Willam’s Wild Drag Derby Is Headed to CNN During Provincetown’s Biggest Fourth of July Bash
Willam hosts Drag Derby as Provincetown’s Liberation Week brings stars, parties, and CNN cameras.
Mark
Provincetown knows how to celebrate Independence Day, and this year, the festivities are getting an extra dose of drag.
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Provincetown’s iconic Crown & Anchor is transforming into the epicenter of Fourth of July celebrations with Liberation Provincetown 2026, a weeklong lineup of drag, dance parties, pool events and performances presented by MISTR. Running from July 3 through July 10, the celebration will feature some of LGBTQ+ nightlife’s biggest brands and personalities, culminating in one event that’s about to reach a national audience.
On July 3, Tryst Hospitality’s fan-favorite Drag Derby makes its Provincetown debut, with the competition set to be broadcast live on CNN during Independence Eve Live with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen. Drag Derby Brings Camp, Competition And Chaos
Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Willam, Drag Derby blends drag performance with obstacle-course mayhem in a spectacle that’s become one of Tryst Hospitality’s signature live events.
Representing venues across Tryst‘s growing hospitality portfolio, contestants include Calypso Jete from The Abbey in West Hollywood, Kiki Ball-Change from The Blue Whale in Fire Island, Amalara Sofia from The Tryst San Juan and Tina Burner representing The Crown & Anchor.
The queens won’t be competing alone. The event also promises go-go boys, a mechanical bull and plenty of unexpected surprises as contestants race through over-the-top challenges in front of a live audience.
Judging the competition will be Tryst Hospitality founder Tristan Schukraft alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race favorites Jan Sport and Jackie Cox.
“Drag Derby is an event you have to see to believe,” Schukraft said. “It’s drag queens racing through obstacle courses, sexy go-go boys, a mechanical bull, and complete chaos, all rolled into one very competitive, very ridiculous spectacle. It’s completely unhinged, very patriotic, and exactly the kind of chaos I want in Provincetown over Fourth of July.”
A Week Of Parties Across Crown & Anchor
Drag Derby serves as the opening act for Liberation Provincetown 2026, which will take over the Crown & Anchor’s collection of nightlife spaces throughout the holiday week.
Guests can expect headline DJ sets and appearances from Morabito, Oscar Velazquez, Tony Moran, Toy Armada, Danny Fuentes, Sam Gee, Ryan McClure, Brett Henrichsen, Felipe Guerra, Mascfish, Joey with the Mustache, Motherdisco, Dan Darlington, Jan Sport, Jackie Cox, Jimbo and Willam.
The programming also includes events from nightlife brands BRÜT, Daddy Issues, Ty Tea, Masterbeat, MEAT, TUFF and STEAM, offering everything from daytime pool gatherings to late-night dance parties.
Among the themed events are Freedom Pool Party, Lady Liberty, Anchors A-Gay, Blue Crush, Chomp and Born This Gay, with celebrations spread across Paramount, The Vault and The Tryst Beach Club.
For this year’s holiday weekend, The Tryst Beach Club is also expanding with a new stage, dance floor and DJ booth, creating another destination for guests throughout Liberation Week.
Celebrating America 250 The Provincetown Way
Schukraft says the goal is to celebrate America’s milestone birthday through the lens of one of the country’s most beloved LGBTQ+ destinations.
“America is turning 250, and we’re going to celebrate it the gayest way possible,” Schukraft said. “That means pool parties, towel-only dance floors, drag queens flying through obstacle courses, and DJs keeping the party going all week long, with a perfect view of the fireworks over Provincetown. Come spend Fourth of July in the gayest small town in America.”
Few places have a deeper connection to LGBTQ+ history than Provincetown, making it a fitting backdrop for a celebration centered on queer community, nightlife and self-expression. With CNN cameras capturing Drag Derby for a national audience, this year’s festivities could introduce one of Provincetown’s newest traditions to viewers across the country.
Tickets and multi-event passes for Liberation Provincetown 2026 are available now. Fans can click here for ticket information and click here to follow The Crown & Anchor on social media for updates throughout the week.
