By John Hayden

From sunny pool parties to late night action in a dark club to Dad’s Cabaret featuring an adult entertainment legend, Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week is out of hibernation and bigger than ever. Eagle Wilton Manors and its partners bring the spring fling back Tuesday, March 5 – Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The party, formerly known as Bears in the Alley, brings the best of bear culture and gives it a beachy, South Florida Vibe. Here’s a day-by-day look at all of the events.

Tuesday, March 5

The VIP Welcome Pool Party starts at 2pm at Solstice at Wilton. A limited bar, music, and lots of wet fun are promised.

The general welcome party is co-hosted by Gym Bar and Pub On the Drive. The joint party runs 8pm-close and is open to the public.

Wednesday, March 6

Bears get a Queen . . .the Jungle Queen. The party sets sail on the VIP Bear Cruise at 2:30 at 801 Seabreeze. The exclusive event traverses the Intracoastal while you enjoy beverages, a breeze, and gorgeous views of the Atlantic and Fort Lauderdale

That night is a new, special addition to the calendar: Dad’s Cabaret featuring adult movie star Drew Sebastian. He showcases his musical chops which are just as impressive as his other ‘talents.’

“My first career was in musical theater,” he told OutClique. “On porn sets, in between takes, I’d sing songs like Grease Lightning.”

Dad’s Cabaret is at Hunters Nightclub and hosted by Bears of South Florida. The event is included in VIP packages, but regular pass holders will need to buy a ticket for Dad’s Cabaret.

Thursday, March 7

Drew Sebastian isn’t going anywhere. He’s hosting the Tropical Splash at The Easton Rooftop Pool in Courtyard Downtown FTL presented by FlockFest. VIP passes include valet.

The legendary Chi Chi LaRue is taking over Eagle that night. She’s hosting the Bare With Me Harness Party starting at 9pm.

Friday, March 8

Bearish Weekend Vibes will be in full effect on Friday at noon. Beach at Birch State Park hosts the Camo Beach Party. VIP includes some of South Florida’s best barbeque, provided by Smoke BBQ.

Once that wraps up at 5pm, get changed, get some food, and get to Scandals Saloon. They’re hosting the Sunset Tea Dance from 7pm-midnight. 

Saturday, March 9

There will be plenty of bear sightings in Richardson Park during Bears In the Park, from 2pm-9pm. Crystal Waters will headline the party. This event is hosted by Gay Ocho, the largest LGBTQIA+ Latin inclusion festival in the country.

Circumstances and a series of unfortunate events led to this year’s Gay Ocho being canceled. Chuck King and his team at Eagle want to support the community and help keep Gay Ocho in the public consciousness.

Jonathan Casañas, a Gay Ocho producer, is grateful for the opportunity to participate. “I was concerned about ‘staying on the map.’ Sometimes you fall off for one year and you’re not relatable. They reached out to us and wanted the same Latin party.”

That night, Eagle hosts Back Alley Dance Party, starting at 9pm-close.

Sunday, March 10

If you have any energy left, wrap up the weekend at Ed Lugo Resort for Tsunami Pool Party. The closing party runs from 1pm-6pm.