Into the Wild :: International Bear Convergence 2015

Presidents' Day weekend is going to be sun-filled and warm-provided that you attend International Bear Convergence 2015 in Palm Springs, California. Even if the more-than-ideal weather conditions were not enough to persuade you to attend, the event's promoters have scheduled a line up of programming that will entertain even the most cynical bear or bear admirer.

IBC, as it's commonly abbreviated to avoid the tongue-twister of a full name, comprises five calendar days. Plan to arrive in Palm Springs early on Thursday, February 12, so that you may meet up with friends from out- of-town and prepare for the introductory event, the Thursday Night Street Fair. The event schedule describes this as an "old fashioned street fair, with musicians, food, arts and crafts vendors and a farmers market."

The subtext to this, of course, is that your fellow street fair attendees are going to be countless handsome and hirsute men looking to load up on provisions for a weekend that will be non-stop fun. This and the Early Bear Party at Hunters will be your opportunity to inspect your fellow event goers and begin to form connections that will (hopefully!) carry through the remaining four days.

There's nothing scary about Friday the 13th at IBC. Registration for the parties begins at 9 a.m. and run through 8 p.m. with a one-hour break at 1 p.m.. Seeing how a bear in a swimsuit is not a sight to be missed, once you've registered, be sure to attend the PLUNGE 1.0 Pool Party from noon to 4 p.m. This event provides an afternoon segue into a Meet & Greet T-Dance in the early evening which definitely heats up at day's end with Friday's marquee party: Crusin' with DJ Sean Mac which runs until 2 a.m.

Saturday, February 14, provides an early morning opportunity for exploration of the natural features of the Palm Springs region. For an additional fee, you may take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that climbs more than one mile, placing you within reach of San Jacinto Peak's summit for a sublime view of the desert landscape. If trekking out early on a weekend morning is not for you, the party resumes at 2 p.m. with a fashion show presented by BearSkn that happens to coincide with the Retro Splash Pool Party with DJ Chub Jim. The party sounds like it'll be a complete blast with music from the '80s and '90s and accompanying models parading around in sexy underwear.

Immediately following the conclusion of the fashion show and pool party, the film "Where the Bears Are 3" will be screened, followed by a Q&A and DVD signing.

The weekend's top-billed event occurs on Saturday night with the BearHeat Pajama Party with DJ Doug Jackson and Amber and Ultra Nat�, two chart-topping artists whose music has filled dance clubs since the '90s. Amber hails from the Netherlands and was the voice behind hits such as "This Is Your Night" and "Sexual (La Da Di)." Amber's nearly 20-year long career remains strong, as she frequently tours the club circuit to showcase her latest projects. Ultra Nat� has bounced across electronic sub-genres while releasing multiple number-one hits such as 1997's iconic house and dance-pop track "Free" and, more recently, a cover of the classic song "Automatic." The combined star power and unadulterated vocal prowess of both of these artists guarantees an unforgettable night of musical entertainment.

Furthermore, there are definitely going to be plenty of sexy pajama costumes on display for this late night event. This sizzling party lasts until 3 a.m.

Sunday, February 15 maintains a strong programming schedule beginning with the Hungry Bear Brunch Buffet at 9 a.m.. Once your belly has been filled, check out the action at the Redemption in Paradise pool party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember to stay out of the water for 45 minutes after eating!

The afternoon and early evening offer the Sunday '70s Beer Bust and Fundraiser with a prize offered for the best 70s costume. Sunday's programming apex is The Leather Ball, the final party of the weekend, which begins at 10 p.m. and is the premier outlet for scoping out bears in their finest leathers, shaking what they've got, to beats from DJ John LePage.

IBC and the long weekend officially end on Monday, February 16 with a day-long Open Pool For All. The weekend doesn't have to end here with throngs of men schlepping off onto Southern California's freeways. The Palm Springs area offers numerous entertainment and recreational options for those who wish to extend the weekend into the workweek proper. Check out some of the natural hot springs that bubble up into the Coachella Valley between Palm Springs and El Centro. Oasis that offer hot water, naturally heated by the earth and an ultra-relaxing time.

The bear community has enjoyed a surge in popularity the last few years and IBC is a fantastic event to celebrate this rowdy, sexy and fun group of guys. The event's promoters have spent a lot of time and effort to stage a world-class party. Make sure that you don't sit this one out! It's sure to be a memory-maker.

INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE -- Thursday, February 12 through Monday, February 16, Presidents' Day Weekend, at the beautiful Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. A five-day event that includes four themed pool parties, three themed dance parties, DJs, live entertainment and thousands of bears from around the globe. For a complete schedule or to purchase tickets go to ibc-ps.com.