Leather Weekend Puerto Vallarta 2025
- 20-23 November 2025
- Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta's leather scene keeps evolving, and 2025 looks like the year it really takes off. The coastal resort city has long drawn gay travellers with its lively bar scene and golden beaches, but the leather and bear communities have been carving out a space of their own. The STUDS Bear and Leather Bar started hosting dedicated events a few years ago and each edition has grown bigger than the last. For 2025, organisers have announced “Leather Fever” and it reads like a four‑day celebration of kink, camaraderie and sunshine. Slated for November 20 to 23 at STUDS and Pool Club PV, the gathering is timed to coincide with American Thanksgiving week and promises late‑night parties and daytime pool sessions. It is a chance to meet leathermen from across the continent, unwind by the ocean and lose yourself in the beat of house music while sporting your favourite gear.
Unlike many circuit events that lean heavily on DJs and dance floors, Leather Fever builds its schedule around community traditions. The weekend opens with a welcome party at STUDS on Thursday, a low‑key opportunity to register and catch up with friends. Friday’s programme blends a sun‑soaked pool party at Pool Club PV with the first round of the Mr Leather Vallarta contest. Contestants are judged on confidence, community involvement and leather style, and the winner represents Puerto Vallarta in competitions abroad. Saturday follows a similar pattern, with another daytime pool gathering and the final round of the contest in the evening. On Sunday the mood softens with a leather brunch and sunset tea dance at Pool Club PV. Later that night the closing party at STUDS brings everyone back together to say goodbye. Over the four days there are also cigar socials, gear showcases and workshops on fetish etiquette, plus a Mr Kink competition for those whose interests are less traditional.
What makes this event stand out is its sense of place. STUDS is more than just a bar; it’s a community hub in the Zona Romántica that supports local lgbtq+Q+ charities and provides a safe space for people to explore their identities. Many attendees spend their afternoons wandering the cobblestone streets or lounging on nearby beaches before heading to the night’s events. The organisers encourage visitors to support Puerto Vallarta’s small businesses—grab tacos at a family‑run stand, buy handmade leather goods from local artisans or schedule a massage with one of the independent therapists who set up along the Malecón. The city’s relaxed vibe means there is no pressure to dress to the nines at all times; flip‑flops and harnesses often sit side by side.
Past editions of Puerto Vallarta’s leather weekend have raised funds for local causes, including the SETAC community resource centre and HIV prevention programmes. The 2024 event partnered with the PAPA BEAR PRESENTS team to produce contests and donate a portion of ticket sales to charity, and the same ethos carries forward. Tickets for 2025 are sold individually rather than as packages, making it easier to drop into a specific party. If you’re planning to attend, book accommodation early—hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly in November as visitors escape colder northern climates. Consider arriving a day or two before the festival to acclimate, explore the Zona Romántica and catch one of the sunset cruises that leave from the marina each evening.
Puerto Vallarta is no stranger to large gay celebrations: Pride takes over the city every May and other events like Brawny Bear Weekend bring thousands of visitors. Leather Fever slots into this wider calendar, offering a more niche experience that still feels welcoming to newcomers. You’ll find people of all ages and body types, from first‑timers nervously clutching their first piece of leather to seasoned veterans flaunting elaborate fetish gear. The organisers stress consent and respect, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or opt out of activities that don’t appeal to you. Many first‑time visitors leave with lasting friendships and a deeper understanding of what the leather community is about.
As with all travel plans, details can change, so keep an eye on the STUDS website and the event page on GayPV for the latest announcements. The November dates and contest schedule were accurate when this article was updated, but venues sometimes tweak timings or add surprise performances. Whether you’re a leather aficionado or just curious, Leather Fever 2025 offers a chance to experience Puerto Vallarta from a different angle—sunsets over the Pacific, a soundtrack of house and disco, and a community ready to welcome you into the fold.
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