Visiting Provincetown has been sitting on my bucket list for years, so arriving right as the 48th Annual Carnival Week kicked off was a dream come true. Walking down Commercial Street for the first time felt like stepping into an immaculate coastal haven. You get those quiet beach-town vibes blended with vibrant queer community, from local boutique shops and lively bars to cabaret spots and seafood joints. The brilliance of our community shines right across Cape Cod, carried by the genuine warmth of the business owners, travelers, and locals.
Right in the middle of all that action sits The Crown & Anchor. Partnering with the venue gave me a front-row seat to their entire eight-day lineup for this year’s “Deep Sea Disco” theme. It served as my home base for the most joyous week of the summer.
Poolside Beats And Harbor Breezes
My festivities started at Tryst Beach Club for the Mermaid Bash, a sun-soaked midday event on Tuesday. DJ Lina Bradford laid down ambient beats while guests lounged by the water. I dipped my toes in the pool with a cold margarita in hand, taking in the view. Crown & Anchor’s pool deck sits right against Provincetown Harbor, so you can watch the boats docked at the marina while the bay breeze cools down the afternoon heat.
By nightfall, the energy shifted into high gear when Horse Meat Disco took over the club space. The Crown & Anchor operates as a multi-room venue, giving everyone different spots to mingle, dance, or step away for fresh air. Inside the main room, it was packed to capacity: shirts off, heavy bass bumping through the floorboards, and a room full of people letting go on the dance floor.
A Front-Row Seat To The Parade
Thursday brought the main event: the Carnival Parade. The Crown & Anchor hosted an epic viewing party right on Commercial Street, led by drag royalty Jan Sport, Tina Burner, and Jackie Cox. The three kept the crowd laughing and hyping everyone up as the street filled with spectators.
Before the floats rolled through, the venue laid out a complimentary barbecue cookout. The spread featured smoked ribs, hot dogs, burgers, and potato salad, a welcome feast before a long day on my feet.
Next came the costume contest, where the creativity went far beyond expectations. Attendees showed up in head-to-toe ocean gear: a duo dressed as high-fashion SpongeBob and Patrick, mermaids dripping in body glitter, and one guest wearing a shimmering Titanic glacier headband paired with reflective disco balls.
When the parade started, the street erupted. Local businesses, non-profits, and sponsors rolled past on nautical-dazzled floats covered in tinsel and sea creatures. Families, both nuclear and chosen, lined the sidewalk side by side, sharing food and cheering on every float.
Pop Royalty And Birthday Beats
The momentum only picked up as the weekend approached. Friday night saw Grammy winner Kim Petras take the stage at Paramount for a late-night set hosted by MISTR, alongside DJ Alfonso Tan. Hearing her belt out her pop bangers live inside an electric club atmosphere felt like a high-octane shot of adrenaline straight into the heart of Commercial Street.
Saturday capped off the eight-day marathon with Trixie Mattel‘s Birthday Bash. Trixie and Leland took over the DJ booth for a set that had the entire room singing along to club mixes. Looking around at a crowd covered in pink, glitter, and pure smiles was the ultimate sign-off to a wildly fun week.
Until Next Summer
From daytime pool sessions to late-night dance floors, The Crown & Anchor delivered the exact sense of belonging that makes Provincetown so legendary. The resident lineup ran all week alongside those unforgettable headlining sets. I’m already planning my trip back to P-Town for next summer, and you best believe this venue will be right at the center of my itinerary.
