How is it that every year your visit to Provincetown feels both spectacularly different yet also exactly the same? We already know you plan to spend an afternoon at your favorite beach – and maybe grab a light-night slice after a romp of your choosing. But remember that there are always numerous opportunities to try something new and unique here in Provincetown. Here are a few fresh attractions to check out this year.
An Exploration of Provincetown’s LGBTQ+ History
Mid-season last June, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum opened a brilliantly curated exhibit by The Generations Project. It vividly chronicles Provincetown’s LGBTQ+ history through storytelling and intergenerational perspectives. The exhibit features oral histories recounting decades of life and experience in this safe haven. It also showcases something sparkly in the form of hats and heels, marking the legacy of local treasures The Hat Sisters.
Something Old, Something New
The original Gifford House Inn served as the last stop for stagecoaches as early as 1858. Its new local LGBTQ+ ownership has bold plans to revitalize, reenergize and reopen favorite spaces like Purgatory and Giffords Porch Bar. They also plan to reintroduce new features like the Whalesong Inn & Lounge with its legendary piano salons. But Giffords isn’t the only space to get a refresher; Provincetown is full of spaces that are getting a breath of fresh (sea) air. The Crown & Anchor plans to reopen their Cabaret space. Retail favorite Helltown has rebranded to Anchor2Anchor. The Ellery Hotel, a brand-new boutique, plans to open its doors this season. And important local non-profit Summer of SASS has moved into a new space, making it possible to grow their programs for queer youth.
Health and wellness newcomer The Yoga Joint also found a permanent home right off the bay (where you can also rent kayaks at sister-business Coyote Kayaks!). And while a longstanding flower shop has said goodbye, brand-new blossom Heavy Petal is about to pop off in the same spot on Commercial Street.
Looking for a fresh fade? Check out Town’s new barber, Bruno’s Chop Shop, whose founder David Bruno opened earlier in 2023. His new shop is located at the original site of Joe Coffee, which more recently has been home to the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod.
Camp Provincetown: Queer Outdoor Adventures
Interested in exploring Provincetown’s natural world through a queer lens? The Provincetown Business Guild has created a new attraction called Camp Provincetown. This venture offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the more “wild” side of your favorite queer vacation destination. We are working in collaboration with the National Park Service, the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, Provincetown Conservation Trust, Art’s Dune Tours, and the Center for Coastal Studies.
A Hop, Skip, and a Jump Outside Ptown
While you’re busy wandering off the beaten path, why not go a step further? Come check out some of the killer experiences waiting for you just outside Provincetown from our friendly neighbors. Take in a wine tasting from a pair of cozy Adirondack chairs dotting the hills of Truro Vineyards before heading off to see an evocative stage play at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater or up-and-coming and Grammy-winning talents at Payomet Performing Arts Center.
During the high season, Payomet stages shows in their intimate music tent in North Truro. However, in the off-season they produce “Payomet Road Show” concerts and events across Cape Cod and at Provincetown Town Hall. Some highlights in town this summer include Aimee Mann, Rufus Wainwright, and Shawn Colvin– and under the stars at their tent in North Truro, expect The Wallflowers, Tom Rush, and Martin Sexton– to name a few.
Pink Friday & Monumental Sale
The Provincetown Business Guild represents and supports hundreds of unique shops, galleries and attractions in Provincetown. We encourage the LGBTQ+ community and our friends to support our small businesses. Choose from Pink Friday (our local version of Black Friday) or Provincetown’s long-standing Monumental Sales. Both give folks an opportunity to invest their shopping dollars back into their community, both in-person and online.
Provincetown Pride Center
The Provincetown Business Guild has a new home & public exhibition space at 115 Bradford Street — directly across from Town Hall and the Pilgrim Monument. Our new address serves as both our offices & the home of the Provincetown Pride Center, open for visitors on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the Summer season. The Pride Center offers travel advice for visitors, along with special exhibitions showcasing Provincetown’s LGBTQ+ history and culture. Additional special events will take place at the space throughout the year.
This list is by no means comprehensive; everyday something old becomes something new in Provincetown. And we can’t wait to share it with you! Be sure to visit Ptown.org and browse our new and improved PBG Members Business Directory to find whatever it is you might be looking for this year.
