Bear Week Provincetown 2026

Bear Week Provincetown 2026

Provincetown Bears brings together guys from around the world for a relaxed, sun-soaked escape in one of North America’s most beloved gay seaside towns. Expect a mix of club nights curated with varied sounds across local venues, giving each evening its own flavour without turning the week into a marathon.

Days move at an easy pace. Pool gatherings, long walks through town, quiet dunes, fresh seafood, and cabaret shows set the rhythm. It feels like a holiday first: time to breathe, connect, and enjoy the Cape’s coastal charm, with nights ready when you are.

• Check the latest hotels with rooms now. Many recommendations are already full. Don't wait to book Provincetown, it is one of the top 5 most popular destinations in our guides.

The Event

• Next Edition: Saturday 11th July – Saturday 18th July 2026 – Enjoy seven days and nights of events at one of America's most famous bear celebrations.
• Events include theme parties, pool parties, a bear cruise, beach parties, excursions, cultural events, a bear market and more.
• Many of the event take place in the Crown And Anchor complex. Book well in advance if you want to stay during the bear events. The Brass Key Guest House is also highly recommended with a great pool.

How Bear Week Works in 2026

• If you already purchased an official Bear Tag before the 30 Jun registration deadline, simply collect it from Firehouse #3 or the Boatslip Resort and enjoy the events included with your package.
• If you missed the registration deadline, you can still experience almost everything Bear Week has to offer.
• Door cover charges are available at most pool parties, clubs and the famous Tea Dances, so a physical Bear Tag is not required for many of the week's biggest events.
• Bearmania hosts one of the week's largest party programmes, with individual tickets and passes available for headline events featuring Horse Meat Disco, Meat Rack, Porkroll, Hot For You, CHUNK and F*GBASH.
• The Provincetown Business Guild (PBG) presents signature daytime events including the Country Bear Pool Party, Gender Splash and the legendary Wiener Roast.
• Boatslip Resort continues to host the world-famous daily Tea Dance, one of Provincetown's signature summer traditions.
• The Crown & Anchor Entertainment Complex offers a packed schedule of pool parties, drag shows and late-night dance events across Paramount, Wave Bar, The Vault, Crown Cabaret, Courtyard and Beach Club.
• Independent venues including A-House, Red Room, Purgatory, Governor Bradford and others continue to host their own Bear Week events with individual tickets or standard cover charges.

