GearUp Weekend Emails 2026

  • Ho! Ho! Ho!

    Whether you were cosplaying Krampus or being a delightfully naughty boy, we hope your holidays were as wickedly fun as you are!

    We’re brewing up big plans in 2026, so stay tuned for:

    • New Dates for GearUp Weekend 2026: June 11-14, 2026

    • Registration opening details

    • New registration platform

    • Meet & Greet Mixers

    • And more surprises to get you excited for the new year

    Ready your calendars, polish your gear, and get ready to make 2026 unforgettable. See you soon, studs!

    – The GearUp Team

  • Kinksters,

    GearUp Weekend is back, and registration opens on Tuesday February 10 at 7pm Pacific! Mark your calendars and spread the word—let’s make this year’s event even more unforgettable. Please note that this year’s event is moving up to June. If you joined us in 2025 and were a part of the Telegram Group, please be advised that it will close at the end of May.

    Event Details:

    Dates: June 11-14, 2026

    Location: Saratoga Springs Retreat Center

    Pricing: All-inclusive weekend starts at $550

    What is it: GearUp Weekend is an annual retreat designed to help gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+) learn about and explore kink in a friendly, inclusive, and low-pressure environment. With workshops, play spaces, social events, and hands-on opportunities, it’s a chance to connect, discover new interests, and celebrate your kinks—whether you’re experienced or brand new. 

    Who is it for: GearUp Weekend is for male—gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+)—kinksters and fetish enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience levels—whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player. We welcome all men, including male-identified trans men, and offer a friendly community, beginner-friendly resources, and dedicated spaces to ask questions, learn, and play.

    For more details including accommodation options, visit our website gearupweekend.com.

    Share Your Story!

    Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to have a scene by a pool? Play out a fantasy like this fellow camper:

    Someone gave me head by the side of the swimming pool, and we both got very absorbed in the task. Not until I finally and very loudly came in his mouth did I look up to see the entire pool had been watching, and was giving us a standing ovation.

    If you have a fun, meaningful, or spicy memory from past GearUp Weekends, we’d love to hear from you! Share it anonymously or let us tag you when we share it. Share Your Story!

    Got questions? Email us at registration@gearupweekend.com

    Miss an email? Visit previous emails here.

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

  • Kinksters,

    The wait is almost over—GearUp Weekend 2026 registration is officially open February 10 at 7pm! Secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of kink, connection, and exploration. Make sure to see our current rates on our websiteand the reservation link in the maroon colored box below.

    We are excited about using Sickening Events as our new reservation system for camp this year. To help you through the process we want to share some expected questions you will come across on the intake questionnaire.

    Be prepared to answer the following REQUIRED questions—(Some options may vary depending on your lodging selections). Your reservation will not be held or saved until you have completed the ENTIRE registration process. There is NO CART function. Visa and Mastercard are the preferred method of payment.

    • Question: What name do you want on your name badge? This is how you will be known at camp, not your legal name. (Sir John. John. john. Pup john, John Smith, etc.)

    • Question: What is your (the attendees) full legal name? This information is never shared with anyone but we are required to have it in case of emergency at camp.

    • Question: What is your Emergency Contact's full name? (Not attending GearUp Weekend.)

    • Question: What is your Emergency Contact's Phone Number? (10 digits)

    • Question: Have you attended GearUp Men's Weekend previously? (Yes or No)

    • Question: GearUp Weekend is a volunteer-run event. Everyone is expected to commit to a 2-hour shift to make the weekend a success. We've also found that "chores" really help to create a community at GearUp. Please choose up to 3 chores. (Bartender, Runner, Kitchen Cleanup, Teardown on Sunday)

    • Question: Some of our chore assignments may involve lifting up to 50 lbs. Would you be able to complete the task? (Yes or No)

    • Question: Do you have any dietary restrictions?

    • If YES: Question: Please list food allergies and dietary restrictions. Please be sure to indicate which are medical allergies, which are dietary lifestyle (vegan, vegetarian, etc), and which are food preferences. We try our best to accommodate all requests.

    • Question: GearUp Men's Weekend offers a schedule of programs to attendees. Please share 2-3 ideas for programs that you would be interested in attending.

    • If Cabin, Glamping, or RV Lead:

      • Question: Who are your Cabin/Glamping/RV mates?

    • If Cabin, Glamping, or RV Roommate: 

      • Question: Who is your Cabin/Glamping/RV Lead? (Cabins/Glamping/RV is in high demand. If your lead doesn't successfully get a Spot, your registration will default to a camping slot. You can upgrade to other types if they are available.)

