Gaye Magazine
Jul 30
5 mins read
Simply put, Frolic Weekend is a 5-day celebration (now 6 days*) of queer and trans men of color held annually in June. Founded by CEO Lamb Rahming and CFO Steve Hanton, Frolic’s mission is to “make queer joy easy to find”.
Now in its sixth year, Frolic adds a playful twist to the classic summer camp experience with its theme: Camp Wanafrolik, complete with four queer houses: the House of Allure, the House of Escapade, the House of Kin, and the House of Zeal. These different factions fostered an instant sense of camaraderie with one frolicker even describing the experience as “a gay Hogwarts”.
Correction: My editor in chief K. Keith told me to give him his credit for the Hogwarts statement. My bad! 😉
Once dubbed “the Gayest Town in America”, Provincetown boasts one of the highest concentrations of same sex couples in the country.
This year’s Frolic Weekend drew an impressive crowd of over 1,000 attendees from across the country and even internationally. Spanning five days, the Frolic Weekend delivered a rich medley of events designed to appeal to a wide range of interests. I’d describe the experience as “full-bodied”. Each event delivered unmatched energy and quality.
Of course, there were iconic themed parties taking place, but Frolic went far beyond nightlife. The event schedule included community panels, film screenings, dance workshops, morning yoga, arts and crafts…the list goes on. There truly was something for everyone. Each event felt intentionally curated, and to be quite honest, the entire six days of Frolic was orchestrated to a T!
Even the journey to Frolic felt like the start of an adventure going from plane to ferry to dock. Along the way, you’re greeted by the stunning scenery of Cape Cod’s lush coastline and deep, blue Atlantic waters. For a moment, it feels like you escaped to another world, which is the entire purpose of Frolic of course.
As you make your way to your lodging, you pass through the charming community of Provincetown, replete with seaside shops, rainbow flags, and friendly P-town locals. I had no idea a place like this even existed. But the moment I arrived, it all made sense. Frolic Weekend belongs in Provincetown; the energy is warm, welcoming, and undeniably free!
The daily parties are now forever seared into my memory. From the Camouflage-themed Dance Night to the infamous annual Pool Party, and standout Camp Met Gala, I was in awe the entire time.
The creativity, swagger, and attention to detail that oozed from every “camper’s” outfit was nothing short of spectacular. Being surrounded by so many vibrant, joyful, Black, queer men was an experience like none other.
The top-tier production value of the venues was notably evident, from high-energy DJs and immersive props to dynamic performers and even a ballroom-inspired finale to close out the weekend. The organization was seamless and felt intentionally aligned with Frolic’s ultimate goal of amplifying queer joy.
I would be remiss not to shed light on Provincetown’s largely white population and how that context relates to the purpose of Frolic Weekend. It was surreal to celebrate both Juneteenth and Pride in a town that is immensely queer, yet overwhelmingly white, and the historic landing site for the 1620 Mayflower. While queerness is openly embraced, being Black in a town where 91.3% of residents are white adds a complicated layer.
I would be remiss not to shed light on Provincetown’s largely white population and how that context relates to the purpose of Frolic Weekend. It was surreal to celebrate both Juneteenth and Pride in a town that is immensely queer, yet overwhelmingly white, and the historic landing site for the 1620 Mayflower. While queerness is openly embraced, being Black in a town where 91.3% of residents are white adds a complicated layer.
Personally, most of my interactions with the P-town locals were warm and congenial. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being under a spotlight…an all too familiar feeling that I’ve grown to recognize whenever I’m perceived as “other”.
The highly visible presence of Black people was clearly unusual for this town. That much was evident by the lingering stares, whether rooted in curiosity, amazement, or alienation.
With Juneteenth representing my “Blackness” and Pride representing my “queerness”, I found myself torn between which parts of myself I should celebrate. Why was I viewing these vital identities as separate? That interrogation led me back to the purpose of Frolic Weekend. Frolic was born from a movement to create sanctuary for Black, queer people and queer people of color in predominantly white spaces.
Instead of compartmentalizing oneself, the aim should be to celebrate yourself as a Black, queer body. At this very moment, I was experiencing the work of Frolic firsthand.
As a first-timer, I quickly understood why Frolic Weekend has earned its name as a premier safe space for queer and trans men of color to gather, unwind, and celebrate. However, I never would have guessed how much Frolic would impact me.
By the time I left, somewhat of a healing had taken place. I felt more whole…not just Black, not just queer, but completely both. Frolic Weekend gave me that space to simply exist.
I felt defiant.
I felt joyful.
And I felt unapologetically me.
To the outstanding Frolic team, thank you so much for making a difference in our community and leading the charge in crafting a one of a kind experience. I already can’t wait for Frolic Weekend 2026!
Frolic has officially announced an extra day in their lineup of events. Instead of five days, Frolickers can expect a full six days of events in 2026. Payment plans are now available through their website.
“Plan ahead, pay over time, party without limits! Frolic weekend 2026 payment plans are open—lock in your spot NOW!”
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