108 Photos of the Celestial Bears of Summer

The Lazy Bear fund puts on one of the largest and most successful bear gatherings in the world. Felix Xie’s dazzling campfire photos capture the camaraderie and romance of the nocturnal bear. Felix Xie is a photographer currently living in San Diego. With mostly portraits and nightlife photos, his work explores the dynamics between the subject matter and the surrounding environment. He can be reached at felix@felixiefoto.com.

For over 20 years Lazy Bear Week has entertained thousands of guests in Guerneville, Calif., in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. This year's event, August 1-6, was beautiful and heartfelt. (You can see it also in James Gosnell’s daytime photos here that we posted in August.)

There are pool parties, dance parties, bonfires, live entertainment, and amazing DJs. Folks can stay in local lodges, campgrounds and cabins, or any number of options in nearby towns and cities. Eat at gourmet restaurants, local diners, cookouts, and unique pop-ups. Drink world-class wine near the vineyards that produce it. While you’re enjoying your long, lazy week, remember that all of the profits go to charity. LBW has raised nearly $2 million for worthy causes and they are still going strong.

A Message From the Lazy Bear Producers: Who We Are & Why We Do It

The Lazy Bear Fund has always been a grass-roots, nonprofit organization. We give all of our profits to causes like clinics and schools and food banks. We help kids and seniors, people living with HIV, or struggling with addiction.

Started by Harry Lit in 1996, the organization is currently steered by David Barker, John Jacob, Steve Adams, Trey Sheldon and Fred Bothe. The Lazy Bear Fund events benefit from the help and hard work of many friends, merchants, and long-time supporters.

Lazy Bear Weekend is run by a small army of volunteers. Many of the people who are serving you a beverage or cleaning up after a party are affiliated with the organizations we give to. Organizations like West County Health Centers, The Positive Resource Center, and Food for Thought, a local food bank. If you would like to volunteer, send an email to info@lazybearfund.org.

Find out more on their website and Facebook.