Overview

Welcome to Lazy Bear Week

YES! Lazy Bear Week 2019 is happening! There was never a question that the town would recover after the floods of late February/early March this year.

Most businesses are on the way to becoming fully operational and most guest accommodation locations will be up and running by Memorial Day or Independence Day at the latest.

The Lazy Bear Fund, the group that organizes the event is in discussions with local leaders to secure some new venues for events AND is looking into a shuttle bus service from specific host hotels in Santa Rosa if there’s a need for “overflow” accommodations.

The Lazy Bear fund puts on one of the largest and most successful bear gatherings in the world. Lazy Bear Week is our annual, signature event.

For over 20 years we have entertained thousands of guests in Guerneville, California in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley.

Enjoy pool parties, dance parties, bonfires, live entertainment and amazing DJs. Stay in local lodges, campgrounds and cabins, or avail yourself of any number of options in nearby towns and cities. Eat at gourmet restaurants, local diners, cookouts and unique pop-ups. Drink world-class wine near the vineyards that produce it.

While you’re enjoying your long, lazy week, remember that all of the profits go to charity. We've raised nearly $2 million for worthy causes and we’re just getting started.

Join us for the time of your life.

daytime fun

CAMARADERIE

THE LAZY BEAR FUND

Who We Are & Why We Do It

The Lazy Bear Fund has always been a grass-roots, nonprofit organization. We give all of our profits to causes like clinics and schools and food banks. We help kids and seniors, people living with HIV, or struggling with addiction.

Started by Harry Lit in 1996, the organization is currently steered by David Barker, John Jacob, Steve Adams, Trey Sheldon and Fred Bothe.

The Lazy Bear Fund events benefit from the help and hard work of many friends, merchants and long-time supporters.

Lazy Bear Weekend is run by a small army of volunteers. Many of the people who are serving you a beverage or cleaning up after a party are affiliated with the organizations we give to. Organizations like West County Health Centers, The Positive Resource Center, and Food for Thought, a local food bank. If you would like to volunteer, send an email to info@lazybearfund.org.

Location

Guerneville, California

About an 90 minute drive north of San Francisco lies Guerneville, the largest town along the Russian River (population 3,500).

Within the three block square downtown, you’ll find restaurants, shops, taverns, a fully stocked Safeway supermarket and a health food store. A block or two off the main road, you’ll find a handful or resorts that cater specifically to gay clientele.

Accommodations: Lazy Bear Weekend visitors stay at the nearby resorts or at one of the many area houses, apartments or rooms available for short-term rental. Please be aware that some locations have minimum stay requirements and most are booked well in advance of the summer months. Lazy Bear Weekend attendees are responsible for their own accommodations. For a list of public accommodations in the area visit the Russian River Chamber of Commerce website. There are also numerous VRBO and airbnb options in Guerneville and vicinity. We are also providing forum to exchange housing needs and wants for Lazy Bear attendees. Visit our Forum page to inquire or offer a room to rent.

The River: The Russian River is clean and safe for swimming. The water is tested frequently to ensure its integrity. Summer visitors to the area also enjoy kayaking, canoeing or just floating down the river on an inflatable raft.

Transportation: To get to Guerneville, having a car is important. You can use public transportation, but it's not easy or convenient. Once you are at ‘the River’ (as it is also known) you don’t necessarily need a car, but having one will help you explore the stunningly beautiful countryside. Rent a bicycle in town (available seasonally), but be aware that much of the terrain is very hilly and the roads are narrow.

Shuttle Bus Service: For the past two years the organizers have arranged for Saturday and Sunday round-trip shuttle bus service from SF (Castro) to Guerneville. We introduced a Fri/Sun trip in 2018. We plan to bring back shuttles for Lazy Bear 2019. Check this space and our Facebook page starting in May 2019 for more details.

Directions: From SFO, take 101 North for approximately 72 miles, take exit 494 (River Road) and turn left. Drive for 16 miles into Guerneville.