The organisation has introduced the two candidates who will be vying for the 2026 title: Michael and Paweł. The winner will serve as an ambassador for the Dutch bear community for the following year, succeeding the current titleholder, Arthur, who was elected in 2025.
Meet the Candidates
The two individuals competing for the sash bring different perspectives and goals to the competition.
- Michael: Also known in some circles as pup Flaks, Michael is an active member of various kink scenes but considers the bear community his home. His platform focuses on strengthening the community by fostering connections between different groups.
- Paweł: A 33-year-old resident of Middelburg, Paweł is a passionate dancer who is deaf. He aims to use his participation to promote inclusivity and demonstrate that being deaf is not a barrier to full participation within the community.
A Weekend of Events
The weekend schedule is designed to offer a range of activities for local and visiting members of the bear community. The election for Mr. Bear Netherlands 2026 will be held on Friday, June 12, at Akhnaton.
Other key events planned for the weekend include:
- Meet The Candidates: An opportunity to meet Michael and Paweł in person on Thursday, June 11, at Eagle Amsterdam.
- Bear-Necessity: The main party of the weekend will take place on Saturday, June 13, at Club Panama.
- The Hairy Ferry: A canal cruise organised by Bear Bash, offering a scenic tour of the city on Saturday afternoon.
- Community Gatherings: The schedule also includes a Bear Market, a special sauna event, a hangover brunch, and a final 'borrel' to meet the newly elected Mr. Bear Netherlands 2026.
Amsterdam Bear Pride is a collaborative effort supported by established names in the city's LGBTQ+ scene, including Bear-Necessity, DirQ, Bears Amsterdam, and Eagle Amsterdam. The event aims to provide a platform for various initiatives and businesses within the bear community.
For the full schedule, ticket information, and further details, please visit the Amsterdam Bear Pride website.
