It’s Summer 101: Ptown rules as an LGBT beach town — a well-deserved rep. Proximity to a major city; idyllic beaches; fabulous, and fabulously affordable art; and an unpretentious, relaxed vibe. Packing yet? Keep in mind Provincetown, MA is only so big, so you’re likely to see same people multiple times. There’s little room for pretension and baggage, so do pack light.
Here are reasons to go to Ptown soon:
Independence 2021: July 2 – 8
Celebrate America’s birthday at Ptown’s party spot, The Crown & Anchor. This mainstay encompasses six distinct areas, including a leather bar, a nightclub, and a cabaret space. The Independence circuit party brings top DJs from around the world (Susan Morabito and Superstar DJ Abel), pool parties, and cabaret. Like a little sparkle with your July 4th celebrations? The Crown & Anchor promises to be a prime viewing spot for waterfront fireworks.
Bear Week®: July 10 – 18
Provincetown is serving up beers and bears in equal proportion this week. Parties abound: the Boatslip’s daily Tea Dance, Saturday’s Disco Dock featuring 70’s and 80’s disco, Ptown’s edition of New York’s famous Furball, and the Bear Boat Sunset Cruise. Bears will find more than a few reasons to get some sand in their fur.
Carnival 2021: August 15 – 21
If you’re serious about your partying, hit the seven-day, no-holds-barred Carnival complete with costumes, drinking, dancing, and pool parties. This year’s festival, sports a Wizard of Oz theme, clear from such clever event names as Tornado, Rainbow, Ruby Red Slippers, and the No Place Like Home closing party. Of course, you should save some of your energy for the main event, the Thursday parade. Pimped-out floats — large, small, self-propelled or walking — and costumes galore take over Commerical Street.
You-Pick-It Long Weekend:
If you’d rather explore Provincetown without an event to distract, that’s ok. There’s no agenda to keep during your stay. Many gay tourists seek the sun and sights of Herring Cove beach, a short walk from town. This beach is notably cruisy. Go on, cruise, be cruised. Or to be more social, head to a late afternoon tea dance at the Boatslip Resort. There’s no tea and no dancing, but you and everyone else will look amazing in the light of the setting sun. Then later still, you can go to the bars and clubs, but note that they close by 1 am. Tip: if you haven’t found that lucky someone at the end of the night, find them at Spiritus Pizza. It’s wherever everyone goes when the bars close.