Welcome to STUDS Bear Bar, the undisputed first home of the bear and leather community in Puerto Vallarta. Established in March 2022 by visionary founder Mike Owens, STUDS was born from a lifelong dream to create a permanent sanctuary for a community that previously only gathered for seasonal events. Driven by Mike’s personal philosophy—‘In the end, strive to have given more than you receive’—this three-story landmark in the Zona Romántica has evolved from its ‘Therapy’ roots into a multi-level powerhouse.

From the Level 1 Gear Shop and authentic Dark Room to the high-energy Level 2 DJ Booth and the brand-new Level 3 Open-Air Rooftop, STUDS is more than a bar; it is a mission-driven pillar of PV nightlife and organizes bear events during Bear Week, Semana Santa, Vallarta Pride, Halloween Dia De Los Muertos, Collab Week PV, and New Years Eve.

Explore the STUDS Fortress:

Go to Level 1: Gear Shop & Social Hub

Go to Level 2: Main Stage & VIP

Go to Level 3: The Sky Lounge Sanctuary

Go to The STUDS Legacy: Mike Owens

Go to 2026 Event Calendar & Daily Specials

Level 1: The Social Hub, Gear Shop & Dark Room

The ground floor of STUDS serves as the building’s essential social anchor. This level is strategically designed to be the “Start of the Night” for both locals and travelers.

• The Gear Shop by STUDS: More than just a retail corner, this expanded shop is the definitive source for custom-made leather harnesses, STUDS-branded T-shirts, and specialized accessories.

• The Secure Clothes Check & Storage: A key feature of Level 1 is the professional clothes check. Beyond its standard use for those entering the Dark Room, it acts as a Secure Storage Hub. If you purchase gear or apparel during the day or at the start of your night, you can safely store your new items here while you head upstairs to Level 2 or Level 3, allowing you to party hands-free.

• The Dark Room Transformation: In a nod to the building’s history, the space that originally housed the Therapy kitchen has been masterfully repurposed into the Official STUDS Dark Room. This area is industrial, authentic, and strictly men-only, complete with dedicated monitoring to ensure the community’s safety and privacy.

• The Gay Bar Tour Headquarters: Every evening at 8:00 PM, Level 1 transforms into the meeting point for the Gay Bar Tour. Guests enjoy a signature dinner experience catered by Di Vino Dante, served in their original dishes. This tradition maintains the “Therapy” legacy of high-end dining while transitioning into the high-energy nightlife STUDS is famous for.

Level 2: The Energy – Main Stage & Balcony

Ascending to the second floor brings you into the high-octane heart of the STUDS experience. This level is a masterclass in production, centered around a state-of-the-art DJ Booth that hosts a rotating roster of the world’s most influential Circuit and Tribal house artists.

STUDS Resident Soundtrack:

Our dance floor is powered by the legendary beats of residents like DJ Disco Vinnie (discovinnie.com), alongside the high-energy sets of DJ Yaver and DJ Strk. Whether it’s a deep-tech leather night or a high-energy circuit celebration, the soundscape on Level 2 is designed to keep the Bear and Leather community moving until the early hours.

The STUDS Go-Go Dancers

The visual energy is anchored by the elite STUDS Go-Go Dancers. Performing in signature industrial cages and on the pole, these dancers define the aesthetic of the modern Bear Cosmos. Clad in custom gear and harnesses from the Level 1 Gear Shop, they represent the strength and masculinity that STUDS is famous for.

Previous Go Go Dancers

Carlos Carmago IG account 

The VIP Experience & Men-Only Facilities

For those seeking a more elevated perspective, Level 2 offers a dedicated VIP Room and Area. This exclusive space provides prime views of the DJ booth and the dance floor, perfect for groups who want a home base in the middle of the action. This floor also houses the Men-Only facilities, ensuring a comfortable, focused, and gear-friendly environment for our core community.

Level 2 Expansion: The Basilio Badillo Balcony

A standout feature of the second floor is the popular outdoor balcony, which offers a direct view over the bustling Basilio Badillo street. This space is the designated smoking and vaping area for STUDS guests. More than just a smoking lounge, the balcony is famous for its ‘high-profile’ vantage point—it is designed so that from the street below, guests are visible only from the waist up. It’s the perfect spot to catch a breeze, enjoy a cocktail, and engage in some legendary people-watching while maintaining a sense of gear-focused mystery.

Level 3: The Sky Lounge – An Open-Air Rooftop

The crowning jewel of the STUDS fortress is the newly opened Level 3 Sky Lounge. While the floors below pulse with industrial energy, the rooftop is designed as a lush, plant-filled retreat under the stars.

The Vibe: Fully open to the sky and surrounded by the rising architecture of the Zona Romántica, the Sky Lounge feels like a hidden courtyard. It is outfitted with comfortable lounge seating, inviting guests to sink in and stay a while.

The Soundscape: To ensure the perfect “chill-out” atmosphere, Level 3 features its own independent sound system. Instead of the high-octane circuit beats from the main floor, the rooftop soundtrack focuses on ambient and deep-house grooves, making it the premier spot for conversation and connection.

The Escape: Without the distraction of street views, the focus remains entirely on the sky above and the community around you. It is the ultimate open-air escape for the Bear and Leather community to decompress in style.

