Brisbears Northern Exposure 2025

Brisbears Northern Exposure 2025

Join the biggest celebration of the Bear Community, coming out of hibernation, held in Brisbane every October, the Brisbears Northern Exposure.

• Visiting Brisbane? Enjoy a unique experience at the Ovolo Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests and featuring exquisite decor, a stunning rooftop pool and high end room amenities.

The Events

• Next Edition: Awaiting dates – Typically mid October.
• Mr Bear Queensland is than just a Miss World beauty pageant, the winner will be the Brisbear figurehead, a charity champion and representative at Southern Hibearnation.
• Two of the most anticipated parties include the Polar Bear Pool Party and the Underbear underwear party.
• The entire event finishes off with a farewell afternoon at the Brunswick with live entertainment, nibbles and guest DJs. Live entertainment, great music, cold beers, hot food and all your favorite friends. The perfect farewell.

The  Schedule

• Use the following as a guide: Awaiting full program.
• Friday  Balls Out Bingo – The award-winning Balls OUT Bingo Brisbane has been a huge success for the now for many years. Many a bear has graced the stage as a ball boy. Now is the time for Mr Qld Bear 2024 contestants to take their turn at the barrel. Held at The Sportsman Hotel
• Friday  Mr Bear QLD Competition – Brisbears brings you the main event – The Mr Bear QLD 2024 Competition.
  Join us and cheer on your favourite bear, who will compete over 3 rounds for the coveted title of Mr Bear QLD 2024.
  More than just a beauty pageant, the winner will be our Brisbears figurehead, a charity champion and our representative at Southern Hibearnation for 2024.
• Saturday – Brisbears Pool Party – Get ready to make a splash at the Fortitude Valley Pool, located at 432 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley, as Brisbears celebrate their 30th anniversary with a poolside bash like no other. This aquatic adventure is set to take place from 1pm to 5pm, and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action!
• Saturday  – Underbear XL – One of Brisbane’s most sought out underwear parties is back, and this time it’s bigger than you’ve ever seen before, taking over the entire Sportsmans Hotel. There will be two main dance areas, a chillout area and access to the smoking areas.
• Sunday Farewell Afternoon Party – Time to say goodbye to any out of towners that made it through and Farewell for another year. From 2 pm the Brunswick Hotel for a chilled afternoon in the beer garden, with entertainment by Daryl Murphy and DJ Fradge

Gay Brisbane

• Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, has been rapidly growing into a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. The city has a lot to offer to gay travelers and locals alike, from its sunny climate, scenic riverfront, cultural attractions, to its burgeoning queer nightlife.
• Fortitude Valley (often just “The Valley”) is Brisbane’s main hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture. Located northeast of the CBD (Central Business District), Fortitude Valley is known for its lively bars, nightclubs, and an inclusive atmosphere.

Popular Gay Venues

• The Beat A Brisbane institution, has been the city’s premier gay club since the early ’80s. With multiple dance floors and a mix of music, it’s a hit with locals and visitors alike. The club also has regular drag shows and themed nights.
• Fluffy is a Sunday night party at Cloudland and it’s the place to be if you’re looking for a glamorous night out. With fantastic drag performances, DJs, and a stylish crowd, it’s a must-visit.
• The Sportsman – Also known as “Sporties“, this gay-friendly pub has been a fixture of Brisbane’s LGBTQ+ scene for decades. It offers casual dining, drag shows, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• The Wickham An inner-city gay pub in Brisbane that welcomes everyone. Today, the Wickham offers a friendly atmosphere and a cosmopolitan feel with a beer garden and nightclub.

Other Tips

• Brisbane’s Pride Festival is an annual event, usually held in September, and it’s a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, pride, and community. There’s a parade, parties, and a wide range of cultural events.
• For daytime activities, consider visiting New Farm Park or taking a stroll along the Brisbane River. Both are popular spots where you might bump into local LGBTQ+ folks enjoying the outdoors.
• Coffee Shops and Cafes: Brisbane has a thriving coffee culture, and while not exclusively gay, many cafes in and around Fortitude Valley are LGBTQ+ friendly. It’s a great place to relax and people-watch.

Where to stay in Brisbane?

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

The Fantauzzo,   Grand Chancellor,   Meriton Suites   Hyatt Regency