Atlanta Bear Pride 2026
- April 24, 2026 - April 26, 2026
- Atlanta, GA
For more than a decade Atlanta Bear Pride has brought together bears, cubs, otters, chubs, chasers and friends from across the Southeast and beyond. The event has grown into one of the premier bear gatherings in the United States, mixing community spirit with unforgettable parties in the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant lgbtq+Q+ scene. The 2026 edition is set for Friday April 24 through Sunday April 26, and it promises three days of events that showcase the diversity of bear culture and highlight the welcoming ethos of the city.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with a warm‑up party at Woofs, Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, from 7 pm to 10 pm. This casual gathering is a chance to reconnect with old friends, enjoy drinks and watch games, and ease into the festivities. Afterward the crowd heads over to Heretic, one of Atlanta’s longest running gay clubs with a huge dance floor, for the Bear Invasion. The club’s leather‑friendly atmosphere and legendary DJ line‑ups set the stage for an all‑night celebration. Those who still have energy can make their way to Xion at Future Atlanta from 3 am to 7 am. Future Atlanta is located in the Underground district near Five Points and provides an intimate space for after‑hours dancing.
Saturday’s schedule is equally packed. The Randy Outdoor Tea Dance at Heretic runs from 3 pm to 8 pm and brings hundreds of hot bears and world‑class DJs into the sunshine. A mix of go‑go dancers, drink specials and an electric atmosphere make this one of the largest bear parties in the United States. After a brief break to refuel, attendees return to Heretic for Bearracuda, a traveling party known for its inclusive vibe and fun theme nights. From 9 pm to 3 am the dance floor fills with furry faces and friendly locals. Once again the celebrations spill over into the early morning with an after‑hours party at Xion, from 3 am to 7 am, ensuring that the music never stops.
On Sunday the tempo slows down without losing any warmth. Guests ease into the final day with Sunday Funday at Woofs from 4 pm to 7 pm. The bar’s relaxed environment, hearty bar snacks and multiple televisions showing sports make it a pleasant spot to recount the weekend’s adventures. Afterwards the crowd heads to the Atlanta Eagle, a low‑key gay leather bar known for its pool tables, karaoke and frequent theme nights, for a Sunday tea dance from 7 pm to midnight. The weekend concludes with the Shameless Sunday closing party at Future Atlanta from midnight until 4 am, where DJs keep the beats pumping as everyone celebrates friendships old and new.
Atlanta Bear Pride is more than a string of parties. Each venue tells a story about the city’s queer community. Heretic has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s nightlife since the early 1990s; its spacious dance floor and welcoming staff make it a favourite for leather aficionados and newcomers alike. Future Atlanta, located in Underground Atlanta, offers a state‑of‑the‑art sound system and a rooftop terrace that looks out over downtown. Woofs prides itself on being the city’s only gay sports bar, serving dishes like shrimp skewers and nachos to hungry fans while showing multiple sporting events. The Atlanta Eagle, recently reopened in Ansley Square, balances a low‑key neighborhood feel with leather bar energy.
Beyond the official schedule there is plenty to explore in Midtown and beyond. Midtown is the epicenter of lgbtq+Q culture and nightlife in Atlanta. Bars like Oscar’s, Felix’s and Friends on Ponce each have their own personality: Oscar’s is a chill spot with disco decor and a spacious patio, Felix’s offers weekly karaoke and trivia nights, and Friends on Ponce has a casual, eclectic vibe. Bulldogs, an iconic part of Black gay Atlanta, pours strong drinks and draws a diverse crowd. If you want something more intimate, try The T in Grant Park or Mary’s in East Atlanta Village. These venues illustrate the breadth of the city’s queer culture and provide options for nights when you need a break from the main dance floors.
When planning your trip, it pays to think ahead. Atlanta’s bear week happens during one of the most pleasant times of the year; late April brings comfortable temperatures and springtime blooms. That beauty, however, draws visitors from across the South, so hotels near the gay district often fill up quickly. Staying in Midtown or the West Midtown area puts you close to the bars and clubs; the Bellyard hotel offers modern rooms and a spacious fitness center, while the Courtyard Midtown has a great location and friendly service. The area is well‑served by rideshares and MARTA public transit, and walking between venues is easy thanks to sidewalks and street lighting.
Travelers interested in culture can combine their bear pride adventure with visits to Atlanta’s museums, parks and historic neighborhoods. Piedmont Park, just a short drive from Future Atlanta, is the city’s green heart. The High Museum of Art showcases regional and international works, while the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park offers insight into the civil rights movement. The BeltLine trail connects several neighborhoods and is lined with murals, breweries and food halls. Exploring these spaces during the day adds depth to a trip that might otherwise be limited to dance floors and dark rooms.
Atlanta Bear Pride has always placed inclusivity at its core. Organisers emphasise that bears, cubs, otters, chubs, chasers and friends of all sizes and backgrounds are welcome. The event’s schedule encourages mingling between local regulars and visitors, and the mix of venues ensures that there is something for everyone. Whether you are drawn by the pounding house music at the Bearracuda party, the laid‑back conversation at Woofs or the camaraderie of a tea dance at the Eagle, you’ll find a space where you can be yourself. Over the years the festival has grown not just because of its parties but because it fosters a sense of belonging. As you look toward April 24–26, 2026, remember that the heart of bear pride is community. Join the celebration, explore the city and contribute to a weekend that celebrates diversity, body positivity and love.
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