If you haven’t been to Provincetown in the off-season, you should come in October. The Cape Cod light is extraordinary in Provincetown any day, but in the fall, it is downright striking. Aside from the magnificent light, there are minimal restaurant lines, many stores have sales, the weather is still good with temps in the mid-50s, and the locals are happy and laid-back—all making it the perfect time to visit Provincetown.
October Events
And things are happening! Columbus Day Weekend kicks off the Monumental Yard Sale, a town-wide yard sale where stores and homes sell their wares for bargain prices. There’s also the Provincetown Art Association and Museum’s (PAAM) Annual Gala and Women’s Week, followed very quickly by Trans Week (formerly Fantasia Fair), and one of the biggest events of October, Halloween Weekend. The night to don costumes and play on Commercial Street seems to get more popular each year, bringing in flash mobs, performances, and tons of parties.
Women’s Week
With over 150 events for women, including music, comedy, dance parties, film screenings, dune tours, sails, food events, sports events, and more, Women’s Week once again brings thousands of women together—singles and couples alike. Every year there is the Community Dinner, which features delicious food and many performances, from comedy to serious song styling. For more info, click here.
Trans Week (Fantasia Fair)
Since 1975, this transgender event has offered anyone who identifies as trans (and even those who don’t) a place to gather and attend conferences, fashion shows, two formal banquets, lunches, and even a cabaret/talent show! This week-long event is an immersive experience and, as the longest-running transgender event in the world, has a large following, making this week sure to fill our little peninsula! For more info, click here.
Halloween in Provincetown
Halloween weekend is a huge event in Provincetown, which is not surprising, as we love to dress up and throw a good party. Each year attendance seems to rise! Come join the fun, dress up in your craziest costume, and enjoy the fabulous spectacle of it all!
Ultimately, October is an amazing time to be here in Provincetown, as it provides visitors a slightly quieter, slightly more contemplative time to enjoy all this coastal town has to offer.
