Southern HiBearNation Melbourne 2027

Southern HiBearNation is Melbourne’s big winter party for the bear community. It’s got a full run of themed parties, workshops, and social events, all building up to the Mr Australasia Bear competition. You’ll find a welcoming crowd, a mix of local and international bear fans and their admirers. It’s a good place to meet people.

The festival tends to spread its events across Melbourne, using venues that like queer crowds. They'll announce the specific places and times closer to the date, but past years included social get-togethers and dance parties. Think of it as a chance to see Melbourne’s queer scene, with bear culture front and center.

Fitzroy and Collingwood, two of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, are often where the LGBTQ+ nightlife happens. They’ve got plenty of bars for different tastes. During HiBearNation, these areas usually feel pretty lively, a good way to get a feel for Melbourne while you're there for the festival.