June means Pride on Cape Cod! The region, including Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, and the Cape, has lots of great events to celebrate the
LGBTQ+ community throughout this month and beyond. Pride on Cape Cod takes many forms, from colorful parades to group nature walks, book, film, and art events, shows, and so much more! Let’s take a look to learn more about Pride on Cape Cod.
History of Pride on Cape Cod
When folks think about LGBTQIA+ Pride on Cape Cod, Provincetown is sure to be top of mind. While the community on the tip of the Outer Cape has long been a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it actually didn’t celebrate its first official pride event until 2018.
While official Pride on Cape Cod in Provincetown is relatively new, the community has long been a haven for members of the LGBTQ community. Located on the outermost tip of the Outer Cape, Provincetown has always been a unique community. The New England Historical Society reports, “Unlike other colonial towns, Ptown didn’t get a charter. And unlike other Puritan towns, it didn’t have to support a minister. The residents lived outside of the Puritans’ strict social order. Well outside.” They go on to describe the transient, seasonal community that formed on the tip of the Outer Cape.
The town grew and changed, remaining unique throughout the years. The 1840’s brought Portuguese fishing families from the Azores. The arrival of the railroad also brought tourists to Provincetown. When the Portuguese men were off fishing, their wives rented out spare rooms to visitors, including many single men who enjoyed the freedom of this unique little community, returning year after year. Beginning just before the 1920’s the town became home to a thriving community of artists, playwrights, and other creative minds. The isolation of the community, far removed, allowed inhibitions to be shed, and visitors to be their authentic selves.
The community and its reputation as a refuge for LGBTQ+ visitors have only grown over time, making it a perfect place to celebrate Pride on Cape Cod year-round. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have made Ptown their year-round home, while others flock to the region as visitors each summer.
This year, tens of thousands will celebrate Pride on Cape Cod with the 6th annual event put on by the Provincetown Business Guild. Be sure to mark your calendars for Provincetown Pride from June 2-4, 2023! If you miss the month for Pride on Cape Cod, Provincetown has tons of other LGBTQ+ events year-round.
Pride on Cape Cod: Other events
Besides all the fun to be had in Ptown, there are lots of other great events to celebrate Pride on Cape Cod and the broader region. Mass Audubon is offering the first-ever Martha’s Vineyard Nature-Inspired Drag Show will take place on June 3, 2023, at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nantucket Pride with the theatre Workshop of Nantucket will hold the Island’s 2023 Pride Tea Dance on June 4th with music, dancing, and drag performances at Nantucket’s Iconic Chicken Box.
In Plymouth, the third annual pride event will be held later in the month on Sunday, June 25th from 10-6 at Nelson Park.
Be sure to check out more June Events or our events calendar for more fun happenings on the Cape and islands. Happy Pride on Cape Cod!
