If this year’s guards-and-prisoners theme doesn’t do it for you, how about “the friendliest bear club in the South”? Good thing Atlanta Bear Fest 2010: Lock Down offers both—and more–starting Friday.

To the thrill of out-of-town guests and local hosts Southern Bears, last year’s successful Red White & Bears (top photo) bear run returns bigger and better this year. Some three-dozen Lock Down main events begin Friday afternoon, kick up a notch on Saturday and Sunday, and just keep going all the way through Monday’s Farewell Breakfast.

“Not a bear? Not a problem! Come as you are,” says the group’s open invitation. “Southern Bears wants everyone to be able to become familiar with the bear scene. As long as you’re friendly, fun and ready to have a ball you are more than welcome.”

Mmm. Cuddly… Party on the cell block!

Most of the events take place at the host hotel, Courtyard Marriott Northlake. That includes three open bars, three big meals, two pool parties (middle photo) with DJ Eric, optional participation in a bear community photo project, and an iced watermelon bar. And being bearish, there’s also a Cigar Smoke at the gazebo and Haircuts & Bootblack For Charity.

That’s just for starters. View the full schedule with all the perks.
Memo to prison guards: Prisoners may be even more agitated with the presence of Larry Flick (bottom photo) of OutQ Sirius/XM radio’s “Morning Jolt” program. Read all the fun and funny prison-themed memos from the Southern Bears warden to be prepared for ABF’10 Lock Down.

Away from the hotel, the Atlanta Eagle officially welcomes Bear Fest partiers all weekend, the Heretic conveniently hosts Bear Saturday with DJay McCracken, and an official Fourth of July beer bust with DJ Bill takes place at Frogs Cantina on Sunday. Things wrap up Monday with a farewell breakfast.

Register early for the full four-day run, and all of the above is yours at no additional cost. Early registration also means a discount from the door price, and individual day-passes are also available.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to meet hot and friendly local folks in Atlanta,” the invitation promises. “Come join us for four days of lazy fun and fur hosted by the friendliest bear club in the South.”