Tea Dance at the Boatslip: A Provincetown Legacy

In Provincetown, where the streets are filled with color, art, and history, few traditions are as cherished and emblematic as the daily Tea Dance at the Boatslip Beach Club. For over 45 years, this waterfront event has served as a beloved ritual, offering not just music and dancing, but a powerful sense of community and celebration. Its roots stretch back through LGBTQ+ history, and today, it remains one of the most vibrant gatherings in Provincetown’s cultural calendar.

Where It All Began

The Boatslip Tea Dance began in the 1970s, a decade that saw Provincetown’s identity as an LGBTQ+ haven deepen and solidify. At a time when safe, public spaces for queer expression were scarce, the Boatslip offered something rare: a welcoming environment where people could gather, dance, and feel free.

What started as a modest afternoon event quickly became a cornerstone of Provincetown summers. Afternoon "tea dances" have historical precedent, but the version embraced at the Boatslip was thoroughly modern, set to the pulse of disco and later house music, rooted in joy and resilience. For the LGBTQ+ community, it is more than a party, it is a daily affirmation of visibility and unity.

What You’ll Find Today

Today, the Boatslip's Tea Dance remains a cornerstone of Provincetown's summer season. Held every afternoon during the high season (typically May through October), Tea Dance kicks off around 4 PM and runs until sunset. The open-air deck of the Boatslip, which overlooks the harbor, becomes an energetic stage of conversation and dancing filled with people of all identities, ages, and backgrounds.

Each day brings a slightly different vibe, whether it’s during themed weeks like Bear Week or Carnival, or a laid-back Monday, the core spirit remains the same: celebration, connection, and joy.

Why It Matters

Tea Dance at the Boatslip is not only a Provincetown tradition, it’s a celebration of life, identity, and community that continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire. It’s a perfect reminder of what makes Provincetown a special place: the freedom to be exactly who you are, surrounded by people who are doing the same.

Planning Your Visit

If you're planning a visit to Provincetown, experiencing Tea at the Boatslip should be at the top of your list. It's a casual, come-as-you-are affair. Arrive early to grab a good spot on the deck, wear something light and fun, and be ready to dance. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, Tea Dance is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Visit the Boatslip Beach Club website for Tea Dance hours and details »