Bear Essentials roars into town
BEAR Essentials 2014 will feature 18 events in 10 days — and it’s all happening during Mardi Gras.
But unlike other events on the festival calendar, the bears have used some street smarts, knowing that revellers will need fuel to maintain the party lifestyle.
So sit back and plan your adventures, as boys, you have lots on your plate — including some parties, some tours, and of course the parade.
There are many events, but here is just a taste.
Imperial Hotel Basement
Saturday, February 22; 9pm
The Masked Crusader’s Ball is a fun and funky dance party in the heart of inner- west of Sydney. The Imperial Hotel’s basement bar will be transformed into a funky space with a mixing pot of sounds from across the globe. The DJ line-up features local hunk DJ Richard Bolt mixing it up with Gordon John from the UK, and Vinny Vero from New York — two fantastic international DJs spinning tunes that will get you funky and chilled.
ARQ Nightclub
Wednesday February 26; 8pm
Beartropolis has been held captive. This great city of ours and its superbears are under darkness. Evil and sinister plans are being made to stop citizens from living their fun and furry lives. Partygoers at Arq will be held captive for Underbear: Villain’s Lair. Prepare for pure debauchery from this city’s most ruthless characters. Underbear returns in 2014 to ARQ Nightclub.
SMASH Sausage Kitchen
Monday, February 24; 7pm
What hungry hero or villain doesn’t like a nice sausage with mash? SMASH Sausage Kitchen is a great place to eat with your mates in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. The event is a Harbour City Bears favourite and for Bear Essentials they are heading back there for the festival’s official dinner.
Pick up: The Cambridge Hotel
Monday, February 24; 7.30am
The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park is one of the visited locations outside of Sydney — and this day trip will help you find out why. Spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, breathtaking natural formations, friendly, down to earth people, a tasty Australian style lunch and strolling the elegant streets of mountain hamlets.
Cook and Phillip Park Pool
Friday, February 28; 6.30pm
Aussies love a pool party and Wet Furr will have the bears clogging up the pool filter again. Squeeze into your lycra togs and join hundreds of bears, cubs, daddies and all the admirers you can imagine at play in the pool. Be warned, curious hands have been known to do wanders in the hydro-pool. A barbecue will be operated once again by the gorgeous boys in blue — the Sydney Rangers Football Club.
HEROS AND VILLAIN’S MARCH – HCB MARDI GRAS PARADE ENTRY
Oxford and Flinders streets
Saturday, March 1; 4,30pm
Each year the Harbour City Bears proudly flaunt their fur and march before thousands of cheering parade viewers along the Mardi Gras Parade route. One of the biggest evening parades in the world, marching in Mardi Gras is an unforgettable experience.
You can register to march with the Harbour City Bears by purchasing a parade entry ticket, which gives you a limited edition Bear Essentials 18 festival t-shirt, food at the pre-parade get- together and the experience of a lifetime.
Bakermans, Erskineville
Sunday, March 2; 11:30am
Recovering from Mardi Gras has never been this tasty. Bakerman café and bistro is one of Erskineville’s favourite places to sit and enjoy a n amazing choice of menu items. Their menu is seasonal and offers a fresh and very satisfying eating experience. Places will be strictly limited for this event so registering is essential.
Visit bearessentials.com.au for full information.