Bear Week Provincetown 2026 Pool Parties

Day / Event / Time	Description	Venue
Sat 11 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	Kick off Bear Week poolside at the Boatslip. The daily Cannon Ball Pool Party is the perfect warm-up before Tea Dance, bringing together bears from around the world for music, cocktails and plenty of sunshine overlooking Provincetown Harbor.	Boatslip Resort
Sat 11 Jul Welcome Bear BBQ 12pm – 4pm	Ease into the week with burgers, beers and poolside fun as the Crown & Anchor welcomes the first wave of Bear Week visitors. A relaxed afternoon that quickly turns into one of the busiest opening-day socials.	Crown & Anchor
Sun 12 Jul John Burrows Memorial BBQ & Pool Party 11am – 3pm	One of Bear Week's most meaningful gatherings, celebrating the life and legacy of founder John Burrows. Enjoy a classic summer BBQ, music and poolside socialising with friends old and new.	Provincetown Inn
Sun 12 Jul Soaked-at-the-Slip 11am – 3pm	Return to the Boatslip for another afternoon beside the pool before Tea Dance. Expect a packed deck, harbour views, DJs and one of the friendliest crowds of the week.	Boatslip Resort
Sun 12 Jul Sloppy Seconds Pool Party 11am – 4pm	Hosted by Big Dipper and Meatball with music from DJ Mateo Segade, this lively Crown & Anchor pool party delivers camp entertainment, dancing and plenty of laughs.	Crown & Anchor
Mon 13 Jul Color Splash Pool Party 11am – 3pm	A colourful community pool party welcoming everyone to cool off, meet fellow travellers and enjoy another sunny afternoon before the evening celebrations begin.	Provincetown Inn
Mon 13 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	The daily Boatslip tradition continues with poolside drinks, DJs and one of the best places in town to meet fellow bears before Tea Dance.	Boatslip Resort
Mon 13 Jul Pool Intentions 12pm – 4pm	Bearmania's signature daytime event transforms the Crown Beach Club into one giant outdoor dance floor. DJ The Baptist provides the soundtrack as hundreds of bears gather for one of the week's biggest pool parties.	Crown & Anchor Beach Club
Tue 14 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	Another packed afternoon at the Boatslip with DJs, cocktails and plenty of time to relax before the legendary Tea Dance begins.	Boatslip Resort
Tue 14 Jul Country Bear Pool Party 11am – 4pm	Pull on your cowboy boots and hat for one of Bear Week's most entertaining themed afternoons. DJ Brady Prince keeps the country-inspired party going poolside.	Crown & Anchor
Wed 15 Jul Ptown Bears BBQ & Pool Party 11am – 3pm	A classic Bear Week afternoon combining a traditional BBQ, cold drinks and relaxed poolside socialising with the PtownBears community.	Boatslip Resort
Wed 15 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	The Boatslip's daily pool party remains one of the easiest places to meet visitors from around the world before another busy evening.	Boatslip Resort
Wed 15 Jul Beartunes Pool Party 11am – 4pm	Hosted by Tommy Yaz, this uniquely Provincetown afternoon celebrates Broadway favourites, camp classics and singalong anthems with plenty of poolside fun.	Crown & Anchor
Thu 16 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	Recharge before the extended Thursday Tea Dance with another afternoon beside the Boatslip pool overlooking Provincetown Harbor.	Boatslip Resort
Thu 16 Jul Gender Splash 12pm – 3pm	One of Bear Week's most welcoming events moves to the larger Seaglass Inn for 2026, creating more space for an inclusive afternoon celebrating the entire LGBTQ+ community.	Seaglass Inn & Spa
Fri 17 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	Friday's Boatslip pool party sets the scene for the busiest weekend of Bear Week, with DJs, cocktails and a lively pre-Tea Dance atmosphere.	Boatslip Resort
Fri 17 Jul Friday Pool Party 11am – 4pm	The Crown pool fills up ahead of one of the biggest nights of the week, with DJs, entertainment and hundreds of bears enjoying the summer sunshine.	Crown & Anchor
Fri 17 Jul Wiener Roast & Pool Party 12pm – 4pm	One of Bear Week's signature traditions. Enjoy a classic summer BBQ, poolside cocktails and music from DJ Jack Faulkner in the beautiful grounds of the Brass Key.	Brass Key Guesthouse
Sat 18 Jul Cannon Ball Pool Party 11am – 3pm	Celebrate the final full day of Bear Week with one last afternoon beside the Boatslip pool before the closing Tea Dance and final night parties.	Boatslip Resort

