Provincetown Carnival Week 2024 in Massachusetts

The Carnival, initiated by the Provincetown Business Guild in 1978, stands as Ptown's authentic summer celebration of community, expression, and creativity. This weeklong festival draws tens of thousands of guests from across the globe to revel in parties, performances, costume contests, and the renowned Carnival parade.

Schedule of Events

Each year, organizers meticulously select a theme and curate themed events for the carnival festivities. In 2024, the theme is "Renaissance + Revolution," inspiring participants to craft themed costumes. From the Costume Ball to the Sunset Cruise, many experiences exist.

On Sunday, August 18th, 2024, from 8:30 am to 10 am, participants can take part in the Feet Over the Street 5k Carnival Run and Walk, while the Carnival Pool Party at Brass Key Guesthouse runs from 1 pm to 5 pm on Monday. The festivities continue with the Legendary T Dance at The Boatslip Resort on Tuesday from 4 pm to 7 pm, followed by the Official Carnival Dance Party at A House from 10 pm to 1 am. The celebration concludes with the Carnival Closing Party at the Crown and Anchor on Friday, from 10 pm to 1 am.

Provincetown Carnival Parade (August 22, 2024)

The week's highlight is the Carnival Parade on Thursday, which marches through downtown Provincetown from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Provincetown Carnival Parade commences at the Harbor Hotel and proceeds down Commercial St, through the downtown area, until it reaches the intersection with Franklin St in the West End. Drawing approximately 90,000 spectators annually, this event is one of the most popular on Cape Cod. Attendees are treated to a spectacle of colorful floats, creative costumes, vibrant dancers, and music that accompanies the procession, leaving them amazed and entertained.

Provincetown: What to See

Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is just a 90-minute ferry trip from Boston. It features wide beaches, excellent restaurants, plenty of shops and art galleries. After indulging in a fantastic day of Carnival festivities, continue the excitement by heading to any of Provincetown's major nightlife locations for drinks and dancing! Here are some of the best gay bars in Provincetown: Shipwreck Lounge, Monkey Bar, and Purgatory. The town is home to a community of artists, writers, and other creative people who make the parade memorable every year.