The Ultimate Bear Weekend Guide for IBC International Bear Convergence 2026 at Palm Springs & The Best Place to Stay Near Hotel Zoso at Casa Oliver
If you’re planning Palm Springs International Bear Convergence 2026 (IBC 2026), get ready for one of the biggest winter bear takeovers in the U.S. Think thousands of bears, cubs, muscle bears, chasers, chubs, and admirers, plus pool parties, DJs, live entertainment, themed nights, drag, comedy, and after-hours fun—all set against warm desert sunshine.
And here’s the most important travel tip for IBC: your hotel choice can make (or break) your weekend. You want to be close to the official action at Hotel Zoso, while still having a fun, men-focused atmosphere to recharge, socialize, and keep the party going.
That’s why so many guests make Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort their IBC home base.
Event Dates: When Is IBC Palm Springs 2026?
International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2026 takes place:
📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Monday, February 23, 2026
The event is hosted around downtown Palm Springs, with key programming centered at Hotel Zoso.
Table of Contents
What Is International Bear Convergence (IBC) in Palm Springs?
IBC is billed as the premier winter bear event in Palm Springs, welcoming thousands of attendees from around the globe for daytime pool parties and big nighttime events. In recent years, the event has continued to grow—IBC notes record-breaking attendance and strong expectations for 2026.
Expect:
- Pool parties with world-renowned DJs at Hotel Zoso
- Dance parties, drag shows, and comedy after dark
- A lively, social crowd and a full weekend that moves fast (book everything early!)
Why Casa Oliver Is the Best Place to Stay for IBC 2026 (Close to Hotel Zoso + All the Action)
While official registration and several headline events happen at Hotel Zoso, staying right in the center isn’t always the best experience—especially if you want a more comfortable, sexy, adults-only environment between parties.
Casa Oliver is ideal for IBC guests because:
- You’re close to downtown + Hotel Zoso so you can bounce between events easily.
- You get a gay men-focused resort vibe, perfect for meeting other IBC travelers.
- You can recover in style (pool, sun, social atmosphere) and head back out feeling brand new.
- You’re also positioned well for the Arenas District nightlife energy IBC weekend is known for.
Bottom line: Casa Oliver gives you the best of both worlds—near the official action, with a more playful, relaxed, men-only resort setting.
Key Highlights of IBC Palm Springs 2026
IBC weekend is packed with signature experiences, including:
- Multiple themed pool parties
- T-dances and dance parties
- Live entertainment
- A huge international bear crowd
IBC 2026 Schedule at a Glance (Official Events & Times)
Here are the major IBC 2026 schedule highlights currently published (always subject to updates):
Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
- Registration (Hotel Zoso): 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Early Bear Welcome Party (Hunters Nightclub): 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday, Feb 20, 2026
- Registration (Hotel Zoso): 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Plunge 2.0 Pool Party (Hotel Zoso Pool): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Meat & Greet (Blackbook Bar – Arenas District): 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Speed Dating (Hotel Zoso – Encore Loft): 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Gladiator / Toga-themed Night (Hotel Zoso): late night
- Oliver’s Den (The Maze): 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026
- Registration: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Retro Splash Pool Party: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Mr. IBC Contest (Hotel Zoso Pool): 2:00 PM
- VIB Mixer (The Kitchen Restaurant @ Hotel Zoso): 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Furball (Hotel Zoso): late night
- Oliver’s Den (The Maze): 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
- Last Laugh Comedy Show + After-Dark Happy Hour (Hotel Zoso / Fillmore Room): evening
- Hungry Bear Drag Brunch: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Redemption Pool Party: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explore the official International Bear Convergence (IBC) website for comprehensive event details and updates: Visit IBC Website
IBC’s published schedule for IBC 2026 is now available. Explore the full details of the event and plan your weekend with ease. Check out the 2026 IBC Weekend at a Glance Schedule for more information.
Passes & Registration Info (Important for Planning)
IBC offers weekend package options including a Weekend Pass and VIB Pass, and notes key policies like no refunds (name change only) and walk-in registration starting Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 at Hotel Zoso.
