International Bear Convergence (IBC)

The International Bear Convergence (IBC) takes over Palm Springs every February. It’s four days. Thousands of bears and their fans show up, turning the city into one big party, all under the desert sun.

The main action happens at Hotel Zoso, the host hotel. Expect big pool parties there, with DJs, plenty of bars, cabanas, and sun decks. At night, it’s dance parties, drag shows, and comedy. There’s also a vendor mall, if you want to shop. Or you can just go look at Palm Springs’ mid-century houses or the desert around town.

You can get a VIB (Very Important Bear) Pass for everything, plus some extras. Or a Weekend Pass if you just want the main events. The Bear Splash pool parties are a big deal here; people call them some of the biggest in the world. IBC also sends money to the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert.