Bear Pride invades San Francisco Nov 7–11

Celebrating ‘everything bear,’ from book readings and bathhouse nights to scenic walks and dance parties


Bears and their admirers will storm San Francisco on the American Veteran’s Day weekend for a celebration of “everything bear.”

San Francisco Bear Pride 2013 runs Nov 7 to 11, with themed events for “bears, cubs, otters, chubs, chasers and friends from around the globe.”

The packed roster of 24 events will showcase the diversity of bear culture — from book readings and dance parties to movies, bathhouse nights and scenic hikes.

One highlight of the weekend will be Matt Alber in concert, on Friday, Nov 8, with a percentage of the proceeds supporting Larkin Street Youth Services.

The 37-year-old bearded troubadour from San Francisco first became known in 2009 when MTV’s Logo Channel introduced Alber to gay America with his song End of the World and its accompanying music video, set in a 1960s barbershop.

Before embarking on his solo career, Alber toured the globe with a classical a cappella group, Chanticleer, with whom he won two Grammy Awards.

Appearing with Alber will be special guests Nakia and Jeb Havens.

Peaches will headline the Bearracuda dance party on Saturday, Nov 9.

DJs Paul Goodyear, Matt Consola and Big Dipper will play the closing party at Beatbox, on Sunday, Nov 10.

Weekend “tags” are available for $70 and offer tag holders discounts at many events and front-of-line privileges at the Lone Star welcome party, Cubcake, Lilith Bear, Bears Love Honey, the Underbear underwear party, Bearracuda and the closing party.

There’s a free beer bust for tag holders at Truck on Saturday, Nov 9.

For more information on San Francisco Bear Pride, visit sfbearpride.com.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay San Francisco, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.

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