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Bear Essentials



Bear Essentials Events

  • Bear Essentials 29: Party Pass

    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 2 Mar 2025
    • Assorted venues
    • 14
    Register


    Party Pack

    If you're visiting Sydney, or just want to party hard during Bear Essentials, we're offering a limited number of party passes that contains the tickets you'll need for the main events.

    The party pass includes a ticket to:

    You'll also get a gift bag with some great Bear Essentials goodies, and an exclusive t-shirt!

    Party Passes go on sale at the same time as individual tickets.

    Tickets go on sale:
    Sunday 15 December for HCB members
    Friday 20 December for Kindred and non-members

    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Fair Day

    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 10:00 - 16:00
    • Victoria Park, Camperdown


    The first event in the Mardi Gras calendar is Fair Day at Victoria Park, Camperdown.

    Get ready for the vibrant kick-off to Sydney’s Mardi Gras Festival - Fair Day!

    This free, rainbow-filled extravaganza returns triumphantly to Victoria Park on Sunday following the un-fair day last year. Join over 70,000 attendees for a day of celebration, featuring 200+ stalls, multiple stages, and diverse entertainment. Don’t miss the First Nations Circle, Doggywood pageant, Trans Camp, and Karaoke Cave. With DJs, performances, and community showcases, Fair Day offers something for everyone young and old.

    Stop by the Harbour City Bears stall to say hello to us and be part of this festival of love, pride, and inclusion. It’s the perfect way to ignite your Mardi Gras spirit and kick off Bear Essentials 29!

    Where? Victoria Park, Camperdown
    When? Sunday 16 February 2025
    10am to 4pm
    How Much? Free! No ticket required

    The best way to get to Fair Day is via public transport. All Sydney public transport allows you to pay for your trip using an Opal card or any credit card. Simply tap your card to the reader on the bus or at the station entry and exit for trains, ferries or light rail.

    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Fair Day Afterparty

    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 16:00 - 22:00
    • The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown


    Meet and Greet the Harbour City Bears

    Continue your beeautiful start to the Mardi Gras and Bear Essentials festivities by heading to The Townie for our fair day afterparty!

    Harbour City Bears regular home bar on a Sunday, The Town Hall Hotel in Newtown (affectionately known as The Townie) is where you can head to wind down after a busy day at Fair Day.

    With plenty of seating on the level 1 Midway Bar and the rooftop Cactus Bar, The Townie is a great place to rest your feet and order pub grub at the bar.

    For our Fair Day after party, we're taking over all 3 floors of the Townie from 3pm!

    When you get to the door, show your HCB membership card to get priority entry! If you aren't a member, come see us at the Harbour City Bear stall at Fair Day to scan a special QR code, which will also get you priority entry!

    Come and meet new friends and old, introduce yourself to visiting bears, or just relax and have a dance!

    The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.

    Where? The Town Hall Hotel
    326 King Street, Newtown
    When? After Fair Day
    Sunday 16 February 2025
    from 3pm until 11:30pm.
    How Much? Free! No ticket required
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Beach Day

    • 17 Feb 2025
    • 11:00 - 16:00
    • Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse


    Bare Paws at Little Congwong Beach

    Sun, sand, ocean spray and surrounded by hot bears... Sounds rather delightful, doesn't it?

    Little Congwong Beach is one of the sparkling jewels in Sydney's collection of stunning beaches. Join us as the big fellas at Harbour City Bears pull up a spot of sand to laze the day away.

    Shade may be a little hard to come by, so we recommend an umbrella or hat. Free sunscreen is available from the organisers near the bear flags.

    There are 2 beach visits. This one is at Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse. Check the event dates to ensure you're turning up at the correct beach on the correct date.

    Please note:

    • There is a fair, approximately 15 minute walk, from the beach entry to Little Congwong Beach and there are some steps involved. Please take this into consideration if you have mobility concerns. Please also refer to our accessibility information.
    • Toilets are available near the bus stop.
    • Little Congwong Beach is unofficially clothing optional. Harbour City Bears will not be held liable in the event you receive a fine.
    Where? Little Congwong Beach
    Beach entry at 1532R Anzac Parade, La Perouse
    When? Monday 17 February 2025
    11am to 4pm
    How Much? Free! No ticket required
    What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, food & drink, bag for taking your rubbish home
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Bearaoke

    • 19 Feb 2025
    • 19:00 - 22:00
    • Ginger's Upstairs at The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

    Bear Idol

    Get ready to buzz with excitement at Bearaoke, the karaoke night! Whether you're a queen bee of the stage or just testing your wings, this night promises a good time with a playful, adult edge. Expect a hive full of supportive, buzzing bears ready to cheer you on as you select your favorite tunes from our honeycomb of hits. Let loose, indulge in some cheeky fun, and create sweet memories with your fellow bears and friends at Bearaoke!

