The Official Bear World Magazine Recap of Bears Sitges Week 2024

What happens when you combine sun-kissed beaches, a charming Spanish town and over 8,000 bears from around the globe? You get Bears Sitges Week 2024. From August 30th to September 8th, Sitges transformed into a bear wonderland. A roaring good time that once again proves why it’s one of the biggest and best bear events in the world! If you weren’t there, let’s just say you missed out on the ultimate bear-tastic experience. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with all the highlights.

But with so much happening, where should you focus your energy? Let’s cut through the noise and talk about the absolute highlights you can’t afford to miss.

PopAir BBQs: The Ultimate Bear Feast

If there’s one event you absolutely cannot miss during Bears Sitges Week, it’s the legendary BBQs hosted by the Barcelona-based bear party crew, PopAir! These aren’t your typical backyard cookouts—these are all-day bear feasts that combine mouthwatering food, killer beats and an electrifying atmosphere. Happening on both Saturdays, August 31st and September 7th, at LE PATIO Restaurant, these BBQs offer the perfect mix of laid-back vibes, great food and music that keeps the energy high from afternoon straight through to evening.

PopAir might not be famous for their food, but these BBQs are an exception. Held only a couple of times a year, they serve up hearty, flavorful meals, refreshing cocktails and draft beers that perfectly complement a day of dancing and socializing. Spend a cute Saturday mingling with sexy bears, drag queens, gogo bears showing off their best moves and, of course, the BWM insider (yours truly) hosting and working the crowd. The performers kept the energy high, while the best DJs spun tracks that had everyone grooving from midday till the sun set.

Mems (@memsmb) age 33 from Dallas, TX was in Sitges for the second time and he shared a fun memory from one of the BBQs: “I only went to one of the barbecues on Saturday and didn’t stay that long because, again, I was trying to prioritize sleep. So I actually just showed up and got a burger and fries, which were pretty good—actually, it was delicious. But my big memory is seeing you (Me,  Beltran) dressed up in your pink cowboy outfit and I was just like, ‘Damn, this bitch is f*cking slaying!’ I wish I had the balls to pull some shit off like that too. It’s always really cool seeing you in your element, making sure people have a good time and engaging with everyone, being the life of the party.” A heartfelt comment that made me have to dry the computer keyboard as I was writing this piece.

A word of warning for next year’s newcomers: tickets for these BBQs sell out fast, often weeks before the event, so plan ahead! You’ll need to decide early on if you want to spend your Saturday afternoons lounging at Balmins Beach (and don’t worry, we’ll dive into that hot spot later in the article) or getting into your cutest afternoon outfit to enjoy this marvelous BBQ. And if you’re bold enough, why not do both? After all, Bears Sitges  Week is all about making the most of every moment! 

Daily Fun in the Sun at Balmins

What’s a bear event without some wet time? The bears take over Platja Balmins like it was their own personal haven. Chilling, laughing and connecting, where bold conversations flow as freely as the sangria. This is the local nudist beach where the bears gather every afternoon. Sun, sand and a beach full of guys just enjoying the freedom to be themselves, and absolutely packed during bear week. Whether you were a regular at the beach or just popped by for a quick dip, there was always someone ready to chat or share a laugh. It’s raw, it’s real and it’s a must.

Mems also shared his “I can’t believe this is happening” moment which happened at the beach:

“It was my first time really experiencing the freedom of being nude in such an open space. I’m not used to that kind of vibe back in the U.S., where nudity isn’t as embraced.

Coming back to Sitges and soaking it all in again was mind-blowing. People were so comfortable in their skin, chatting freely like it was the most normal thing in the world. It felt liberating! I loved being flirty and cute with everyone—it made the whole experience feel even more special. I remember thinking, “Is this real life?” It was just a perfect blend of fun and freedom that I never wanted to end.”

This year there were some unexpected weather happenings but nothing too tough to ruin the fun of an all round unforgettable bear week.

Alex Butler (@wondie82), from Bristol (UK) is a seasoned Sitges bear week attendee coming back for the last 6 years. Referring to the rainy day he went ahead and shared: ”If there’s one thing I wish people told me from my first Sitges experience, it is bring an emergency poncho or a packet jacket. While Sitges has some amazing sunshine, heat and beaches, they can have some pretty heavy passing showers. The streets suddenly will turn into rivers and streams very quickly. You’ve got to be careful, one, that you don’t get drenched and two, that you don’t end up with sopping trainers.”

