Fair Day
Sunday 18 February 2024
Update: Fair Day Cancellation
As you might have heard, Fair Day has been cancelled at Victoria Park due to contamination in the park.
We've moved our stall to The Townie and will be having our own mini Fair Day there from noon!
Pick up your party packs, chat to the committee, have a drink or a feed! We'll have DJ Baby Bear, Dj Loo-E & Mark Alsop MA15+, as well as mini-performances by some of Newtown's best drag talent.
All the usual bear benefits will apply all day from noon.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 18 February 2024 from noon until 11:30pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |
Fair Day After Party
Sunday 18 February 2024
Meet and Greet the Harbour City Bears
Harbour City Bears regular home bar on a Sunday, The Town Hall Hotel in Newtown (affectionately known as The Townie) is where you can head to wind down after a busy day at Fair Day.
With plenty of seating on the level 1 Midway Bar and the rooftop Cactus Bar, The Townie is a great place to rest your feet and order pub grub direct to your table via the Me&u app on your phone, or order at the bar.
For our Fair Day after party, we're taking over all 3 floors of the Townie from 3pm!
When you get to the door, show your HCB membership card to get priority entry! If you aren't a member, come see us at the Harbour City Bear stall at Fair Day to scan a special QR code, which will also get you priority entry!
Come and meet new friends and old, introduce yourself to visiting bears, or just relax and have a dance!
The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | After Fair Day Sunday 18 February 2024 from 3pm until 11:30pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |
Press Paws
Tuesday 20 February 2024
Press Paws is Harbour City Bears' video game tournament. Come upstairs to Ginger's Bar for a competitive game of Super Smash Bros. on the big screen, or cheer on your friends while you enjoy a drink.
Join Gayme Master Daniel and his Nintendo Switch for tournament to decide the ultimate Smash Bros victor! Players will be randomised for each round and play head to head until the winner emerges victorious.
| Where? | Ginger's Upstairs at The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Tuesday 20 February 2024 from 6pm |
| How Much? | Free for spectators $10 for players (on the door) |
Beach Day 1
Thursday 22 February 2024
Bare Paws at Little Congwong Beach
Sun, sand, ocean spray and surrounded by hot bears... Sounds rather delightful, doesn't it?
Little Congwong Beach is one of the sparkling jewels in Sydney's collection of stunning beaches. Join us as the big fellas at Harbour City Bears pull up a spot of sand to laze the day away.
Shade may be a little hard to come by, so we recommend an umbrella or hat. Free sunscreen is available from the organisers near the bear flags.
Please note:
- There is a fair, approximately 15 minute walk from the beach entry to Little Congwong Beach and there are some steps involved. Please take this into consideration if you have mobility concerns. Please also refer to our accessibility information.
- Toilets are available near the bus stop.
- Little Congwong Beach is unofficially clothing optional. Harbour City Bears will not be held liable in the event you receive a fine.
| Where? | Little Congwong Beach Beach entry at 1532R Anzac Parade, La Perouse |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 22 February 2024 11am to 4pm |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
| What to bring? | Hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, food & drink, bag for taking your rubbish home |
Big'n'Burly Cabearet
Friday 23 February 2024
An Evening of Talented Bears
Join us at Ginger's for the Big'n'Burly Cabearet. Showcasing the best of the raw creativity of the bear community.
While you're enjoing the performances, also enjoy a variety of delicious canapés included in your ticket price.
We've got a plethora of performances, including dazzling drag, spectacular songs and music, and classic comedy. The evening will entertain, delight and tickle your senses.
| Where? | Ginger's Upstairs at The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Friday 23 February 2024 Doors open 6:30 Show starts 7pm to 10pm |
| How Much? | $50 for members $50 for kindred members $55 for non-members $65 on the door (if not sold out) |
The Cabearet event will have an Auslan interpreter.
Furry Friday
Friday 23 February 2024
Session 1 at The Oxford
Furry Friday at the Oxford Hotel is Harbour City Bears' weekly meetup for bear men and their admirers.
Come for the beers and stay for the dancing and belly rubs to the vibrant beats from both local and visiting DJs.
We will be running prize draws for members at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm on the ground floor. Remember to flash your member card when buying drinks and food to take advantage of the specials listed at the door! Non-members also welcome.
| Where? | The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Friday 23 February 2024 7pm to 4am |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
Furry Friday will have an Auslan interpreter for the announcements and draws.
Yum Cha Brunch
Saturday 24 February 2024
Brunch with the Bears
Chow down on brunch at Marrickville's favourite Yum Cha restaurant, Hung Cheung. We invite you to experience the timeless tradition of Yum Cha, where the art of dim sum meets the joy of brunch.
