San Juan Bear Weekend returns this February to Puerto Rico for second, annual outing
Mid-winter blues getting you down? How about the warm embrace of San Juan?
Mark
If the mid-winter blues are hitting hard, may we suggest an escape this February to Puerto Rico?
The second, annual San Juan Bear Weekend is due to come to Puerto Rico between 12 and 16 February. It’s promising five days of big and bulky partying.
The whole festival is organized by the New York-based club, Bear Milk.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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The action kicks off with a meet and greet party on Thursday, Feb. 12 at Club 303, followed by a beach day on Friday, Feb. 13, and a leather party in the evening. Bear Milk will take care of Saturday night with an underwear party at Kweens Club.
There’s a daytime Pool Party at Jardin Al Bosque on Sunday, Feb. 15, hosted by Instagram hottie Anthony @Cruiseship13, followed by a closing party on Monday, Feb. 16.
You can expect the local bear bar, El Purgatorio, to also be extra busy across the five days.
“I’m so excited to go back to Puerto Rico after several years,” pool party host Anthony told GayCities. “It’s where my family is from and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. With San Juan Bear Weekend, I’m excited to go with the rest of my NYC bears and meetup with so many new people and see the local LGBTQ+ bear scene.
“And embracing our bodies together is a powerful thing,” he continued. “And I love me a beach and a speedo and nothing will stop me from doing that, that’s for sure, lol. I hope it’ll be full of amazing weather, good food, drinks, and about creating new connections and strengthening older ones, even for just a weekend. And thank you to Jorge of the Deep End in NYC and the local San Juan bar owners/community for making this all happen.”
The charm of San Juan
If you can tear yourself away from the big boys, there’s the wider San Juan to explore.
The city offers history, culture, and Caribbean beauty. Old San Juan enchants with its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the iconic Spanish forts El Morro and San Cristóbal. There are plenty of excellent restaurants, and a strong music and arts scene reflecting Puerto Rico’s heritage.
For sun lovers, nearby Condado and Isla Verde feature lively beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports. The mid-February temperature averages highs from the upper 70s to low 80s °F. For some, that makes this time of year preferable to mid-summer.
San Juan Bear Weekend is just in its second year and is still small when compared to something like Beef Dip in Puerto Vallarta. However, it’s easier to get to (you don’t need a passport if traveling within the US) and is perfect for a blast of bear-flavored, mid-winter fun.
At the time of writing, early bird all-access passes, granting entry to all events, were still available for $167.43.
A VIP pass, costing $274.51, which allows access to a free bar at the opening night and pool party, among other benefits, is also available.
As for accommodation, the organizers’ number one choice is the gay-owned, clothing optional guesthouse, Coqui Del Mar, closely followed by Stay at Mare.
Other options include Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado and the more luxurious, 4-star San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris (below).
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Check out some photos from the 2025 event to get a feel for what to expect.This Puerto Rico itinerary is the next best thing to vacationing with Taylor Zakhar Perez
Oh, to be sitting on a beach, sipping a Mai Tai, and lounging next to Taylor Zakhar Perez right now…
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