Nightlife is all about the alley, the Square and the Village

If it’s your first time at Bears Sitges Week, you’ve got to get familiar with the local lingo—iconic spots like Bear village, Judgment Square and Bear Alley are key to the experience! In a small town like Sitges, these places shape the urban landscape during the event.

Bear Alley is the temporary name given to a short street full of gay bars that truly comes alive during Bear Week. Starting at Bears Bar and Scandal, passing through other local gay bars like MAN Bar and Club XXL, this is where the night kicks off! Imagine hopping from one bar to another, each with its own unique vibe. Just be mindful (and demure maybe?) about Bukkake, the renowned local sex club where the spiciest hookups happen. The energy here? Absolutely electric.

Mems, our seasoned attendee, shared his routine with us and it’s a pro tip for anyone new to the scene. “After hitting the beach, we’d take a nap around four or five, then head over to Bear Alley. But to me, it was a little bit too crowded. So, what we ended up doing is there was this bar called Brother’s Bar, a couple of blocks away from the alley, which was not as crowded and the drinks were f*cking huge for pretty cheap,” Mems explains. “So we’d get drinks there, try to do the alley sometimes, but I think we preferred the Bear Village just because it was a little bit more space. 

And speaking of the Bear Village… As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, this spot becomes the center of everything. Set up right along the seawalk, this lively hub is like a pride village with a furry twist! Picture booths, bars and bear-friendly businesses all lined up, creating a vibrant space that buzzes with energy. You can meet new friends, grab a drink, or simply soak in the atmosphere—Bear Village is the place to be. Opened on September 2nd, it quickly became the go-to spot and if you haven’t experienced it yet, you’re seriously missing out!

And let’s not forget Judgment Square, right at the edge of the bar action. This bustling pedestrianized intersection is a natural stage for all the cuties to strut their stuff with the open terrace bars surrounding the square. Every chair is perfectly angled to face the crossing, turning it into an impromptu runway. As you sip your drink, you have to enjoy the parade of eye candy.

These spots are legendary for a reason. The atmosphere? Completely unmissable. This is where the party starts, thrives and sometimes doesn’t end until the early morning hours. 

And how about that Mr. Bear Sitges 2024 contest? The competition was fierce, but in the end, only one bear could walk away with the sash and that coveted €400 photo shoot. The crowd went wild and the atmosphere was electric. The tension built up as the contestants showed off their best looks and charm. Did you manage to guess the winner? We didn’t either, but that’s exactly what made it so thrilling! The excitement in the air was palpable and it’s safe to say this was one of the highlights of the week.

First Time at Sitges Bear Week? Here’s the Scoop

If Bears Sitges Week has been on your radar but you haven’t made the trip yet, let’s get you prepped. First things first: book your accommodation early—Sitges fills up faster than you’d expect! Either book a room with a stunning beachfront view or something right in the thick of the action in town, the options are plentiful, just do it quickly. And while you’re planning, don’t forget to secure your BEARS SITGES PACK ahead of time for VIP access to the official parties, because trust us, you don’t want to miss out on these!

The Evolution of Bears Sitges Week

Bears Sitges Week isn’t just your average weekend event anymore—it’s evolved into a full-blown 10-day festivity. With increased popularity and demand, attendees, especially those traveling from abroad, now expect a variety of experiences that justify the long journey. This extended format allows for a wide range of events, from beach outings and cultural tours to themed parties and specialized gatherings like leather and rubber meetups. Whether you’re here for a few days or staying for the full duration, there’s always something to dive into.

The beauty of this 10-day stretch is that it gives everyone flexibility. You can plan your stay around the weekends, making sure you hit the core activities without missing out on any of the fun. For those of you with limited vacation days, don’t worry—I’ve got some tips!

Pieces of Advice from your Insider

If you’re on a tight schedule, focusing on key weekends might be the way to go. You could arrive on Friday, August 30, and stay until Monday, September 2, to catch the opening events, beach gatherings, and the first wave of parties. Alternatively, you can come from Friday, September 6, to Monday, September 9, to enjoy the grand finale, including the anniversary celebrations and Farewell Party. To make the most of your time, consider taking a half-day off or a red-eye flight. Staying close to the action, like near Bear Village or Hotel Calipolis, will make it easy to dive into the festivities.

But don’t just take my word for it—I caught up with some fellow bears to get their insights.

The Inside Scoop from First-Timers and Veterans

I always ask: What’s the one thing you wish someone had told you before your first Bears Sitges Week? Pavle, a 27-year-old from Belgrade and a newcomer to the event, shared some valuable wisdom. “If I could give one piece of advice to a first-timer, it would be to find a crew of friends you feel safe around and go out there with a fresh perspective and an open mind. It’s definitely a lot to take in, but it’s worth it. In all honesty, I wish I had been a bit more prepared! The whole experience caught me off guard and it was overwhelming during the first couple of days until I settled in.”

