We are back for 2025!
the Second annual celebration of the Autumnal Equinox featuring yoga, meditation/breathwork, queer-focused workshops, dance parties, a beach bonfire and more
Equinox inspired meal plan from Nicole Cormier, featuring fresh local ingredients and highlighting local businesses
Get your week pass here
Use Code “Equinox -15%” for 15% off rooms at Gifford House
Host hotel
Rite: a ceremonial act or action, as part of a ritual
The Autumnal Equinox, occurring this year on September 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, holds rich symbolism across various cultures and traditions. It represents a time of balance, as the duration of day and night are roughly equal.
With the intention of balance in mind, you are invited to join for the first annual queer gathering in Provincetown, MA for a celebration of the Autumnal Equinox. Bring the most authentic version of you. Move your body, reconnect with nature and community, and let’s collectively clear what no longer serves us and call in vitality as we move into the fall season.
Participants can enjoy any of the following events and workshops, and everyone is encouraged to add their magic:
Microdose & Flow with Shelby Clark
Breath work meditation with Tangle
The sonic spells of DJ’s William Francis
Arts & Crafts with Emil Jameson
Beach Bonfire & Dance Parties
Freshly prepared meals by Nicole Courmier, featuring seasonal, plant-forward ingredients to nourish the body and soul
Meet the facilitators for the RITE Autumnal Equinox gathering
RITE Schedule of events 2025
Wednesday, 9/17
4:00 PM
Arrival & Check-ins
6:00 Pm
Welcome Social
Gifford House Patio
7:00 pm
Dinner
Gifford House Patio
Thursday, 9/18
11:00 AM
Brunch
Gifford House
12:00 PM
introduction to instinctive meditation with shelby clark
Inspired by The Radiance Sutras and the teachings of Lorin Roche, this 90-minute journey invites you into a sensual, intuitive approach to meditation. Rather than sitting still and emptying your mind, we explore presence through breath, movement, and the senses — tuning into the body as it is, alive and awake. This practice is playful, embodied, and deeply personal — a return to meditation as a natural expression of being fully human.
2:00 PM
Lunch
Options (weather dependent) bike ride to boy beach, kayak tour,
Rain alternative: Arts and Crafts w Franklin
Gifford House Lounge
7:00 PM: Dinner
Gifford House
Friday, 9/19
11:00 AM
Brunch
Gifford House
12:00 PM
Microdose & Flow with Shelby
Optional plant medicine
temple guardian | Colin
The Wild at Gifford House
2:00 PM
lunch
Options: (weather dependent) - boy beach, kayak, Ptown Pool
4:00 PM
Floral arrangements with Franklin
Porch Bar
7:00 PM
Dinner
Gifford House Patio
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
rite of Autumn Equinox - William, Scooter, Dino
ELEMENTS theme | Equinox Ritual | Fire spinning
Club Purgatory at Gifford House
Saturday, 9/20
11:00 AM
Brunch
Gifford House
12:00 PM
Breath work meditation with Tangle
The Wild at Gifford House
2:00 PM
Lunch/ Free Time
5:00 PM
Sunset Beach Bonfire - DJ William Francis
Dinner | Salt Clearing ritual | Bonfire ritual | Fire Spinning
Hatches Harbor Beach
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Purgatory - Underwear Party - DJ Mark Louque “father figure”
Club Purgatory at Gifford House
Sunday, 9/21
11:00 AM
Brunch
Gifford House
12:00 PM
Soundbath
closing words with Rite Group - integration and queer stewardship
The Wild at Gifford House
2:00 PM
Departure
Monday, 9/22 at 18:19 pM
<< exact time of Autumnal equinox >>
Here are some key symbolic themes associated with the autumnal equinox:
Balance and Harmony
The equinox signifies a moment of equilibrium, symbolizing balance between light and darkness, and day and night. It’s a time to reflect on achieving balance in one’s life.
Harvest and Gratitude
Traditionally, the equinox marks the beginning of the harvest season. It’s a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and prepare for the coming winter months. Festivals and rituals often focus on gratitude and celebration of the fruits of labor.
Transition and Change
The autumnal equinox signifies the transition from the vibrant energy of summer to the introspective and quieter period of autumn. It symbolizes change and transformation, as the natural world shifts from growth to dormancy.
Reflection and Preparation
As the days shorten, the equinox is seen as an opportunity for introspection and preparation for the inner work of winter. It’s a time to assess one's personal journey and prepare for the renewal that spring will bring.
These themes are reflected in various cultural celebrations, such as the Pagan festival of Mabon, and in practices related to personal growth and renewal.