Provincetown, renowned gay getaway, offers plenty for the fall

Provincetown, the LGBTQ+ haven, is 90 minutes from Boston.

It’s a tiny seaside town 60 miles out to sea at the sandy tip of Cape Cod that’s filled with U.S history. Provincetown was the first place the Pilgrims landed before settling in Plymouth Rock in 1620.

Apart from history, Provincetown is filled with gay culture. Its population is approximately 3,000, but the LGBTQ+ getaway sanctuary has more than 80 bed and breakfasts, inns, and guesthouses; more than 10 gay bars and clubs, two gay beaches, and hosts a dozen or more queer events throughout the year.

Summer is the peak season, and the crowds are gone from the beaches, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, but the festivals, events, and celebrations of LGBTQ+ life, art, and literature that make Provincetown a beloved queer safe haven continue.

Provincetown has started its “secret season,” a second summer of sorts that runs through early November.

The weather also is cooler. Pack and dress appropriately.

Eagle Plaza in San Francisco honors city’s leather community, queer history

Here’s what’s in store for the fall.

September

The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival Sept. 21-24

The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival promotes Tennessee Williams’ connection to Cape Cod. It celebrates his avant-garde spirit and cultural contributions to the artistic community with a series of inspiring performances every year. This year’s theme is “Astounding: Tennessee Williams, Science Fiction and Fantasy” with plays and dramatic short stories featuring spaceships, aliens, vampires, ghosts, and bizarre imaginary worlds.

Mates Leather Weekend, Sept. 28-Oct. 2

Mates Leather Weekend brings together people who are looking to socialize and party with like-minded and leather gear-wearing peers. 

October

Washashore Festival, Oct. 7-9

The Washashore Music & Arts Festival is a “Genre Bending Queer Music Festival.” It’s an annual gathering that celebrates the union of live music, beer, and Provincetown. The Washashore Festival uplifts and reflects the town’s unique soul with performers who embody free expression, individuality, beauty, diversity, acceptance, and joy.

Women’s Week, Oct. 9-15

Whether it’s watching the best performers and comics in queer culture today, or walking down Commercial Street holding hands, no festival on the planet celebrates women like Women’s Week. Highlights include tea dance, crisp autumn sailing, wine tastings, film screenings, whale watching, the Women’s March Rally, and performances by Poppy Champlin, Diana DeMuth, and Lisa Koch.

Trans week, the Original Fantasia Fair, Oct. 16-23

Part learning experience, part social gathering, and part reunion, the Original Fantasia Fair is a full immersion experience, meaning attendees can and usually do spend an entire week 24/7 presenting their gender as they identify.

Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend, Oct. 27-29

It will be a frightfully furry weekend in Ptown with Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend, including a monstrous medley of parties, dances, a haunted house, and a costume ball.

November

Provincetown Food & Wine Festival, Nov. 1-5

“Local Food for Global Wines” is the theme of this year’s Provincetown Food & Wine Festival. Ticketed events include the opening reception, wine dinners, and grand tastings.

Mr. New England Leather, Nov. 17-19

The annual pageant to name Mr. New England Leather 2024 includes a victory celebration and a weekend to socialize with new and old friends.