Bear Essentials '29: Free To Bee

Bear Essentials ’29: Free To Bee

Bear Essentials Entertainment Scene Scene Events

Naomi Lawrence
February 10, 2025

Image: Supplied by the Harbour city bears

In 2025, the Harbour City Bears are bear-ing it all for the group鈥檚 30th anniversary! Australia鈥檚 largest bear community presents the 29th iteration of Bear Essentials, with a brawny, jam-packed lineup for Mardi Gras 2025.

The community-run event offers more than 150 events, from huge parties to intimate hangouts, all connected by this year鈥檚 buzzy theme Free to 鈥楤ee鈥� 鈥� a delightfully sweet take on the official Mardi Gras theme of Free to Be.

From February 16 鈥� March 2, the Bears invite everyone 鈥� regardless of your experience 鈥� to join their hyper-social, hirsute group for a buzzing good time. Known for forgoing stereotypes, Harbour City Bears foster a safe, approachable and open space, especially for those dipping their paws in for the first time.

Bear Essentials begins with their annual participation in the iconic Mardi Gras festival Fair Day at Victoria Park 鈥� make sure to stop by the Harbour City Bears鈥� stall to soak in the community spirit.

This year, the Bears are breaking new ground with their naughty Underbear XXX Party, held across two of Sydney鈥檚 hottest venues, Arq and Sauna X 鈥� think back to the golden era of backroom parties.

For a more playful vibe, Bearaoke promises cheeky fun and cheers for all, while the Wet Furr Pool Party offers a welcoming space, so let loose!

Other must-see events include the Harbour Cruise with a stop at (the clothing optional) Obelisk Beach, Furry Fridays at the Oxford Hotel, Bare Paws Walk & Beach Day, and, of course, the Mardi Gras Parade and always-raging After Party鈥攁 lively and furry spectacle which embodies the festival鈥檚 essence.

Harbour City Bears鈥� President Scott Ridley and Vice President Ryan Adams emphasise the group鈥檚 dedication to fostering a welcoming space for all. 鈥淲e鈥檝e felt the queer community鈥檚 core has been sidelined by commercialisation, and we鈥檝e worked hard to reclaim our space,鈥� Ridley explains.

鈥淓ven if you don鈥檛 think you fit the 鈥榖ear鈥� mould, you鈥檒l always have a place with us,鈥� Adams adds.

Whether you鈥檙e diving into the steamy Sauna Party or enjoying the laid-back Games Night, Bear Essentials offers something for everyone.

With great emphasis placed on freedom of expression and community pride, the Harbour City Bears are proof that the spirit of Mardi Gras is stronger than ever. This year, embrace your authentic self and celebrate with the Bears 鈥� where everyone is truly free to be.