Bear Week Provincetown 2026
- 12-19 Jul
- Provincetown, MA
EEvery July, Provincetown wakes up from its quiet coastal rhythms when Bear Week takes over the town. From 12‑19 July 2025, Commercial Street and the surrounding lanes fill with bears, their partners, friends and admirers who come for eight days of parties, beach outings and fundraising events. Tens of thousands of visitors arrive from across the world, and the mood is a blend of carefree holiday and heartfelt community. Over the years Bear Week has grown into one of Provincetown’s most anticipated weeks, drawing wolves, cubs, otters and fans for pool parties, tea dances and late‑night sing‑alongs.
The official programme for 2025 offers something new every day. After welcoming cocktails and sunset boat cruises, guests can look forward to bingo fundraisers at the Crown & Anchor on July 13 and the cheeky Otter Pop Pool Party on July 15, where flirting, swimming and frozen treats are all on the menu. As the week progresses the energy builds toward the legendary Wiener Roast on July 18 at the Brass Key Guesthouse, a charity barbecue and dance party featuring DJs and performers that is considered the highlight for many attendees. In between headline events, people gather for breakfasts, art walks and health discussions hosted by local organisations. The Provincetown Business Guild and Provincetown Bears emphasise that Bear Week is as much about community and fundraising as it is about having a good time, and many events raise money for local lgbtq+Q+ health and wellness programmes.
Part of the magic comes from Provincetown itself. The compact downtown makes it easy to stroll from one venue to another, bumping into familiar faces along the way. Mornings are spent recovering on Herring Cove or at cafés, afternoons quickly turn into pool parties and by evening the streets fill with harnesses, leather and a lot of laughter. Local businesses embrace the week with themed menus and special events, and long‑time residents often remark that it’s their favourite time of year because of the friendly atmosphere. Whether you are dancing at the daily tea dance at Boatslip Resort, browsing the Bear Market for independent vendors or simply people‑watching on Commercial Street, there’s always something to do.
If you plan to attend Bear Week Provincetown 2025, book lodging early because rooms sell out months in advance. This event combines a festival vibe with a sense of homecoming, creating a safe space where everyone is welcome. It’s an opportunity to meet like‑minded people, support meaningful causes and experience why this small Cape Cod town has become a summer home for bears from around the