Bear Ball is a vibrant dance party for bears, cubs, otters, furries, pups, and admirers to groove and mingle with one another in a welcoming, 2SLGBTQ-inclusive space.
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Welcome To Our Hotel
…where every room is an enormous suite!
Our host property is The Hollis Hotel, located steps from the waterfront and between both of the gay bars in the heart of downtown Halifax. We’ve arranged a discounted group rate which will automatically be applied when using the booking link below.
The Hollis Hotel
1649 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS, B3J 1V8
Hotel rooms are available at our overflow hotel, The Barrington, located 3 blocks away from our Host Hotel.
Hotel rooms are available at our overflow hotel, The Barrington, located 3 blocks away from our Host Hotel.
How To Get Booked
Step 1: Purchase a Weekend Pass or an Individual Event Ticket.
Step 2: Book your discounted hotel room at The Hollis (Host Hotel) or The Barrington (Overflow Hotel).
Step 3: Get ready to party!
Note: If you do not immediately receive a confirmation email upon purchasing your weekend pass, please check your spam/junk box. If you still can’t find it, email BearBallHFX@gmail.com and let us know so we can re-send the email.
Event Tickets
All ticket purchases are non-refundable, but are transferable. Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Photos From Past Events
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bear Ball XL give back to the community?
A portion of the proceeds from Bear Ball XL are donated to Heal NS, an organization that provides support for those living with and affected by HIV, and for members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Their aim is to improve health outcomes, end stigma and discrimination for our community members, and to end new HIV infections in Nova Scotia. More info can be found on their website: https://healns.ca/
I booked a room at the Host Hotel before Dec. 31st, 2025 – how do I get the $50 per night Food & Beverage credit that comes with the booking?
Those who booked a hotel room at our Host Hotel using our booking link by Dec. 31st, 2025, will receive $50 per night in Food & Beverage credit for the hotel’s restaurant, The Cannery. Upon check-in, guests will receive one $50 voucher for every night of their stay, and the voucher(s) may be redeemed one-per-day at The Cannery, located in the hotel. We’ve eaten at a lot of hotel restaurants before and The Cannery is a step above the rest!
NOTE: The F&B credit covers food and beverage costs only and is not valid for alcoholic beverages, tax, or gratuities. The credit has no cash value if unused. It is included with bookings at The Hollis only and is not applicable for bookings at our overflow hotel, The Barrington.
What is the Bear Ball XL main event like?
The Bear Ball XL main event is an inclusive, themed dance party. It’s held in a banquet hall and features a DJ, bar service, and tons of fun people! Think upscale gay club, but make it fashion.
Is Bear Ball XL for gay men only?
No. Bear Ball XL is an inclusive event for the entire 2SLGBTQ+ community. All are welcome!
Why is Bear Ball XL held in a hotel?
By having our event at a hotel, it allows guests to enjoy themselves while having easy access to private rooms, a fitness centre, pool, hot tub, restaurant, and top-tier amenities. Whether you’re traveling in for the event, or you’re a local keen for a staycation, Bear Ball XL lets you experience Halifax’s downtown scene and bustling waterfront while rubbing bellies with a friendly (and furry) 2SLGBTQ+ crowd.
I’m traveling in for the event – which airport do I need to fly to?
The nearest airport is Halifax, Nova Scotia (airport code: YHZ).
When should I arrive and when should I depart?
We recommend arriving on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 and departing on Monday, July 6th, 2026 for the full experience. Or add a few days on to either end to explore our gorgeous city! Summer is truly the best time to be in Halifax.
Is there parking near the Host Hotel?
Yes! While The Hollis Hotel does not have its own dedicated parking lot, there are several outdoor pay-to-park lots very close by, as well as a covered parking garage a few blocks away.
How can I add extra nights to my reservation beyond the dates of Bear Ball XL?
To add extra nights beyond Bear Ball XL to your hotel reservation, simply make your reservation for July 2 – 6, 2026, then call the hotel’s front desk at (902) 429-7233 and ask them to manually add the extra nights to your reservation.
Do I need to come with friends or can I fly solo?
Either one is fine! Bear Ball is a social event, and any solo attendees are bound to make many friends over the course of the evening.
Do I need to dress “in theme” for the parties?
While many choose to go above and beyond with custom outfits for our themed parties, you are not required to dress in theme. But speaking from personal experience, it’s incredibly fun to dress in-theme and you’ll likely receive many compliments for doing so.
I bought the Weekend Pass – do I have to do everything on the schedule?
No – think of the weekend as a choose-your-own-adventure. We have a full schedule of events, shows, and local excursions that are included with your Weekend Pass, however, you may also choose to explore Halifax at your own pace.
Where do I pick up my Weekend Pass?
Upon purchasing your Weekend Pass, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. If you do not immediately receive a confirmation email upon purchasing your ticket(s), please check your spam/junk box. If you still can’t find it, email BearBallHFX@gmail.com and let us know so we can re-send the email.
When you arrive at the event, look for the Registration Table in the hotel lobby. It will be easy to find. Simply show us your QR code and you’ll receive your Weekend Pass!
Do I need to have my Weekend Pass with me at all times during the event?
Yes! Your Weekend Pass is your ticket to everything on the schedule above. Whether the event takes place at the Host Hotel or one of the local gay bars, you will need to present your Weekend Pass for entry.
Weekend Passes are sold out – how much of the schedule can I still attend?
You may purchase individual event tickets to our Main Event, Bear Island party, Disco Bear party, Pup playroom, Bear Axe-throwing Excursion, and Bears Gone Wild: An Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show (sold out). On top of that, by booking a discounted room at The Hollis, you’ll have access to all the hotel’s amenities including the fitness center and pool. The Early Arrivals party is also open to everyone – no ticket needed and no cover charge.
The Private VIB Reception, Bears Drag Brunch, Halifax Waterfront walking tour, and Ferry Excursion to Dartmouth are only open to those with the Weekend Pass.
Where do we meet for the excursions?
All information about where to meet is contained in the schedule above. If meeting at the Host Hotel, we will meet in the lobby.
I can no longer attend – what are my options?
All Weekend Passes and Individual Event Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable until June 30, 2026. To transfer a Weekend Pass to someone else, please contact us at BearBallHFX@gmail.com and we will assist with that. To transfer an Individual Event Ticket, simply send your QR code you received via email to the person you’re transferring it to – no need to contact us.
After June 30, 2026, Weekend Passes are both non-refundable and non-transferable.