I’m packing my boas and my backup lashes because this August 20–24, I’m heading to Provincetown Carnival for the very first time! Yes, THAT Provincetown — the queer mecca at the tip of Cape Cod where the seagulls are shady and the gays are glittery. This year’s theme? “Renaissance: Ptown After Dark.” Which means expect Beyoncé-level lewks, dramatic reveals, and possibly some homoerotic jousting. (Okay, maybe not… but a girl can dream.)
And I’m not going alone — I’m rolling in with the FLockFest crew and we’ll be living it up at the world-famous Crown & Anchor. Big thank-you to Jonathan Hawkins for the invite to his fabulous hotel. Jonathan, I hope you’re ready for a FayWhat?! Takeover. A few fun facts: Carnival has been slaying since 1978 — it’s one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in New England. The Carnival Parade is on Thursday, August 22 — and yes, it shuts the whole town down in sequins.
The week includes pool parties, boat cruises, tea dances, and enough sparkle to blind your ex. P-Town Tip: Bring cash for bars, hydrate like you’re on Fire Island, and book your dinner reservation now if you plan on eating anything fancier than a lobster roll. So if you see me strutting down Commercial Street in full FayWhat?! glam, say hi! Or just shout, “Werk, mama!” and toss a cocktail.
If you’ve got a legendary P-Town story or know something I must do during Carnival, spill the tea and let me know. I’m making a bucket list, and I’m not leaving until I have sand in my shoes, a glitter bruise, and at least three stories I can’t tell on air.