    Where? Ginger's
    Upstairs at The Oxford Hotel
    134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
    When? Wednesday 19 February 2025
    from 7pm
    How Much? Free! No ticket required
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Sauna Night

    • 20 Feb 2025
    • 19:00
    • 21 Feb 2025
    • 00:00
    • Sauna X 10 Taylor Street, Darlinghurst
    • 63
    Register


    Steamy Fun at Sauna X

    Whether you're relaxing in the spa or cruising the corridors, that woofer you're looking for could be around the next corner, at Harbour City Bears' (infamous?) Sauna Party.

    Join us for a celebration of body positivity at our Bear Sauna Night, hosted at the brand-new Sauna X by 357 on Taylor Street, Darlinghurst. Dive into three floors of steamy fun, buzzing with excitement. Enjoy everything you love, plus with their new liquor licence, the bar area will keep the nectar flowing. Can you find the sweet nectar you so desire?

    The lounge is a bar and chill out area where you can relax with a beverage. Drinks are assigned to your locker number for easy payment on your way out. Fresh towels are available from the counter at the entry.

    Harbour City Bears are proud partners of ACON, NSW's community health organisation for diverse sexualities, inclusion and genders. Stay up to date with your STI checkups, PREP, and vaccinations, and have fun!

    Where? Sauna X
    10 Taylor Street, Darlinghurst
    When? Thursday 20 February 2025
    7pm to Midnight
    How Much? $25 for members
    $25 for kindred members
    $30 for non-members
    $35 on the door (if not sold out)
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Bear Walk

    • 21 Feb 2025
    • Meet at Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney
    • 15
    Register


    Tour the Tourist Hotspots

    Join us for a Bear Walk adventure, great for those new to Sydney, but there’s plenty for locals too! We'll explore all around Sydney Harbour, visiting parklands with historical and cultural sights, and views of our beautiful harbour. We’ll visit the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, cross the Harbour Bridge, explore Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, and more! We’ll also hop on and off various public transport throughout the walk, so if you’re new to Sydney you can see how it all works! Join us for a memorable exploration of inner Sydney.

    At the tour's end, you'll be right outside The Oxford Hotel, just in time for Furry Friday!

    Where? Meet at Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney
    When? Friday 21 February 2025
    How Much? Free! But registration is required

    The tour will involve a lot of walking. The walked sections are approximately 7.5km (4.6 miles) long in total.

    Parts of the tour will use Sydney's public transport network, so you will need either a credit card with tap-to-pay, or an Opal transport card. See our Tips for Visitors page for more information about Sydney's transport network.

    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Furry Friday

    • 21 Feb 2025
    • 19:00 - 23:00
    • The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst


    Session 1 at The Oxford

    Furry Friday at the Oxford Hotel is Harbour City Bears' weekly meetup for bear men and their admirers.

    The Oxford Hotel is the hive to be on a Friday night, but this Friday we’ll be featured across all four floors of the Oxford from 7pm! With electric DJ sets and both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to mingle with friends or discover a new hottie. Enjoy free soft drinks with your HCB member card and partake in the sweet possibility of winning in our member's raffle for Oxford Hotel vouchers drawn at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. The honey-drenched main event is the coveted member card draw at 10pm—be there or miss out on the nectar! So grab a jug of beer, and let your inner bee loose as you party the night away with your fellow bears across multiple floors.

    Free! No ticket required
    Where? The Oxford Hotel
    134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
    When? Friday 21 February 2025
    7pm to 4am
    How Much?

    Furry Friday will have an Auslan interpreter for the announcements and draws.

    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Beach Day

    • 22 Feb 2025
    • 11:00 - 16:00
    • Obelisk Beach, Mosman


    Bare Paws at Obelisk Beach

    Join us for our clothing-optional beach day at Obelisk beach! Take in stunning views of the harbour and kick back on the sand with friends, soaking up some sun and good vibes. It's your day to unwind, connect, and make some waves with all your new bear friends in town.

    Obelisk Beach is one of the sparkling jewels in Sydney's collection of stunning beaches. Join us as the big fellas at Harbour City Bears pull up a spot of sand to laze the day away.

