The year 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage and its initial landing in Provincetown before heading to Plymouth and the founding of Plymouth Colony! We are excited to celebrate this amazing milestone and will continue to share more information in future blog posts.
Provincetown 400 Events
The year 2020 will mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic. Before settling in Plymouth, the voyagers first spent five weeks in what is now Provincetown. Here is a list of events celebrating this moment in history.
April 24, 2020
The Opening Ceremony of the Plymouth 400 Commemoration will be a two-hour event of historical content, musical headliners, interpretive readings, choreographed movement, original productions, and visual narratives to create a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The Plymouth 400 Legacy Time Capsule will be introduced, and the first items will be placed inside by special guests. Honoring the past and celebrating the future, each of the commemoration themes — exploration, innovation, self-governance, religious expression, immigration, and thanksgiving — will be presented in creative ways. Invited participants include state and federal officials, representatives of the UK, the Netherlands, colony partners, and many more.
September 12, 2020, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
On September 12, 2020, at 5:30PM, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum will host a special formal Gala commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Pilgrims' landing.
September 13, 2020, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Visit MacMillan Pier for a VIP fundraising party. View of the re-enactment of the signing of the Mayflower Compact aboard the Mayflower II and the dropping of a commemorative wreath into Provincetown Harbor.
September 13, 2020, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Founded in 1897, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) currently counts 30,000+ members. In 2020, the GSMD will host its triennial Congress in Massachusetts with special events occurring in Provincetown, Plymouth, and Boston. The Congress has been extended to 10 days in 2020 and will host an estimated 1,500 registrants.
September 14, 2020, 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.
Bid farewell to the Mayflower II with a champagne and sparkling cider toast at sunrise at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown Harbor.
September 15, 2020, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Take a scenic tour of Provincetown and learn the rich history of Provincetown, where you can climb the Pilgrim Monument, have a personalized tour of the Provincetown Museum and a guided historic walking tour of Provincetown. A delicious lunch and bus travel from Plymouth to Provincetown and back will be included in the price of the excursion. A detailed schedule and event specifics will be announced later.
November 11, 2020, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
View the annual lighting of the Pilgrim Monument and grand fireworks display to commemorate the First Landing on November 11, 1620, in Provincetown.
Where to Stay
If you are planning to attend any of the events of this incredible celebration, it’s not too early to book a place to stay, as rental homes will be in great demand. Here are some great possibilities:
1) Waterfront beach house
2) Waterviews in the West End
3) 3-bedroom home with water views
4) Modern, upper condo unit with deck and jacuzzi
5) Contemporary Cape nestled among mature trees, and lush gardens
6) Quiet Cape Cod cottage located in nearby in North Truro
For more detailed information on events and the celebration, be sure to visit the Provincetown 400 website.