This weekend don’t be surprised if you see a boatload of bears cruising down the Ottawa River.

Local queer rugby team the Ottawa Wolves host the Overboard boat cruise Saturday, June 8 and past Wolves president Johnny Festarini says ticket sales will go toward general operating expenses as well as allow the team to compete in Australia’s Bingham Cup in 2014.

The Ottawa rugby season just kicked off, and both the men’s and women’s teams played their first matches last week. But the male Wolves got an early start this year, Festarini says.

“The men attended a tournament in May, hosted by the Chicago Dragons, where we competed against seven other teams from across the US. We made it to the third-place final, but ultimately lost to the Charlotte Royals,” he says.

The Wolves will host the Beaver Bowl this summer, and the tournament will coincide with Capital Pride, a coincidence that is particularly exciting, Festarini says.

Montreal DJ Stephan Grondin will act as Overboard’s resident beat master.

Overboard

Sat, June 8, 6:30pm

Jacques Cartier Park Wharf

To purchase tickets, visit the Wolves’ official site or Wilde’s at 367 Bank St.