Get Lei'd Too (Jan 20-22, 2012)

We at Bear Albany would like to welcome all our friends to a fun and fantastic 2012! Let's start it off together on the right foot, with our very hot & steamy GET LEI'D TOO party. Imagine warm summer breezes, Tiki Bars on the beach, and all those CHEST HAIRS popping out of sexy HAWAIIAN shirts. Now imagine how freaking cold it's going to be outside and the delicious display of North Eastern BEARS and CUBS grasping each other indoors for warmth.

On Saturday evening we'll be raffling off a FREE WEEKEND at the host hotel for our next event and our DECADENT DUCKS buddies will be giving away one free night at SOUTHERN DECADENCE 2012 in New Orleans!!! So be sure to book your room at the Marriott Host Hotel and ask for the Bear Albany DISCOUNT when calling (518-860-1500). And remember, there's no registration fees and the hotel has a FREE SHUTTLE so you don't have to drive to the bars! For more detailed information on GET LEI'd TOO, be sure to visit our homepage at www.BearAlbany.com.

FRIDAY

GET LEI'D weekend kicks off on Friday, Jan 20 at 9pm with our Meat & Greet at the WaterWorks Pub (76 Central Ave). It's a great time to "meat" new friends and "greet" existing buddies that you haven't seen in a while. WaterWorks Pub always has a great atmosphere, awesome drink specials, free pizza, & wings, and NO COVER for all of our BEAR ALBANY buds. After Midnight the gang will be heading across the street to ROCKS Bar to see Bear Central's GO GO Bears, have a few more drinks, and chill out with a slightly more intimate crowd. See who's going...

SATURDAY

Then Saturday afternoon we're bringing back "Bear Bingo & Happy Hour" from 4-7pm at Oh Bar (304 Lark St). They'll have great drink specials, lots of prizes to win, and cute boys galore. It's just a short 3 minute drive from the host hotel or you can simply take the FREE hotel shuttle there and back. It's the perfect way to get the party started after a relaxing day at the pool with your friends. See who's going...
* * *
Next join the gang, January 21th, 9:00pm at ROCKS Bar for the GET LEI'D TOO main event, where you'll be greeted by a reef of rough and rowdy SEAMEN who'll be in need of BLOWING off a little steam after spending the holidays with family and friends. Come wearing a cute HAWAIIAN shirt or any kind of ocean-themed outfit and then BELLY up to the bar with a new buddy like a couple of sexy SAILORS and exchange your holiday war stories over tropical inspired drinks. And of course we'll be raffling off the free hotel stays around midnight. It's going to be a fantastic evening, so make sure you don't miss it. See who's going...

SUNDAY

Sunday morning let's all meet up for brunch between 10am and 1pm. Based on feedback and comments, it looks like this month's winner will be the Golden Corral Buffet. It's our understanding that they only serve Breakfast until 11am, so you'll want to get there on the early side if you have a hankering for all the eggs, bacon, and sausage you can eat. See who's going...

We're really looking forward to seeing everyone dressed in their Tropical or Summer attire! 

Hugs!
The Bear Albany gang
www.BearAlbany.com

Happy Holidays!


We want to thank everyone for supporting Bear Albany and our charities this past year! Stay tuned for our 2012 event schedule coming out very soon.  Also, sign up for our mailing list to get the most current updates as they occur.

Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful holiday season!

Pigs In Space (Nov 11-13, 2011)


Have you ever fantasized of being swept away by "Obi-Wan KUBnobi" whenever you eat a cinnamon bun? Maybe you'd prefer to blast Aliens with a furrier and more ripped version of Ripley? Or perhaps you've always wanted to be ASSimilated by a group of "Bearg"? Well Bear Albany has been hard at work making your nerd dreams come true with our very first Pigs In Space, SCI FI DANCE PARTY, on November 11-13, 2011. That's right, we want you to come dressed up as your favorite character from Science Fiction, Science Fantasy, or Sci Fi Horror and then show off your big overheating blasters. Be creative and have fun with it because the best Sci Fi costume wins a free weekend stay at the host hotel for any of our 2012 events.

