Go to jail with John Waters: Bid for a night in the Provincetown Jail with the filmmaker

Spending a night in jail is something most people want to avoid. But this night in a cell truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Filmmaker, actor, author and artist John Waters is offering an overnight stay inside the Provincetown Jail — including dinner — as part of the Provincetown Film Society’s fourth annual winter auction.

"John Waters is a very good friend of the Provincetown Film Society," said Anne Hubbell, executive director of the nonprofit arts organization. "We like to say Sundance has Robert Redford and we have John Waters."

The society began its winter auction in 2020 as a way to fundraise during the offseason. Donations and support flooded in and the auction quickly became an annual event. The jail-time dinner marks the third unusual venue hosted by Waters, after one held at the sewer and another at the Provincetown dump.

"Each time, it's been a very specific experience," Hubbell said. "He's very into it."

During one night in July, four winners will be locked up with Waters in the Provincetown Jail, to enjoy a meal prepared by private chef Jake Hetnarski — who always creates a menu that follows the dinner's theme, said Hubbell. Diners will get a chance to explore the corridors or stay in a cell until 6 a.m. "parole".

"Everything's delicious, but it's very on-brand for whatever the event is," Hubbell said. "I'm curious to see what (Hetnarski) will do for this prison meal."

A few other famous faces — such as Emmy Award winner Murray Bartlett — and local businesses are also auctioning off prizes in support of the society, including private dinners, a week-long stay in a dune shack and an African safari trip. For more information and a full list of auction items, visit www.biddingforgood.com/ptownfilm. Bidding closes Feb. 11.

What to do on Cape Cod this week

'String Quartet With a Twist,' a performance by Giacosa Chamber Music

Join Giacosa Chamber Music for “String Quartet With a Twist,” a performance of the String Quartet No. 2 by Anton Arensky and the Cello Quintet by Franz Schubert, and a before-concert Valentine’s tea room reception on Feb. 10 at the South Harwich Meetinghouse (270 Chatham Road).

The reception begins at 2 p.m. and the concert at 3 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before the reception.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased online at www.southharwichmeetinghouse.com/ or the door.

“String Quartet With a Twist,” will also be performed at 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the First Congregational Church of Chatham United Church of Christ (650 Main St.). Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the door. People 18 and under get in for free.

Celebrate Galentines with Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis

There are two “tines” in February, Valentine’s and Galentine’s. If you’re looking to show some love to your gals this upcoming week, Cape Cod Beer has two events for you.

On Feb. 11, the taproom will become a gym for a Galentine’s Day “Pound and Pour” workout class. Get in your cardio for the day during the hour-long BYOM — bring your own mat — class then head straight to the bar for a post-workout reward, a complimentary drink included with your $20 registration fee.

If a workout class doesn’t exactly scream, “I love you, woman!” maybe paint night does! On Feb. 13, gather for a Galentine’s Day Paint Night. Tickets are $45 per person and includes one drink. Attendees are invited to bring food because options will be limited at the event.

“Pound and Pour” starts at 11 a.m. on Feb. 11 and paint night begins at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13. For more information or to purchase tickets for these events, visit www.capecodbeer.com/.

Lady of the Dunes lecture with local author Christopher Setterlund in South Yarmouth

As part of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth’s Winter Lecture Series, local author Christopher Setterlund draws on insights from his crime novel “Searching for the Lady of the Dunes” and recounts the tragic events of the recently solved murder.

The event begins at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St. in South Yarmouth. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members and can be purchased at www.hsoy.org/.

'Little Devils,' six plays by the new Helltown Players in Provincetown

The Helltown Players debuts its inaugural production, “Little Devils” this week at the Provincetown Theater. “Little Devils,” is a series of six plays — “Double D,” “Dump," ”Triangulation,” “Karen,” “A Twist of Lemon,” and “19DEF” — written by six of the Helltown Players trustees.

“Little Devils” will run until Feb. 18 at the Provincetown Theater (238 Bradford St.). The production will then take the stage at The Academy of Performing Arts (120 Main St., Orleans) from Feb. 29 to March 10. Showtimes at both theaters are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from $10 to $40 and can be purchased online at www.helltownplayers.org/.

Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Bid on a night in Provincetown jail with filmmaker actor John Waters