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• VicBears Den Night: May 2026

  • When
    23 May 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    The Laird Hotel

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: TREASURE CHEST - SEASON PASS

  • When
    06 June 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Melbourne
  • Spaces left
    100

  Treasure Chest - Season Pass
  
  Season Pass go from 12pm April 1st
  
  This be the booty that pirates most desire. The one they fight for. The one they covet. It’s the mighty SH26 Season Pass and it’s gonna be popular.
  
  The pass gets you guaranteed entry into:

  MTC: Meet the Contestants
  Below Deck: UnderBear
  Pirate King: Mr Australasia Bear Competition
  Curse of the Kraken: Hunk Costume Party
  Weigh Anchor SH26 Closing Party
  
  On top of that you’ll get a pirate swag bag with a SH26 limited edition t-shirt, SH26 dog tags and other pirate goodies valued at a whopping $75.

  Passes are limited to 100 and they always sell out. Do not be left at the dock. Passes go on sale 1 April.
  
  PASS PICK UP 
  6th June at Eagle Leather from 11am - 4pm
  6th June Opening Party

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: ANCHORS AWAY - WELCOME PARTY

  • When
    06 June 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    DT's Hotel

  Anchors Away Opening Party! 

  Date: June 6th
  Time: 6pm 
  Location: DT’s Hotel

  Ahoy Mateys, it be Captain Neil “The Dusty Hole” here. I be here to ask ye landlubbers to a party to celebrate me ship, the “Semen o' War”, arriving in port and the opening of SH25. Anyway, that’s enough pirate talk - the "Arrrs" hurt my throat.

  Yup, it’s Southern HiBearnation again, and this year we’re going pirate style, and to kick it all off, we have a pirate-worthy epic opening party planned. Expect some food, some drinks, some laughs, some banter and maybe some pirate networking for clandestine rendezvous during the week of SH26. It’s a free entry and gonna be a whole lot of fun, so polish your hook, throw on an eye patch and come join us. 

  
  

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: SUNDAY SHORE LEAVE - AQB/BBE

  • When
    07 June 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Richmond Aquatic Centre & Sporting Globe Richmomd

   Sunday Shore Leave 

  Date: 7th June
  Time: 12pm (AquaBear) 1:30pm (Bears Be Eatin')
  Location: Richmond Aquatic Centre/ Sporting Globe Richmond
   

  So, its Sundy and you got shore leave, but what’s there to do apart from sitting around stroking your parrot and polishing your hook?

  Well, we got our monthly Sunday Funday happening, so come join us for a splash about in a 45-minute low-impact aqua aerobics session, then head off to the Sporting Globe for a well-earned feed and maybe a few drinks – hey, you’ve just done an aerobics session, you deserve a drink.

  Really chilled day and great event to meet the people you’ll be partying with over the following days 

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN - DR. GEOGRE & BJ CLASS

  • When
    08 June 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    The Laird
  • Spaces left
    24

   The Captain’s Cabin - DR. George and BeeJay 

  Date: 8th June
  Time: 4pm
  Location: Laird Hotel
  
  Tickets are live from 630pm April 1st 
  

  As any seaman knows, what happens in the captain’s cabin stays in the captain’s cabin. It’s a place spoken about only in whispers. Stories of floggings, spankings and intimate encounters between pirates seeking comfort within each other as the loneliness of life at sea becomes too much.

  Well, we’re throwing open the doors of the captain’s cabin with a masterclass hosted by two of Melbourne’s most recognisable and knowledgeable community members – BeeJay and Dr George.

  Dr. George Class:
  Grab your lube and loosen up matey… because The Ass Class with Dr George is coming, and it’s going to change the way you think about anal play — forever.

  Dr George, a Melbourne-based GP with specialist training in sexual health, gay health, and HIV, is here to spill the secrets of pain-free, pleasure-filled anal fun in a no-shame, all-inclusive space. Whether you’re a curious explorer, confident top, eager bottom, or seasoned fister, this class will take your skills — and your confidence — to the next level.

  We’ll dive deep into how the ass actually works, how to work with it for maximum pleasure, what causes anal pain (and how to avoid it), and how to prep and clean out without stress or mess. You’ll also learn what to do when things go sideways, how to talk to your doctor without embarrassment, and when it’s time to get checked out.

  Come curious. Leave empowered, relaxed, and ready to be the best damn bottom — or top — of your life. Spaces are limited, and trust us… you don’t want to miss this one.

  BJ Class:
  BeeJay, the cute-as-a-button co-owner of the Melbourne iconic Eagle Leather, is known for his knowledge and love of impact play – in fact, his educational expertise has seen him win coveted awards for "Australia's Best Sex Educator" as well as “Australia’s Best BDSM Master” at the Eros Shine Awards. In this masterclass, BeeJay will be going over how impact play can be used as a tool for a variety of experiences – sexual, chasing that endorphin high, bonding or even a part of protocol in a power exchange relationship. By the end of this class, you should be able to comfortably handle impact equipment to successfully play out your fantasies. This class is open to all experience levels.

  Men only VCAT H14/2022 

  
  

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: SAIL THE SEVEN SEAS - TALL SHIP CRUISE

  • When
    09 June 2026
  • Spaces left
    38

   Sail the Seven Seven Seas (Well, the bay anyway)

  Date: June 9th
  Time: 3 – 4pm
  Location: Williamstown Harbour
  
  Tickets are live from 6pm April 1st 
  

  Would SH26 be a real pirate theme without you guys getting to go on a pirate ship? Hell no! So, we checked with Disney, but they wouldn’t let us use the Black Pearl – something to do with Johnny Depp, the FBI and a goat! But we don’t judge. What we have scored to take us out to sea (well, the bay anyway) though is the Enterprize, 27-metre topsail schooner replica of the tall ship that hoofed the first European settlers from Tassie over to Melbourne in 1835.

  Y’all not gonna get anything closer to a pirate ship in Melbourne than this! This is an hour-long cruise, but this is not a booze cruise. There's no promenade deck serving afternoon tea. Julie, your cruise director, has probably been replaced by a rugged, bearded, tattooed man named Fluffy. This is a working tall ship offering an experience, not a luxury cruise. There's limited seating, and depending on the weather, the ride could be a rocking and a rolling. It doesn’t get more legit than this, so if you think you've got the sea legs for it, grab a ticket fast because they are very very limited - like literally book now! 

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️SH26: BEARS BE GROGGIN' - PIRATES TAVERN

  • When
    09 June 2026
  • Spaces left
    50

  Bears Be Groggin’ 

  Date: 9th June
  Time: 4-6pm
  Location: Pirate Tavern Williamstown 
  
  Tickets are live from 6pm April 1st 
  

  You wanna be a pirate and spend the afternoon at a legit Pirate Tavern. Well, we got covered with a chill afternoon, sinking some brews and having a feed at the Pirate Tavern in Williamstown. Located in the stunning maritime village of Williamstown and with amazing views across the bay of Melbourne’s city skyline, this is gonna be the perfect spot to spend a couple of relaxed hours soaking up the atmosphere and getting ready for the mammoth week ahead. It’s like the pirate said to the bar wench, “I be starting slow, but I be finishing hard”. 

  Your ticket gets you some nibbles throughout the afternoon as well as one free alcoholic drink or two non-alcoholic drinks. 

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: BE TESTIN' YE NOGGIN - TRIVIAL HIRSUTE

  • When
    09 June 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM
  • Location
    The Laird

  Testing Ye Noggin’ - Trivial Hirsute 

  Date: 9th June 
  Time: 8pm
  Location: The Laird 

  You might be able to chart your way across the seven seas, but how are you at charting your way through a trivia quiz? Well, you’re gonna find out coz we hired the cheekiest trivia host in town, Dean Arcuri, to run a very special edition of his legendary trivia night, Trivial Hirsute! Dean is an old salt at running these trivia quizzes, and his events are usually a mixture of hilarity, campness, physical challenges and of course some interesting “visuals”. This is a free event, so gather up your crew, get all hands-on deck and put together a table for what’s bound to be a riotous night of fun. 

  Men only VCAT H14/2022 

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: PLUNDER YE PAST - HISTORY WITH HOLI

  • When
    10 June 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Meeting place: Captain Matthew Flinders Statue (opposite Flinders Street Station)
  • Spaces left
    50

  Plunder Ye Past  - History With Holi 

  Date: 10th June
  Time: 12 - 2pm 
  Location: Captain Matthew Flinders Statue (opposite Flinders Street Station) 
  
  Tickets are live from 630pm April 1st 
  

  Everyone’s favourite buxom pirate wench, Miss Holi-Dae Knight, has taken some time out of her very busy schedule entertaining sailors on shore leave to once again host 

  Melbourne’s most favourite gay history walking tour – History with Holi. This year’s walk will feature a nautical theme focusing on the Yarra River and the Docklands area. Holi will be there serving the looks and providing the glamour with Prof Tim Jones (President Australian Queer Archives) there to keep it factual and to make sure we ain’t talking bollocks. 

  There’ll be some light walking required, and maybe some public transport, so ditch the thigh high pirate boots in favour of some comfy walking shoes, grab your myki and grab a ticket. 

  All profits are going directly to the Australian Queer Archives. 

  ALL GENDER EVENT

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: BELOW DECK - UNDERBEAR

  • When
    10 June 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM
  • Location
    The Laird
  • Spaces left
    160

  Below Deck  - UnderBear Dance Party 

  Date: 10th June
  Time: 8pm - Late
  Loaction: The Laird 
  
  Tickets are live from 8pm April 1st 
  

  How do you combine an UnderBear Party with Pirates? Buggered if we know, but we’re going to find out coz once again SH26 is featuring one of VicBears infamous Underwear Parties. You know the drill. Chuck on your best skivvies (that’s pirate speak for underwear) and then come shake that booty on the dancefloor and maybe even score some booty while you’re there (wink). Spinning the tunes we’ve got first mate Pup Bandit and the sexy Captain (whose table we’d all like to be under), Damien Mack. The bosun Laird lads will be serving up the brews, and if you guys can bring the Jolly Roger jock straps, the Davey Jones dance moves and the sea dog sexiness - Thar She Blows! 

  Men only VCAT H14/2022 

  UNDERBEAR DRESS CODE: PREPARE FOR FIRST CONTACT

  To board this extraterrestrial voyage, your uniform must comply with mission parameters:

  1. Underwear Only – This is an underwear party—no shorts, no pants, just your best space skivvies.
  2. No Space Suits – Wrestling suits, crop tops, bodysuits, and shirts must remain in deep space.
  3. Harnesses & Leather Vests Welcome – The perfect gear for cosmic adventurers.
  4. No Open-Toed Shoes – Thongs won’t survive interplanetary travel.
  5. Binders Welcome – For those who need them.
  6. Pup Hoods – Must be removed upon entry and when ordering drinks to ensure smooth communication with the crew.

  
  

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: H2- HO JUST ADD BEARS - POOL PARTY

  • When
    11 June 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Wet On Wellington

  H2HO – Just add Bears Pool Party 

  Date: 11th June
  Time: 12pm 
  Location: Wet on Wellington 
  

  Ah, the infamous Southern HiBearnation Pool Party. Who doesn’t love em! You know the deal here. No innuendos needed. Rock up and enjoy a pool full of inflatables – ride ‘em, wrestle ‘em, or just float around with your fellow buccaneers. We’ll have some tunes playing in the background courtesy of John Pants and the Down an’ Dirty crew will be on the BBQ from midday to give you a feed. When you’re done making a splash downstairs, there’s still plenty more fun upstairs for those wanting a bit of all hands-on deck! 

  Really chill day. Relax and chill in the spa, make waves in the water, kick back by the pool or head upstairs to mix with your fellow seamen – whatever your pool party vibe, we’ve got you covered. 

  We have secured a special rate for tickets to this event, but you MUST register for the event at the link provided and be able to show your event registration email at the venue to get the discounted price.

  If you do not register or do not have the registration email available to show at the door, you will have to pay the full price. 

  Wet is CASH ONLY

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: MTC - MEET THE CONTESTANTS

  • When
    11 June 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Sporting Globe Richmond (Upstairs)
  • Spaces left
    60

  MTC - Meet the Contestants 

  Date 11th June

  Time: 7pm 
  Loaction: Sporting Globe Richmond

  Tickets are live from 6pm April 1st 
  

  Meet the Contestants. The night we get up close and personal with the brave buccaneers competing for the title of Mr Australasia Bear 2026. It’s also the night we celebrate one of VicBears major sponsors and true community legends, Eagle Leather.

  We have a special host for this year, and we can almost guarantee the contestants would rather walk the plank than be on the pointy end of his tongue. Joining him, we have a stunning cohost who, just like the mythical sirens of the sea, will seduce you with her performance.

  We also have a special performance planned by some very familiar bears, and we promise they won’t be dancing this year (yes, Damien, we know you tried your best). There’ll be some roaming finger food supplied by VicBears, but you can also purchase full meals along with a specially themed cocktail at the bar. Always a great night, always lots of laughs and banter. Grab your ticket now. 

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: THE PIRATE KING - MR AUSTRALASIA BEAR 2026

  • When
    12 June 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    The Laird
  • Spaces left
    150

  The Pirate King - Mr Australasia Bear 2026 

  Date: 12th June
  Time: 8pm (Doors open from 6pm)
  Location The Laird

  Tickets are live from 7pm April 1st 
  

  This is the big one. The night the king of all pirates is crowned, Mr Australasia Bear 2025. The pirate clans from Australia and New Zealand have sent us their best pirate bears, and this is the night for them to display their Courage, Originality, Charisma, Kindness and Stamina as they compete in three rounds of competition.

  What are they competing for? An amazing sash from MooseKnucle Leather, a major prize from Eagle Leather, other prizes from our sponsors and of course bragging rights for their club. 

  A night of pure bear pride celebrating everything we love about the bear community, and whether you’re there cheering along, competing or just checking out the eye candy, this is the night that brings us all together. 

  Grab a ticket now to be there on the night. 

