In this guide · 5 sections
Provincetown's bars are all on Commercial Street or a side street just off it. The town's so small, you're always in the middle of things; step out of any main spot and you're right in the street's social flow.
Tea Dance, then everything else
Before the evening really gets going, there's Tea Dance at the Boatslip. This afternoon pool party runs daily, 4pm to 7pm, during the season. It's the bridge from the beach to night. The deck fills up, the music's loud, and people make plans for later. It's not a bar in the usual sense, but it’s where most people start their evening in season.
Commercial Street after dark
The bars on Commercial Street follow the usual P-town rhythm: people start later than they would in a city, and places stay busy all night. The street itself is social; people walk between venues, stop on the sidewalk, and outdoor bar areas spill out onto the street. It feels more like one long party than a bunch of separate places.
You'll find different kinds of bars. Some are dance clubs with DJs and a younger crowd. Others are more laid-back, better for talking and hanging out. A couple of places feel more like neighborhood bars for locals, with a different vibe than the tourist-focused spots. That distinction matters less in mid-summer when everywhere's packed, but it's clearer in shoulder season when the tourist crowds thin out.
Who's here?
The crowd in Provincetown bars changes a lot depending on the week. During Bear Week, it's mostly that community. Carnival Week brings the broadest LGBTQ+ mix. Women's Week has its own distinct crowd. Outside of those themed weeks, the summer crowd is generally gay men, with some variation in age and type. Lesbians and queer women are less visible in the main bar scene during peak summer than in some other places; Women's Week in October is specifically for that community.
The bars
- A-House — The music was great, the crowd was awesome, and the bartender was properly surly with a heavy...
- Purgatory Gifford House — Fun, fun, fun for fag bash night. Would have loved a little more old school pop and camp but had a fantastic evening!
- Shipwreck Lounge — Friendly staff, chill vibe, and they carry Kettle One flavors. Best bar for gays.
- The Vault — Awesome! Great place! Fun! Dark n dirty! Great video selection! Great staff! Great crowd!
A few notes
Cash is good to have, and sometimes you'll need it for door charges or at the bar. Some places have cover charges for special events. The street gets crowded on summer evenings; that's part of the fun. For the bigger picture, check out the Gay Provincetown Guide.