Cape Cod
Provincetown 101
Getting to P-town from Boston, the theme weeks (Bear Week, Carnival), Tea Dance and where to stay.
Last checked October 2026. Things change: confirm schedules and prices before you go.
Getting there
- Fast ferry from Boston: Bay State Cruise Co. (200 Seaport Blvd) takes about 90 minutes; 2026 fares ran $87–102 one way or $128 round trip plus a fuel charge. Daily mid-May to mid-October, then weekends into November. Boston Harbor City Cruises also runs from Long Wharf in season.
- Cape Air from Boston: fares from about $109 one way, with winter service too.
- Driving: Route 6 down the Cape takes about 2.5 hours from Boston, and much longer on summer Fridays.
The theme weeks
- Bear Week (mid-July; July 10–17, 2027): the world's biggest.
- Carnival (mid-August; August 14–21, 2027, parade Thursday Aug 19): the town's biggest costume week.
- Pride (early June), Family Week (late July), Mates Leather (early October), Spooky Bear (Halloween), Holly Folly (December weekends) and First Light (New Year's).
Where to go
- Tea Dance at the Boatslip: the classic late-afternoon tea on the harbor deck (check the season's days and times).
- Crown & Anchor (now a Tryst Hospitality property): the Paramount, cabaret, Wave Bar, the Vault and a beach club.
- A-House (Atlantic House): the Little Bar, the Macho Bar and the Big Room dance club (check hours off-season).
- Commercial Street is the whole town: walk it end to end.
Where to stay: guest houses. Book months ahead for Bear Week and Carnival and expect minimum-night rules.