Event Dates
From: Sunday, August 16, 2026
To: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Provincetown
Carnival Opening Party 2026
Kick start your celebrations with one of the most famous gay Summer carnival events at the Opening Party.
PTown Carnival Opening Party 2026
August in PTown can only mean one thing, Carnival! Kick start your celebrations with one of the most famous gay Summer carnival events at the Opening Party.
- Many of the events 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.
The Party
- Next Edition: Sunday 16th August, 2026.
- Each year The Crown and Anchor plays host to the annual Carnival opening party, one of the high points of Provincetown’s Summer Season.
- The theme changes every year, so plan ahead and dress accordingly… or not; it’s Carnival after all, and anything goes!
- And of course, the best costumes win some fabulous prizes. Dance and enjoy great music with guest DJs, hosts and surprise performances.
- Events kick off with the dance party at 9 pm at the Pool Deck, followed by the costume contest.
- The party continues from 10.30 pm at Paramount Club.
The Theme
- Awaiting theme for the 2026 edition.
- The best costumes will win $250 cash and a spot aboard one of the PBG’s floats in Thursday’s Carnival Parade.
- Tickets will be $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door.
The Venue
- Paramount Club is the largest waterfront nightclub in Provincetown, located at the Crown & Anchor.
- The venue features a state-of-the-art sound system, a large dance floor and a spacious patio.
- Located on 247 Commercial St, Provincetown. Stay close to the club at the Carpe Diem Guest House, rated “Superb” by our readers and located right by Commercial St, close to all the gay bars and clubs.
Recommended Hotels in Provincetown
The following hotels are close to the PTown’s popular bars and the Carnival celebrations:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Carpe Diem Guesthouse is our
home from home when in Provincetown.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Carnival Parties visit the Ticket Page.
Gay Map of Provincetown
Provincetown itself has two main drags, Commercial Street and Bradford Street. P’town can be divided into three sections, the quiet and peaceful West End, the bustling downtown center, and the East End, which has a number of galleries and guesthouses.
Address: 7 Cook St, Provincetown, MA 02657
- Historic East End inn with serene gardens.
- Tasteful rooms; some with porches or views.
- Hearty homemade breakfast each morning.
- Steps to galleries; walkable to the scene.
- Website
Address: 12 Winthrop Street Provincetown, MA 02657
- Boutique inn steps from Commercial Street.
- Calm rooms, comfy beds, strong showers.
- Courtyard fire pits and porch hangouts.
- Easy walk to bars, galleries, and harbor.
- Website
Address: 102 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657
- Steps from Town Hall; peaceful garden setting.
- Suites with fireplaces, decks, kitchenettes.
- Hearty homemade breakfast; pet-friendly.
- Central stay, quiet once inside the gates.
- Website
Address: 176 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
- Waterfront stay with wide Provincetown Bay views.
- Rooms with decks and gas fireplaces.
- Light breakfast; sunset porch is the highlight.
- Steps to Commercial St fun; calm at night.
- Website
Address: 6 Masonic Place Provincetown, MA 02657
- P-town’s classic three-room gay club.
- Pop, throwbacks, and house till late.
- Courtyard breathers; fast, friendly team.
- Busy weekends; cover on peak nights.
- Open: Daily 4pm-1am, Friday Saturday Sunday 12pm-1am
Address: 186 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
- Cave-style lounge just off Commercial Street.
- Classic cocktails with a coastal twist.
- Warm late-night mood; mixed friendly crowd.
- Great pre-club stop or end-of-night sip.
- Open: Daily 12pm-1am
- Website
Address: 359 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
- Waterfront lounge with sweeping bay views.
- Soft seating, low light, easy mood.
- Martinis, spritzes, and steady pours.
- Sunset hotspot with a friendly team.
- Open: Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday 3pm-11pm, Saturday 1pm-11pm,
Sunday 1pm-9pm
Address: 161 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
- Iconic bayfront tea dance with sunset views.
- Pop and house, big crowd, high energy.
- Cover charge, wristbands, fast-moving line.
- Perfect launch pad for a P-town night.
- Open: 4pm–7pm (in season, daily)
- Website
Address: 258 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
- Modern club at the Gifford House.
- DJ nights, live shows, drag and guests.
- Strong sound, quick bars, clear sightlines.
- Late crowd; cover on busy weekends.
- No fixed daily hours.
- Opens for shows and parties.
- Typical shows run 4–9 pm.
- Club nights run late. Check the calendar for your date.
