Home  /   North America  /   Key West Events  /   Key West Bear Weekend

Key West Bear Weekend 2026

The Bears don’t hibernate in the Winter.. the smart ones head to Key West every November.

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Higlights

    • Live DJ’s
    • Go-Go Bears
    • Pool and hot tub
    • The Bear Ass Tea
    • SISSY THAT WALK
    • Key West Bear Contest

Key West Bear Weekend 2026

The Bears don’t hibernate in the Winter.. the smart ones head to Key West every November, for a weekend of fun and relaxation! Don’t miss the Island House “Bear Soup” pool parties, Jocktober at Bourbon St Pub’s Pool Garden, dive-in movie, Cowboy Pool Party and the Mr. Key West Bear contest.

  • Stay close to the pool parties and daytime events at Alexander’s Guest house, an adults only hotel rated “Exceptional” by guests with charming rooms and superb hosts. 

The Bear Weekend

  • Awaiting dates to Awaiting dates – Events take place across Key West and are open to everyone. Some of the island’s most popular gay venues host a series of pool parties, night time events and bear gatherings.
  • Island house plays host to the both the welcome event on Wednesday at 5 pm and the Farewell party on Sunday at 6 pm.
  • Pack light gear for pool parties and a jock for Bourbon St Pub’s pool garden event.
  • Stay at the adults-only Porch on Frances Inn, rated “Exceptional” by guests with a perfect locations, beautiful rooms and a warm Key West welcome.

Weekend Passes

  • All-Access is $135 and includes entry to official parties.
  • Plus daily Island House access (pool, gym, hot tubs, sauna, play room).
  • Refundable up to 30 days out.

The Pool Parties

  • Events kick off on Wednesday From 12 pm to 5 pm with the Bear Soup Party at Island house. Grab a swimsuit (or not!) and meet the rest of the gang with lunch poolside, cool cocktails, and new friends.
  • Pool parties continue on Thursday & Friday afternoons at Island House.
  • Events end on Sunday  with the “Bear ASS Tea Party” described as a frisky clothing-optional shindig!

Night Time Events

  • Bourbon Street Pub – New Orleans-themed gay destination for theme nights, drag shows & outdoor pool with bar & theater. The famous men only clothing optional garden pool is a true Key West experience, as are the nightly Men of Bourbon shows.
  • Birdcage Cabaret – Located on Duval Street, Birdcage is a new venue, taking over the old Side Bar venue.
  • Saloon 1 – Host of the infamous Saturday night Cock Shock competition. Claissic gay bar with outdoor patio and a cruisy vibe.

Getting Around to the parties

  • Use the Duval Loop bus; it runs daily and serves Old Town stops around Duval, the Bight, and Truman Waterfront.

Where to Stay during Key West Bear Weekend?

Most of the gay bars in town are clustered along colourful Duval Street so we have found hotel that keep you close,

Duval Gardens,    Truman Hotel,    The Gardens Hotel,    Paradise Inn

Check out out Key West Gay Guide to find the best places to dine, party and play on the island.

Gay Map of Key West

Most of the gay bars in town are clustered along colorful Duval Street, in the historic district, which is also home to dozens of fun shops and inviting restaurants.

Address: 526, Angela Street, Key West,

  • Boutique hotel wrapped in tropical gardens.
  • Polished rooms and private porches.
  • Heated pool, koi ponds, and quiet corners.
  • Self-serve wine gallery and live jazz nights.
  • Steps to Duval, peaceful once inside.
  • Website

Address: 419, Amelia Street, Key West

  • Adults-only guesthouse in Old Town.
  • Studios and suites with kitchens.
  • Leafy courtyard and relaxing pool.
  • Porches or balconies in many units.
  • Easy walk to Duval, calm at night.
  • Website

Address: 819 Simonton StreetKey West

  • Adults-only inn in lush gardens.
  • Historic cottages and bright rooms.
  • Courtyard pool and hot tub.
  • Light breakfast to start the day.
  • Close to Duval, calm at night.
  • Website

Address: 611 Truman AveKey West, FL 33040

  • Modern boutique hotel near Duval.
  • Bright rooms; patios or balconies in many.
  • Palm-lined courtyard and mosaic pool.
  • Light breakfast and on-site parking.
  • Quiet base with easy Old Town access.
  • Website

Address: 724 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040

  • Key West’s best-known gay bar complex.
  • Pool, Jacuzzi, and men-only garden courtyard.
  • Men-only, clothing-optional garden bar with go-go dancers.
  • Go-go shows, drag, and video DJs nightly.
  • Fun, friendly crowd and strong drinks.
  • Open: Daily 10am–4am.
  • Website

Address: 801 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040

  • Iconic gay bar and cabaret on Duval Street.
  • Home of the World Famous 801 Girls.
  • Two drag shows nightly and karaoke nights.
  • Friendly staff, strong pours, full of laughs.
  • A Key West institution since the 1980s.
  • Open: Daily 12pm–4am.
  • Facebook