Our Yum Cha brunch is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Feast on an exquisite selection of steamed dumplings, savory buns, and crispy spring rolls - vegetarian options are available. Green tea is included in your ticket, with other drinks available to purchase.
Join us for a leisurely 2-hour weekend brunch and discover the joy of Yum Cha.
| Where? | Hung Cheung 338 Marrickville Road, Marrickville |
|---|---|
| When? | Saturday 24 February 2024 11am to 1pm |
| How Much? | $55 for members $55 for kindred members $60 for non-members |
Please note that we need to finalise numbers 7 days before the event, so no cancellations will be possible after 16 February 2024.
After-Brunch Drinks
Saturday 24 February 2024
Cocktails and Bears
Relax after brunch in Marrickville's newest LGBTQIA+ bar!
Once we're finished with brunch, we'll cross the road to Miss Wolf Marrickville. They're opening early for the bears to relax and continue the fun.
Special guest Felicity Frockaccino will be keeping us entertained for a great, laid back afternoon.
| Where? | Miss Wolf 285 Marrickville Road, Marrickville |
|---|---|
| When? | Saturday 24 February 2024 1pm onwards |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required. |
Hump Day
Sunday 25 February 2024
Sunday Sessions at The Townie
Congratulations, you've made it halfway through Bear Essentials 2024!
For those of you who aren't already napping in preparation for the super busy week ahead, our friends at The Townie in Newtown are hosting us for our regular Sunday afternoon meet up.
Harbour City Bears regular home bar on a Sunday, The Town Hall Hotel in Newtown (affectionately known as The Townie) is where you can head to wind down after a busy weekend.
With plenty of seating on the level 1 Midway Bar and the rooftop Cactus Bar, The Townie is a great place to rest your feet and order pub grub direct to your table via the Me&u app on your phone, or order at the bar.
The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 25 February 2024 from 3pm to 11pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |
Retro Arcade Night
Tuesday 27 February 2024
Blast from the Past at Astro's
As we celebrate "Our Future", turn back time to our past, for our retro arcade night!
Harbour City Bears is taking over the Astro's Arcade Bar in Newtown! We've unlocked the machines, cranked the retro tunes, and put on some classic-trashy 80s and 90s movies on the big screens!
Arcade Extravaganza: The arcade has dozens of classic retro arcade machines which are all unlocked for free play from 5pm to 11:30pm, including all your favourites: Mortal Kombat 2, Frogger, Double Dragon, Bubble Bobble and more. There's also classic video game consoles with a selection of games, so you can firmly grip your joystick and have sticky fun with some bears and cubs!
Pinball Wizards: For those yearning for the nostalgic click of flippers, there's plenty of pinball machines! They're so retro that they're still coin-operated at $1 per game, and not included in the free-game unlock. Classic machines include: Star Wars, Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Retro Tunes: Everybody Dance Now! We've got a huge playlist of 80s and 90s hits playing all night, so dance like it's 1989 to the retro radio grooves.
Classic & Trashy Movies: Take a break from your games to catch some classic 80s and 90s tv and movies of variable quality on the big screen! You can rekindle your childhood PTSD with Artax and Atreu in the Swamp of Sadness, get into a weird space-van with Pee Wee Herman, visit the far future of 2015, have something deep in you awoken by Bowie lovingly caressing his crystal balls, and get trapped in a variety of video game worlds! These movies and several more too trash to mention will be on the big screens both up and downstairs, all night.
Pizza Delights: Refuel your gaming with pizza included in your ticket price, from the always excellent Rocketboy.
Astro's Arcade Bar boasts an extensive selection of craft beers, starting from $13. Or indulge in fabulously themed retro pop-culture cocktails and mocktails priced from $20.
Ticket numbers are strictly limited to make sure there's plenty of machines to go around, so get in quick to get yours!
| Where? | Astro's Arcade Bar 22 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Tuesday 27 February 2024 5pm to 11:30pm |
| How Much? | $20 for members $20 for kindred members $25 for non-members $30 on the door (if not sold out) |
Underbear
Wednesday 28 February 2024
Dare to Bear
Get ready to party hard at Harbour City Bears' infamous Underbear party. Many have tried but none have succeeded in copying our friendly, fun and sexy extravaganza!
Dance to some of the hottest beats served up to you by Australia's leading DJ talent as the Bears take over Space Nightclub. You're invited to take part in a night of lasers, sweaty bodies, hot visuals and LOUD music.
We will have 2 rooms with different DJs and music styles for you to get down to your jocks and dance the night away.
Tickets always sell quick, be sure to get yours before they sell out! This is one party not to be missed!
| Where? | Space Nightclub Above the Shark HotelLevel 2, 127 Liverpool Street, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Wednesday 28 February 2024 9pm to 3am |
| How Much? | $50 for members $50 for kindred members $60 for non-members $65 on the door (if not sold out) |
Underbear Afterparty
Thursday 29 February 2024
Extra Dirty Dancing
If you've finished at Underbear and want to keep partying, Sydney Sauna is hosting the official Underbear Afterparty.