The STUDS Legacy: Mike Owens & Evolution

The story of STUDS is the story of a lifelong dream realized through resilience and community. Before STUDS opened its doors in March 2022, the Bear and Leather community in Puerto Vallarta lacked a year-round home, relying instead on seasonal events and “Bear Weeks.” Founder Mike Owens changed that landscape forever by creating the city’s first dedicated, permanent sanctuary for the Bear Cosmos.

Originally launched as a dual-concept on the ground floor known as Therapy, the venue quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the Zona Romántica. By December 2023, the vision expanded as STUDS officially took over the entire first-floor footprint, transforming the original kitchen area into an authentic, industrial Dark Room.

A Vision Born of Purpose

For Mike, STUDS is more than a business—it is a mission. His commitment to the community is deeply personal, rooted in the loss of his younger brother to AIDS in 1995 and his own battle with cancer in 2011. These life-altering events fueled a philosophy of philanthropy that defines the STUDS brand. Mike’s first tattoo—“In The End, Strive To Have Given More Than You Receive”—sits above a map of Mexico, a permanent symbol of his dedication to his adopted home.

Leadership & Community Impact

Mike’s impact on Puerto Vallarta extends far beyond nightlife:

• VGCC Founding Member: Mike served on the founding Board of Directors for the Vallarta Gay Community Center (VGCC), completing a pivotal two-year term in January 2026. He was instrumental in ensuring the continuation of the local PrEP and STD testing programs after the closure of SETAC.

• Non-Profit Support: A dedicated supporter of SETAC, AFVAC, and CANICA (supporting children and youth living with cancer in Jalisco), Mike ensures that STUDS serves as a primary hub for fundraisers and charity events throughout the year.

Today, STUDS stands as a three-story testament to Mike’s vision—a space where high-energy nightlife meets deep-rooted community service. When you visit STUDS, you are participating in a legacy of “giving more than you receive,” making it a landmark of heart and soul in the heart of PV.

2026 Event Calendar: 7 Days of Action

STUDS is the only 3-story fortress in the Zona Romántica offering a dedicated theme every night of the week. Whether you’re coming for the legendary Happy Hour or the midnight shows, here is your roadmap to the week:

Daily Happy Hour: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Start your night early with 2×1 drinks across the board. It’s the best time to socialize on Level 1 or catch the breeze on the Level 2 balcony before the main events kick off.

STUDS Daily Event Schedule

Every night at STUDS offers a unique themed experience. Whether you’re here for the gear, the shows, or the community, here is what is happening tonight:

STUDS Annual Major Festivals

Beyond the weekly events, STUDS hosts the most anticipated leather and gear festivals in Puerto Vallarta. Mark your calendars for these signature annual highlights:

Frequently Asked Questions about STUDS Bear Bar

1. What bar was formerly Therapy in Puerto Vallarta?

A: The 1st Floor of STUDS Bear Bar evolved from the original “Therapy” bar. In December 2023, the venue expanded to occupy all three floors of the building, transforming the old Therapy kitchen into an industrial dark room and adding the Level 3 Sky Lounge in November 2025.

2. What is the dress code for STUDS PV?

A: STUDS is a gear-friendly sanctuary. While casual attire is welcome, guests are encouraged to wear leather, rubber, or gear. On theme nights like Underwear Wednesday or Jockstrap Friday, participants even receive their first drink for free if they arrive in the theme for the night.

3. When is Happy Hour at STUDS?

A: Happy Hour runs daily from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Guests can enjoy 2×1 drink specials across all three levels of the bar

4. Does STUDS have a smoking area? Is Vaping allowed at STUDS inside the bar? 

A: Vaping is allowed inside STUDS bar. Smoking is only permitted on the Level 2 balcony overlooking Basilio Badillo and in front of the bar entrance. Please note the open air rooftop is no-smoking.

5. What time does Bingo start at STUDS?

A:The legendary Strip Down Bingo Extravaganza starts every Tuesday at 8:30 PM. It is hosted by local icons Tia Gloria PV and Wendy Warhol, with nightly prizes reaching up to $8,000 MXN.

6. Where is the best place for bears in Puerto Vallarta?

A: STUDS is the undisputed headquarters for the Bear and Leather community. There are weekly bear themed events 7 nights a week, offering three floors of entertainment tailored to the “Bear Cosmos.”

7. Is there a secure clothes check or storage at STUDS?

A: Yes. Level 1 features a professional clothes check that also serves as a secure storage hub for any purchases made at the Gear Shop earlier in the evening.

8. Can I buy leather gear at the bar?

A: The Gear Shop by STUDS on Level 1 sells custom-made harnesses, branded apparel, and accessories, making it the premier spot for gear in the Zona Romántica.

9. Where does the Gay Bar Tour meet?

A: The Gay Bar Tour meets at STUDS Level 1 at 8:00 PM on tour nights with dinner. Gay Bar Hoppers enjoy a high-end dinner experience catered by Di Vino Dante before starting the tour.

10. Who is the owner of STUDS?

A: STUDS was founded by Mike Owens, a prominent community leader, philanthropist, and cancer survivor who is a founding board member of the Vallarta Gay Community Center (VGCC).

11. Are there live shows at STUDS?

A: Yes. Live shows featuring gay performers occur on Fetish Thursdays and Daddy Sundays at 10:40 PM and 12:00 AM.

12. What kind of music is played at STUDS?

A: STUDS features a diverse soundscape: Disco on Mondays, Bingo and shows on Tuesdays/Wednesdays, and high-energy Circuit and Tribal House sets by residents DJ Disco Vinnie, Yaver, and Strk on weekends.