Be sure to book your room now at the Marriott Host Hotel and ask for the Bear Albany DISCOUNT so that you can be guaranteed our special rates (518-860-1500). The rooms always sell out quickly in the last two weeks and we really hate hearing that people have to be turned away. And don't forget the hotel has a FREE SHUTTLE all weekend long that'll pick you up from the train or bus terminal, take you to the hotel, and then drop you off at the bars later on.

Friday Evening

And if you get to town early, swing by McGeary's Pub for dinner and get 20% off your check just by telling the waitress you're with the Bear Albany group. They have great food and the discount price is good all weekend long!

Then come kick off the weekend at WaterWorks Pub (76 Central Ave) with our traditional MEAT & GREET at 9PM. There'll be great drink specials, FREE Pizza & Wings, Dancing upstairs, Bearaoke downstairs, NO COVER for all of our BEAR ALBANY buds, and rumor has it that they may be doing Cupcakes & Cocktails specials. Plus it's also a great time to show off your favorite SCi Fi T-Shirts and make some new NBB's (nerd-bear-buddies). See who's going...

Saturday Afternoon

We had so much fun playing Bear Bingo in September, that we're doing it again with "Bears in Space Trivia & Happy Hour" at Oh Bar from 4-7pm. They'll have $2.50 domestics, $3 draft import, $3/$5 well drinks, $3.50/$5.50 top shelf, and the handsome and talented Mike Bear McNair will be behind the bar. Oh Bar is just a short walk from the Host Hotel or a 3 minute drive if you'd like to take the FREE hotel shuttle (http://goo.gl/nHQdg). It's the perfect compliment to a relaxing afternoon at the pool with your friends. See who's going...

Saturday Evening

At 9pm, come out to ROCKS Bar for PIGS IN SPACE and be sure to dress as your favorite Sci Fi character (77 Central Ave). Creativity and ingenuity are always king, so see what you can come up with, and maybe you'll win a free weekend stay for one of our 2012 events! As always, we'll have great drink specials, FREE PIZZA around midnight, and the dance club will be BLEEPING and BLOOPING with musical delights all night long! And while you're exploring every DARK & DIRTY corner of the universe, remember that what happens in Albany, stays in Albany. See who's going...

Sunday Brunch

We're really excited about Brunch this time around and we're heading to one of our favorite places, Cafe 217. It's right down the road from the host hotel, they have a back room that should be able to fit all of us, and they're cooking up a delicious $20 buffet - tax and tip included! They'll be serving scrambled eggs & delicious omelets (meat or veg), savory bacon & sausage, mouth watering fresh fruit, home-fries, awesome pancakes, toast, and rolls so you can make your own egg sandwiches!  As always everyone meets between 11am and 1pm, so check in with your new buddies, see what works best, and then pass the word on. It'll be a great wrap up to the weekend as you chow down with your new buddies. See who's going...
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PIGS IN SPACEAnd if you're looking for a weekend souvenir, we have a couple Limited Edition Event T-Shirts to choose from. Plus if you pre-order with the Coupon code "PIGSINSPACE", Cub Couture will give you $5 off the price when checking out! Just be sure to use the "IN-STORE PICK-UP" option and they'll have it ready for you when you arrive at the party on Saturday night! Don't miss out on the fun!

Big Hugs,
The Bear Albany gang!

JOCK (Sept 23-25, 2011)

It goes without saying, everyone deserves a huge break away from all the recent weather craziness. And with the 2011 Baseball season ending and the Football season just getting started, Bear Albany is getting into the "swing" of things with our sports gear party, JOCK (Sept 23-25). We're calling all rough and tough men for a weekend of sports uniforms, knee pads, and all the balls you can handle. That's right, this one is for all you SPORTS FANS and admirers of SPORT UNIFORMS. So dig up your old football gear, break out your favorite baseball hat, and show off that tight little singlet you've been hiding in the back of your draw. We want you to show us what team you play for and while you're at it, show us what your favorite position is. As always, there's NO REGISTRATION FEES for the weekend, just the door donation on Saturday night.

Hotel rooms for JOCK (Sept 23-25) have sold out pretty quickly. In the event weren't able to reserve in advance, try calling back on Friday to hopefully grab one of the cancellations. But in case you're worried, the Marriott Townplace has setup an overflow hotel at the Holiday Inn Express in Downtown Albany for $89/night. Just give them a call tell them you're part of the "Marriott's Bear Albany Group" and you should get their special pricing. They're located downtown at 300 Broadway, and even have their own shuttle to get you out to the Bars, the Host Hotel Pool, Bear Bingo, etc.

