The first event in the Mardi Gras calendar is Fair Day at Victoria Park, Camperdown.
Join over 80,000 people in Victoria Park for a free, fun filled celebration of our communities with delicious food, rides, market stalls, comedy, dance and live music to boot.
Don't forget to drop past the Harbour City Bears stall and say hi on your way through.
| Where? | Victoria Park, Camperdown |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 19 February 2023 10am to 4pm |
| How Much? | Free, no registration 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.
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 direct to your table via the Me&u app on your phone, or order 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!
As it's a special day, we have arranged for our DJs to take over the sound system and play your favourite fun tracks:
| 3:00pm-5:30pm | DJ Jimmy Dee |
| 5:30pm-8:00pm | DJ Loo-ee |
| 8:00pm-10:30pm | DJ Bandit |
The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | After Fair Day Sunday 19 February 2023 from 3pm until 11:30pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |
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 and water 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 venue on the correct date.
Please note:
| Where? | Little Congwong Beach Beach entry at 1532R Anzac Parade, La Perouse |
|---|---|
| When? | Monday 20 February 2023 11am to 4pm |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
| What to bring? | Hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, food & drink, bag for taking your rubbish home |
Our Meet & Greet and Press Paws events are a great way to get to know your fellow bears in preparation for the weeks ahead.
The Harbour City Bears Meet & Greet is a relaxed gathering in the main bar of The Oxford. Catch up with old friends, and meet lots of new ones in the heart of Oxford Street and Taylor Square.
Press Paws is Harbour City Bears' video game tournament. Come upstairs to Ginger's Bar for a competitive game of Super Smash Bros. on the big screen, or cheer on your friends while you enjoy a drink.
The Meet & Greet and Press Paws events are running at the same time at The Oxford Hotel, with the Meet & Greet on the ground floor and Press Paws upstairs in Ginger's.
On the ground floor we have DJ Jimmy Dee playing your favourite fun tracks!
There's plenty of seating and food & drinks available on both floors.
So, whether you're kicking back with a beer or competing for the awesome prizes in Press Paws, this is a great way to start your busy week of fur and fun.
| Where? | The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Tuesday 21 February 2023 7pm to 11pm |
| How Much? | Meet & Greet is free. Press Paws is free to spectate, and $10 to play. |
Discover the NSW wine country, right in our own backyard in a private tour courtesy of our friends and bear travel partners, Planetdwellers.
| Where? | Departs from Taylor Street & Flinders Street |
|---|---|
| When? | Wednesday 22 February 2023 meet at 7:30am, ends at 4pm |
| How Much? | $150 per person |
Bear Tales is an evening of spoken word from members of the bear community. A diverse group of storytellers come together to share their experiences. Whether they’re bears, daddies, cubs, chasers or admirers, each have a voice and a story to tell in a rare event of laughter, emotion, history and heart.
| Where? | Basement Bar at Kinselas Hotel 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst (Taylor Square) |
|---|---|
| When? | Wednesday 22 February 2023 7pm to 10pm |
| How Much? | $15 for Harbour City Bears members $20 for bear kindred members $25 for non-members |
357 Sauna is a brief stroll from Chinatown and has elevator access to all floors.
Whether you're relaxing in the spa or getting your hair done, that woofer you're looking for could be around the next corner.
The top floor 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.
We will have DJ Sugar Plump Fairy on the decks from 7pm to Midnight.
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? | 357 Sydney City Steam 357 Sussex Street, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 23 February 2023 7pm to Midnight |
| How Much? | $35 for Harbour City Bears members $35 for bear kindred members $40 for non-members |
Note that we are hosting 2 different Sauna Parties- they each have different dates, times, and are at different saunas, so ensure you have the correct one!
Furry Friday at the Oxford Hotel is Harbour City Bears' weekly meetup for bear men and their admirers.
It's the start of the weekend and we are taking over all 4 floors of The Oxford!
Come for the beers and stay for the dancing and belly rubs to the vibrant beats from both local and visiting DJs. Don't forget to catch the drag shows in Ginger's, upstairs.
We will be running prize draws for members at 8pm, 10pm and 11pm 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.
We've got a huge variety of Sydney's superstar DJs playing on all 3 floors! DJs Charles, Tom Rogers, Kris Witha K, Baby Bear, Colin Gaff, George Roussos, Bandit, and Shanie D will be playing hot tunes on all 3 floors!
| Where? | The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Friday 24 February 2023 7pm to 4am |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
Glamour, glitz and VERY loud music - the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is the largest event of its kind for the LGBTQIA+ community in the southern hemisphere!
Gather, Dream, Amplify as we triumphantly return to Oxford St to celebrate the inclusivity and uniqueness that makes up our community.
You are strong. You matter. Most of all, you absolutely DO belong. Get out there and make yourself proud.
