Provincetown Pride 2025: festival, parties & pride run

In the quaint Cape Cod town of Provincetown (fondly known as P-town), Pride is a wildly popular tradition. Provincetown Pride 2025 marks the 8th annual celebration and will run from June 6–8, 2025

What Provincetown’s Pride lacks in size it more than makes up for in character: this LGBTQ+ oasis at land’s end has long been a safe haven, and Pride weekend here feels like a festive family reunion by the sea. From the rainbow-decked fishing boats in the harbor to the iconic drag queens cycling down Commercial Street, Provincetown Pride is a uniquely intimate celebration where the whole town joins in.

Parade (Sashay) and Rally

Rather than a traditional float parade, Provincetown Pride centers on a spirited pride rally and "sashay.".

On Saturday, June 7, the community gathers at noon on the steps of Town Hall for an empowering Pride Rally. Expect rousing speeches, cheers, and a crowd adorned in their most flamboyant outfits.

In the afternoon, rally-goers “Sashay to Tea” – essentially a joyful Pride march down Commercial Street leading to the famous Tea Dance party. This sashay is pure P-town: locals, visitors, drag performers, and even a few pets in rainbow attire stroll together through the heart of town, waving flags and high-fiving spectators. It’s informal, fun, and totally free to join (no barricades here!).

The procession ends at the waterfront Boatslip Resort, just in time for the daily Tea Dance – a legendary afternoon dance party on the deck. There is no large vehicle parade with floats; instead, the Pride March is community-driven and accessible, reflecting Provincetown’s cozy scale.

Local Tip: Grab a spot near Commercial & Standish Street by mid-afternoon on Saturday to watch or join the sashay – the whole street becomes a colorful catwalk of Pride

Pride Weekend Highlights

Provincetown packs a lot into Pride Weekend, blending its artistic, quirky flair with Pride themes. Here are key events to look forward to:

Official Pride Ferry & Party (Fri Jun 6): Even getting to P-town can be part of Pride. On Friday evening, the Pride Ferry Crossing from Boston at 5:30 PM is an LGBTQ-friendly ferry ride party complete with music. Later that night, the Official Pride Kickoff Party at the Red Room – this year themed “Lady Gaga vs. Beyoncé” – invites you to dance your heart out to pop anthems from these gay icons. It’s the perfect high-energy start to Pride weekend.

Pride Bingo (Fri Jun 6, 3 PM): Kick off the weekend with a drag bingo session hosted by Paige Turner at Governor Bradford pub. Provincetown loves its themed bingo, and this Pride edition promises campy fun (and maybe some naughty prizes).

Pride Festival & Market (Sat Jun 7, 11 AM – 3 PM): A free community festival inside Town Hall, featuring LGBTQ+ artisans, vendors, and a cash bar. It’s part craft fair, part meetup – a great place to buy local Pride souvenirs and meet community groups.

Queer Comedy Showcase (Sat Jun 7, 8 PM): An evening of stand-up comedy at Town Hall, hosted by local comedian Kristen Becker and featuring queer comics to keep you laughing. (P-town’s long comedic history – including summer residencies by Margaret Cho and Kate Clinton – guarantees quality laughs.)

Feet Over Front Street 5K (Sun Jun 8, 8:30 AM): A Pride-themed 5K run, honoring Commercial Street’s original name “Front Street,” where participants race in rainbow gear through town. It’s equal parts athletic event and costume parade – spectators often cheer runners on from their B&B porches.

Provincetown Pride also includes smaller events like gallery openings, drag brunches, and sunset nature walks on the dunes. The Provincetown Business Guild (PBG) curates a full calendar. Pick up a flyer when you arrive so you don’t miss hidden gems like the annual Pride Piano Bar Sing-along or the Pride Edition of the FOAM Pool Party (if it’s warm enough!)

Planning Your Pride Weekend

Plan your stay early: Provincetown is a small town with limited accommodations that fill up fast. Many people book guesthouses or inns several months in advance for Pride. To fully immerse yourself in the Pride festivities, book your accommodation early at one of Provincetown’s gay-friendly hotels. If rooms are scarce, consider staying in nearby Truro or Wellfleet and driving in for the day (but arrive early to secure parking).

Don’t miss Tea Dance: The daily Tea Dance at the Boatslip is a P-town institution, and during Pride it’s especially packed with revelers in fabulous outfits. It’s 4–7 PM daily; Saturday’s Tea Dance after the Pride Rally will be epic. Tip – bring cash for the cover charge at the door and get there on time because the deck can reach capacity.

Experience the sunrise: After Saturday night’s parties (which might include beach bonfires or late-night drag shows at A-House club), head to the bay beach for sunrise. It’s a local tradition for some night owls. Watching the sun come up over Provincetown harbor, still wearing your Pride beads, is a magical calm moment to cap off the celebration.

Support local art: Provincetown is America’s oldest continuous art colony. During Pride, many galleries have special exhibits by LGBTQ+ artists. Stroll the Gallery District (around Commercial St’s east end) and you might find Pride-themed art receptions with free wine and the chance to chat with artists. It’s a nice break from the loud parties and celebrates the creative soul of P-town.

Bring layers: Early June in Cape Cod can be sunny but cool, especially at night by the water. Pack a hoodie or light jacket for evening events (like the outdoor comedy show or the Afterglow performers at night). Daytimes could be warm enough for shorts and tank tops, but ocean breezes mean unpredictable temps. Dressing in layers will keep you comfortable.