  • Marriott: 518-860-1500
  • Holiday Inn Express: 518-434-4111
And if you want to beat the rush, make a Marriott reservation for our next event on Nov 11-13. It's a Science Fiction costume party and we can't wait to see what ideas everyone comes up with... 

Friday Evening

JOCK weekend kicks off on Friday Sept 23rd. For those of you who get into town early, Team A-Man is having a HotBoi Auction at ROCKS to benefit AIDSWalk 2011. It's FREE to get in to watch the bois and excitement, FREE to sign up to be a bidder, and everyone is welcome to sign up to be in the auction. That includes all you hot Bears & Cubs who'd like to contribute! The highest bidder will get to take out the Bear, Cub, or Boi to dinner. The Preview is from 6-7pm and the Auction will be from 7-10pm. See who's going...

With all the recent storm and flood activity, Mother Nature has proven herself to a real bitch lately. Our hearts sincerely go out to everyone who's been affected. If you'd like to help, there's going to be a Charity Comedy Show at The Egg, on Friday Sept 23rd from 8-10pm, benefiting 300 local kids who've recently lost everything. Anyone who purchases a ticket to the show will get their first drink for free at WaterWorks on Friday night (beer, wine or well). Tickets & information...

After the show, swing by WaterWorks for our BEARAOKE MEAT & GREET after 9pm (76 Central Ave). It's a great time to "meat" new friends and "greet" existing buddies that you haven't seen in a while. WaterWorks Pub always has a great atmosphere, awesome drink specials, free pizza & wings, and NO COVER for all of our BEAR ALBANY buds. See who's going...

Saturday Afternoon

Head down to the hotel pool on Saturday around noon and enjoy some time making new friends in the hot tub with your fellow bears. Make sure you introduce yourself and don't forget to smile so we all remember your handsome mug. Or if you're looking to get some fresh air before the Bingo & Happy Hour party, check out the Beekman Boys, 2011 Sharon Springs NY Harvest Festival. The main festival runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday and it's not that far of a drive from Albany.

Then afterward, take a quick trip to Oh Bar for the "Out of Bounds Bingo & Happy Hour" from 5-7pm. Bingo cards will cost $2 ea and all sales benefit Our Brothers Keepers. Plus they'll have $2.50 domestics, $3 draft & import, $4.50 wine, $3/$5 well drinks, $3.50/$5.50 top shelf, there will be $2 PomPom Punch Pints. The bar is just a short walk from the Host Hotel or a 3 minute drive if you'd like to take the FREE hotel shuttle. See who's going...

Saturday Evening

At 9pm, come out to ROCKS Bar for JOCK and be sure to wear your favorite SPORTS GEAR (77 Central Ave). Dig up your old football gear, break out your favorite baseball hat, and show off that tight little singlet you've been hiding in the back of your draw. As always, we'll have great drink specials, FREE PIZZA around midnight, and the dance club will be PUMPING with musical PLEASURE all night long! And while you're exploring every DARK CORNER of the bar, remember that what happens in Albany, stays in Albany. See who's going...

Sunday Brunch

Let's all meet for a last goodbye at the Golden Corral Buffet (1901 Central Ave, Colonie, NY 12205). Swing by between 11am and 1pm and bring your new buddies along for company. It'll be a great way to wrap up to the weekend before heading back from the weekend. See who's going...

NUTS N' BOLTS (July 29-31, 2011)


After a long week of partying in the sun, standing in lines, and getting elbowed by "Spice Bears", you're probably looking forward to an inexpensive weekend where you can relax and reconnect with your community. Well we at Bear Albany know exactly how you feel and have something special planned July 29-31, 2011. Join us in celebrating your masculinity with the ROUGH N' TOUGH men of the Northeast. Wear your favorite LEATHER, fatigues, UNIFORMS, chaps, BLUE COLLAR work gear, or whatever else turns you on.