In 2023, the Harbour City Bears float in the Sydney Mardi Gras is celebrating The United Bears of Australasia, showcasing bear clubs from all around Australia & New Zealand. Bears from all across the nation and the world are welcome to participate and march, dance and celebrate with your furry brethren.
| Where? | Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Saturday 25 February |
| How Much? | $50 for Harbour City Bears members $60 for bear kindred members $70 for non-members $40 members with concessions also available |
Registered marchers will receive an information pack with all the crucial information closer to the date.
All geared up to party but missed out on a ticket in the Mardi Gras parade? Never fear. Those not participating in the parade are welcome down at The Beacham on Oxford St to watch the glitz and glamour of the parade from the comfort of a bar stool.
We'll have the parade on the big screen, and plenty of food to help you celebrate, then music and dancing until late.
We are thrilled to update you all to announce our DJs for the night!
DJ Mikey B from Brisbane will start your night out right, then our superstar DJ Charles will take you on a ride from midnight onwards!
We have also arranged for a great bear-sized menu to be served at different times during the night, all included in your ticket price:
As an added bonus, those of you marching with the Harbour City Bears in the Mardi Gras Parade will receive an extra surprise!
Tickets are limited, get in before you miss out!
| Where? | The Beacham 265-267 Oxford St, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Saturday 25 February 2023 7pm to 3am |
| How Much? | $135 for Harbour City Bears members $140 for bear kindred members $145 for non-members |
Note: Please ensure you're on the same side of the road as The Beacham by 2pm (even if you don't intend to enter The Beacham for another few hours). If you are stuck on the wrong side of the road due to closures, you will need to go around the entire parade route which can be a very long walk (the finish point is near Moore Park). Museum Station will be closed from 5pm on Saturday 25 February until 4am on Sunday 26 February.
Congratulations, you've made it halfway through Bear Essentials 2023!
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 direct to your table via the Me&u app on your phone, or order at the bar.
DJ Mark Alsop will be playing fabulous music for you to chill or dance to!
The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 26 February 2023 from 4pm to 11pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |
Sun, sand, ocean spray and surrounded by hot bears... Sounds rather delightful, doesn't it?
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.
Shade may be a little hard to come by, so we recommend an umbrella or hat. Free sunscreen and water 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:
| Where? | Obelisk Beach, Mosman |
|---|---|
| When? | Monday 27 February 2023 11am to 4pm |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
| What to bring? | Hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, food & drink, bag for taking your rubbish home |
This is a casual dinner at The Townie in Newtown open to all of our locals and guests alike from all over the world. Food and soft drink included. Flash your Harbour City Bears membership card for discounts at the bar.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Monday 27 February 2023 6:30pm to 11pm |
| How Much? | $20 for Harbour City Bears members $30 for non-members |
One of the most iconic, heritage-listed buildings in the world, the Sydney Opera House will be celebrating its 50th year in October 2023.
Come on a tour through this amazing piece of Australian architecture and hear about its Danish origins before settling down for lunch and drinks at a nearby restaurant. The event includes lunch and your first drink.
This is an experience not to be missed.
| Where? | Meet on the Opera House Steps Sydney Opera House Bennelong Point, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Tuesday 28 February 2023 11:45am to 3pm |
| How Much? | $90 per person |
Harbour City Bears are proud to introduce Big & Burly hosted by the amazing Daryl Murphy.
Enjoy an evening of Aussie talent and Bearlesque as we showcase artists from around Australia who will steal your hearts, minds, and maybe your underwear through music, comedy and theatrical performance.
Treat yourself to a night filled with gorgeous, talented and creative bears in our gala evening at The Standard, upstairs at the Kinselas Hotel.
Due to overwhelming demand, we have had to move to a bigger venue! The Big ‘n’ Burly Ca-BEAR-et is now being held at The Standard, upstairs at Kinselas Hotel.
We are so thrilled to announce the acts we have scheduled for the night, we have a mix of drag, burlesque, comedy and live music for you all to enjoy. While snacking on canapes, you will be enjoying the talents of (in alphabetical order):
Of course we couldn’t stop our MC Daryl Murphy putting on a performance too! Stick around after the shows finish, from Melbourne we have DJ Sugar Plump Fairy spinning beats to keep the fun vibe and party going!
Don’t miss out on this amazing evening, buy your tickets now before they sell out again… we can’t move venues again!
| Where? | The Standard Upstairs at Kinselas Hotel 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Tuesday 28 February 2023 7pm to 11pm |
| How Much? | $20 for Harbour City Bears members $30 for bear kindred members $35 for non-members $40 on the door (if not sold out) |
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!
Dance to some of the hottest beats served up to you by Australia's leading DJ talent as the Bears take over Space Nightclub. You're invited to take part in a night of lasers, sweaty bodies, hot visuals and LOUD music.
We will have 2 rooms with different DJs and music styles for you to get down to your jocks and dance the night away.
In the main room we have amazing Australian talent playing all your favourite house, techno and trance bangers:
| 9pm-11pm | Division 4 |
| 11pm-1am | DJ Matt Effect |
| 1am-3am | DJ George Roussos |
We also have the Bums Out Disco Room, with DJ Damien Mack and DJ Darren Hanna from Melbourne tag-teaming each other from 9pm to 2am!