Address: 711 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040

  • Iconic Duval Street drag-and-dance spot.
  • Aquanettes headline polished nightly shows.
  • Busy bar, fast service, upbeat crowd.
  • Part of the Aquaplex with sister venues.
  • Easy ticketing and multiple showtimes.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 2pm–12am, Fri–Sat 2pm–2am, Sun 2pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 801 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040

  • Classic Key West leather/bear hangout.
  • Dark room, patio, and late-night crowd.
  • Strong pours, cruising vibe, themed nights.
  • Men-forward space near Duval Street.
  • Easy hop from Bourbon Street Pub.
  • Open: Daily 5pm–4am
  • Facebook

Address: 504 Angela St, Key West, FL 33040

  • Intimate cabaret room inside Aquaplex.
  • Live drag with vocals and variety acts.
  • Clear sightlines, seated show format.
  • Quick bar service, upbeat mixed crowd.
  • Steps from Duval; easy venue-hopping.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 2pm–12am, Fri–Sat 2pm–2am, Sun 2pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 504 Angela St, Key West, FL 33040

  • Whimsical martini bar with unicorn energy.
  • Small room, big personality, friendly staff.
  • Happy hour deals and weekly bingo.
  • Perfect stop on an Aquaplex night out.
  • Open: Daily 2pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 1125 Duval Street Key West, FL 330403 

  • Adults-only boutique hotel, bar, and cabaret on Duval.
    Nightly vocal-drag shows in the Crystal Room.
    Piano bar vibes and a lively terrace on the street.
    Sunday Tea Dance by the pool with resident DJs.
    Good food, strong drinks, and friendly service.
  • Open: The Crystal Room from 8pm
  • Sunday Tea Dance by the pool 4:pm-6:30pm
  • Facebook

Address: 711 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

  • Courtyard hideaway behind Aqua on Duval.
  • Casual hang, quick service, strong drinks.
  • Great stop on an Aquaplex bar hop.
  • Daytime specials and relaxed vibes.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 2pm–12am, Fri–Sat 2pm–2am, Sun 2pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 724 Duval St 2, Key West, FL 33040

  • Poolside garden bar at an all-male guesthouse.
  • Men-only space with clothing-optional pool.
  • Late hours, DJs, and a friendly crowd.
  • Easy access to Bourbon Street Pub next door.
  • Right on Duval, social from day to night.
  • Open: Daily 10:00am–4:00am
  • Instagram

Address: 900 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040

  • Late-night karaoke bar with a friendly, mixed crowd.
  • Strong pours, easy prices, and quick service.
  • Simple room with a pool table and TVs.
  • Locals, industry folks, and visitors blend.
  • Casual singalong spot just off Duval.
  • Open: 12pm–4am
  • Facebook

Recommended Hotels in Key West By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Key West that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants, bars & fun

The Gardens Hotel
4 Star, adults-only

The Gardens Hotel
Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Adults-Only with Two Outdoor Pools
  • Close to the gay district
  • Balcony or patio, flat-screen TV
  • Adults-only, two pools, one-minute walk from Duval Street, rooms with balconies or patios.

Paradise Inn
3 Star, Adult Only

Booking.com
  • 3 Star, Landscaped Grounds with Koi Pond
  • Close to the gay district
  • Sitting area, cable TV, microwave
  • Adults-only, landscaped grounds, complimentary breakfast, suites with sitting areas and kitchen.

Douglas House
3 Star, Adult Only

Douglas House
Booking.com
  • 3 Star, Near Ernest Hemingway Home
  • Close to the gay district
  • Microwave, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi
  • Adults-only, minutes from Ernest Hemingway Home, offers free parking, pool, & microwaves.

Truman Hotel 3 Star
Trendy Boutique

Truman Hotel
Booking.com
  • 3 Star, Trendy Boutique with Outdoor Pool
  • Close to the gay district
  • iPod dock, flat-screen TV
  • Trendy boutique hotel, outdoor pool, modern rooms with iPod docking stations, and refrigerators.

Video of Key West Bear Weekend

Key West Bear Weekend Highlights.

The Paradise Inn Key West

Other Events in October

Christmas in New York

Christmas in New York 2026

From: Oct. 28.2026 - To: Jan. 04.2027
Every Christmas, thousands of New Yorkers (and tourists) travel to the bright and brilliant nexus of town: the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
Cave Party Brussels

Cave Party Brussels 2026

From: Nov. 14.2026 - To: Nov. 14.2026
Cave is a pop up underground gay party in Brussels featuring Techno, Progressive House and Trance. The event occurs on different dates throughout the year and during special occasions and holidays.
RiSE Festival Las Vegas

RiSE Festival Las Vegas 2027

From: Oct. 01.2027 - To: Oct. 03.2027
Held in the Mojave Desert outside of Las Vegas attracting thousands of visitors launch thousands of lanterns into the night desert sky
Sinland Tokyo Circuit Festival

Sinland Tokyo Circuit Festival 2027

From: Oct. 01.2027 - To: Oct. 03.2027
Sinland is Tokyo's hottest Circuit Event held each year in early October.
Castro Street Fair

Castro Street Fair 2027

From: Oct. 03.2027 - To: Oct. 03.2027
Created by Harvey Milk in 1974, this annual festival celebrates the Castro District community with a day of eclectic fun.