And for those of you who have been more than patient, you'll finally be able to see the new Bear Albany T-Shirts made by our friends at Cub Coutour! Rooms at the host hotel are still available at the discount rate, so be sure to give them a call - Marriott Townplace Suites at 22 Holland Ave in Albany, NY (518-860-1500). And as always, there's NO REGISTRATION FEES for the weekend, just the door donation on Saturday night. It's gonna be one hell of a HOT weekend that you're not gonna want to miss.

Friday Evening
The weekend kicks off on Friday July 29th at 8pm with the CAPITAL REGION'S LAST COMIC STANDING featuring Bear Albany buddy Joe Dragon at the WaterWorks Pub (76 Central Ave). And then the Bear Albany MEAT & GREET starts immediately after the show. WaterWorks Pub has a great relaxed atmosphere on the main level, a dance floor on the upper level, and there'll be awesome drink specials, FREE pizza & wings, and NO COVER for all of our BEAR ALBANY buds. See who's going...

Saturday Afternoon
We had so much fun playing miniature golf and laser tag last year that we decided to make it the Saturday group trip again (July 30th, 2011). Oasis Fun Park is located just 15 mins away in Troy, NY. It's a scenic, multi-tiered, 18 hole MINIATURE GOLF course located on 2.5 wooded acres. They also have LASER TAG, a picnic area, ARCADE GAMES, and a club house with inside and outside seating. Prices are very reasonable and they have plenty of cheap snacks like pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and such. The plan is to meet in the Marriott parking lot at 12pm noon, come up with a car pool plan to get there and back, and then head off to the park. Once there, we'll head off to enjoy the day in the good company of new friends. The park address is 97 North Greenbush Road in Troy, NY. See who's going...

Next we're heading over to ROCKS between 5:30-8pm to enjoy a FREE ITALIAN DINNER BUFFET and to bid on select hotties at the "BEAR, CUB, & BOY AUCTION" along with a LEATHER SWAP MEET! So make sure you bring any Leather and Gear you want to unload. Winning auction bidders of one (or more) of our volunteers get a gift certificate to take that Bear, Cub, or Boy to dinner and a BAR TAB at ROCKS! Cash and Credit Cards will be accepted for winning bids and must be made at the event. Keep an eye out for a preview of the Bears, Cubs, and Boys that have generously allowed themselves to be auctioned off for charity! And if you're interested in putting yourself up for auction, shoot an email over to jalarson@gmail.com and he'll get you all setup. We're planning on an amazing time and all proceeds will benefit BEAR ALBANY's AIDS WALK fund for C-4, the HIV/AIDS ward at Albany Medical Center. Afterward, you and your friends can take the free Shuttle back to to the host hotel to get ready for the main event. See who's going...

Saturday Evening
Come dressed to make a statement of your kind of MASCULINITY on Saturday July 30th beginning at 9pm @ ROCKS Bar (77 Central Ave). Traditionally, bears are known to be friendly and cuddly. But bears are also known to be rough, tough, masculine HAIRY beasts who revel in EXPLORING the NAUGHTY & NASTIER side of life! If you’re feeling a little raw and rambunctious, or just love being in the midst of the NORTHEASTERN BEEFCAKES, then our NUTS n’ BOLTS night is the night FUR you! So come decked out in your favorite MANS-WEAR whether it be leather, metal & chains, UNIFORMS, rubber, BLUE COLLAR GEAR, kilts, denim, or just SIR-PRIZE everyone and fill in the blank. As always, we'll have great drink specials, FREE PIZZA around midnight, and the dance club will be THROBBING with DEEP musical PLEASURE all night long! And while you're exploring every DARK CORNER of the bar, remember that what happens in Albany, stays in Albany. See who's going...

Sunday Morning
This time we're keeping Sunday Brunch really simple by recommending everyone grab a bite to eat at either the Gateway Diner, Cafe 217, or one of the other breakfast joints in the area. Generally everyone meets between 11am and 1pm, so check in with your new buddies, see what works best for everyone, and then pass the word on. The Gateway Diner is located at 899 Central Avenue, it's a fairly large diner, and they have a really great menu with nearly everything you could hope for on it. While Cafe 217 is right down the road from the host hotel and has a small but cute friendly atmosphere. It'll be a great wrap up to the weekend as you chow down with your new buddies. See who's going...

