Thousands of men celebrating what is often referred to as a brotherhood are migrating to Fort Lauderdale this weekend for BeachBear Weekend 2015.

The Courtyard By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach is the host hotel for this event and hotel spokesman Steve Zunt said the property is glad to welcome bears from near and far.

“We are very excited with all of the interest this event has generated,” Zunt said. “This is our fourth year hosting the event and it has more than doubled from last year. We look forward to welcoming our guests from the United States and overseas.”

Activities and social gatherings for bears -- universally known as large, hairy, masculine men -- are scheduled at various bars and guest houses across Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors this weekend. SFGN reached out to BeachBear Weekend event producer Bob Young for comment, but our repeated requests for an interview were denied.

“I’m really not interested in doing an article — thanks anyway,” Young’s last email read.

Zunt, however, did confirm a bear themed business fair is scheduled to open at 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (May 7-9) inside the Seabreeze conference room at the Courtyard By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach, 440 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Beach, 33316.

Proceeds from BeachBear Weekend 2015 benefit the Pride Center at Equality Park and Abandoned Pet Rescue. Organizers of this year’s BBW have dedicated the event to departed buddy Chris Miklos.

For more information, visit BeachBearWeekend.com