Charo, Raja to Headline P-Town's Annual Carnival

Carnival in Rio might not be until next year, but the Provincetown's version of this Carioca-inspired spectacle next week is sure to be just as fabulous and amazing!

Raja, the most recent winner on "RuPaul's Drag Race," and Charo will headline the week-long event in one of the country's most popular gay destinations. Dance parties, parades, concerts, competitions and more will make this celebration something to remember for years to come.

This year's theme, "Can't Stop the Music," is all about dancing, drinking and enjoying summer's party atmosphere.

Starting on Sunday, Aug. 14, the Crown and Anchor's "Can't Stop the Music" Carnival Week kick-off party will certainly get attendees in the mood. The nearby Atlantic House will hold a disco-themed dance night. Resident DJ and Billboard Magazine reporter David LaSalle will be on hand to spin tunes late into the night.

Carnival's official opening ceremony will begin on the lawn behind Town Hall at 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, with a drag competition in which entrants can interpret this year's theme any way they choose. Raja will host the event, which will feature a cash bar and a DJ who will play music until 8 p.m.

Carnival attendees can start Tuesday, Aug. 16, right by participating in the 1-mile Boa Fun Run at 8 a.m. The campy event's proceeds will go to Camp Lightbulb, a summer camp for LGBT youth that is scheduled to open next summer.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation will also hold their annual "beachBums" benefit on Tuesday afternoon at the Crown and Anchor. GLAAD supporters can bid on their favorite designer swim gear modeled by sexy models and participate in the 'Stars Promoting Fairness' Celebrity Silent Auction, providing "SPF" protection and bidding on memorabilia autographed by famous Hollywood faces who support the media watchdog's work.

Ladies who want to spend time on their own without the guys can hop aboard the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" sailing charter, which departs MacMillian Pier at 7 p.m.

Gym bunnies and nature-lovers can take part in "Wheels are Turning" bike tour at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17. This 12- or 24-mile journey throughout the Cape Cod National Seashore leaves from the Bas Relief at the intersection of Bradford and Ryder Streets.

Charo, will give a cuchi-cuchi-licious live concert outside Town Hall at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Thursday, Aug. 18, is the biggest day at Carnival with the "Can't Stop the Music" official parade that starts at 3 p.m. Charo will serve as Grand Marshall while Raja and Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, who was involved in the repeal of the military's ban on openly gay and lesbian servicemembers, will be featured as honorary guests. An official after-party will take place at Club Purgatory from 10:30 p.m.

In addition, the Progressive "Faces of Pride" Booth will allow Carnival attendees to take photos with a professional photographer all day Thursday. The pictures will be put on the official "Faces of Pride" Facebook page.

Following such a large-scale event the day before, Friday, Aug. 19, will tone things down for visitors in Provincetown (but only a little.) A Drag Brunch from noon to 2 p.m. will cure even the worst hangovers with some delicious Bloody Mary's and mimosas at Patio on Commercial Street. Anyone can perform during the brunch, too, so queens are encouraged to don their finest attire.

Friday evening is the closing party at the Crown and Anchor beginning at 9 p.m. with DJ Tony Moran.

Carnival is poised to be one of America's biggest LGBT events of the year, so visitors should think about buying tickets in advance. Most events listed above require entrance fees or tickets, so check online at www.ptown.org or drop by the Carnival headquarters at the Firehouse located on 258 Commercial St. The Firehouse will be open all week during the day selling tickets and providing information for guests.