One of the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the US and the largest event on Cape Cod, Provincetown’s 45th annual Carnival Week—with the theme of “Land of Toys”—is only days away.
Here’s the scoop from the Provincetown Business Guild, which hosts the event:
Carnival kicks off on Sunday, August 13, with the Feet Over Front Street 5K Carnival Run/Walk. Branded Feet Over Front Street, the event honors Commercial Street’s original name (Front Street), which dates to 1880.
Later that day, get down and set sail with Bay State Cruise Company for the Disco Duck Carnival Cruise. This cruise and dance party will feature three hours of spinning under the sun by DJ Andrew Haig & New York City’s golden-era icon and black trans advocate, DJ Lina Bradford. A full cash bar, specialty cocktails, and concessions will be available for purchase.
Carnival opening day continues into the night with the Toy Chest: Official Carnival Opening Party at the Crown & Anchor, where the best Land of Toys look will win a cash prize and a spot aboard one of the PBG’s Carnival Parade floats.
Carnival Monday brings the one-of-a-kind aquatic experience at the Brass Key Guesthouse: Malibu, the annual legendary pool party. Hosted by Paige Turner and featuring DJ Edil Hernandez on the decks, this pool party sells out every year, so get your speedos, kaftans, and thongs ready.
On Tuesday, August 15, a Carnival classic returns. The Watership Inn’s renowned Carnival party, established in 1979, makes a triumphant comeback with one of Ptown’s favorite entertainers, the incomparable Miss Richfield. This backyard bash features food, games, open bar, and a performance from Miss Richfield herself.
Enjoy more fabulous drag artistry as Alyssa Edwards makes her debut on Wednesday, August 16, at Provincetown Town Hall for a night of comedy, storytelling, glamour, and gag-worthy looks. Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, known by their stage name Alyssa Edwards, is an entertainer, choreographer, drag performer, and television personality. First appearing on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, he quickly became a fan favorite for his candid testimonials, outrageous tongue-pops, and quirky personality. Alyssa returned for season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars. Since Drag Race, Alyssa has toured the globe performing for fans throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America, and she is now ready to spill the tea from the Town Hall stage.
On Thursday, August 17, visitors and locals will pour into Ptown for the 45th Carnival Parade showing off their incredible costumes inspired by the Land of Toys theme. Winding its way down Commercial Street, the procession of floats and walkers will be led by Grand Marshal Jason Carter, also known as drag artist Monica Moore from Taunton, MA. Jason was thrust onto the national stage when the drag queen story hour he was hosting (as Monica Moore) at the Taunton Public Library was interrupted by a group of neo-Nazis. Jason bravely continued to read over the heckling and taunts while remaining aware of the potential dangers to himself and the attendees. The PBG honors Jason’s courage and bravery and invites parade-goers to surround Jason with love and support.
After the parade, head to the Boatslip for the post-Parade Tea Dance, where thousands of parade participants gather to show off their costumes and dance.
Additional dance parties during Carnival include the Legend of the Pied Piper: Mouse Trap, a pop-up girl party at the Provincetown Brewing Co., Tugboat dance party at A-House, Dollz World hosted by model, performer, and original club kid, Amanda Lepore at Red Room, the Rainbow Light-Bright Rave at Red Room, My Little Bro-ni Beer Fest & Dance Party at the Provincetown Brewing Co., and Exit Through the Doll Haus: The Official Carnival Closing Party at the Crown & Anchor.
Even more: ptown.org
Not a subscriber? Sign up today for a free subscription to Boston Spirit magazine, New England’s premier LGBT magazine. We will send you a copy of Boston Spirit 6 times per year and we never sell/rent our subscriber information. Click HERE to sign up!