He admitted that while he knew it was a large-scale event, experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. “I did know beforehand that it was a large-scale event and that quite a number of bears would be there, but experiencing it is a whole different story.”

When it comes to balancing the wild nights with some downtime, Pavle joked, “Balancing? Haven’t heard of her!” He continued, “Juggling the wild nights and some downtime wasn’t easy, but I didn’t party every night. However, I had very little downtime. Recharging would happen in little strolls through the city, having dinner with friends and taking a nap or two during the day. Actual sleep was difficult to achieve” he added with a laugh.

Mems shared a more seasoned perspective. “Um, the balance of wild nights and actual downtime is key, you have to prioritize the downtime. I think my first couple of Bear Weeks, including my first Sitges in 2019, I was trying to do everything. But now, especially as I’ve gotten a little older, you definitely can’t. So I definitely prioritize sleeping, eating, and making sure you have your energy.”

Mems’ advice is gold—knowing when to take a step back and recharge is crucial if you want to make it through the week in one piece!

Alex also found it tricky to keep up with the nights while still recharging. “There’s so much that goes on, so it’s really important to take some downtime. Luckily, I managed to get some by escaping to Barcelona for a day. It’s just 30 minutes away on the train and suddenly you’re in the heart of the city with some amazing sights like the Sagrada Familia, the Palace of Music, the Chocolate Museum. Plus, the food there is amazing and the people are really friendly.”

Discovering Sitges: More Than Just the Party

While Bears Sitges Week is all about the parties, the town itself has its own charm that often surprises first-timers. Pavle was particularly struck by the architectural beauty of Sitges. “I didn’t expect this about Sitges, but I was surprised by its architectural beauty. I’ve had amazing walks along the seaside, taking in the scenery. What stood out to me the most was just the number of great places to eat out at! One particular place I’ve been surprised by was Bar Tomeu, a tapas bar located in the heart of the town. Apart from that, I’ve had a blast at the club Scandal, which had me sweating it out as if I had been visiting a sauna!”

Getting around the event is easier than you might think. The friendly vibes make it feel like you’ve found your tribe and the organizers have you covered with handy tools like the Bear Map to navigate the festivities. And while you’re here, make sure to explore more of what Sitges has to offer. The town’s rich cultural and architectural heritage is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered, with museums, historic sites and local attractions that might just steal your heart. You’ll find yourself wishing you had more time to take it all in!

Alex shared a heartfelt sentiment about Sitges that’s worth noting: “The unexpected gem of Sitges has always been the locals. I’m always surprised at how helpful and friendly the people in Sitges are. Regardless of the volume of bears and all that facial hair and body hair, they’re always happy to see you and have been welcoming year after year.”

Community Spirit and Giving Back

Bears Sitges Week is not just about having the time of your life—it’s also about making a difference. The organizers have a tradition of weaving charity initiatives into the fabric of the event, ensuring that the good times also do some good in the world. But there’s more to it than that. Safety is a top priority, with local authorities working closely with the organizers to keep everything running smoothly. This year, there was quite a bit of buzz about public announcements encouraging attendees to keep things fun but respectful in public spaces. Remember, Sitges isn’t just hosting us—it’s a vibrant tourist destination that welcomes a diverse mix of visitors, from families enjoying the beautiful Catalonian summer to bears looking to cut loose. The Bear Week organizers reminded everyone that in order for the event to continue getting the city’s support, cooperation is essential. After all, keeping the peace with the locals and ensuring everyone has a safe, enjoyable time is key to making sure Bears Sitges Week remains a highlight of the year. A safe bear is a happy bear!

Looking Ahead

As the sun set on the final day of Bears Sitges Week 2024, there was one question on everyone’s lips: “Can we do it all over again next year?” If this year taught us anything, it’s that Bears Sitges Week is far more than just a gathering—it’s a vibrant celebration of community, love and the indomitable bear spirit. The energy, the connections, and the sheer joy of being together in such a beautiful setting make it an event like no other. So, if you missed out this year, don’t fret—the countdown to 2025 has already begun and we’re sure it’s going to be even bigger and better.

Until then, bears! Keep the spirit alive and we’ll see you on the sun-soaked beaches of Sitges next year!

Bears Sitges Week will return September 5 – 14, 2025. For updates and more information be sure to check out their official website bearssitges.org.