Provincetown Carnival 2018 is a week long celebration of LGBTQ life that starts Saturday, August 11th and runs through Friday, August 18th, but really culminates in the Carnival Parade on Thursday. This year is Provincetown’s 40th Carnival celebration and Grand marshals include John Waters, Kate Clinton and Tony Kushner. The theme for this year is Mardi Gras by the Sea.
Below is a list of many events and parties that will take place during Carnival. If you’re planning to come down for the week, a few days or just for an afternoon there is plenty to see and do. Please note that many of these parties and events require tickets so it is best to purchase in advance since most sell out.
SATURDAY
Daily Tea Dance starts at 4PM at the Boatslip
Tea Dance at the Boatslip is a daily occurrence but there is something special about the first tea dance of the 2018 Carnival Week.
DILF: Carnival Edition doors open at 9:30PM at the Crown & Anchor’s Paramount Club with music by the Perry Twins
SUNDAY
Cruise D’ Krewes Sunset Boat Party boarding begins at 4PM and the cruise runs from 4:30 – 7:30PM at Macmillan Pier
The Night of Bacchus Costume Ball is the official opening party for 2018 Carnival – doors open at 8:30PM at the Paramount & Wave bar
MONDAY
Ragin’ Cajun Pool Party is a massive pool party that takes place from 1-5PM at the Brass Key pool
Mardi Gras by the Sea Carnival Dance Party with DJ Phil B starts at 10PM at the Crown & Anchor’s Paramount Club
TUESDAY
Fat Tuesday: Boxers and Beads Party is at the A-House with Resident DJ and Billboard Magazine reporter David LaSalle spinning your favorite music
Mardi Gras by the Sea Carnival Dance Party with DJ James Anthony starts at 10PM at the Crown & Anchor’s Paramount Club
WEDNESDAY
Source: Provincetown Magazine – Carnival 2015
Drag Bingo takes place on the lawn of the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House – seating starts at 5PM and bingo starts at 6:30PM
Northern Deca-dance, featuring Betty Who! starts at 7:30PM at Provincetown Hall
Mardi Gras by the Sea Carnival Dance Party with DJ Joe Gauthreaux starts at 10PM at the Crown & Anchor’s Paramount Club
THURSDAY
Photo by Kyle Szary from 2017 Carnival “Gods and Goddesses”
Carnival Parade – 40th Anniversary don’t miss this parade and all the strutting up and down Commercial Street during the day – it is the best people watching all year and a lot of fun; from 3-5PM
Underwear Party at Club Purgatory will be jammed Carnival Week – doors open at 9PM
Mardi Gras by the Sea Carnival Dance Party with DJ Micky Friedmann starts at 10PM at the Crown & Anchor’s Paramount Club
FRIDAY
Drag Brunch – Benefit for Helping Our Women (HOW) is hosted by Miss Richfield 1981, and starts at 12PM at Patio on Commercial Street
Mardi Gras Muscles Party is at the A-House with Resident DJ and Billboard Magazine reporter David LaSalle spinning your favorite music
Nights of Adonis Masquerade Party with DJ Abel & VJ Tom Yaz at the Crown and Anchor’s Paramount and Wave Bars starting at 10PM
Feel free to add any events I overlooked in the comments section.
BosGuy 