Austin Bear Weekend

Austin Bear Weekend kicks off Friday, July 24, and runs through Sunday, July 26, with events spread across several venues around town. It's the first annual edition of the weekend, hosted by RGV Bears, and they've built it around a mix of pool parties, lake trips, and nightlife. The host hotel is the Sleep Inn & Suites Austin - Northeast at 8410 US-290, which is where a good chunk of the action happens.

Friday starts early with a Welcome Hotel Pool Party from 12 PM to 5 PM at the hotel. That night, the party moves to Highland Lounge from 10 PM to 4 AM, with DJ Sin Morera and DJ Dani Toro on the decks. Saturday is the lake day: Bear Watch runs from 12 PM to 6 PM at the Hippy Hollow Barge on Lake Travis, hosted by RGV Bears. When the sun goes down, the party shifts to Austin Eagle from 10 PM to 3 AM with DJ Alex Ramos.

Sunday is a three-part wind-down. It starts with Bear Naked Yoga at the hotel from 9 AM to 10 AM, followed by Bear Brunch at The Austin Eagle from 11 AM to 3 PM. The weekend closes with the Bear Maximum T-Dance Social at the Coconut Club Rooftop from 5 PM to 9 PM. RGV Bears describe the whole thing as a summer getaway of "bears, barges, and unforgettable moments," with nightlife adventures, boat parties on Lake Travis, and daytime socials.

There are two ways to do it: a General Pass for $95 or a VIP Pass for $125. The VIP pass adds round-trip bus and barge transport from the Marina and access to the Sunday morning yoga session. Both tickets cover the shows and entrance, but food is a la carte. The weekend is strictly for over-21s, and you'll need your ID at the door. All sales are final.