SUMMER IN MASSACHUSETTS

{ Maya Capasso }

As the days grow hotter and the trees turn greener, it’s time to shut the laptop, change into a swimsuit, and take some much-needed time to relax and rejuvenate. Vacationers need not take an expensive flight to a far off destination. Massachusetts has plenty of gorgeous and LGBTQ+-friendly vacation spots to visit this year. These destinations boast not only stunning views, charming shopping districts, and mouth-watering restaurants, but also inclusive atmospheres that welcome queer vacationers to have fun and be themselves.

Cape Cod

Anyone who has spent more than a few months in Massachusetts knows about the allure of the Cape. Cape Cod’s reputation for its stellar, diverse beaches and comforting, delectable seafood joints is known all across New England and beyond. On top of that, Cape Cod – specifically Provincetown at the Cape’s very tip – is known worldwide as a refuge for the LGBTQ+ community. Ever since the early 1900s, Provincetown has been a hub for artists, eclectics, and the offbeat. Aided by the free-thinking culture and P-town’s geographic isolation, gay and lesbian people began to turn Provincetown into a safe-haven for the community.

          Today, Provincetown remains an artistic hub that embraces queer culture. Tourists can book a stay in one of many of the town’s queer-owned inns like the Carpe Diem Guest House & Spa, the Somerset House Inn, the Ravenwood Inn, or Christopher’s by the Bay, to name a few. P-town also has a lively shopping district on Commercial Street where visitors can purchase t-shirts, grab an ice cream cone or a coffee, pick up some eccentric knick-knacks, and visit a few local art galleries. Provincetown is also a dog-friendly town, with many shops and restaurants welcoming pups indoors or at least providing a water bowl outside so your pooch can stay hydrated.

         Visiting Provincetown almost every summer since I was small helped me embrace my own queer identity. I have fond memories of watching people dress up in elaborate costumes for Carnival Week and seeking gay couples hold hands, kiss, and embrace on the streets without any onlookers batting an eye. Provincetown is a vacation destination that no member of the LGBTQ+ community wants to miss.

Summer LGBTQ+ Events in Provincetown

Every summer, Provincetown goes all out to celebrate its vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Many P-town visitors plan their trip to coincide with annual themed weeks that highlight specific members of the LGBTQ+ community and offer events, parties, and activities geared around the weekly theme.

FROLIC: Men of Color Weekend: June 13th to 17th

Queer men of color from across the world gather for parties, excursions, and events every year in P-town for a weekend of celebration. On the fifth year of FROLIC weekend, the theme is Olympic Gaymes. The weekend kicks off with an opening ceremony, followed by a toga party at the Purgatory Nightclub. Events throughout the weekend include everything from speed dating to Tea Dances to pool parties.

Bear Week: July 13th to 20th

Whether you’re a bear, wolf, cub, otter, Ursula, or simply an admirer, stop by Provincetown during Bear Week to celebrate this iconic themed week. Have a blast on the Bear Boat Cruise, take a dip at the pool party, and let loose at a Tea Dance this summer.

Girl Splash: July 24th to 27th

Lesbian and bisexual women and femmes are invited to P-town’s annual Girl Splash weekend. Embark on a sunset dune tour, enjoy the sun at the all-women pool party, listen to live music, and more on this girls’ weekend, hosted by Provincetown for Women.

Family Week: July 27th to August 3rd

LGBTQ+ parents and families come together for the 30th anniversary of P-town’s family week. Celebrate your family while connecting with others to gain empowerment and community.

Carnival Week: August 17th to 24th

P-town’s first theme week, Carnival Week, began in 1978 as a way for the community to embrace creativity, togetherness, and pride. All week, Commercial Street gets overrun by people wearing extravagant costumes and vibrant music. You don’t want to miss the Carnival Parade held on the 22nd.

Western Mass

Those searching for a quiet, woodland vacation can visit one of the many inviting towns and cities in Western Mass. Whether you plan on a camping trip in the forest or to stay in a charming small town inn, there are plenty of options for shopping, dining, and cultural attractions in the region. Plus, areas in Western Mass – like Northampton – are known for their welcoming attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.