Tickets are selling quick, be sure to get yours before they sell out! This is one party not to be missed!
| Where? | Space Nightclub Above the Shark HotelLevel 2, 127 Liverpool Street, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Wednesday 1 March 2023 9pm to 3am |
| How Much? | $50 for Harbour City Bears members $55 for bear kindred members $60 for non-members $75 on the door (if not sold out) |
If you've finished at Underbear and want to keep partying, 357 Sydney City Steam is hosting the official Underbear Afterparty.
Keep your Underbear wristband on for discounted entry!
DJ Rob Davis will be your DJ so you can party on into the morning!
| Where? | 357 Sydney City Steam 357 Sussex Street, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 2 March 2023 3am until late |
| How Much? | $23 if you show your Underbear wristband $25 for Harbour City Bears members without wristbands $29 for non-members |
Entry is paid on the door, no need to pre-register.
Jump aboard the Mari Nawi (Big Canoe) and learn the traditional culture, history, and stories of one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.
The Mari Nawi and Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruises are owned and operated by Indigenous Australians.
Hear stories of the Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people of Sydney Harbour and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks, before stepping ashore on Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island).
You’ll learn about life pre-colonisation, our coastal lifestyle, traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques. We may even surprise you with a cultural performance!
Lunch is included, with a cash bar available for drinks purchases.
| Where? | Departing from the Eastern Pontoon Circular Quay, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 2 March 2023 9:30am to 2pm |
| How Much? | $80 for Harbour City Bears members $90 for non-members |
Bare it all, relax in the hot tub and meet some new friends.
There is plenty of steam, lots of sexy corridors and corners to explore at Sydney Sauna on Oxford Street. There is something here for everyone, and we will have have superstar bear DJs Charles and Loo-ee on the decks from 7pm to Midnight.
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? | Sydney Sauna Level 1, 38-42 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 2 March 2023 6pm to Midnight |
| How Much? | $40 for Harbour City Bears members $45 for bear kindred members $50 for non-members |
Note that we are hosting 2 different Sauna Parties- they each have different dates, times, and are at different saunas, so ensure you have the correct one!
Note also that Sydney Sauna has no accessible elevator for this event.
It's time to splash out on a new pair of Speedos or boardies, because Wet Furr is here!
Escape the heat in the Cook and Phillip Pool. Drinks and snacks are available in the courtyard and are included the ticket price. Don't forget that you can wander down to Furry Friday at The Oxford Hotel as well if you feel like relaxing with a beverage afterwards. Just keep your wristband on for priority entry!
As an added bonus, we now have DJ Jimmy Dee spinning beats for the ultimate pool party vibe!
Light refreshments will also be served, so make sure to buy your tickets now… this event will definitely sell out!
| Where? | Cook + Phillip Park Pool 4 College St, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Friday 3 March 2023 6pm to 8:30pm |
| How Much? | $25 for Harbour City Bears members $30 for bear kindred members $35 for non-members $45 on the door (if not sold out) |
Furry Friday at the Oxford Hotel is Harbour City Bears' weekly meetup for bear men and their admirers.
It's the start of the weekend and we are taking over all 4 floors of The Oxford!
Come for the beers and stay for the dancing and belly rubs to the vibrant beats from both local and visiting DJs. Don't forget to catch the drag shows in Ginger's, upstairs.
We've got a huge variety of Sydney's superstar DJs playing on all 3 floors! DJs Charles, Galleon, Rob Davis, Tom Rogers, Baby Bear, George Roussos, Chip, Mark Alsop, and Kris Witha K will be playing hot tunes on all 3 floors!
We will be running prize draws for members at 8pm, 10pm and 11pm 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 3 March 2023 7pm to 4am |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
WorldPride are organising Pride Villages to be set up along Crown Street with some fabulous stalls and entertainment over 9 days.
The Pride Villages are unrelated to Bear Essentials and Harbour City Bears, however we are highlighting them here as an awesome initiative you may be interested in.
Check out the WorldPride website for details on the Pride Villages.
| Where? | Crown Street & Riley Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | 24 February to 4 March 2023 |
| How Much? | Free, organised by WorldPride |
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the most recognisable bridge in Australia and you're going to have the rare opportunity to set foot on it without any traffic present.
Entry is free, via ballot on the WorldPride website.
Bears who are selected in the ballot process should register to march at 8:30am.
Once you're registered with World Pride, please also register for our event ticket, to make co-ordinating the Bears' group easier.
| Where? | North Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 5 March 2023 7am to 10am HCB is in the 8:30am group |
| How Much? | You must win a ticket in the free WorldPride ballot If you want to march with Harbour City Bears, please register with us too. |
Congratulations, you've made it to the end of Bear Essentials 2023, Mardi Gras and World Pride! 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.
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 direct to your table via the Me&u app on your phone, or order at the bar.
The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 5 March 2023 from 4pm until 11pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |