Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
As One Magical Weekend continues to evolve as one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, its expansion to include Bear Jamboree marks a meaningful and long-overdue spotlight on a beloved subculture within the community. Launched in 2023 as a “sister” event, Bear Jamboree was created specifically to celebrate bears, cubs, otters, and their admirers, bringing a dedicated space of visibility, connection, and joy to an already iconic Pride weekend.
At its core, Bear Jamboree is about representation. While One Magical Weekend has long drawn massive crowds for its high-energy parties and global appeal, the addition of Bear Jamboree ensures that a community often underrepresented in mainstream LGBTQ+ nightlife has a space that centers its identity. It’s not just about inclusion – it’s about intentional celebration. The event creates an environment where body diversity, masculinity in all its forms, and queer camaraderie are not only accepted but amplified.
This sense of belonging is what makes Bear Jamboree so vital. In a culture that can sometimes prioritize specific aesthetics, Bear Jamboree flips the script, fostering confidence and community through shared experiences. From laid-back daytime gatherings to high-octane nighttime events, the weekend is designed to encourage connection as much as celebration. Organizers emphasize that it’s “a celebration of Pride, friendship, and the kind of memories you never forget,” reinforcing that the magic lies just as much in the people as it does in the parties.
And yes, the parties are a major part of the appeal. Bear Jamboree delivers a full-scale festival experience with a packed lineup of events running alongside One Magical Weekend. Among the standout highlights is the legendary Riptide party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, an unforgettable fusion of sun, water, music, and thousands of revelers dancing beach and poolside or floating down the lazy river. Nightlife is equally electric, with world-class DJs spinning everything from circuit to tribal house, transforming dance floors into immersive, late-night experiences. This year, the all-new Bearlicious dance party will create a dedicated, bear-focused space where partygoers can roam and roar even more freely. These marquee events, combined with more intimate social gatherings, create a dynamic balance that keeps the energy flowing all weekend long.
Ultimately, Bear Jamboree isn’t just an add-on – it’s an essential evolution of what modern Pride can look like. By carving out space for the bear community within one of the most high-profile LGBTQ+ weekends in the world, it reinforces a simple but powerful truth: Pride is for everyone, and every identity deserves its moment in the spotlight.
Get your tickets or weekend passes, and book your hotel room by visiting bearjamboree.com.
