Insiders know that fall is the best time of year to visit Provincetown. The New England resort town known for its dramatic light, extraordinary beaches, and all things LGBTQ. From classic events and arts festivals to a brand new food and wine festival, Provincetown’s legendary “Second Summer” is the ideal time to visit.
ArtProvincetown Festival, October 8-10, 2021
The first annual ArtProvincetown Festival will include museums, galleries, studios and a marketplace for artists and craftsmen. Aimed at artists, collectors, designers, and fans of the arts in all forms, the Festival will feature receptions and parties with special hosts. The mission of the ArtProvincetown Festival is to highlight the diverse and beautiful art that Ptown has to offer. Note that the Washashore Music & Arts Festival is happening the same weekend and will have crossover events.
Washashore Music & Arts Festival, October 8-10, 2021
The Washashore Music & Arts Festival is an annual gathering celebrating the union of live music, queer artists, good beer, and the everlasting singularity of Provincetown. People who attend Washashore Festival will be compelled to participate in Provincetown Brewing Co.’s commitment to #draftivism: giving back to progressive causes while having a good time. Events will be held at Provincetown Brewing Co., Crown & Anchor, Red Room (formerly Velvet Lounge), and other venues. The event is presented by Provincetown Brewing Co. and executive produced by Live from Provincetown and NYA Presents.
Monumental Yard Sale, October 9-11, 2021
Shopping in Ptown hits an all-time high during the annual Monumental Yard Sale Weekend, which will be held on Indigenous Peoples Weekend, October 9-11, 2021. Each year, town residents, as well as retail shops, participate in the unusual sale where visitors can find one-of-kind treasures lining the sidewalks and yards all over town. It’s also a great time to visit Ptown’s independently-owned boutiques that offer home goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts and antiques, as well as more than 50 galleries displaying fine art, here in America’s oldest continuous art colony.
Women’s Week October 11-17, 2021
With over 150 events for women, including music, comedy, dance parties, film screenings, dune tours, sails, food events, sports events, and more, Women’s Week once again brings thousands of women together—singles and couples alike. Every year there is the Community Dinner, which features performances.
Single Women’s Weekend October 13-16, 2021
The annual Single Women’s Weekend, postponed from May, is now scheduled for October. It’s designed to be a fast, fun way for single lesbians to meet other single lesbians – live and in person. Registration includes Friday’s Meet & Greet, Friday’s Speed Dating and Saturday’s Toys of Eros Workshop.
Fantasia Fair, October 17-24, 2021
Since 1975, Fantasia Fair (a.k.a. Fan Fair) https://fanfair.info/ has been acclaimed as the original transgender event. It offers anyone who identifies as trans (and even those who don’t) a place to gather. Daily keynote speakers and workshops are a big part of the week-long schedule. There are also fashion shows, formal banquets, lunches, and a cabaret/talent show. It’s an immersive, week-long event, the longest-running transgender event in the world.
Halloween Weekend October 29-31, 2021
One of the biggest events in October, Halloween is the best night of the year to don costumes and play on Commercial Street. Expect flash mobs, performances, and lots of parties. Halloween also overlaps with Spooky Bear Weekend. which includes themed parties, shows and a farewell brunch.
Provincetown Food & Wine Festival, November 4-7, 2021
The new festival, created to celebrate local chefs and restaurants is planned to be an annual event. The schedule includes a Tuscan Wine Tasting & Seminar, Afternoon Tasting & Social, Italian Fine Wine Dinner, Amalfi Coast Wine Dinner, Celebrating Women, GRAND Tasting and Champagne Drag Brunch. Participating restaurants and hotels include Strangers & Saints, The Crown & Anchor, Pilgrim House, Masthead Resort & Cottages, Provincetown Brewing Company, Café Heaven, Tin Pan Alley, Post Office Café and Cabaret, and Perry’s Fine Wine & Liquors. Details at Provincetown Food & Wine Festival.
Getting There
Provincetown lies 60 miles out to sea at the tip of Cape Cod. Visitors are drawn to this remote swath of land for its beaches, restaurants and its charming art galleries and shops. They come for the luxurious guesthouses and the boutique inns. A favorite LGBTQ+ destination, the town is known for celebrating individuality and freedom of expression.
Provincetown has a rich creative history as the oldest continuous art colony in the country and the birthplace of modern American Theater. Each season offers visitors something new, something different, and Provincetown beckons any time of year. Provincetown is a two-hour drive from Boston and five hours from New York. It can be reached by Peter Pan Bus Lines from Boston, via Cape Air flights from Boston’s Logan Airport and Westchester County Airport in New York, and by scheduled 90-minute ferry service from downtown Boston.