International Bear Convergence (IBC)

International Bear Convergence, usually called IBC, is Palm Springs' bear weekend. It runs over four or five days in mid-to-late February, which is peak season in the desert. The whole thing is built around Hotel ZOSO downtown, which works as a takeover hotel for the weekend. NBC Palm Springs described the 2025 edition as the 11th, so it dates back to the mid-2010s, and the station reported that it drew thousands.

You buy a pass on the organiser's site, ibc-ps.com, which covers the official parties. Hotel ZOSO sells out early and runs a waiting list. In 2026 the organisers added the Hilton Palm Springs, a block east, as a second host hotel. Arenas Road and the gay bars on it are a short walk away, so you don't need a car between events.

The 2026 edition ran in February, centred on Hotel ZOSO with the Hilton as overflow. The organisers have announced 18 to 22 February 2027 for the next edition, and passes and hotel bookings are open on ibc-ps.com.