Things are about to get a lot hairier, and I am not talking about Donald Trump’s ugly ass bouffant on top of his head. New York City’s very own Bear Week of sorts, The 8th Annual Urban Bear, is taking over New York City this weekend, and promises to be a weekend filled with fun, madness, debauchery, shirtless (maybe pantsless) men, and so much more.
The event, spearheaded by founder Robert Valin, has been a New York City staple for the bear community for the better part of the past decade, and features a bevy of fun activities, parties and whatnot over the course of four days where even the most jaded type of bear or bear lover can find some interest in. I have been for the past five years, and have enjoyed what Robert and the rest of the Urban Bear crew have brought to each event they bring to the table.
Speaking of the events, here is a detailed view of what each day will look like, per their website–
THURSDAY, MAY 12
‘STACHE BASH: GLITTER BEAR!—The Official Urban Bear NYC Kick-Off Party
WHEN: 6pm
WHERE: Julius’ Bar & Grill 159 West 10th Street @ Waverly Place; juliusbarnyc.com
ADMISSION: Free
Show off your Fu Manchu, handlebar or other creative lip covering at Urban Bear’s opening night gala. NYC’s original gay bar (Yup! That’s pre-Stonewall) just received landmark status, so spirits will be high and the grill afire, with more hot meat than you can shake your stick at. This year’s theme: Glitter!
FRIDAY, MAY 13
OPEN PLAN: A VERY UNOFFICIAL ‘BEAR INVASION’ OF THE WHITNEY
WHERE: The Whitney Museum 99 Gansevoort Street (between Washington Street & 10th Ave)
WHEN: 7:00-10pm
ADMISSION: Pay-What-You-Wish Fridays, 7–10 pm
Take a stroll along The HighLine then meet your fine furried friends over at The Whitney, NYC’s hot new museum at its new, breathtaking location in the MeatPacking District.
Each Friday, The Whitney invites the public to pay what wish from 7-10pm. Art & Bears followed by Bears in their underwear? Enough said!
THE ÜNDERBEAR PARTY
WHERE: Rock Bar, 185 Christopher Street rockbarnyc.com
WHEN: 10:00 pm
ADMISSION: $10
Wear your sexiest skivvies to this manly panty party featuring furry fellows and tons of flesh. Cheap drinks, DJ Jerel Black and a clothes check all contribute to a sweaty good time.
SATURDAY, MAY 14
BEARS ON BIKES II
WHERE: Meet at the CitiBike Station; corner of West 14th St. & 10th Avenue
WHEN: Saturday, May 14 @ 10:30AM (group departs at 11:00 am sharp)
MAY IS BIKE MONTH! Join a gaggle of Bears and friends as we chew up the scenery cycling downtown on Hudson River Park. Bring your own wheels or rent them on the cheap with Citibike, NYC’s famous bike share program. We’ll grab some grub on the fly at Brookfield Place than park it for an impromptu picnic—Urban Bear Style—along the grassy fields of Battery Park. A site to behold and not to be missed!
HONEY AT LARGE—BIG DADDY The Official Urban Bear NYC Dance Event
WHERE: The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street
WHEN: Saturday, May 14
ADMISSION: $20 door/$15 advance
Urban Bear’s signature roving dance party hits The Cutting Room for Urban Bear NYC.
DJ Bill Pfeiffer packs the house nuts-to-butts with lovable lumberjacks, brawny boys, hirsute hipsters, go-go bears and other BIG surprises!
SUNDAY, MAY 15
THE URBAN BEAR NYC STREET FAIR— OUTDOOR FESTIVAL, PIG ROAST & BEER FEST!
WHERE: Little West 12th Street between Washington St. & 10th Avenue
WHEN: 1:00- 6:00pm RAIN OR SHINE!
ADMISSION: $10 suggested donation
MUSIC: DJ CHAUNCEY D
*A portion of the proceeds to benefit Freedom for All Americans
Join thousands of the worlds hottest Bears, Cubs and friends at this annual block party in the heart of the Meatpacking District featuring The Brass Monkey’s BEER GARDEN, great grub and an afternoon of dancing and carousing under the sun with our returning mistress of ceremonies, Ms. Ermine Muff.
2016 Exhibitor spaces sold out. To get on the wait list or for 2017 opportunities, contact [email protected]
THE URBAN BEAR NYC STREET FAIR— OUTDOOR FESTIVAL, PIG ROAST & BEER FEST!
WHERE: Little West 12th Street between Washington St. & 10th Avenue
WHEN: 1:00- 6:00pm RAIN OR SHINE!
ADMISSION: $10 suggested donation
MUSIC: DJ CHAUNCEY D
*A portion of the proceeds to benefit Freedom for All Americans
Join thousands of the worlds hottest Bears, Cubs and friends at this annual block party in the heart of the Meatpacking District featuring The Brass Monkey’s BEER GARDEN, great grub and an afternoon of dancing and carousing under the sun with our returning mistress of ceremonies, Ms. Ermine Muff.
2016 Exhibitor spaces sold out. To get on the wait list or for 2017 opportunities, contact [email protected]
I hope everyone goes and has a blast! It is shaping up to be a super fun weekend!