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The Crown and Anchor present a new revamped edition of their Independence Provincetown celebrations, LIBERATION, a week-long extravaganza of circuit and pool parties.
Gay men flock to the eastern edge of Cape Cod to relax, party and celebrate the 4th of July at Independence Provincetown .
- The event takes place at the Crown and Anchor, the gay entertainment complex smack dab in the middle of town. It is the town's premier gay venue for drinking and dancing and the men are hot, hot hot!
Host Hotel Full? Where to stay?
- The host hotel sells out fast. Currently the following hotels have limited availability:
- The Breakwater hotel – Rated “Superb” 1.6 km from the centre.
- Surfside Hotel and Suites – Rated “Good” 400 m from the centre.
- Foxberry Inn – Rated “Superb” 2.6 km from the centre.
- You can easily rent a bike. It is the best way to get around and explore.
Independence Weekend
- Next Edition: July 3rd to July 10th, 2026.
- Formerly known as Independence Provincetown, Liberation Provincetown marks a new chapter for one of the biggest weeks on the Cape.
- Produced by the new team behind the Crown & Anchor, the festival transforms the newly refreshed entertainment complex into the centre of Provincetown's July celebrations, with eight days of themed pool parties, headline DJs, drag royalty, late-night dance events and the town's famous holiday atmosphere.
- Set around the Crown & Anchor on Commercial Street, Liberation combines Provincetown's relaxed beach culture with high-energy nightlife, making it one of the highlights of the New England summer calendar.
The Drag Derby
- The Drag Derby made its Provincetown debut as the official opening event of Liberation Week in 2026, instantly establishing itself as one of the most talked-about additions to the town's Fourth of July celebrations.
- Hosted inside the Crown & Anchor, the event combines drag performance, obstacle racing and outrageous comedy into a fast-paced live spectacle unlike anything else in Provincetown.
- The event blends classic drag pageantry with complete chaos. Contestants race through obstacle courses, tackle surprise challenges, ride mechanical bulls and perform outrageous stunts, all in full drag.
The Parties
Liberation Week mixes brand-new productions with some of the biggest LGBTQ+ party brands in North America. Recent editions have featured:
- MEAT – New York's legendary circuit party, taking over Paramount for one of the biggest dance nights of the holiday weekend.
- Motherdisco – A disco-inspired club night blending classic grooves with modern house music to close the festival in style.
- STEAM – HUMP Events' famous towel party, bringing underwear, towels and late-night house music to The Vault.
- TUFF Locker Room – Sportswear, gear and leather combine with underground beats for one of the week's hottest themed parties.
- Let's Get Loud – Liberation's flagship Fourth of July pool party featuring headline DJs, drag hosts and a packed Beach Club atmosphere.
- Lady Liberty – The festival's signature Sunday night celebration, bringing together world-class DJs, production and performances.
- Blue Crush – The closing daytime pool party, sending everyone into the final weekend with sunshine, cocktails and poolside beats.
- CHOMP – A playful shark-themed pool party with DJs, themed décor and one last chance to soak up Provincetown's summer atmosphere.
Why Visit Liberation Provincetown?
- Unlike many large circuit weekends, Liberation blends daytime beach culture with Provincetown's unique small-town charm. Spend the afternoon dancing beside the pool, grab dinner along Commercial Street, catch a drag show or cabaret performance, then head back to Paramount for headline DJs until late.
- Everything sits within a few minutes' walk, so there's no need for taxis or shuttle buses between venues.
The Venues
- The Beach Club – The heart of Liberation's daytime scene, combining a resort-style pool, private cabanas, cocktails and headline DJs. Every themed pool party takes place here, making it the social hub of the festival.
- Paramount – Provincetown's largest nightclub, hosting Liberation's biggest dance events with powerful sound, immersive lighting and internationally renowned DJs.
- Wave Bar – A lively indoor-outdoor cocktail bar overlooking Commercial Street, perfect for pre-party drinks, meeting friends and soaking up the atmosphere before heading into the night's main events.
- The Vault – An intimate late-night club known for leather, underwear and themed parties, offering a darker, more underground atmosphere than the main dance floor.
- Crown Cabaret – A Provincetown institution showcasing drag, live music, comedy and cabaret, featuring acclaimed local performers and visiting stars throughout the summer season.
- The Courtyard – The open-air centre of the Crown & Anchor complex where guests gather between events, enjoy cocktails and move easily between the Beach Club, Wave Bar, Paramount and Cabaret venues.
The Crown & Anchor
- The Crown and Anchor offers a total vacation experience. All of the food served at the Central House at the Crown is locally sourced and seasonal, including local fishermen’s fresh catch, meat from the in-house butcher and plenty for vegetarians and vegans.
- The venue includes a video bar, a piano bar and the town’s favorite leather bar. During the day, the giant pool and deck is the place to see and be seen. You can book a room at the Crown & Anchor Inn, which will put you right in the heart of the week-long action. Book early. Independence week sells well in advance.
Insider Tips
- Stay within walking distance of Commercial Street if possible. You'll rarely need transport during Liberation.
- Pool parties become noticeably busier after 2 pm. Arrive around opening time if you want a sun lounger or cabana.
- Saturday's Anchors A'Gay and Lady Liberty are expected to sell out first.
- Provincetown's famous Tea Dance at the Boatslip remains one of the town's classic afternoon traditions and fits perfectly between beach time and the evening programme.
- Bring several swimwear options. Each pool party has its own theme and many guests dress accordingly.
- Book accommodation early. July is one of Provincetown's busiest weeks of the year.
Recommended Hotels in Provincetown
Don't delay! Seriously. The town fills up months in advance; and earlier and earlier each year! The following hotels are close to the parties and 4th of July celebrations:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Carpe Diem Guesthouse is our
home from home when in Provincetown.
For further information and advice on
Independence Provincetown Website
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
Address: 12 Winthrop Street Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 102 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 176 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 6 Masonic Place Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 186 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 359 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 161 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 258 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 247 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 11 Carver St, Provincetown, MA 02657, United States
Address: 9 Carver St, Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 10 Carver Street Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 207 Commercial Street Provincetown, MA 02657
Address: 177 Commercial St Provincetown, MA 02657
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We have chosen hotels in Provincetown that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Promotional video of Independence Provincetown

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