mr. Bear Europe in Cologne
Bearly Athens (July 24-30)
Bearly Athens is a yearly summer event for bears in Athens, Greece. It’s a one-of-a-kind bear week bash with tons of activities both day and night all around Athens.
Enjoy Bearly Athens
Stockholm Bear Pride (August 1-4)
At Stockholm Pride 2024, you’ve got to check out the Bear Pride events. Join the Bear Pride Pub Crawl, march in the Bear Pride Parade, and hit up the Mega Bear Party to catch the Mr. Bear Sweden competition.
International Prague Bear Summer (August 6-11)
Join hundreds of bears and friends from around the globe for a series of inclusive events in the middle of Europe. Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, hosts Prague Bear Summer every year at the same time as Prague Pride.
Experience International Prague Bear Summer
Another Athens cruise (August 18)
Set off on a summer cruise departing from Athens, Greece in August aboard the Norwegian Getaway for a Mediterranean adventure through the Greek Islands. Explore five of the most captivating Greek island destinations scattered around the Aegean Sea.
Reykjavik Bear Week (August 29-September 1)
Reykjavik Bear Week is a four-day fest in late August to early September, lining up with Labor Day Weekend in the U.S. The week’s events include local tours where bears can dive into the wonder of Iceland with fellow bears.
Sitges Bear Week (August 30-September 8)
End your summer with Bears Sitges, a hotspot for bears, cubs, otters, and others ready to party, relax, and celebrate at one of Europe’s cherished gay resort cities. This 10-day series of events has been a hit since 2001, drawing in thousands of gay bears worldwide.
Check out the Bears Sitges Week Program
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Sitges has that old-school charm, beaches for days, and burly boys as far as the eye can see.
Make the most of this year’s Europe’s gay bear events
As we look forward to summer, it’s the perfect time to start planning your adventure through Europe’s most exhilarating gay bear events. Each gathering, from the lively streets of Berlin to the sunny shores of Sitges, offers a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant bear community.
Planning ahead gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the culture, fun, and camaraderie these events are renowned for. So, whether you’re dreaming of dancing in Dublin, socializing in Stockholm, or cruising the Mediterranean, begin mapping out your journey now. Your next summer adventure is just on the horizon, waiting to unfold in the most unforgettable way!
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