Get Ready for Lazy Bear Week!

Gay bears will converge on the queer-friendly town of Guerneville, California in August for the return of one of the biggest and beefiest FUNdraisers in the world – Lazy Bear Weekend!

We recommend burly travelers use Vacationer’s queer guide for Guerneville to help them plan their trip for a week, August 1-8, filled with fun activities, including pool parties, beach parties, dance parties, campfires, trivia, bingo, mini-golf, and much more!

Lazy Bear Fund, Inc. organizes the annual event that has become one of the largest and most successful bear gatherings in the world. For more than 25 years, the organization has entertained thousands of guests, who also have the opportunity to explore and experience Guerneville, located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley.

In addition to the fun parties, Lazy Bear Weekend also includes cozy campfires and live entertainment for attendees to enjoy. Most revelers stay at campgrounds, in cabins, or can stay in alternate accommodations such as The R3 Hotel, Autocamp, and Boon Hotel + Spa.

Regardless of whether you’re in town for a week or just the weekend; remember that all proceeds for Lazy Bear go to charity. The Lazy Bear Fund has raised over $2.2 million for worthy organizations and causes such as the West County Health Centers, The Positive Resource Center, and Food for Thought, a local food bank.

Get You Bear Tag!

A Bear Tag is the physical representation of your donation for the annual Lazy Bear Week. At the events, presenting/wearing the Bear Tag allows free or discounted admission. In addition, vendors and merchants may offer discounts and perks for a limited time to those wearing/presenting Bear Tags.

Bear Tags can be picked up starting Monday, August 1st at the event Headquarters. Tags will be available throughout the week until the Headquarters closes on Saturday, August 6th. Please bring a printed copy of your confirmation, as cellular service can be spotty. So, what are you waiting for?! Register today by getting your BEAR TAG! 

Housing Forum

The Lazy Bear Fund Inc and Lazy Bear Week are not responsible for finding accommodations for event attendees. However, some attendees have inquired about accommodations. Hotels and campgrounds fill up fast and many are sold out with waiting lists. 

This is why Lazy Bear provides a Housing Forum to exchange housing needs and wants for Lazy Bear attendees. Visit Lazy Bear’s Forum page to inquire or offer a room to rent.

For a list of public accommodations in the area visit the Russian River Chamber of Commerce website. There are also numerous VRBO and Airbnb options in Guerneville and the surrounding area. Again, check out Vacationer’s queer guide for Guerneville for more information, too!

COVID Vaccination Policy 

Lazy Bear’s first priority is, of course, the health and safety of its attendees. That’s why they’ve designed the event as a vaccinated-only event. So, don’t forget to pack your proof of vaccination at the top of your packing checklist or snap a photo of it on your phone.

You must have proof of vaccination CDC document (or a photo of it) easily at hand when you get your tag. Any other credible vaccine passport will also be accepted.

Volunteering

Lazy Bear Week would not be possible if it were not for the generous help and support of the volunteers! So, if you would like to volunteer, fill out and submit this form. A Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with you after you have submitted your contact information in the form.

Merchandise

Lazy Bear merchandise is available online! Check out the new Disco Bear Face Masks! Also available are the beloved t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, Mugs, and Hats. Visit the online store HERE! 

For more information about Lazy Bear Week, visit lazybearweek.org.

This article originally appeared on Vacationer’s sister site, Bear World Magazine.