Where to Stay Near the Host Hotel (Hotel Zoso)
Hotel Zoso is central to IBC daytime action and registration.
But for many guests, the best strategy is:
Stay at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort
- Close enough to hit every major event
- More resort-style relaxation between parties
- Men-only energy that matches the IBC vibe
If your goal is: “IBC all day, comfort + fun all night,” Casa Oliver is the move.
👉Book your stay at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort – Your IBC Bear Hotel 2026
Circuit Parties + After-Hours: How to Do IBC Weekend Right
IBC isn’t just “events”—it’s a full bear weekend ecosystem. Your plan should include:
- Daytime pool parties
- Night circuit energy
- After-hours connections
- Recovery time (without missing anything)
That’s exactly why Casa Oliver works so well: you’re not stuck in a crowded hotel scene 24/7, but you’re still minutes from the center of IBC.
Where to Stay + Where to Party by Day Pass / Weekend Pass
✅ Where to stay for IBC 2026:
Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort (your IBC home base)
✅ Where to enjoy Day Pass / Weekend Pool Party Pass:
Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort (your daytime playground)
If you’re staying with friends elsewhere—or if you want to add a second “scene” to your weekend—Casa Oliver is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun and meet other IBC travelers.
Oliver’s Den (The Maze) During IBC 2026: Casa Oliver’s Unique Experience
IBC week is about freedom, fun, and connection—and Casa Oliver elevates that with Oliver’s Den (The Maze): an adults-only, intimate experience that becomes a major late-night favorite during big weekends.
Escape to “Oliver’s Den” at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort, our exclusive men-only amenity designed for you to meet, socialize, and play. Explore our adult indoor rooms where you can connect and have fun in a private setting. “The Maze” is open daily, and during the IBC Bear weekend, we’ll be extending our hours late into the night for even more opportunities to unwind and enjoy yourself.
If you want IBC energy without leaving the resort, Oliver’s Den is the signature Casa Oliver advantage.
👉Book your stay at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort – Your IBC Bear Hotel 2026
👉Grab a Day Pass, Weekend Pass, or Casa Oliver Event ticket during Bear Week 2026
Book Casa Oliver Early (IBC Week Sells Out)
IBC draws thousands of visitors and the weekend is one of Palm Springs’ biggest winter travel spikes. If you want the best rooms (and the best rates), you should book Casa Oliver early—especially if you’re traveling with friends and want to stay close together.
Your IBC 2026 plan starts here:
👉 Book your stay at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort now and make Casa Oliver your Bear Convergence home base—close to Hotel Zoso, close to nightlife, and built for the men’s resort experience.
We can’t wait to see you at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort during the International Bear Convergence 2026, Palm Springs, California
Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort: 535 South Warm Sands Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 United States
👉Book your stay at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort – Your IBC Bear Hotel 2026
👉Grab a Day Pass, Weekend Pass, or Casa Oliver Event ticket during Bear Week 2026
FAQ: IBC Bear Convergence Palm Springs 2026
What are the official dates for IBC Palm Springs 2026?
Where is IBC Palm Springs hosted?
What kind of events happen at IBC?
Is there an official schedule for IBC 2026?
Yes—IBC has published an “IBC Weekend at a Glance” schedule with registration times, pool parties, and nightly events.
Do I need a pass for IBC events?
Many core events are included in official IBC packages like the Weekend Pass or VIB Pass, and registration details are published by IBC.
Where do I register for IBC 2026?
IBC lists walk-in registration starting Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 at Hotel Zoso.
What’s the best place to stay near Hotel Zoso for IBC?
If you want proximity + a men-focused resort vibe, Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort is the best choice to stay close to the action and still have space to relax and play.
What is Oliver’s Den (The Maze) during IBC?
Escape to “Oliver’s Den” at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort, our exclusive men-only amenity designed for you to meet, socialize, and play. Explore our adult indoor rooms where you can connect and have fun in a private setting. “The Maze” is open daily, and during the IBC weekend, we’ll be extending our hours late into the night for even more opportunities to unwind and enjoy yourself.