         In fact, as early as the ‘90s, people across the country began to refer to Northampton as “Lesbianville, USA.” Northampton’s first lesbian bar, the North Star, opened in 1987. The North Star has since shut its doors only to be replaced by a new queer hangout. Today, Northampton’s gay bar the Majestic Saloon provides a safe space for lesbians and other queer people to socialize and let loose.

         There’s plenty of fun activities to do on vacation in Western Mass. There’s no limit to hiking trails or kayaking. But when you need a break from all the outdoor activities, you can head to Six Flags New England in Agawam or spend a day visiting a few of the many pottery studios and art galleries in the area.

Summer LGBTQ+ Events in Western Mass

Western Mass hosts some wonderful LGBTQ+ activities outside of the pride events in June. Whether you want to get outdoors with other queer people or dance to stellar music with a bunch of other lesbians, these events are for you.

The Pride Paddle at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox, MA: June 23rd

Learn more about the wildlife in Western Mass on this naturalist-led canoe and kayak expedition on the Housatonic River Watershed. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their family members are invited to this beginner-friendly canoe event. You can enroll for either the beginner or intermediate group to choose the pace that’s right for you as you paddle down the serene river.

The Stargaze Festival in Tolland, MA: August 23rd to 25th

Queer women and nonbinary folks gather under the stars for a weekend long festival of music, art, and connection at the Stargaze Festival in Western Mass. You can pitch a tent or set up camp in your RV for a delightful weekend of community, dancing, and fun. Spend your days attending workshops or swimming in the lake before partying late into the night for a weekend you’ll never forget.

Boston, MA

As Massachusetts’ capital and the largest city in New England, Boston boasts a rich history and a wide variety of activities to keep visitors entertained. The city has something for everyone. Museum-lovers can visit some of the best museums in the country like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, or the Museum of Science. Animal-lovers can spend a day at the New England Aquarium or the Franklin Park Zoo.

         For those who want to learn about Boston’s history, there are plenty of Revolutionary War sites to learn about on the Freedom Trail. Take a quirky Duck Boat tour of the city for a kid-friendly approach to the city’s rich history. Boston also provides plenty of shopping destinations like Newbury Street or Faneuil Hall. Sports fans have plenty to do as well. Take a tour or watch a game at Fenway Park or TD Garden.

         Boston has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community as well as many queer-owned restaurants and businesses to visit. Grab a beer at the Dorchester Brewing Company, a sandwich from Basil Tree Catering in Cambridge, or some classic American fare from gay sports bar Cathedral Station. Venues like Trident Booksellers & Cafe and Club Cafe regularly host LGBTQ+ events like queer speed dating and friending events, performances by drag queens and queer comedians, Tea Dances, Drag Bingo, and more.

Summer LGBTQ Events in Boston, MA

After Boston’s Pride festival and parade in early June, there are still plenty of LGBTQ+ activities for the summer. Watch incredible drag performances or make new queer connections on your trip to Boston this season.

Boston Official Pride Bar Crawl: June 22nd

Join thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals for an unforgettable night on the town. Stopping at four or more queer-friendly venues, the official Boston Pride Bar Crawl brings guests a wild night of celebration and inclusivity. Each guest wears a wristband that gives them access to incredible drink specials, a detailed digital pub crawl map, pride-themed beverages, live music, and a free afterparty.

LGBTQIA+ Women’s Speed Dating at Trident Booksellers & Cafe: June 25th

Are you searching for a low-stress way to meet lesbian singles? Trident Booksellers & Cafe hosts many LGBTQ+ speed dating and friending events throughout the year. This June, queer women can gather for this lowkey speed dating event to build connections and potentially find their life-long match.

Drag Bingo at Club Cafe on Tuesday Nights

There’s no cover charge for Club Cafe’s weekly Monday night Drag Bingo. Hosted by the charming and hilarious MIZERY, Drag Bingo offers guests an evening to let loose and a chance to win prizes.

Queer Summer Fun

Massachusetts has many wonderful vacation offerings for the LGBTQ+ community. We all deserve to relax and have fun this summer. It’s time to take time off work or school and plan your queer-friendly vacation.