Bear Week Provincetown 2026 Night Parties

Day / Event / Time	Description	Venue
Sat 11 Jul Bearracuda 9pm – 1am	One of the biggest opening-night parties of Bear Week. Bearracuda takes over Paramount with a high-energy crowd, great music and one of the week's best dance floors. Music by DJ Mateo Segade with Kelly Shoes.	Crown & Anchor – Paramount
Sat 11 Jul Porkroll 9pm – Late	Bearmania opens the week with its legendary underwear and gear party. Expect a packed dance floor, dark beats and one of the sexiest crowds of the festival.	Purgatory
Sat 11 Jul Cigar & Pipe Social 9pm – 1am	A relaxed evening for cigar and pipe enthusiasts, offering a quieter alternative before heading out to the bigger dance parties.	The Vault
Sat 11 Jul FURBALL Official Opening Party 10pm – 1am	Joe Fiore's internationally recognised FURBALL launches Bear Week with a huge opening celebration featuring bears, cubs, pups and admirers from around the world.	Boatslip Resort
Sat 11 Jul Welcome Bears Party 10pm – 1am	The A-House opens Bear Week with a lively welcome party and music from DJ Wayne Michael.	A-House
Sun 12 Jul Meat Rack 9pm – Late	Bearmania's famous gear night returns with a darker soundtrack, sexy atmosphere and one of the week's hottest crowds.	Crown & Anchor
Sun 12 Jul Cigar & Pipe Social 9pm – 1am	Relax with friends over cigars and drinks before heading to the dance floor.	The Vault
Sun 12 Jul Bearaoke 9:30pm – 1am	Dana Danzel hosts Provincetown's favourite Bear Week karaoke night. Expect everything from Broadway classics to guilty pleasures.	Governor Bradford
Sun 12 Jul 70s Disco Heaven 10pm – 1am	Step back into the disco era with classic anthems and dance-floor favourites mixed by DJ Lennie III.	A-House
Mon 13 Jul Hot For You 9pm – Late	Bearmania's Monday night party brings together international guests for an energetic night of house music and dancing.	Red Room
Mon 13 Jul Game Night 2.0 9pm – Midnight	Take a break from the clubs with an evening of board games, card games and relaxed socialising.	King Hiram Lodge
Mon 13 Jul Honey & Harness 10pm – 1am	The A-House celebrates leather culture with harnesses, boots and beats from DJ Wayne Michael.	A-House
Tue 14 Jul Bearmania Bonfire 7pm	Watch the sun set over Cape Cod with one of Bear Week's most memorable social events. Bring a drink, meet new friends and enjoy an evening around the beach bonfire.	Herring Cove Beach
Tue 14 Jul BRÜT 9pm – 1am	BRUT – a high-energy dance party featuring DJ Dan Darlington and Brian Kent, delivering driving house music until late.	Crown & Anchor – Paramount
Tue 14 Jul Locker Room Bears 10pm – 1am	One of Bear Week's classic gear nights, Locker Room returns with singlets, sports gear and plenty of muscle.	Red Room
Tue 14 Jul Gym Gear Party 10pm – 1am	Sportswear, singlets and athletic gear dominate the dance floor with music from DJ Wayne Michael.	A-House
Wed 15 Jul F*GBASH 9pm – Late	Bearmania's midweek celebration delivers a packed dance floor, outstanding music and an inclusive crowd.	Purgatory
Wed 15 Jul TUFF Locker Room 9pm – 1am	One of the week's biggest sports and gear parties, taking over Wave Bar and Beach Club.	Crown & Anchor
Wed 15 Jul Fat Slut 9pm – 1am	A wild night hosted by Big Dipper and Meatball, combining comedy, outrageous performances and dancing.	Crown & Anchor – Paramount
Wed 15 Jul Black Light Underwear Party 10pm – 1am	Strip down to your brightest underwear and glow beneath the UV lights at one of A-House's most popular Bear Week nights.	A-House
Thu 16 Jul CHUNK 9pm – Late	One of Bearmania's signature dance events with international DJs, big production and an energetic crowd.	Purgatory
Thu 16 Jul Bearaoke 9:30pm – 1am	Another chance to grab the microphone and sing your favourite classics with the Bear Week crowd.	Governor Bradford
Thu 16 Jul The Firemen's Ball 10pm – 1am	One of Provincetown's best-loved Bear Week traditions, The Firemen's Ball, raising funds for the Provincetown Fire Department with a huge night of dancing and community spirit.	Crown & Anchor – Paramount
Thu 16 Jul Excessively 80s 10pm – 1am	Travel back to the decade of big hair and bigger hits with an all-80s soundtrack from DJ Lennie III.	A-House
Fri 17 Jul Horse Meat Disco 9pm – Late	London's legendary Horse Meat Disco returns to Provincetown for one of the most anticipated nights of Bear Week. Expect an incredible soundtrack and a packed dance floor.	Crown & Anchor
Fri 17 Jul Uniform Night 10pm – 1am	Celebrate uniforms of every kind with music from DJ Wayne Michael at the A-House.	A-House
Sat 18 Jul Underwear Night 9pm – Late	Bearmania closes its club programme with one final underwear party before everyone heads home.	Purgatory
Sat 18 Jul Hibernation 9pm – 1am	Celebrate the final night of Bear Week with one last dance at the Crown & Anchor before saying goodbye until next summer.	Crown & Anchor – Paramount

• Discover the best places to stay and play with our insiders guide to gay Provincetown.

The T Dances

• No trip to Bear Week is complete without experiencing the legendary Tea Dance at the Boatslip Resort.
• Held every afternoon from 4 pm, it is Provincetown's most famous daily party, where hundreds of bears, locals and visitors gather overlooking the harbour for cocktails, dancing and one of the best sunset atmospheres in town.
• Each day features a different theme, from Jerseys & Jocks and I Love the 90s to Mrs. Roper Goes to Tea, Pretty in Pink, the extended Solid Gold Tea Dance on Thursday, Dog Tag Friday, and the closing Real Housewives Tea Dance on Saturday.
• Arrive early if you want a good spot—the deck fills quickly, especially from Thursday onwards.

