Southern HiBearnation '26 — Sail the Seven Seas: VicBears members in pirate costume celebrating at the festival

VicBears Incorporated presents

Southern
HiBearnation '26
— Sail the
Seven Seas

Melbourne's annual bear community festival returns. Nine days of revelry, community, and high seas adventure across Melbourne's best venues.

6–14 June 2026 Melbourne, VIC SEE THE PROGRAM

2026 Festival Program

BearFest & Southern HiBearnation — Full Running Sheet

Festival Southern HiBearnation '26 — Sail the Seven Seas 6–14 June 2026
FRI 6 June 2026

Anchors Away

Opening Night The voyage begins. Come dressed to impress as we raise anchor and set sail for a big week ahead.

DTs Hotel Richmond
SUN 7 June 2026

Sunday Shore Leave

Aquatics Bears take to the water. A relaxed afternoon swim session for the crew.

Richmond Aquatic Centre Richmond
MON 9 June 2026

BF26 — Sail the Seven Seas

BearFest The flagship BearFest main event. Full pirate regalia encouraged. Dance until the tide comes in.

Williamstown Pier Williamstown
TUE 10 June 2026

Plunder Ye Past

Walking Tour A guided stroll through Melbourne's queer history. Secrets, stories, and hidden gems of the CBD.

Melbourne CBD City
THU 11 June 2026

SH26 — Men of the Crew

Social A high-spirited social night for the crew. Pints, ports, and tall tales welcome.

Richmond Sporting Globe Richmond
FRI 12 June 2026

Mr Australasia Bear

Pageant The crown event of the festival. Who will be crowned Mr Australasia Bear 2026?

The Laird Hotel Abbotsford
SAT 13 June 2026

Curse of the Kraken Costume Party

Costume Party Deep-sea monsters, sea witches, and mythical creatures of the deep. Best costume wins.

The Laird Hotel Abbotsford
SUN 14 June 2026

Weigh Anchor

Closing Event All hands on deck for the farewell. Drop anchor, raise a glass. Until next year, crew.

UBQ Melbourne
Festival BearFest '26 January–February 2026
SUN 18 JAN January 2026

BF26 — Midsumma Carnival

Community VicBears at Midsumma. Find us in the crowd and say hello.

Alexandra Gardens Melbourne
SUN 18 JAN January 2026

BF26 — Teddy Bear Banquet

Dinner A formal sit-down celebration for bears and their admirers. Dress to impress.

UBQ Melbourne
SAT 17 JAN January 2026

BF26 — Beach Day

Outdoor Sun, surf, and bears. Bring your towel and your best board shorts.

Williamstown Beach Williamstown
FRI 23 JAN January 2026

BF26 — Mr. VicBears Competition

Pageant Who will carry the sash for 2026? The annual Mr VicBears title is up for grabs.

The Laird Hotel Abbotsford
SAT 24 JAN January 2026

BF26 — Hunk Back to School Party

Party Uniforms, detention slips, and a whole lot of trouble. Class is in session.

The Laird Hotel Abbotsford
SUN 1 FEB February 2026

BF26 — Pride March

Community VicBears march together. Join the float and show the city who we are.

St. Kilda St Kilda

Full program subject to change. Follow VicBears on Facebook & Eventbrite for the latest details and ticket links. All times AEDT.

This isn't just a festival.
It's thirty years of chosen family
finding each other — then throwing
the best party in the southern hemisphere.
— VicBears Incorporated, est. 1996

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