We really can't wait to see everyone again!
Cheers!
Wheelercub
www.BearAlbany.com


Hotel Reservations
Our host hotel is the Marriott Townplace Suites at 22 Holland Ave in Albany, NY (518-860-1500). There are only a certain number rooms blocked off at the Bear Albany discount rate and they almost always sell out. So we recommend making reservations as early as possible. Remaining rooms will be released to the general public 10-days before our event. Please also be sure to mention you're part of the “BearAlbany group” to get the following discounted rates:
  • $83 per night for studios
  • $89 per night for one-bedroom suite
  • $139 per night for two-bedroom suites
Taxi and Shuttle Info
We've been working closely with the host hotel to ensure that our Bear Runs remain inexpensive don't break the bank. Following with that theme, the host hotel now has it's own free shuttle service that can transport six people at a time. Just talk to the front desk to ask about it's availability (518-860-1500) and please don't forget to thank the driver with a little tip. The shuttle is not exclusive to our group, so in the event that it's unavailable or you don't want to wait, the host hotel has setup a great deal with Capitaland Taxi with fantastic rates:
  • $6.00 for 1 rider and $1 extra for each additional rider ($7 for 2 riders, $8 for 3 riders, etc.)
  • Add Capitaland Taxi to your phone @ 518-308-7727 and let them know you are utilizing the BEAR ALBANY rate.
  • Rates are only valid on Friday & Saturday nights of our 2011 events

    ONE MILLION BEARS B.C. (May 20-22, 2011)

    Have you ever had the urge to club someone over the head and drag them back to your man cave? Or maybe you've always wanted to try a "Land of the Lost" fantasy? Well you're in luck because BEAR ALBANY is putting a CAVEMAN spin on the traditional TOGA PARTY on May 21, 2011. So get yourself a few animal prints, some safety pins, and CREATE a SEXY TOGA worthy of a Fred & Barney commitment ceremony or something that would make the the First Gay Caveman proud!

    Friday Evening
    The weekend kicks off on Friday May 20 @ 9pm with our traditional BEARAOKE Meat & Greet at the WaterWorks Pub (76 Central Ave). It's a great time to "meat" new friends and "greet" existing buddies that you haven't seen in a while. WaterWorks Pub always has a great atmosphere, awesome drink specials, free pizza & wings, a dance floor upstairs, and NO COVER for all of our BEAR ALBANY buds. More info...

    Saturday Afternoon
    If you're looking for a fun and memorable adventure in Upstate NY, a bunch of the Bears & Cubs are heading to Sharon Springs for the afternoon. The plan is to do lunch at the Black Cat Cafe, visit a few shops like the Finishing Touch, visit the shop of the Fabulous Beekman Boys, and have drinks on the patio of the American Hotel to gawk at the cute bear-celebs who run the place. We will leave from the Marriott parking lot at 11am and car pool to Sharon Springs for about 45-50 minutes west of Albany. More info...

    Looking for a great place to eat after a relaxing day of enjoying the local sites? Head over to McGeary's Pub and get 20% off your meals all weekend long. Just ask the waitress for the Bear Albany discount and enjoy a great meal from their deliciously diverse menu. They also have a great Happy Hour from 3pm to 7:30pm, where you'll get $2 and $3 Drafts and $3 Single Liquor well drinks. It's the perfect place to bring your buddies for dinner and drinks before heading out for the night.

    Saturday Evening
    When we planned our pre-historic Toga Party, we had no idea that it was also the same weekend as THE RAPTURE. So instead of complaining, we're taking our lemons and make lemonaid -- or in this case, a "VELOCI-RAPTURE" party! What better way to celebrate the end of time, but with a beginning of time dance party on May 20-22

    So come impress your BEAR ALBANY buddies on Saturday May 21 @ 9pm in your CAVEMAN TOGA creation and go hunting for beefy Northeastern beefcakes at the “ONE MILLION BEARS B.C.” main event @ ROCKS Bar (77 Central Ave). As always, we'll have great drink specials, the dance club will be hopping, and keep an eye out for the midnight snacks scurrying through the brush. And for those of you who need a little inspiration, check out the video to the right. We can't wait for you to SHOW US YOUR FUR so we can show you ours. More info...

