March 5-10, 2024

www.LauderdaleTropicalBear.com

By Brickey Lane

Hibernation has ended and Bears are roaming to South Florida. Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week, formerly known as Bears in the Alley, is scheduled March 5-10, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors. Now in its third year, Tropical Bear Week has expanded from a weekend street party behind The Eagle to a six-day festival packed with events and entertainment.

Thanks to the support and promotion from Visit Lauderdale, Tropical Bear Week expects 10,000 visitors this year. Greg King, part of the event production team states, “not only locals, but also international guests and many from the four corners of Bear Country including New York, Ohio, Texas, and Florida will enjoy the festivities.” 

Even though it is Bear Week by name, all are welcome. “Bear Week is not about a body type or a look; Bear Week is an attitude from a welcoming, friendly, easy-going community having a great time,” says King.

An exciting new event this year is welcoming Drew Sebastian (Yes, that Drew Sebastian!). “Dad’s Cabaret” is an evening of comedy, music, saxophone playing and tales of the porn industry. Sebastian headlines on Wednesday, March 6. 

Other highlights of Tropical Bear Week include Bears in the Park on Saturday, March 9. Richardson Park welcomes Varla Jean, everyone’s favorite sassy drag queen, and singer Crystal Waters. Who doesn’t remember “100% Pure Love?” On Sunday, March 10, El Lugo Resort hosts the Splash Down Pool Party where many of the Bears will take a plunge.

With a lineup such as this and many other events listed online (LauderdaleTropicalBear.com), Tropical Bear Week is expected to become a “must-go-to Bear event.” Partial proceeds will benefit FlockFest and other 501(c)(3) charities.