- Website
Address: 247 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
- Central hotel-venue with bars, stages, and pool.
- Drag, cabaret, DJs, and live music nightly.
- Modern rooms; pro staff; smooth operations.
- Right on Commercial St; walk to everything.
- Open: Bar/restaurant 11am–1am daily.
- Wave Bar 4pm–1am daily.
- Shows: start times vary; many begin 7pm–9pm
- Pool bar (summer): afternoons to early evening.
- Website
Address: 11 Carver St, Provincetown, MA 02657, United States
- Basement late-night club with a cruisy vibe.
- Pop and house; busiest after 11 pm.
- Theme nights: underwear, gear, leather.
- Fast bar, tight room, big weekend energy.
- Open: Daily 10pm-1am
- Website
Address: 9 Carver St, Provincetown, MA 02657
- Front-porch cocktails on Commercial Street.
- Calm early, lively later; great people-watching.
- Classics done well, fast friendly service.
- Perfect warm-up before a night out.
- Open: Daily 5pm–1am
- Website
Address: 10 Carver Street Provincetown, MA 02657
- Intimate lounge at the Brass Key.
- Low light, fireplace, leather seating.
- Classic cocktails mixed with care.
- Courtyard sips near Commercial Street.
- Open: Daily 5pm-1am
Address: 207 Commercial Street Provincetown, MA 02657
- Waterfront deck with wide harbor views.
- Drinks from the bar, food from mall vendors.
- Chill vibe, sunset is the main event.
- Steps from Commercial St—great meet-up spot.
- Open: Tue–Thu & Sun 11am–7pm Fri–Sat 11am–9pm Closed Monday
- Website
Address: 177 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
- Waterfront spot with big bay views.
- Chowder, lobster rolls, hearty plates.
- Busy brunch; fast, friendly service.
- Deck and window tables are the prize.
- Open: Sun–Thu: 8am–8pm Fri–Sat 8am–12am
- Breakfast/Brunch 8:00–13:00; Lunch 13:00–16:00
- Website
Recommended Hotels in Provincetown By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Provincetown that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Anchor Inn Beach
4 Star, Luxury
- 4 Star – Unique Decor, Large Windows and Balconies
- Close to the gay district
- Refrigerators, antique-style
- Provincetown property with uniquely decorated rooms, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, close to Pilgrim Monument and Park.
Beaconlight House
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star – Outdoor Hot Tub, Flower Gardens
- Close to the gay district
- En suite bathroom, flat-screen TV
- Features en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, refrigerators, outdoor hot tub, and flower gardens.
Inn at Cook Street
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star – In The Heart of Art Gallery District
- Close to the gay district
- Unique decorations, flat-screen TV
- In Provincetown’s art gallery district, historic inn with individually decorated rooms, daily hot breakfast.
Hotel at Gabriel’s
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star – Large Courtyard and Gardens
- Close to the gay district
- Cable TV, fireplace, balcony
- In central Provincetown, offers free WiFi, rooms with cable TVs, fireplaces, warm colors, and plush bedding.
Video Gay Ptown
Everything You Need To Know
Other Events in August
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bear-Night-San-Diego-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2022-04-21 12:35:422025-10-06 14:28:43Bear Night San Diego
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dollywood-Summer-Celebration-6-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-28 12:53:292025-10-13 15:55:27Dollywood Summer Celebration
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/amsterdam-pride-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-01 18:13:222025-08-09 14:46:18Amsterdam Gay Pride
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Amsterdam-WorldPride-3.gif
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2025-07-04 17:02:152025-10-12 14:13:20Amsterdam WorldPride 2026
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Lazy-Bear-Weekend-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2018-05-26 18:57:052025-08-09 14:29:27Lazy Bear WeekLatest Gay Travel News
The Top Gay Halloween EventsThursday, Sep 18th, 2025 - 8:01 pmGet ready for a season of scary boys, sexy costumes and parties to remember, from Austin to New Orleans and beyond with our guide to the best gay Halloween parties.
- The Top Gay Christmas Markets & Festive EventsFriday, Sep 12th, 2025 - 8:00 pm
The Top Gay Christmas Markets & Festive Events, From Santa Speedo Runs to fairytale Christmas Markets.
- The Top Gay Thanksgiving Events in the USAWednesday, Sep 10th, 2025 - 6:33 pm
Enjoy a vibrant Gay Thanksgiving filled with festivities, from the snowy streets of PTown to the sun-kissed beaches of Puerto Vallarta!
Follow us on Facebook