Keep your Underbear wristband on for discounted entry!
| Where? | Sydney Sauna Level 1, 38-42 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 29 February 2024 1am until late |
| How Much? | $20 if you have an Underbear wristband |
Entry is paid on the door, no need to pre-register.
Sauna Party
Thursday 29 February 2024
Sauna Party at Sydney City Steam
Whether you're relaxing in the spa or cruising the corridors, that woofer you're looking for could be around the next corner, at Harbour City Bears' (infamous?) Sauna Party.
The top floor is a bar and chill out area where you can relax with a beverage. Drinks are assigned to your locker number for easy payment on your way out. Fresh towels are available from the counter at the entry.
Harbour City Bears are proud partners of ACON, NSW's community health organisation for diverse sexualities, inclusion and genders. Stay up to date with your STI checkups, PREP and vaccinations and have fun!
| Where? | Sydney City Steam 357 Sussex Street, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Thursday 29 February 2024 7pm to Midnight |
| How Much? | $25 for members $25 for kindred members $29 for non-members $29 on the door (if not sold out) |
Please note that the elevator at Sydney City Steam is currently unavailable and may not be repaired in time for our party.
Wet Furr
Friday 1 March 2024
Pool Party
It's time to splash out on a new pair of Speedos or boardies, because Wet Furr is here!
Escape the heat in the Cook and Phillip Pool. Drinks and snacks are available in the courtyard and are included the ticket price. Don't forget that you can wander down to Furry Friday at The Oxford Hotel as well if you feel like relaxing with a beverage afterwards. Just keep your wristband on for priority entry!
Light refreshments will also be served, so make sure to buy your tickets now… this event will definitely sell out!
| Where? | Cook + Phillip Park Pool 4 College St, Sydney |
|---|---|
| When? | Friday 1 March 2024 6pm to 9pm |
| How Much? | $30 for members $30 for kindred members $35 for non-members There will be no sales on the door. |
Furry Friday 2
Friday 1 March 2024
Session 2 at The Oxford
Furry Friday at the Oxford Hotel is Harbour City Bears' weekly meetup for bear men and their admirers.
Come for the beers and stay for the dancing and belly rubs to the vibrant beats from both local and visiting DJs.
We will be running prize draws for members at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm on the ground floor. Remember to flash your member card when buying drinks and food to take advantage of the specials listed at the door! Non-members also welcome.
| Where? | The Oxford Hotel 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Friday 1 March 2024 7pm to 4am |
| How Much? | Free, no registration required |
Furry Friday will have an Auslan interpreter for the announcements and draws.
Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday 2 March 2024
Harbour City Bears Parade Entry
Glamour, glitz and VERY loud music - the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is the largest event of its kind for the LGBTQIA+ community in the southern hemisphere!
Our Future is looking bright, as we march down Oxford St to celebrate the inclusivity and uniqueness that makes up our community.
You are strong. You matter. Most of all, you absolutely DO belong. Get out there and make yourself proud.
In 2024, the Harbour City Bears float in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2024 is hosting the United Bears of Australasia, inviting bear clubs from all around Australia & New Zealand. Bears from all across the nation and the world are welcome to participate and march, dance and celebrate with your furry kindred.
| Where? | Oxford Street, Darlinghurst |
|---|---|
| When? | Saturday 2 March |
| How Much? | $50 for members $50 for kindred members |
Registrations are now closed, but we're still taking applications for the waitlist. People will be chosen from the waitlist in case someone drops out of the parade before the day.
To register on the waitlist, click here and fill in the form.
Registered marchers will receive an information pack with all the crucial information closer to the date.
Farewell Bears
Sunday 3 March 2024
Bear Sunday Sessions at the Townie
Congratulations, you've made it to the end of Bear Essentials 2024 and Mardi Gras! If you're not totally shagged out by now, we're having one last hurrah at The Townie in Newtown for our regular Sunday afternoon meet up.
Harbour City Bears regular home bar on a Sunday, The Town Hall Hotel in Newtown (affectionately known as The Townie) is where you can head to wind down after a busy fortnight.
With plenty of seating on the level 1 Midway Bar and the rooftop Cactus Bar, The Townie is a great place to rest your feet and order pub grub direct to your table via the Me&u app on your phone, or order at the bar.
The Townie is conveniently located directly outside Newtown Train Station.
| Where? | The Town Hall Hotel 326 King Street, Newtown |
|---|---|
| When? | Sunday 3 March 2024 from 3pm until 11pm. |
| How Much? | Entry is free! No need to register. |