RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
This is a magical time for the Dallas Bears as the social organization hosts the largest bear run in North America. As of press time, this year’s Texas Bear Round-up 29: Bears in Wonderland is about halfway through, but the weekend is just starting.
In last week’s issue, we previewed the event with a primer of the massive schedule and a few highlights of the weekend. While TBRU’s official events are for registered guests, these select events prove there is still plenty to do for folks to join in on the fur and fun. So this week we focus on TBRU happenings everyone can enjoy.
- The TBRU vendor market through Sunday
This is the easiest way to get a feel for TBRU up close. This large market features a wide variety of vendors geared mostly to the bear community. Held in the host hotel Hyatt Regency Dallas, this year’s market features more than 60 vendors offering wardrobe, gear, food items, gifts and more.
Opens at 11 a.m. today (Friday, March 14) and Saturday and Sunday, March 15-16, at 9 a.m. - The Mad Hat Party: A BearDance Adventure at Station 4 on Friday.
TBRU marks this annual event as its signature dance party, but its doors are open to everybody. This year’s BearDance will feature headlining DJs Dave Aude and Derrick Carter with the collective House of Frequencies kicking off the night’s sounds. The entertainment doesn’t stop there. Organizers will also present Drag Race season 11 queen Yvie Oddly as the Rose Room headliner, with Maddelynn Hatter and the Rose Room cast. Get there early for the Opposites Attract mixer.
Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets available at BearDance.org or at the door. - Beards, Bears and Brews 9 at Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard
The name says it all really. This Deep Ellum gathering started out small, but over the years has grown to a significant crowd for beer and bear and beard appreciation. Hang out with a brewski while DJ Joe Marques serves up the tunes. Dot’s has close to 100 beers on tap and the event is free to attend.
1 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Follow @BeardsBearsnBrews on Instagram. - Nina West at TBRU on Saturday
This performance is free for registrants, but ticket sales are open to the public. Held in the Landmark Ballroom at the host hotel Hyatt Regency Dallas, the show stars Drag Race alum and season 11 Miss Congeniality Nina West live and in person.
Doors at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Tickets available at TBRU.org. - The Church at the Hidden Door
While pretty much a weekly event for the area, Sunday Funday at the Door is kind of a religious experience — hence the name. The place is packed full with beef, particularly the large patio area. But one suggestion: Either ride the shuttle or Uber there because traffic and parking around the bar will be a bitch.
All day Sunday, March 16.
BEEF at the Eagle Saturday night!