Among the highlights of each day at the West Coast 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.

Suggestions for themes for CMEN's West Coast Gathering 2011 were proposed by past Gathering participants. These suggested themes have been reviewed and after months of deliberation the final list of themes has been announced:

Friday, September 2: What's Your Sign - In the East or in the West, some believe that knowing your sign tells others a lot about you. Wear accessories symbolic of you sign tonight.

Saturday, September 3: Movie Icons - Hollywood has provided us a chance to escape to a fantasy life in bygone era or an enchanted place, companionship with a superhero righting wrong, or a life of glamour and romance. Which is your favorite Hollywood movie? Is it a comedy, drama, western or adventure? Who is your favorite star? Wear a hat, bow tie, or other accessories that tell others about your favorite star or character.

Sunday, September 4: Pink Party - Everything is rosy. Tonight everyone is seeing pink! View the world through rose colored glasses. Everything is pink hot! Wear your favorite pink cap or hat, pink sandals or other pink accessories this evening.

Monday, September 5: Madd Hatter - The Madd Hatter has arrived, but can't decide what hat to wear! What would you suggest? What hat would your friends say is you? Wear your favorite hat, cap, crown, tiara, bonnet or beanie. If you belong to a local club this would be a great evening to wear your local club cap too. If not, perhaps a cap representing the city or state you are from could be worn. Week session opening ceremonies and get acquainted activities will highlight the evening.

Tuesday, September 6: Cops & Robbers - Tonight we are inspired by the heroic men in uniform that help keep order, the bootleggers, women of the night and others that keep things stirred up. Which side one is on may not be so easy to tell. Wear accessories that might be worn by those you most admire.

Wednesday, September 7: All That Glitters - "A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend. A kiss may be grand, but it won't pay the rental on your humble flat. But square-cut or pear-shape, these rocks don't lose their shape. Diamonds are a girl's best friend." Dress to sparkle tonight. Perhaps you will find paradise in a luxurious ensemble, in something totally silly, or in the man wearing one.... Who will win our hearts? The highlight of the evening will be the Miss CMEN Queen contest this evening.

Thursday, September 8: Leather Masters & Slaves - The masculine aroma of men in black leather will fill the air; the music will beat heavy with anticipation. Yes Sir! Which is your favorite role? Will tonight be the night of your fantasies? Look your best in polished motorcycle boots, black leather cap, armband, harness, and other leather accessories. Don't have any leather? Wear your favorite black or blue cap or other accessories. Demonstrations and the Mr. Leather CMEN contest are scheduled for this afternoon and evening.

Friday, September 9: Viva Mexico - This evening's adventure takes us on a fantasy visit to old Mexico. Ah, the sounds of mariachi music, Spanish guitars, romantic dancing, great looking native men and and a fantastic fiesta. Come naturally native or wear your serape and sombrero, or a vaquero hat. The highlight of the evening will be the Mr. CMEN contest.

Saturday, September 10: Sixties Revisited - This evening we celebrate the "Decade of Peace and Love," a time of change, from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Dream" to the rise of gay rights, and man's first walk on the moon. The Beatles began a musical revolution, followed by Pink Floyd's psychedelic rock music and the Woodstock music festival. The emerging hippie lifestyle included drugs, loud music and war protests, but it also meant living closer to nature and freedom from the constraints of clothing.

Volunteers are welcome to help with these and other proposed theme related evening activities, please note any special interest when sending in the registration form.

Sound like fun? Why not tell a friend? Print a copy of the West Coast Gathering 2009 brochure (pdf). For further details contact CMEN at 1-877-NUDIST-1 (1-877-683-4781)

Photography By: Rick B. Copyright 2003-2011, California Men Enjoying Naturism, Los Angeles, CA