About
Our history.
From a small group of bears in 1996 to a community of more than 200 members. The VicBears story.
A timeline
The last thirty years, milestone by milestone.
1996
VicBears founded
A small group of bears in Melbourne form VicBears as an informal social club.
1998
First Den Nights
Regular monthly socials begin. The Laird becomes the home venue.
2003
AquaBear launches
The community swim sessions start. Bears take to the water.
2009
Mr VicBears pageant
First annual pageant. A new sash bearer crowned each year.
2013
Southern HiBearnation founded
Winter festival launches, modelled on international HiBearnation events.
2017
BearFest becomes annual
Summer festival moves to a fixed January–February window.
2018
Mr Australasia Bear joins SH
The regional pageant comes to Southern HiBearnation. Bears from across Australasia compete.
2020
Pandemic disruption
In-person events pause. VicBears keeps the community connected online.
2023
Three decades in
VicBears passes 27 years. The community is bigger than ever.
2025
30th birthday year
A whole year of celebration leading up to the 30th.
2026
30th Birthday Party
The big night. Saturday 25 April at The Laird. A night to remember.