A summer in Provincetown is like a summer nowhere else. How could it be, when major stars of Broadway and the worlds of comedy, music, and television descend upon the tip of Cape Cod from Memorial Day through September? Thanks to its gorgeous beaches, endless energy, resident drag queens and a well-deserved reputation for glamour and fun, Ptown is “the” destination for a queer summer getaway. Provincetown’s classic theme weeks are ready to go and that breathtaking expanse of beaches along the Cape Cod National Seashore is as magical as ever. Every day is Saturday in Provincetown.

Bookings are already strong and ahead of last year, thanks to summertime demand coupled with the ability to work remotely. Longer stays are also in vogue, which is why smart travelers are making plans now.

BROADWAY & DRAG

The legendary two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald are among more than 40 Broadway, comedy, music, TV stars who will be part of a summer series at Provincetown’s Art House, thanks to producing artistic director Mark Cortale. This ambitious lineup of music and comedy superstars also includes Stephanie J. Block, Jessica Vosk, Bianca Del Rio, the Indigo Girls, Sasha Velour, Victoria Clark, Lillias White, Rachel Bay Jones, Donna McKechnie and Melissa Errico.

At The Pilgrim House, famed drag queen Miss Richfield 1981 will star in “Cancel Cultured Pearls” and the hotel will also host “Miss Conceptions Villains.” Their Sunday Service Drag Brunch is also back this year. Other performance venues include The Crown & Anchor and  Redroom at Velvet. Go to Provincetown Magazine for updates on the entertainment schedule.

FABULOUS EVENTS & TEA DANCE EVERY DAY

The inclusive LGBTQ+ Theme Weeks and Events are the essence of Provincetown’s spirit and are ready to go, from Bear Week and CabaretFest to Carnival, Family Week, Fan Fair – The Original Transgender Week, Girl Splash, Independence Weekend, Men of Color Weekend – Frolic Reloaded, Provincetown Pride, Single Women’s Weekend, Women’s Week, Womenx of Color and more.  Tea Dance at The Boatslip is back and better than ever. Resident DJ Maryalice, a 25 year veteran, spins the tunes from 4 to 7 every afternoon from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

BEACHES & SHOPPING

It’s time to start daydreaming about sunny days on Herring Cove Beach or Race Point Beach. This is the summer to explore the magical dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore, or rent a bike and check out the Province Lands Bike Trail. From dune tours to whale watching to sun bathing, a day outside is the essence of Ptown. The shops and boutiques of Provincetown, arrayed along Commercial Street, are as independent and creative as their owners. The street may be filled with eye-candy but the shops offer beachwear, hand-crafted gifts, and ethically-sourced items. The town’s 50-plus art galleries are clustered here, as is the notable Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM).

STAY & DINE

If you’re looking for a charming inn with a white picket fence, a fashionable guesthouse or a cottage, bed & breakfast, resort or hotel, Ptown has more than 80 choices for lodging. Some have pools, complimentary bicycle, daily breakfast and evening wine and cheese. There’s a range of waterfront homes, village guest cottages and apartments that are also available for rent. The current demand for summer travel means that the sage advice is to book early.

Provincetown is known for its dining, from lobster rolls to sophisticated American fare. There’s incredibly fresh seafood, as well as Italian, Portuguese, Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese restaurants, quiet, romantic places and some with a view of the water. Ptown’s amazing nightlife is also back, and bars, nightclubs and performance spaces await, as do the after-parties and the late night gathering at Spiritus Pizza.

BY LAND, BY SEA, BY AIR

Provincetown is a two-hour drive from Boston and Peter Pan Bus Lines provides bus service from Boston. The Boston to Provincetown 90-minute ferry services run by Boston Harbor City Cruises and Bay State Ferry are now running throughout the summer. Cape Air offer multiple flights daily between Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS) and Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC), as well as daily flights from New York’s Westchester County Airport (HPN).

For more on booking summer 2022, go to Provincetown Tourism.