Provincetown Events for August 2025: A Month of Music, Parades & Pure Summer Magic
August in Provincetown is when the town bursts into full technicolor: festivals, parades, music, art, and celebrations of community and individuality fill every street, gallery, and venue. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to your favorite getaway spot, August 2025 promises unforgettable moments and meaningful experiences that reflect the spirit of Ptown. Here’s your guide to what’s happening in Provincetown this August including the Provincetown Jazz Festival, the legendary Carnival Week, the iconic White Party on Labor Day Weekend, and more.
August 12: Provincetown Jazz Festival
Location: Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM)
Time: 6:00 PM
Tickets: Available at Provincetown Jazz Festival
This year’s Provincetown Jazz Festival is set for Tuesday, August 12 at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). Now in its 21st year, the festival continues to bring world-class jazz musicians to Cape Cod. In 2025, jazz lovers will be treated to the festival debuts of Kieran Brown and Matt Baker, two emerging voices in the jazz scene known for their innovative style and soulful interpretations. Proceeds help support the festival's educational initiatives, including "Jazz in the Schools," providing access to music education for Cape Cod youth.
August 16 - 23: Provincetown Carnival Week 2025
Provincetown Carnival is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the U.S. and the highlight of Provincetown s summer season. The 2025 theme, Summer Camp!, invites revelers to embrace their inner camper, counselor, scout leader, or bunkmate. Think bandanas, campfires, merit badges, tie-dye, bunk-bed drama, bug spray chic and of course, your most creative queer twist on it all.
Theme: Summer Camp!
Parade Day: Thursday, August 21 at 3:00 PM
Parade Route: Starts at the Harbor Hotel heading down Commercial Street past the Boatslip
Events: Pool parties, drag brunches, costume contests, cabaret shows, beach hangs & more
Tip: Some events require tickets book early!
Carnival draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year to celebrate community, diversity, and creative expression. Whether you’re walking in the parade or just soaking it in from the sidelines, it s an experience you’ll never forget.
🔔 For Carnival Week Schedule Highlights & links read our full Carnival Blog here:
August 29 - September 1: Labor Day Weekend
Main Event: The 37th Annual White Party Saturday, August 30, 2025
Location: Delft Haven Waterfront, Provincetown
Beneficiary: Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS)
What began as a small croquet party in 1986 has grown into one of Provincetown’s most anticipated Labor Day weekend traditions. The White Party is a chic, outdoor afternoon soirée where everyone is dressed in white and comes together to toast the end of summer with purpose. Hosted at the stunning waterfront enclave of Delft Haven, this year s event will feature music, dancing, cocktails, light bites, and beautiful views of Cape Cod Bay. All proceeds go to Outer Cape Health Services, which provides essential healthcare to the Provincetown, Wellfleet, and Harwich Port communities including LGBTQ+ services, urgent care, mental health support, HIV treatment, and more. Whether you re a first-timer or a seasoned White Party veteran, this is a meaningful, fabulous way to close out summer in style.
More August 2025 Highlights Around Town
Provincetown Tall Ship Day Sails August 8-17: Take a 2.5 hour sail on the Tall Ship of Delaware, KALMAR NYCKEL a full-scale replica of the 17th-century Swedish war ship.
Queer Field Day August 19: At The Yard at Gifford House camp games get a queer glow-up. Compete, laugh, and celebrate community.
On the Edge Art Exhibit Opens August 16: Hosted by the Provincetown Arts Society, this exhibit centers around themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and queer identity in contemporary art.
Final Thoughts
August in Provincetown is a radiant celebration of individuality, creativity, and community. It s where you can lose yourself in music, march in a rainbow-filled parade, sip cocktails in head-to-toe white, or just catch the sunset from Herring Cove with sand between your toes. Whether you come for a day, a week, or a lifetime, Provincetown is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Check out some of the events mentioned: