Northern California Gathering:
2026 Social Hour & Evening Themes
Among the highlights of each day at the CMEN gatherings are the late afternoon social hour parties and evening events.
Just for fun, the social hour parties and evening events have a different theme each day. While nudity is still the overall rule, gathering attendees are encouraged (but not required) to wear accessories that correspond to the theme for the social hour and evening. Social hour “costumes” can range from a simple cap or hat to the outlandish.
Monday, July 20: Mad Hatter: The Mad Hatter has arrived butt can’t decide which hat to wear. What would you suggest? A bonnet, beanie or bowler? What hat would your friends say is you? A Panama, pillbox, pork-pie or pith-helmet? Wear your favorite cap, crown, fedora, straw hat, top-hat, or even tiara! The options are endless. Be like Prince in his raspberry beret, or like your favorite cowboy in a ten-gallon hat (Bareback Mountain-style). Or go Village people-style with a construction hard-hat or a leather chapeau. Be like the Cat in the Hat or mix and match a Santa’s cap with a sombrero! Not feeling super creative? Keep it simple and wear your favorite sports team’s baseball cap!
Tuesday, July 21: Men in Uniform: Ah, there’s nothing like the smell of a man in uniform! (…except maybe a man OUT of his uniform!) Who are your favorite uniformed men? Are they the royal red troopers that you dream of mounting or the aces in the sky with which you want to ride off into the sunset? Or maybe it’s the officers who preserve the peace, the doctors who heal, or the postmen who deliver? Major military madness might be upon us this afternoon. Will you be Dishonorably Discharged for Disorderly Conduct or for going AWOL? Play Cops and Robbers, or Cowboys and Indians. Come in a Wrestling uniform or as the High-school nurse! Wear your favorite uniform accessories and serve!
Wednesday, July 22: St. Patrick’s Day: Who said S. Patrick’s Day should only be in March? At the NorCal Gathering we celebrate in July too! How do naked leprechauns adorn themselves for this special day? Wear your favorite green hat, green bow tie, green socks, green harness, perhaps an Irish plad and other green accessories. Enjoy your favorite Irish inspired beverage.
Thursday, July 23: Leather Fantasies: Do the pheromones of a man in leather whip you into an orgasmic frenzy? If the answer is “Yes Sir!” then tonight is your night to get intoxicated because the masculine aroma of men in black leather fills the air. Polish your motorcycle boots, muscle into your armbands, tighten your harness, and unsnap your jockstrap. It’s time to wear your favorite leather and chain accessories, and be prepared to enjoy this sensual evening.
Friday, July 24: Queen of the Mountains: In the immortal words of Lady Gaga, “Don’t be a Drag, Be a Queen!” It’s time for YOU to be a drag queen this afternoon! Time to wear your wig, boa, tiara, sequins and pumps and wear it proudly! Be the fiercest queen you can be… and choose an appropriate name for your persona: Will you be: Anita Procedure, Dixie Normous, Eileen Sideways, Wilma Titzgro or Izzy Unkutt? How about Mimi Furst, Ida Slapter, or Ivy Profen? Just remember, “it’s not personal, it’s DRAG!” Perhaps you’ll find paradise in a glorious ensemble, in a totally silly frock, or in the man wearing one… Everyone’s a Queen this afternoon whether you’re wearing a tiara, a crown or just wish you had the nerve!
Saturday, July 25: Gold: Everything is golden today! Golden eye, Gold Finger, Goldilocks, Goldie Hawn, Whoopie Goldberg, Golda Meir (My-Rear?!?). Any [Au]some outfit will do!. Wear your favorite gold cap, gold shoes, or other accessories.
The Northern California Mid-Summer Gathering is hosted by CMEN, an international social organization for gay and bisexual men who enjoy nude social and recreational activities.
First time attending a CMEN naturist event? Check out the Attending your First Gathering page.
Also join us at CMEN’s flagship gathering, SoCal West Coast Gathering 2026, August 13-24, 2026, at a conference center nestled in Southern California’s scenic San Bernardino Mountains east of Big Bear Lake, only 88 miles east of Los Angeles. This 60th all nude gathering includes several session options: the full week session, a half week session or weekend session.
Photos by anonymous and Rick B.
General Information – Activities – Social Hour Themes – FAQ – First Gathering? – Registration – Scholarship Contributions & Payments – Transportation – Receive invitations to CMEN events – About CMEN