    At lunchtime the HCB Harbour Cruise will arrive with a boatload of bears who can swim to the beach to mingle.

    Shade may be a little hard to come by, so we recommend an umbrella or hat. Free sunscreen is available from the organisers near the bear flags.

    There are 2 beach visits. This one is at Obelisk Beach, Mosman. Check the event dates to ensure you're turning up at the correct venue on the correct date.

    Please note:

    • There is a short, approximately 3 minute walk from the beach entry to Obelisk Beach and there are stairs involved. Please take this into consideration if you have mobility concerns. Please also refer to our accessibility information.
    • Obelisk Beach is clothing optional. Feel free to wear as little or as much as you want while you are on the beach.
    Where? Obelisk Beach, Mosman
    When? Saturday 22 February 2025
    11am to 4pm
    How Much? Free! No ticket required
    What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, food & drink, bag for taking your rubbish home
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Harbour Cruise

    • 22 Feb 2025
    • 11:30 - 16:00
    • Departing from King Street Wharf
    • 11
    Register


    Skinny Dip in Sydney Harbour

    See Sydney Harbour up close and personal on our harbour cruise! After a long hiatus, our popular event is back!

    Spaces will be limited so get in early for the scenic views with a BBQ provided. As an added bonus, the cruise will pull up to Sydney’s wonderful nude Obelisk beach, at the same time as our second beach day! You can swim to shore to catch up with the beach day attendees, or relax on the deck of our little boat.

    The cruise leaves at 12pm at King Street Wharf in the city, returning at 4pm.

    Please note that the event is BYO drinks, however spirits are not permitted due to RSA restrictions. Pre-mixed drinks are fine.

    This event will likely be very popular so make sure you get in quickly to get your tickets!

    Where? Departing from King Street Wharf
    When? Saturday 22 February 2025
    11:30am to 4pm
    How Much? $100 for members
    $100 for kindred members
    $130 for non-members
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Hump Day

    • 23 Feb 2025
    • 15:00 - 21:00
    • The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown


    Sunday Sessions at The Townie

    Congratulations, you've made it halfway through Bear Essentials 2025!

    For those of you who aren't already napping in preparation for the super busy week ahead, our friends at The Townie in Newtown are hosting us for our regular Sunday afternoon meet up.

    Harbour City Bears regular home bar on a Sunday, The Town Hall Hotel in Newtown (affectionately known as The Townie) is where you can head to wind down after a busy weekend.

    With plenty of seating on the level 1 Midway Bar and the rooftop Cactus Bar, The Townie is a great place to rest your feet and order pub grub at the bar.

    The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.

    Where? The Town Hall Hotel
    326 King Street, Newtown
    When? Sunday 23 February 2025
    from 3pm to 11pm.
    How Much? Free! No ticket required
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Underbear XXX

    • 26 Feb 2025
    • 27 Feb 2025
    • 03:00
    • Arq Nightclub and Sauna X 16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
    • 537
    Register


    Bears Be Free

    Get ready to party hard at Harbour City Bears' infamous Underbear party. Many have tried but none have succeeded in copying our friendly, fun and sexy extravaganza!

    We’ve achieved the impossible and through much hard work with us and both venues - Arq will be linked to Sauna X throughout the night giving the party access to a huge XXX play space!

    Dance to some of the hottest beats served up to you by Australia's leading DJ talent on the Arq dancefloor, and when you make a new friend head down the hotdog hallway to Sauna X. Your ticket gets you access to both venues, and you’ll be able to move freely between them all night. So have fun dancing the night away and getting to know your new friends on a whole other level (literally).

    Your ticket includes a complimentary cloak check, so you can dive into the action without a care.

    Tickets always sell quick, be sure to get yours before they sell out! This is one party not to be missed!

    Where? Arq Nightclub and Sauna X
    16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
    When? Wednesday 26 February 2025
    8pm to 3am
    How Much? $65 for members
    $65 for kindred members
    $70 for non-members
    $75 on the door (if not sold out)
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Games Night

    • 27 Feb 2025
    • 18:00 - 22:30
    • Archie Bros Cirque Electrique 75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
    • 60
    Register


    Archie Bros Cirque Electrique

    Spend a laid-back evening with the Bears at the Entertainment Precinct in Alexandria. We're heading to Archie Bros Cirque Electrique, Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel! Your ticket includes a set of challenge rooms, offering a fun test of your problem-solving skills, a 9-hole round of mini-golf for some light competition, and an hour of play in the video game arcade, where you can enjoy a mix of classic and modern games. Pizza is also included in your ticket, making it a complete, easygoing outing.

