TBRU registration happens at host hotel Hyatt Dallas. (Photo by Chad Mantooth)
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Bear-hunting season starts on Thursday, March 13, with this year’s Texas Bear Round-up hosted by the Dallas Bears. Furry types and their fans from near and far will go down the rabbit hole for the magical theme of Bears in Wonderland for the event that runs through Sunday, March 16.
As always, this festive weekend will serve up lots to do just for its registrants, while other events are open to the public.
Here’s our primer of bear necessities for this year’s TBRU.
Getting to know TBRU
The social group Dallas Bears hosted the inaugural TBRU in 1995. Now, the Texas Bear Round-Up is considered one of the largest bear runs in the world, and it continues to grow.
While it certainly has its hirsute focus, the event attracts a broad and diverse crowd as well, and it draws in top-notch headlining talent from DJs to drag queens.
Cause and effect
TBRU may be a big weekend of revelry and festive fun, but the event is all based in efforts to benefit a good cause. Proceeds go directly to nonprofit organizations in the Dallas Community that give focus to the LGBTQ community.
This year’s beneficiaries include Cathedral of Hope Benevolence Fund, the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund and The Coalition For Aging LGBT.
Room service
TBRU’s host hotel is the Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., which is sold out in terms of TBRU-reserved rooms. To accommodate the demand, the Dallas Bears added the downtown Crowne Plaza, 1015 Elm St., as the overflow hotel.
While events take place throughout the city, the Hyatt will serve as the headquarters for TBRU, with registration happening there along with a number of performances, activities and more.
For convenience, TBRU will provide shuttles between both hotels.
Parties for the paws
You can keep up with the multitude of parties on the TBRU website or app. These guys start early — like on Wednesday with the pre-TBRU party at 10 p.m. Many are held in the host hotel, but BearDance is the TBRU party centerpiece. Plan accordingly for these good times.
March 12
- Pre-Party Underwear Night and Contest with DJ Drew G. 8 p.m. at the Dallas Eagle, 525 S. Riverfront Blvd.
March 13 - TBRU Kick-off Party 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt, 300 Reunion Blvd.
- Eat Me: A Wonderland Dance Party with DJ Tristan Jaxx. 10 p.m. at the Dallas Eagle, 525 S. Riverfront Blvd.
March 14 - BearDance 8 p.m. at Station 4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road.
- TBRU Tea Party 9 p.m. at the Hyatt, 300 Reunion Blvd.
March 15
TBRU Underwear Night at 9:45 p.m., at the Hyatt, 300 Reunion Blvd.
March 16 - The official TBRU Closing Ceremony will be held at the Round-Up Saloon, 3912 Cedar Springs Road, at noon.
A number of venues will host their own bear-centric parties which are open to everyone. In past years, Round-Up Saloon, The Hidden Door and Woody’s have all hosted TBRU-adjacent events but as of press time, no events have been officially posted.
The headliners
TBRU and BearDance both bring some familiar names to the weekend. A Drag Race alum, marquee DJs and some bear icons are all part of the merriment. Get your tickets ASAP to see these queer stars up close.
March 14 - BearDance’s The Mad Hat Party will feature a lineup of DJs with Dallas’ House of Frequencies duo Iamyu and CB Smoove opening the night. Legendary DJ Dave Aude then headlines the main dance floor at 10 a.m. Capping off the night is the iconic producer and remixer Derrick Carter from 1-4 a.m.
The event isn’t just about the music but also a healthy dose of drag. RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 winner Yvie Oddly will headline the Rose Room. Special guests include Maddelynn Hatter and the Rose Room cast.
Set time is at 8 p.m., but you know queens.
March 15 - At the host hotel, TBRU will host the annual Mr. TBRU Contest and Underwear Auction at 5 p.m., with special guest judge Hunter Harden from The Real Housebears of Salt Lake City.
- Drag queen and Miss Congeniality of RPDR 11 Nina West will perform after Mr. TBRU at 8:30 p.m.