100+ Fabulous Over-the-Rainbow Moments From P-town Carnival 2021

The annual theme week featured fun and safe celebratory experiences.

All photos courtesy of Dan McKeon. This gallery initially appeared on Advocate.com, view the original post here. 

The Provincetown Business Guild (PBG) celebrated the 42nd annual Carnival last year on August 15–21. The event was themed Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and featured outdoor entertainment, gallery strolls, costume parties, and more, all honoring Provincetown’s creative legacy and history as a unique and welcoming destination as well as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community.

Carnival kicked off with the Official Carnival Flag raising ceremony outdoors at The Pilgrim Monument, the tallest all granite structure in the US. Later that evening, opening day continued with the Opening Night Costume Party: Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are, featuring a costume contest, dazzling Provincetown icons, and cash prizes.  

Last year, the PBG launched Express Yourself Days, a new way to celebrate each summer’s theme weeks. This pre-determined day encouraged visitors to convey their individuality and dress up in colorful, creative ways. Entertainment, gallery strolls, a drag dance party and a special Carnival whale watch rounded out last year’s Carnival schedule.

The Provincetown Business Guild is a not-for-profit organization promoting and supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer business community in Provincetown, MA. The Guild is committed to improving the Provincetown community by advocating for the acceptance of diversity and for tolerance through projects, programs, and education. The Guild welcomes residents and visitors to experience America’s first LGBTQ tourist destination. For more information about the Provincetown Business Guild, visit www.ptown.org.

Want to learn more about P-town Carnival 2022? Then visit the official website at ptown.org/calendars/carnival/ to get all the information you need to know on events, celebs, transportation, and more.

But if you want to take a trip down memory lane then keep scrolling to see over 100 of our favorites pics from Provincetown Carnival 2021!

Friday, August 13
• Friday Evening Gallery Stroll                         
Opening and Closing times vary
Galleries located throughout town
For locations: ptown.org/shop/galleries

Sunday, August 15
• Official Carnival Flag Raising Ceremony
10 am
Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
1 High Pole Road
Free admission
• Opening Party: You’re Not in Kansas Anymore with DJ Edil Hernandez
Sunset Cruise *Sold Out*
Opening Night Costume Party: Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are
9 pm-close
Paramount at Crown & Anchor
247 Commercial Street
30 cover benefits the Provincetown Business Guild

Monday, August 16
• Carnival kickoff at Shipwreck
8 pm
10 Carver Street
Admission free/donations benefit Provincetown Business Guild
• Gesellschaft presents Tornado
10:30 pm-close
Red Room at Velvet
258 Commercial
Come jam at a style, glam, and drag dance party.  Join Janet Jorgulesco and the House of La Rue at GESELLSCHAFT
No cover/donations benefit Provincetown Business Guild

Tuesday, August 17
• RAINBOW Dance Party
10pm-close
A-House
4-6 Masonic Place
$20 cover benefits Provincetown Business Guild & AIDS Support Group

Wednesday, August 18
• Carnival Whale Watch
9:30 am
Dolphin Fleet
Macmillan Pier
Call 800-826-9300 in advance for $5 off and reference Carnival Whale Watch
• Provincetown Follies at Boatslip
The Gayest Show & Party in town
9pm - 11:30pm
Boatslip Resort
161 Commercial Street
$20 cover benefits Provincetown Business Guild
• Red Room presents Ruby Red Slippers
10:30 pm-close
Red Room at Velvet
258 Commercial Street
$10 cover benefits Provincetown Business Guild

Thursday, August 19
• Express Yourself Day
All day throughout Provincetown
• Express Your Queer Self
Come as you are, or dress in a harness, speedo, singlet, kaftan, heels, or in accordance with this year’s theme: Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Ty Sunderland Presents Love Prism
Carnival Dance Party
7 pm-Midnight
Dance with DJ Ty Sunderland, sponsored by PAX
Provincetown Town Hall
260 Commercial Street
Admission is free with a ticket

Friday, August 20
• Friday Evening Gallery Stroll                         
Opening and Closing times vary
Galleries located throughout town
For locations: ptown.org/shop/galleries
• Official Closing Party: There’s No Place Like Home
10pm-close
Crown & Anchor
247 Commercial Street
$30 cover (at the door) benefits Provincetown Business Guild
• Carnival Headquarters
The Firehouse
256 Commercial Street
Open daily beginning August 15, Tickets, t-shirts, posters, beads, and other party supplies available for purchase.