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:
Revolution: Independence Week: June 29–July 6
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, pool parties, cabaret, and special appearances. 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 13–20
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 2024: August 17–24
If you’re serious about your partying, hit the weeks-long, no-holds-barred Carnival complete with costumes, drinking, dancing, and pool parties. This year’s festival, sports a Renaissance + Revolution theme, complete with clever event names like the “Let Them Eat Cake” pool 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 Commercial 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. Enjoy some fresh tea and dancing, and as a bonus 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.
Note: Our stay in Ptown, a LGBT beach town, was sponsored by the Provincetown Business Guild and some activities and meals were partially covered. Rest assured the views and opinions expressed in this post are 100% our own and we would never sacrifice our integrity for a sponsorship.