CLAW- Leather Getaway Los Angeles 2026
- November 26-30, 2025
- Los Angeles, CA
The annual Leather Thanksgiving gathering in Los Angeles, sometimes referred to as the CLAW Leather Getaway, has become a cornerstone event for leather lovers and kinksters who want to come together in a welcoming, inclusive space. It’s not your typical convention – it’s a hybrid of a festival, educational program and family reunion rolled into one. For 2025 the event is scheduled for Wednesday 26 November through Sunday 30 November, based at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Los Angeles. People travel from across North America and beyond to spend the long holiday weekend immersing themselves in the city’s leather scene, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
Hosted by the nonprofit organization CLAW Corp. (the same folks behind the Cleveland Leather Annual Weekend in April), Leather Thanksgiving serves as a fundraiser and a community builder. CLAW Corp. is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to promoting the idea that adult leather and fetish interests are normal, healthy and deserving of respect【780539335741173†L64-L83】. The money raised through registration, auctions and sponsorships supports peer‑led education, harm‑reduction initiatives, trans and BIPOC community programs and other charitable causes. That spirit of giving back is woven into everything the event does, from free harm reduction meetings to outreach programs.
The 2025 edition will once again take over Hotel Indigo at 899 Francisco Street. This modern hotel, with its art‑deco inspired rooms and rooftop pool, has been the event’s host for years and offers attendees a discounted room block. Check‑in officially starts at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, though the lobby tends to bustle much earlier as people begin arriving after flights. CLAW staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist with registration, which runs from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. If you’re staying in the host hotel you can pop upstairs to drop your bags, otherwise it’s an easy ride‑share from any downtown accommodation.
Wednesday evening sets the tone for the weekend with an informal “Arrival Meat & Greet” on the rooftop. It’s part pool party, part cocktail hour: leather men and women trade hugs and introductions while the sun dips behind the skyline. For those interested in sober space, there’s also a harm‑reduction meeting in one of the conference rooms. These meetings continue throughout the weekend and provide a supportive environment for folks who are abstinent or simply want a break from the party energy【996463527288867†L75-L123】. Later that night you might find yourself at a speed‑dating session tailored toward specific interests – whether you’re into rope, pup play or heavy impact, there’s probably a mixer that fits your niche.
Thursday is when things really kick into gear. The morning might begin gently with a yoga session to loosen up, or with breakfast at one of the nearby cafés. By midday the program is full of workshops and demos, many focusing on communication, consent, sensation play and fetish fashion. One of the main draws is the VendorMart, a marketplace of artisan leatherworkers and fetish gear designers that opens each afternoon. Browse for a new harness, pick up a handcrafted paddle or chat with artists from the Tom of Finland Foundation, who host a small kink art show featuring dozens of provocative paintings and drawings【996463527288867†L221-L442】. In between shopping and workshops you can drop into more speed‑dating sessions; these are small, facilitated meetups designed to break the ice around kinks that might otherwise be hard to talk about. Puppy and handler socials, queer cigar lounges and BIPOC meetups all have dedicated time slots.
Thanksgiving dinner itself is woven into Thursday’s schedule. Instead of a formal banquet, CLAW hosts what they call the “Chosen Family Dinner,” a buffet‑style meal that acknowledges that many in the leather community create families of choice. Attendees gather at communal tables to share turkey and fixings, talk about their chosen traditions and remember those who can’t be there. The relaxed vibe continues into the evening with a Holiday Cigar Social on the rooftop. If cigars aren’t your thing you might slip over to the pool deck for a night swim or head to one of the off‑site bar nights organized by local clubs; dozens of Los Angeles venues run drink specials and theme nights over the weekend.
Friday is the biggest educational day. Starting from 10 a.m. there are back‑to‑back workshops on everything from advanced rope harnesses to negotiation techniques, bootblacking and erotic hypnosis【780539335741173†L88-L97】. There’s also Kinky Yoga for those who like to stretch in their gear and a midday Bear Pool Party that’s exactly what it sounds like. The VendorMart swells with Black Friday‑style deals, and the art show expands to more than 150 works curated in partnership with the Tom of Finland Foundation【996463527288867†L221-L442】. Social spaces include BIPOC and trans lounges, where people of color and trans folks can meet up in a safer setting to share experiences. As the sun sets the energy shifts toward nightlife: the Rubber Skyline Party encourages shiny latex looks and features DJs and go‑go dancers, while the Black and Blue Party leans into a classic leather aesthetic with dark rooms and pounding industrial beats.
Saturday keeps the momentum going. In the morning there’s a Leather Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring people who’ve made significant contributions to the fetish community. It’s followed by a light‑hearted Leather Gameshow that’s part trivia, part physical challenges. More workshops take place throughout the day, and there’s a Pet Mosh where puppies, kitties and other human animals (plus their handlers) can romp on padded mats. In the late afternoon there’s a Singles Mingle for those who haven’t yet found their crew, and then one of the weekend’s signature events – the Hercules men’s play party. Admission is restricted to those who’ve registered in advance and consent to the rules; inside, participants explore BDSM play under the supervision of trained dungeon monitors. If that intensity isn’t your style you can dance the night away at the closing party or simply wind down at the hotel bar.
By Sunday morning many attendees are bleary‑eyed but still smiling. A casual farewell brunch in the hotel restaurant provides a last chance to swap phone numbers, trade gear and plot next year’s reunion. Some people extend their stay to explore Los Angeles – its leather bars in the Silver Lake and Downtown arts districts, the queer nightlife of West Hollywood and the beaches of Venice and Santa Monica all offer a change of pace after the concentrated weekend. Others head straight to the airport, already reminiscing about the connections they’ve made.
Preparing for Leather Thanksgiving 2025 requires a bit of planning. If you want to stay at the host hotel be sure to book early; rooms at the group rate typically sell out months in advance【719331017844850†L56-L74】. Don’t forget to pack your leather and fetish gear – harnesses, boots, gloves and pup hoods are all welcome, but comfort is also key for long workshop days. A government‑issued ID is required to check in and attend official events, and you’ll need proof of registration to enter the Hercules party and other controlled spaces. It’s wise to bring some cash for tipping bartenders and bootblacks, though most vendors accept cards. Finally, be open to new experiences. Many people arrive knowing only a handful of friends but leave feeling like they’ve joined a family.
What sets this gathering apart fr
Official Websiteom some other leather events is its emphasis on education and community. Yes, there are parties, but there’s also a strong ethos of consent, mentorship and harm reduction. The presence of dedicated sober and BIPOC spaces, numerous workshops and the Chosen Family Dinner underscores the organizers’ belief that fetish communities thrive when they are inclusive and supportive of one another【780539335741173†L64-L83】. If you’ve ever been curious about the leather scene or are a veteran looking for a meaningful way to spend Thanksgiving weekend, Leather Thanksgiving 2025 promises camaraderie, learning and plenty of playful mischief.
Official Website