    Where? Archie Bros Cirque Electrique
    75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
    When? Thursday 27 February 2025
    6pm to 10:30pm
    How Much? $70 for members
    $70 for kindred members
    $80 for non-members
    $100 on the door (if not sold out)
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Wet Furr

    • 28 Feb 2025
    • 18:30 - 21:00
    • Cook + Phillip Park Pool 4 College St, Sydney
    • 245
    Register


    Pool Party

    It's time to splash out on a new pair of Speedos or boardies, because Wet Furr is here!

    Dive into a sizzling summer adventure with a few hundred fellow bears at our legendary Wet Furr pool party at Cook + Phillip Park! Get ready for an afternoon of naughty splashy fun with plenty of playful pool toys for boys, cubs, and bears in the wave pool, or unwind in the steamy thermo pool. Energize yourself with provided water and tempting light snacks, keeping your buzz going all the way to Furry Friday at the Oxford. Suit up in your hottest speedos, board shorts, or that cheeky mankini, and make a splashing statement!

    Don't forget that you can wander down to Furry Friday at The Oxford Hotel afterwards, and keep your wristband on for priority entry!

    Make sure to buy your tickets now… this event will definitely sell out!

    Where? Cook + Phillip Park Pool
    4 College St, Sydney
    When? Friday 28 February 2025
    6pm to 9pm
    How Much? $30 for members
    $30 for kindred members
    $40 for non-members
    $50 on the door (if not sold out).
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Furry Friday

    • 28 Feb 2025
    • 19:00 - 23:00
    • The Oxford Hotel


    Session 2 at The Oxford

    Because one Furry Friday with 4 floors wasn’t enough, we’re doing two!

    Furry Fridays at the Oxford Hotel is one of two Harbour City Bears' weekly meetups for bears, their friends and their admirers.

    Local and visiting DJs will be spinning some beats across all four floors of the Oxford so enjoy the beers, some dancing, and even some belly rubs from your new friends!

    We will be running prize draws for members at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm on the ground floor. Remember to flash your member card when buying drinks and food to take advantage of the specials listed at the door! Non-members also welcome.

    Where? The Oxford Hotel
    134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
    When? Friday 28 February 2025
    7pm to late
    How Much? Free! No ticket required

    Furry Friday will have an Auslan interpreter for the announcements and draws.

    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Mardi Gras Parade After Party

    • 1 Mar 2025
    • 20:00
    • 2 Mar 2025
    • 03:00
    • The Oxford Underground The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
    • 122
    Register


    Getting Members Out to Party

    Celebrations don’t stop after the parade! For those of you not going or not wanting to go to Mardi Gras Party we’ve got you covered at our Parade Afterparty at Oxford Underground!

    This parade afterparty won’t be one you’ll want to miss with a hive of fun guaranteed. DJs will be mixing beats supplying some sweet tunes all night long. Sexy bears of all shapes and sizes eager to make this a night to remember. Plan to come along and dance the night away with your fellow friendly bears, only the sweetest of times will be enjoyed by all.

    Where? The Oxford Basement
    The Oxford Hotel
    134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
    When? Saturday 1 March
    How Much? $20 for members
    $25 for kindred members
    $50 for non-members
    Show details

  • Bear Essentials 29: Farewell Bears

    • 2 Mar 2025
    • 15:00 - 19:00
    • The Townie


    Bear Sunday Sessions at the Townie

    Congratulations, you've made it to the end of Bear Essentials 2025 and Mardi Gras! If you're not totally shagged out by now, we're having one last hurrah at The Townie in Newtown for our regular Sunday afternoon meet up.

    Join us in farewelling all of those people who’ve travelled here for Bear Essentials 29!

    Harbour City Bears regular home bar on a Sunday, The Town Hall Hotel in Newtown (affectionately known as The Townie) is where you can head to wind down after a busy fortnight.

    With plenty of seating on the level 1 Midway Bar and the rooftop Cactus Bar, The Townie is a great place to rest your feet and order pub grub at the bar.

    The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.

    Where? The Town Hall Hotel
    326 King Street, Newtown
    When? Sunday 2 March 2025
    from 3pm until 11pm.
    How Much? Free! No ticket required
    Show details

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