Provincetown welcomes visitors back with fun LGBTQ+ events
Provincetown plans a year filled with theme weeks, events, and experiences to attract LGBTQ+ travelers.
Provincetown welcomes travelers from across the globe to discover why the Massachusetts coastal town is the world’s premier destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Classic queer events and theme weeks like Independence Weekend, Bear Week, Girl Splash, Carnival, and Holly Folly are joined by art and theatre festivals, new wellness-focused getaways, and the return of music, food, and wine festivals that debuted in 2021.
Whether you want to experience a quintessential Provincetown Summer, a wellness-focused vacation, or a cozy winter escape, travelers will find all of these experiences and so much more in the magical town at the tip of Cape Cod.
Tickets are on sale now for select 2022 events, including the Let’s Get Kraken Carnival cruise and all-new Pride queer comedy showcase. Plan and book your Provincetown getaway now at ptown.org.
Womxn of Color Weekend
June 2 – 5, 2022
A celebration of pride and diversity for LGBTQ+ women, trans, nonbinary, and gender-fluid people of color, and their allies.
Provincetown Pride
June 3 – 5, 2022
Celebrate the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community with a rally, parties, and a special queer comedy showcase at Town Hall at the 5th Anniversary of Provincetown’s Official Pride. New this year: Feet Over Front Street 5K – Pride Edition. Front is the original name of Provincetown’s main street (now Commercial St.).
Pride Wellness Retreat
June 6 – 12, 2022
A 6-night all-inclusive gay men’s retreat featuring yoga, meals, accommodations, excursions, bike rentals, and more.
Provincetown International Film Festival
June 15 – 19, 2022
The 24th annual 5-day festival showcases independent narrative, documentary, animated features, shorts, panel discussions, and special events.
Frolic: Men of Color Weekend
June 16 – 20, 2022
Men of Melanin Magic welcome you to Frolic State University for 2022’s Men of Color Weekend theme of homecoming.
CabaretFest
June 21 – 26, 2022
The theme of the 22nd Anniversary festival is “Hooray For Hollywood!” featuring movie-focused entertainment and masterclasses.
Independence Weekend
July 1 – 4, 2022
Celebrate the 4th of July with dazzling fireworks and explosive parties all week long, hosted by the Crown & Anchor.
Bear Week
July 9 – 17, 2022
Bears, cubs, wolves, otters, and their admirers venture to Provincetown during this annual event to enjoy cruises, pool parties, discos, shows, and more.
Girl Splash
July 20 – 23, 2022
The annual summer getaway for women, produced by Provincetown for Women, features entertainment, pool parties, beach relaxation, and more.
Family Week
July 23 – 30, 2022
The largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ parents and their children in the world. 2022 is the 28th anniversary of this week of workshops, family fun, and community-building.
Carnival
August 13 – 20, 2022
One of the largest outdoor celebrations in Massachusetts and Provincetown’s original summer celebration is back! Carnival-goers will enjoy and express themselves at costume parties, live entertainment, drag brunches, and the famous Carnival Parade (August 18) through the theme of Monsters, Myths & Legends. New this year: Feet Over Front Street 5K – Carnival Edition. Front is the original name of Provincetown’s main street (now Commercial St.)
Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla Weekend
September 9-11, 2022
Join swimmers, volunteers, kayakers, and cheerleaders for the 35th annual event to raise money for AIDS, women’s health, and other services for the Cape community.
The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival
September 22 – 25, 2022
Tutti Frutti Tennessee Williams — Cool, Tasty and Refreshing! The 17th season features a lineup of All-Tennessee plays, the first time since 2006.
Mates Leather Weekend XXV
September 29 – October 3, 2022
A weekend of parties, relaxation, and contests for people in leather, rubber, and uniforms.
ArtProvincetown
October 8 – 10, 2022
A 3-day festival of art exhibitions, special events, parties, and more.
Washashore Festival
October 8 – 10, 2022
The union of live music, good beer, and the everlasting singularity of Provincetown. Performers and events embody free expression, individuality, beauty, acceptance, and joy.
Women’s Week
October 10 – 16, 2022
A week of events for women, including music, comedy, dance parties, art exhibitions, film screenings, dune tours, sports events, and more.
Single Women’s Weekend
October 12 – 15, 2022
Speed meeting, dance parties, scavenger hunts, great food, and so much more. Make new friends and maybe meet Ms. Right.
Fantasia Fair, The Original Transgender Week
October 15 – 23, 2022
The longest-running transgender event in the world is a learning experience, social gathering, and reunion. This total immersion experience welcomes everyone.
Provincetown Food & Wine Festival
November 2 – 5, 2022
Global wines and diverse menus will honor this year’s theme of Celebrate Portugal.
Mr. New England Leather
November 18 – 20, 2022
The annual pageant to crown Mr. New England Leather 2023.
Holly Folly
December 2 – 4, 2022
One of the only LGBTQ+ holiday festivals in the world and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, Holly Folly offers holiday shopping at local businesses, The Canteen’s holiday market, the Jingle Bell Run and Champagne Brunch, dance parties, sing-alongs, and drag bingo. New this year: Light the Night Holiday Stroll, where attendees are encouraged to wear illuminated costumes and accessories as they walk down Commercial St. and Hung with Care, a queer holiday burlesque spectacular at Town Hall.
First Light
December 30, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Ring in the New Year on the tip of Cape Cod with this 3-day celebration of parties, performances, the New Year’s Eve Lite Bright Bike Ride, fireworks, and the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day.
For more details on these theme weeks and other Provincetown LGBTQ+ events, visit the Provincetown Business Guild.
About the Provincetown Business Guild
The Provincetown Business Guild is a nonprofit organization promoting and supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer business community in Provincetown, MA. The Guild is committed to improving the Provincetown community by advocating for the acceptance of diversity and tolerance through projects, programs, and education. The Guild welcomes residents and visitors to experience America’s first LGBTQ+ tourist destination. For more information about the Provincetown Business Guild, visit www.ptown.org and on Instagram @VisitPtown.