    • If RV: 

      • Question: What are the dimensions of your R/V (Length, Width, Height)?

        • Question: You acknowledge that there is only a limited 110v A/C supply and no water or sewage facilities. (Yes or No)

        • Question: I acknowledge that the RV must of off property by 11 AM on Sunday and that (for rental RVs scheduled to be picked up) I will wait on-property until it is picked up. 

    • Question: Do you have a Telegram handle? Trust us! You want to be in the group so you can hit the ground running at camp.(Yes or No)

      • If YES: Question: What is the Telegram handle that you would like to use in the 2026 Attendee Group?

      • If NO: Question: We very highly recommend you join the Telegram group. But if you really don't want to, please acknowledge that you recognize *not* being in the Telegram group might be a choice you regret. (We hear from people who wish they'd joined every single year.)

    • Waiver: I am 21 years of age or older and agree to sign a liability waiver at check-in to camp.

    • Question: WAITLIST: Please check the boxes of any registration type you would like to join the waitlist for if a lead spot of that type becomes available.

    Sickening Events GearUp Weekend 2026 

    Event Details:

    Dates: June 11-14, 2026

    Location: Saratoga Springs Retreat Center

    Pricing: All-inclusive weekend starts at $550

    What is it: GearUp Weekend is an annual retreat designed to help gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+) learn about and explore kink in a friendly, inclusive, and low-pressure environment. With workshops, play spaces, social events, and hands-on opportunities, it’s a chance to connect, discover new interests, and celebrate your kinks—whether you’re experienced or brand new.

    Who is it for: GearUp Weekend is for male—gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+)—kinksters and fetish enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience levels—whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player. We welcome all men, including male-identified trans men, and offer a friendly community, beginner-friendly resources, and dedicated spaces to ask questions, learn, and play.

    Scholarship Opportunity: If you or someone you know are looking to have the chance to experience the magic of GearUp Weekend, check out our scholarship program that offers reduced-cost attendance for qualifying participants. *Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and community involvement

    Have questions? Email us at registration@gearupweekend.com

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee

  • Kinksters,

    GearUp Weekend is back—this time in June—and we can’t wait to gather again for a weekend of kink, connection, and community. Whether you're returning to camp or thinking about joining us for the first time, GearUp Weekend is a chance to explore your interests, meet incredible people, and enjoy a uniquely kinky retreat in the California hills. Also, we are planning a social soon with more details to share in the coming weeks.

    We are also planning a social soon—stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

    Event Details:

    Dates: June 11-14, 2026

    Location: Saratoga Springs Retreat Center

    Pricing: All-inclusive weekend starts at $550

    Spots are limited due to venue capacity, and GearUp Weekend typically sells out. Be sure to register early to secure your place at camp.

    What is GearUp Weekend:

    GearUp Weekend is an annual retreat where gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+) come together to explore kink in a friendly, inclusive, and low-pressure environment. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned player, you’ll find workshops, play spaces, social events, and hands-on opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate your kinks alongside a welcoming community of fellow kinksters.

    What is new for 2026:

    Many returning campers told us that July could get pretty warm at Saratoga Springs. Based on that feedback, we’ve moved GearUp Weekend to June this year to take advantage of cooler early-summer weather and make the experience more comfortable for everyone.

    What to expect:

    Expect gear of every kind—from leather, rubber, sports gear, and uniforms to pups and more—plus workshops, open play spaces, poolside hangs, social mixers, and plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace. Whether you're trying something new, enjoying your favorite kink, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, there’s no pressure to participate in anything that isn’t your thing. First time at GearUp? You won’t be the only one. Many campers arrive not knowing anyone and quickly find themselves welcomed into the community.

    Put your phone down and pick up some fun. GearUp is a mostly unplugged weekend—cameras on phones are covered and WiFi is limited so everyone can enjoy a private, present, and playful environment.

    GearUp is also built on a strong culture of consent and respect. Ask before touching, communicate openly, and remember that everyone gets to choose what they do—or don’t—participate in.

    Why people love GearUp:

    What makes GearUp special is the community. Returning campers and the organizing committee work hard to create a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment where people can ask questions, learn new skills, and make real connections. Many attendees arrive not knowing anyone and leave with new friends, mentors, and unforgettable memories.

    For more details, including accommodation options, visit our website GearUp Weekend.

    Questions? Email us at registration@gearupweekend.com

    Miss an email? Visit previous emails here.

    Yours in kink,

    The GearUp Weekend Committee