International Bear Convergence — IBC to regulars — is Palm Springs's big winter bear weekend. Every February, thousands of bears and their admirers descend on the desert for five days of pool parties, dance nights and social events. The 2027 edition runs from Thursday 18 to Monday 22 February.
IBC is built around a host hotel and its pool, where the daytime parties happen, with evening dance events and bar nights across town. Weekend passes cover the main events, and a programme of social meet-ups, vendors and smaller gatherings fills the gaps. The vibe is friendly and inclusive — a good first bear event as well as a reunion for regulars.
February is peak season in Palm Springs: warm, sunny days in the low-to-mid 20s °C, cool desert evenings, and clear mountain views. It's an easy escape from winter for visitors from across North America and beyond.
IBC sits alongside Palm Springs's other big LGBTQ+ dates — Palm Springs Pride in November and a packed winter calendar of resort parties. Further afield, bears planning a year of events often combine IBC with Bear Week in Provincetown, Bearcelona and Sitges Bear Week.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is minutes from downtown, and Los Angeles is about a two-hour drive. Many attendees book at the IBC host hotel to be close to the action; Palm Springs's men's resorts and vacation rentals are popular alternatives. Book early — IBC weekend fills the town.
International Bear Convergence 2027 runs 18–22 February in Palm Springs. Passes, schedule and host hotel at ibc-ps.com.
7.7km away
