While the name of the event kind of gives you all the information you need to know, we just want to make sure that Lazy Bear Week is on your radar.

This annual event has been held in Guerneville, California, since 1996. The dates for 2023 are 31 July until 7 August.

It is a week-long celebration of big boys with bounce – the programme includes pool parties and dancing as well as plenty of time for just lazing around and relaxing.

Interested? Let’s get into the details.

How Can I Best Prepare for a Gay Bear Getaway?

Pack Appropriately

As it’s a summer event, you might be thinking that all you’ll need is a speedo, sunglasses, and a floppy hat. However, the weather in Guerneville during August can be hot during the day and cool at night, so you’re going to want to pack some versatility in your suitcase.

While flip-flops and a smile will take you a long way, make sure that you bring some comfortable shoes so you can do a bit of exploring if you’re feeling adventurous.

Depending on who you meet during the event, you might be invited to an evening soiree or a smart barbecue – so you’re going to need options.

Plan Around Your Other Gay Bear Vacations

Summer is a busy season for boozy bear-filled parties – you might already have events in your calendar such as Bear Week in Stiges or Key West Bear Weekend in 2023 – there’s no shortage of gay bear weekends for beefy boys. You might need a spreadsheet to make sure that you’re not double-booking yourself and that you’re allocating your vacation time wisely.

Cruising for Sex Between Parties and Fun

One of your main priorities at an event such as Lazy Bear Week is probably going to be to meet new friends and network – as well as have as much sex as you can handle.

While nothing beats a bit of in-person cruising, maximise your strike rate and put the technology to work with Squirt.org – enhance your gay cruising potential on your mobile phone to ensure no hairy gay males escape your sights.

What Are the Key Events in Lazy Bear Week?

Pool Parties

Always popular during Lazy Bear Week are the pool parties. It’s not hard to imagine why – a sunny day, beefy guys stripped down, everyone bopping to some tunes. It’s pretty much gay heaven, right?

There’s a pool party every day, kicking off mid-morning and running all the way through to early evening. Are you ready to make a splash?

Dance Parties

The River Sunset Tea Dance is one of the high-points of Lazy Bear Week, but there’s no shortage of high-energy dance parties to get you moving and grooving until you can’t move or groove any more.

Food and Drink

Any decent Bear-fest puts food front-and-centre and Lazy Bear Week ensures that its men are well-fed.

There’s the daily Bear Buzz Coffee Social plus the Ice-cream Social, and the full range of dining options from casual to formal. Plus lots of local wineries and breweries to explore.

What Other Events Can Gay Males Do in Guerneville, California?

Aside from Lazy Bear Week, there are plenty of other events and activities that gay males can enjoy in Guerneville, California.

There are hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, and the nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re interested in history, Fort Ross is worth a visit.

Additionally, the nearby town of Occidental offers a thriving art scene and some good shopping opportunities.

Or you can just be a lazy bear and soak up the local vibe. Whatever works for you.

Find our more about Lazy Bear Week

Which Bear events are at the top of your travel wish-list? Jump into our comments below and let us know your plans!

Written by Gareth Johnson