    Sunday Morning
    We're changing things up a bit for the Bear Albany Backroom Brunch on Sunday May 22. McGeary's Pub will be offering it's incredibly diverse menu with a number of breakfast specials specifically designed for the bears from 11am to 1pm. There you'll chow down with your new buddies on a delicious manly meal. Afterward you can join your new friends for drinks at the front bar or head over to ROCKS @ 77 Central Ave for Tea Dance with the rest of the gang. More info...

    Sunday Evening
    For those of you sticking around town on Sunday, infamous Stacy Layne Matthews will be visiting Albany all the way from Back Swamp, North Carolina (yes that's a real place). Stacy Layne is one of the celebrity queens that appeared on this season of RuePaul's Drag Race and is best known as the big girl with small town sweetness. More info...

    Hotel Reservations
    Our host hotel is the Marriott Townplace Suites at 22 Holland Ave in Albany, NY (518-860-1500). There are only a certain number rooms blocked off at the Bear Albany discount rate and they almost always sell out. So we recommend making reservations as early as possible. Remaining rooms will be released to the general public 10-days before our event. Please also be sure to mention you're part of the “BearAlbany group” to get the following discounted rates:
    • $83 per night for studios
    • $89 per night for one-bedroom suite
    • $139 per night for two-bedroom suites

    Taxi and Shuttle Info
    We've been working closely with the host hotel to ensure that our Bear Runs remain inexpensive don't break the bank. Following with that theme, the host hotel now has it's own free shuttle service that can transport six people at a time. Just talk to the front desk to ask about it's availability (518-860-1500) and please don't forget to thank the driver with a little tip. The shuttle is not exclusive to our group, so in the event that it's unavailable or you don't want to wait, the host hotel has setup a great deal with Capitaland Taxi with fantastic rates: 
    • $6.00 for 1 rider and $1 extra for each additional rider ($7 for 2 riders, $8 for 3 riders, etc.)
    • Add Capitaland Taxi to your phone @ 518-308-7727 and let them know you are utilizing the BEAR ALBANY rate.
    • Rates are only valid on Friday & Saturday nights of our 2011 events

    BEARS ROCK II (March 25-27, 2011)

    For those of you who've been "Livin' on a Prayer" since last year, BEAR ALBANY is once again whipping out our ROCK HARD party machine - BEARS ROCK! Last year everyone had such a great time HEAD BANGING and "Shouting At The Devil", that we're back by popular demand, March 25-27. Whether you were "Born On The Bayou", looking for a "Sugar Daddy", or trying to find your "Velvet Goldmine" for the evening, BEAR ALBANY welcomes all you "Fat Bottomed Girls" with "Open Arms". After all, we're just "Spirits In The Material World" all wanting to see the "Good Times Roll". So be sure to bring your buddies to "Rock and Roll All Nite" and tell them to wear their favorite ROCK T-SHIRT. Cuz it's going to be one hell of a BIG BEAR with BIG HAIR weekend of partying!

    The weekend kicks off Friday, March 25 at 9pm with ROCK BEARAOKE Meat & Greet at the WaterWorks Pub (76 Central Ave). It's a great time to "meat" new friends and "greet" existing buddies that you haven't seen in a while. WaterWorks Pub always has a great atmosphere, awesome drink specials, free pizza & wings, and NO COVER for all of our BEAR ALBANY buds.

    Saturday evening, March 26 @ 9pm, it's time to put on your favorite ROCK T-SHIRT and join your BEAR ALBANY budz for the “BEARS-ROCK II” main event! The music starts at 10pm where you’ll be ROCKIN’ OUT with hundreds of hunky, hirsute, beefcakes from all over the Northeast. We'll have great drink specials and will be playing high energy ROCK music in the dance club all night long. So wear your best bad-ass ROCK LOOK and bring the right ATTITUDE for a night of real men, ROCKIN' OUT with their %@#*$ OUT!

    Sunday morning, you can satisfy that big appetite you built up after BR-II by heading over to our NEW brunch spot, McGeary's Pub for the BearAlbany Backroom Brunch from 11am to 1pm. There you'll chow down with your new buddies on a delicious manly meal for the low price of $11.95.

    Be sure to book your room early at the Host Hotel as they tend to sell out pretty quickly. And if you have any ROCK MUSIC suggestions you'd like the DJ to consider, feel free to post your favorite songs here.