The Bear Sunset Cruise

• Sunday July 12th, 2026 – Don't miss the annual Provincetown Bear Week Sunset Cruise, typically takes place on the first Saturday of the bear festivities. It is the perfect way to party, meet new friends and enjoy an amazing sunset.

Hidden Gems and Community Events not to miss

• Wed 15 Jul – Bears on the Beach – Spend the day at Herring Cove Beach, where the Bear Week crowd gathers for swimming, sunbathing and socialising.
• Sun 12 Jul & Thu 16 Jul – Bear Market – Browse leather, clothing, artwork and gifts from LGBTQ+ vendors at Crown & Anchor.
• Wed 15 Jul, 3pm – Bear Week Bingo – Camp fun, prizes and audience participation at Crown & Anchor.
• Thu 16 Jul, 1pm – SCRUFF Meet & Greet – Meet fellow travellers over drinks at The Monkey Bar.
• Mon–Fri, 4pm – Monkey Bar Meet & Greets – Happy-hour gatherings before the evening parties at The Monkey Bar.
• Sun 12 Jul & Thu 16 Jul, 9:30pm – Bearaoke – Karaoke nights at The Governor Bradford.
• Thu 16 Jul, 9am – Bears on Bikes – Morning ride through the Province Lands National Seashore, departing from Victor’s.
• Nightly – Spiritus Pizza – Join the post-party crowd grabbing a late-night slice after the clubs close at Spiritus Pizza.

Under 21, Cubs and Chasers

• All Provincetown bars and clubs are 21+ (strictly enforced), including two of the four hotel pools used for Bear Week.
• Public meeting places such as the active street scene, Town Hall benches, Spiritus Pizza and beaches are available for younger cubs to enjoy. Bars, clubs and restaurants are all smoke-free areas in Massachusetts; provisions are often available for smoking outdoors.

Anyone for Pizza?

• Traditional highlights of Provincetown in summer include the daily T-Dance and nightly 1 am pizza and cruising at Spiritus.

Provincetown Boy Beach

• The iconic hiking destination of many a Ptown visitor. Walk directly through the marshes from the bike stop on route 6A (Province Lands Rd), take the breakwater and walk a few miles along the beach northwest, or walk south-southeast from Herring Cove Beach.

The Venues

• Crown & Anchor Entertainment Complex – The heart of Bear Week nightlife, with multiple venues under one roof including Paramount, Wave Bar, The Vault, Beach Club and Crown Cabaret. From afternoon pool parties and Bearracuda to the Firemen's Ball and late-night dancing, it's the busiest entertainment hub of the week.
• Boatslip Resort – Home to Provincetown's legendary daily Tea Dance, the Cannon Ball Pool Parties and the official FURBALL Opening Party. The harbour-front deck becomes one of the week's biggest daily meeting places from lunchtime through sunset.
• Brass Key Guesthouse – Famous for the Friday Wiener Roast, this beautifully landscaped guesthouse hosts one of Bear Week's signature afternoon parties, combining a pool, BBQ, DJs and a relaxed social atmosphere.
• A-House – America's oldest gay bar keeps the party going every night with themed dance parties including Welcome Bears, Honey & Harness, Gym Gear, Underwear and Uniform Night. The dance floor stays busy well after midnight throughout Bear Week.
• Red Room – One of Bear Week's favourite late-night venues and home to Bearmania events including *Hot For You* and *Locker Room Bears*. Its intimate dance floor and powerful sound system create a lively atmosphere that keeps the party going until the early hours.
• Purgatory at Gifford House – Bearmania takes over this underground club with *Porkroll*, *F*GBASH*, *CHUNK* and the closing *Underwear Party*. Expect darker lighting, bigger beats and one of the week's most energetic dance floors.
• Governor Bradford – Better known simply as “The Gov”, this long-running Commercial Street favourite hosts Bearaoke during Bear Week and offers a more relaxed alternative to the larger dance parties.
• Seaglass Inn & Spa – New for 2026, the larger pool at Seaglass Inn becomes the home of *Gender Splash*, giving this popular trans-inclusive pool party more room to grow.

Recommended PTown Hotels

• The hotels, pools and clubs are mostly within a short walk, and Commercial Street becomes one of the primary venues as a place to see and meet friends.

The following Provincetown hotels are close to the bear parties and popular gay venues:

Gabriel’s ,    Anchor Inn,    Beaconlight,   Inn at Cook Street