It’s one of the biggest events of the year for the Southern bear community and just over a month away! We take a look at what’s on offer this year at the Christchurch Big Bear Weekend. Thursday 10 November: Big Bear Weekend Opening Night Kicking off at 7.30pm with drinks and registration at The Pegasus Arms, this is your chance to get in early and get to know the guys of this year’s Big Bear Weekend. This will be your last chance to grab tickets at discounted prices and be sure to bring a few spare coins to get yourself a ticket or two for the Menfriends Raffle. Pegasus Arms - upstairs 14 Oxford Terrace Christchurch 8011 Free event Friday 11 November: Akaroa Day Trip – Lunch From midday, head to The Brasserie for lunch before setting off on the Harbour Cruise. Register your interest by emailing bears.christchurch@gmail.com so the guys can let the restaurant know numbers before the day. Midday The Brasserie, 41 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa. Free event – buy your own lunch Akaroa Day Trip – Harbour Cruise A 2-hour tour exploring all the Akaroa Harbour has to offer. Think 1000 foot cliffs, sea arches, amazing volcanic formations, caves, marine farms, White Flippered Blue Penguins, Albatross and other seabirds, Akaroa Marine Reserve, Nikau Palm Gully, Occasional Blowholes. Hear about the Volcanic and Māori History. Steve the owner and captain is a 5th generation local who knows the area and secrets of Akaroa Harbour. He will take you out on his fun, fast, adventurous 12.5 meter Rayglass Protector - an ex America’s Cup Chase Boat and previously a Coastguard Marine Rescue vessel with 600HP four stroke outboards. Christchurch bears are encouraging anyone interested in attending to carpool for the Akaroa trip – If you would like to offer a seat or need a seat, please email them at bears.christchurch@gmail.com. Departing from Daly’s Wharf at 2:30pm $75 pp. Llimited ticket available Friday 11 November: Queer Comedy - NEW VENUE Neil Thornton will be headlining a comedy night at Iconic, with supporting acts from local comedians Thane Pullan and Corey Humm. Last year Neil brought the house down, and he is back fresh from a US tour with brand new material never heard before in Christchurch! 8pm-11pm Duo Dining Room and Bar Corner of Hereford Street and Rolleston Avenue (entrance on Rolleston Avenue across from Botanic Gardens) $10 online, $15 on the door Saturday 12 November: History Discussion and Tour Chris Brickell, Bestselling author and Associate Professor at Otago University will be sharing stories and photos drawn from his impressive research into homosexuality in 19th century New Zealand. His books include “Mates