Brawny Bear Weekend 2025
- 20-11-2025 - 23-11-2025
- Puerto Vallarta
Brawny Bear Weekend 2025 is set to return to Puerto Vallarta for its sixth year, taking over the golden beaches and vibrant nightlife of this Mexican resort city from November 20 to 23, 2025. Each year this gathering pulls in a lively mix of visitors from across the globe who are drawn by a shared love of dance music, sun-soaked pool parties and the carefree camaraderie that blossoms on the shoreline. Spread over four days, the festival uses two main venues: Mantamar Beach Club, perched right on the waterfront, provides the setting for daytime pool parties and sunset tea dances, while Industry Nightclub hosts the late-night events with a roster of drag performances, themed dances and DJ sets stretching well into the early hours. The 2025 edition promises a line-up of ten world-class DJs mixing house, progressive and circuit music; these are names familiar on the international circuit, and they bring with them a vibe that oscillates between mellow afternoon grooves and high-energy nighttime escapades.
One of the distinctive features of Brawny Bear Weekend is the way it invites attendees to slow down and savour the moment. During the day the scene at Mantamar is relaxed and welcoming, with guests lounging by the infinity pool, dipping into the Pacific and chatting with both old and new friends. As the sun dips toward the horizon the mood shifts towards celebration: dancers move from sun loungers to the terrace to watch the sky turn orange during the Sunset Tea Dance, cocktails in hand, before the evening gradually transitions to high-octane nightlife. This year’s schedule includes the signature pool parties at Mantamar, a foam party that has become an unofficial rite of passage, and a series of theme nights at Industry Nightclub inspired by queer cultural icons and pop culture from the 1980s and 1990s. While the event is marketed to the bear community, the organisers emphasise that everyone is welcome; the overall atmosphere is inclusive, friendly and free of judgement.
If you’re considering attending in 2025, it’s worth planning ahead. November is still high season in Puerto Vallarta, and flights and accommodations can fill up quickly. The festival doesn’t sell a single package; instead it sells passes for the events and leaves participants free to choose where they stay. Many attendees book rooms at hotels and guesthouses in Zona Romantica to remain within walking distance of Mantamar and Industry. Others opt for villas in the hills above the city to enjoy private pools and sweeping views. Either way, it’s wise to reserve early. Tickets for Brawny Bear Weekend typically go on sale in late spring, and early-bird passes are known to sell out fast. On the ground, getting around Puerto Vallarta is simple; taxis and rideshare apps are plentiful, and the city’s historic centre is compact enough to navigate on foot.
Beyond the parties, the organisers make a point of giving back to the local community. Part of the proceeds from the 2025 edition will go towards lgbtq+Q+ initiatives in Jalisco, including community health programs and housing projects. There are also daytime activities that showcase the cultural richness of the region: group excursions to nearby beaches, visits to art galleries and street-food tours that highlight the interplay between traditional Mexican cuisine and contemporary culinary trends. In recent years the organisers have hosted informal discussions on body positivity and the importance of safe spaces within the lgbtq+Q+ community, and they are planning similar sessions for 2025.
What’s striking about Brawny Bear Weekend is the balance between hedonism and heart. People come for the music and the chance to dance in the sun but leave having formed friendships and shared in a sense of belonging. Puerto Vallarta itself plays a major role; this seaside town has long been a sanctuary for queer travellers, and its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful facades and welcoming locals are woven into the fabric of the festival. In a time when many large-scale events feel increasingly commercial, Brawny Bear Weekend retains a grassroots feel. The organisers are a small team who started the festival in 2019 as a labour of love, and they continue to cultivate a space that feels personal rather than corporate. As the 2025 edition approaches, there is already chatter online about surprises in store—special guest performers, themed parties and maybe even a pop-up market featuring local artisans. Those details are still under wraps, but the core of the festival remains unchanged: four days of music, sun, water and community in one of Mexico’s most welcoming cities.
Official Website: https://brawnybearweekend.com