But a New England community in Cape Cod, MA, has been bucking tradition for more than 40 years, following the introduction of the now-annual Provincetown Carnival in 1978. That’s when a group of gay area hotel owners decided to start a summer event both to bring traffic to the community, and to celebrate the town’s creative and welcoming LGBTQIA+ culture. Recently, Provincetown Carnival has attracted more than 90,000 spectators per year, drawn by events like the opening costume party, pool parties, drag shows, concerts, and the ever-popular downtown Provincetown Carnival parade.
A visitor poses with celebrants during the 2019 Provincetown Carnival. Photo: Vadim 777/Shutterstock
The theme for 2024’s Provincetown Carnival is “Renaissance X Revolution,” happening August 17-24. New events for the year include a town hall concert with opera singer and drag performer Sapphira Cristál of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, who is also serving as one of three Grand Marshalls in the signature parade through the coastal town. Public events like the parade are free to attend, but individual events have entry fees ranging from $15 to $60. Tickets are available in advance online.
Provincetown has no shortage of cute Airbnbs and small, boutique hotels and lodges. But for 2024, there’s a new option for day visitors. Festival organizers announced that Boston Harbor City Cruise ferries will be running until 9 PM during Provincetown Carnival, allowing visitors from Boston to stay through dinner and still make it back to the city for bed.
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Provincetown has long been considered one of the most gay-friendly towns in the United States, with a rich LGBTQIA+ history dating to the early 20th century. The town’s bohemian art colony atmosphere was a draw for artists, writers, and other creative types, as it was a place where they could express themselves freely away from established urban areas like Boston. That tolerance and open-mindedness was a draw for individuals who wanted to express themselves in a time when society was less accepting of non-conformity, including LGBTQIA+ people. By the time the 1960s rolled around, the town was established as a safe haven for gay visitors and residents (and just about anyone else, too).
Visitors who can’t make it Provincetown Carnival may want to instead visit later in the year during one of the town’s other events, like Women’s Week or Trans Week (both in October) or the “Holly Folly” Holiday celebrations in early December. 