  Men only VCAT H14/2022 

  
  

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: FEED YE BELLIES - STOMPING GROUND

  • When
    13 June 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Stomping Ground Collingwood

  Feed Ye Bellies 
  
  Date: 13th June
  Time: 12pm
  Location: Stomping Ground Collingwood

  What’s a bear themed festival without a big ol feed. Come and join us at Stomping Ground for a mighty lunch. Named the Best Brewpub in Australia since 2017, Stomping Ground features a massive 30 tap bar and a reasonably priced menu with something to suit just about everyone’s tastes. We’ve reserved a booking there so just rock up on the day, give the VicBears name and you’re in. Just purchase your own food and drinks and we’ll provide the company of sexy bears.
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: CURSE OF THE KRAKEN - COSTUME PARTY

  • When
    13 June 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM
  • Location
    The Laird
  • Spaces left
    160

  Curse of the Kraken - HUNK Costume Party 

  Date: 13th June
  Time: 8pm - Late
  Location: The Laird
  
  Tickets are live from 730pm April 1st 
  

  What’s that on the stern bow? Is it the mighty monster of the seas – the Kraken? Aye aye, Captain, it be the sea monster feared by all seamen. Yup, for this year’s HUNK costume party, we’re celebrating the lair of the mighty Kraken. Think sea monsters, mermen, giant squid – any sort of sea creature you want. Personally, I’m hoping for a Moby Dick but to be honest Id settle for a minnow – I ain’t throwing shit back at this point! If you’re not feeling the sea creature vibe, then come as a sea-faring pirate ready to battle these deep-sea monsters – just make sure your tentacles are safe!

  DJs Darryl Hanah and Tonky will be on the decks serving tunes guaranteed to make even the butchest of bears throw their hands up in the air screaming “I lovvvve this song”. The Laird will be decked out in theme, and there might even be a darkened cave somewhere in the venue but just beware of entering coz there be some slippery characters lurking inside! 

  Men only VCAT H14/2022 

  
  

  
  

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• 🏴‍☠️ SH26: WEIGH ANCHOR - CLOSING PARTY

  • When
    14 June 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    UBQ

  Weigh Anchor  - SH26 Closing party 

  Date: 14th June
  Time: 12pm - 4pm
  Location: UBQ
  
  Tickets are live from 630pm April 1st 
  

  Well, it’s time to weigh anchor and set sail as SH26 comes to an end and sets its course back whence it came – but not without one last party. We’re heading back to UBQ for this event and you can expect some fun performances, some food and drink specials and of course lots of bear hugs as you say goodbye to all the old and new friends you’ve made during SH26. You’ll also be one of the first to know the theme for SH27 – yes, we’re already planning that far ahead. 

  Great way to end SH26, UBQ and their staff have always looked after us and shown us a good time, so make this one a must-do! 

  
  

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• VicBears Den Night: July 2026

  • When
    25 July 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    The Laird Hotel

  
  

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• VicBears Den Night: August 2026

  • When
    22 August 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    The Laird Hotel

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• VicBears Den Night: September 2026

  • When
    26 September 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    The Laird Hotel

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• VicBears Grrrampians Retreat 2026

  • Start
    16 October 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    19 October 2026
  •  
    1:30 PM
  • Location
    Grampians Retreat
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  Registration opens Friday 13 March at 5pm.
  
  Dates: 16 - 19 October
  Location: Grampians Retreat
  
  This is registration only. Once registered an invoice and more details about the event will be sent to your email during April 2026

   
  So, what’s this “Grrrampians” event all about, we hear you say. Well, the VicBears OG’s will most certainly remember it, but for our newer members, the Grrrampians retreat was the VicBears annual getaway from it all weekend away. The last one was held in 2016, but as part of the VicBears 30th anniversary year, we’re bringing it back! Three days of banter, bromances and bears.

  Set at the foot of the majestic Southern Grampians, the Grampians Retreat is a private bushland oasis spanning 80 acres of river flats and natural bushland, where you can wander among the red gum giants, occasionally joined by kangaroos, wallabies, or other unique native Australian wildlife.

  You can chill and chat around the campfire or relax in the solar-heated swimming pool. Or if you’re feeling a bit more active, you can have a crack at archery, flying fox or the giant swing.

  Accommodation is shared cabin style; all meals are provided, and there are plenty of both on- and off-site activities available (some at an additional cost). The important thing about the Grrrampians event, though, is that it promotes bonding and friendship. Studies are showing frightening data that more and more men are struggling with loneliness, with only around 26% of men saying they have more than 4 close friends. This is not happening on our watch! We need to be supporting our bear brothers.
  
  

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• VicBears Den Night: October 2026

  • When
    24 October 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    The Laird Hotel

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• VicBears Den Night: November 2026

  • When
    28 November 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    The Laird Hotel

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