Big Country (Nov 16-18, 2012)


With Hurricane Sandy finally behind us, it's definitely time to break out your shit-kickers, squeeze into a really TIGHT pair of jeans, and come celebrate with Bear Albany's BIG COUNTRY weekend! We're roping in some really fun stuff for our last big party of the year and hope you'll join in the festivities. We've got a live country music band performing late Friday night, a shop local Bear Fair & free lunch buffet on Saturday afternoon so you can get a head start on your holiday shopping, and anyone sticking around Sunday will enjoy a free dinner of roast pork, stuffing, mac & cheese, and other delicious treats provided by Two Bears Provisions. And don't forget to check out our Future Events page to see our 2013 schedule.

Hotel Information


We're back at the Marriott Townplace Suites and as always, be sure to ask for the Bear Albany DISCOUNT when calling to get our special rates (518-860-1500). As always, there's no event registration fees and the hotel has a FREE SHUTTLE so you don't have to drive to the bars!

Friday Evening


BIG COUNTRY kicks off on Friday Nov 16th @ WaterWorks Pub for our traditional BEARAOKE MEAT & GREET (76 Central Ave). It's a great time to "meat" new friends and "greet" 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...

Afterward head across the street to ROCKS before Midnight to see the Dirty Bolans do a country music performance. And be sure to check out the delicious drink specials at ROCKS all weekend long, Blue-A-Cowboy, Cowboy Cocksucker, Cowboy Killer, and Cowboy Roy. It's a great way to kick off the weekend filled with Cowboys and Country Music! See who's going...

Saturday Afternoon


Come join BEAR ALBANY at ROCKS on Saturday, November 17th, 2012 from 11am to 2pm, for our BEAR FAIR of Crafts, Food, and Fun. Get a jump on your holiday shopping with a number of bear-related and bear-friendly businesses at ROCKS. There will be a Two Bear Provisions FREE lunch buffet, drink specials, music, give-a-ways, and good times. If you have a bear or gay-related business and would you like to be part of the Bear Fair on November 17, please email twobearsprovisions@gmail.com for details. Vendor set-up will be at 10am, $10 a table to benefit the ROCKS Holiday Charity. A limited number of tables will be available, and chairs are provided. See who's going...


Participating businesses will include:
  • Two Bears Provisions - The best and most delicious items sourced locally in Upstate New York
  • The Spiceman - His amazing spices will knock your socks off
  • John McEnerney Massage - Don't go home without a backrub from the best hands in town
  • Chained by Chuck - Image is everything, especially in the dark!
  • Maille Dezyns - Fine Handcrafted Chainmaille Jewelry
  • Patsy's Executive Cutter - A full service male salon with a modern twist
  • Garden of Earthly Delights - You'll love their natural jams
  • Justin's Bear Crafts - For all your bear holigay needs
  • And more...

Saturday Evening


At 9pm, come out to ROCKS Bar for the BIG COUNTRY main event and be sure to wear your favorite Cowboy and country inspired gear (77 Central Ave). We'll be playing some modern and classic country hits mixed in with dance music and hope to have a few surprises through the evening (beside finding yourself tied up on someone's hotel bedroom floor). And be sure to get your friends to wear something fun because you'll have a few photo ops with one of our local artists, Newbold Bohemia.

So dig up your old cowboy hat, put on a nice pair of boots, don't forget the rope! As always, we'll have great drink specials, FREE PIZZA around midnight, and plenty of cute guys to befriend 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


We're doing Brunch at our favorite spot Cafe 217. Swing by anytime between 9am and 1pm (menu here). The food is great and all of you will get a 20% discount just by telling the waitress you're with Bear Albany group! If you are with a private group of friends larger than 6 and would like to be seated next to each other, please let the restaurant know the number and what time you plan to arrive so that Cafe 217 can make proper arrangements (518-462-0050). Also, if they are very busy they cannot seat you until the whole party is present. So you might want to come together or wait outside until your friends arrive. See who's going...

Sunday Afternoon


To help end your weekend on the right note and send you off into the holigays, head over to ROCKS one last time for a FREE dinner buffet provided by Two Bears Provisions at 6pm. They'll be service juicy roast pork, amazing stuffing, mac & cheese, and other delicious treats. See who's going...