Cape Cod Events!
Festivals and Events
The richness of life on Cape Cod and the Islands is celebrated with festivals all year long. Come celebrate our clams, chowder and scallops, daffodils and strawberries, harvest time and the month of October, fine wines and culinary fare, extraordinary films and filmmakers, along with our seafaring and fishing heritage. Special events are marked on calendars throughout the year—First Night celebrations, street fairs, walking tours, garden tours, antique shows, art auctions, bike and running races (including the world-famous Falmouth Road Race), holiday strolls, fishing tourneys, an authentic Indian Pow Wow, a county fair, parades of antique cars and parades to celebrate Easter and Christmas (the biggest in New England), and a go-kart race to rival LeMans.
February : March : April : May : June : July : August : September
Martha's Vineyard (Vinyard) : Nantucket
ONGOING
Birding trips to Monomoy Island, South Beach, and Nauset Marsh. Birders of all levels will appreciate trips geared just for them led by knowledgeable Mass Audubon naturalists. Birds flock to the beaches and salt marshes by the thousands and species may include Common, Least, Roseate and Arctic Terns and shorebirds like Red Knots, Whimbrel and American Oystercatchers. Walking tours and boat trips available. Trips offered regularly June through September. Call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615 for details.
Canoe & Kayak trips. Explore the winding tidal rivers, quiet kettle ponds, and scenic salt marshes by canoe or kayak. Paddle the Herring River, Nauset Marsh, Pamet River, around Lieutenant Island and more. Paddling gives you a whole new perspective on nature, plus it gets you away from the summer crowds! Canoes & kayaks provided, or bring your own. Trips offered regularly June-October. Call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for more information at 508-349-2615 .
Monomoy Wildlife Refuge Cruises. Cruise the area around Chatham's Morris Island on these two-hour excursions. Observe fishermen working shellfish beds, haul lobster traps to examine abundant marine life, and make a stop at North Monomoy Island, habitat for migrating and nesting shorebirds. Sponsored by Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (508-896-3867)
Cuttyhunk and Elizabeth Islands Tours. Woods Hole. 9am-5pm. Sunday excursions along the Elizabeth Islands to Cuttyhunk Island. Mass. Audubon Society commentary focuses on various landmarks, lighthouse, geology and wildlife. Four-hour stay on Cuttyhunk to explore its quaint village and harbor; guided walks. Bring a picnic lunch or buy lunch from the island's general store. Fee: $50 adults, $40 children 16 and under. (508-362-1426)
Glassblowing Demonstrations.
Daily from April to December. Showing techniques used by the Egyptian, Roman and Venetian glass industries, and culminating with Sandwich and the innovation of pressing glass. 10am-4pm daily. At Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main St. (508-888-0251)
Cape Cod Winery. May through mid-December tastings on Sats. and Suns. from noon-4pm. During July and August, samplings available Thursdays through Sundays. At 681 Sandwich Rd., East Falmouth . (508-457-5592)
Architectural Tours Of Sandwich Village. July through October. 1 1/2-hr. walking tours through the historic village that highlight the town's quintessential examples of American architectural styles from the colonial period to the early 20th century. Call for dates and times. (508-888-0251)
Old Town Cemetery Tours. July through October. 1 1/2-hr. walking tours of Sandwich's oldest burial ground focus on gravestone art and cutters, Colonial death rituals of the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as gravestone conservation. At Old Town Cemetery, Grove St. Call for dates and times. (508-888-0251)
Historic Home Tours. From June 21 through Sept. 24, visit the historic homes of Falmouth's Village Green, where the history of the town is displayed through stories, period furnishings and fine art. Tours available Tues. through Fri. 11am-4pm and on Sats. from 10am-1pm. Adult admission $5, children free. At Falmouth Village Green, 65 Palmer Ave. (508-548-4859)
Family Marine Life Cruises
Take the whole family on a trip into Cape Cod Bay aboard a working fishing boat and see, touch, and learn about the animals that live deep in the water. Using different nets we will bring fish, crabs, shellfish, and other marine life on board for closer examination. The Mass Audubon naturalists on board make it enjoyable and educational for people of all ages! Several trips are offered during the week in July and August. Call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for more information at 508-349-2615.
Edward Gorey's Dracula Exhibit. Yarmouthport. Exhibit includes Gorey’s original set and costume designs, rare production photographs and memorabilia. June 22 through December. At Edward Gorey House, 8 Strawberry Lane. (508-362-3909)
KidSummer 2006. Brewster. June 26-August 18. 9:30-noon (3-day a week program for younger children), 9am-3pm (5-day a week programs for older children- Terra Nova and Extreme Science). Experience the outdoors; learn about marine biology. Brochure/application on Museum’s web site in February at www.ccmnh.org. At Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Route 6A. (508-896-3867)
Children's Theatre
July 1 through August 26. Friday and selected Thursday mornings at 9:30 and 11:30. Different performances each week. Tickets: $8/$7. At Cape Playhouse, 820 Rte. 6A., Dennis. (877-385-3911 or 508-385-3838)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Orleans. 8pm. A zany dose of the Bard in one sitting! Fun for the entire family. Mondays during the summer. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)
FEBRUARY
11-12. Cape Symphony Orchestra. Hyannis. The Romance of Ireland. Sat. 8pm., Sun. 3pm. There'll be a lilt in the air as one of the most sought after and talented pianists in the world returns to Cape Cod with songs of his homeland. John O'Conor brings his heritage and a program filled with glorious and romantic songs of Ireland. Adult tickets $26-$53; students 6.5 0-$13.25. At Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center, West Main St. (508-362-1111)
MARCH
10 through April 2. Our Town. Harwich. Friday and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm. School Day Matinees on Wednesday, March 15 and 22 at 9:30 AM. The Stage Manager may manipulate time and space in Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire but the families who reside there could live in any small town in the early 20th century America, when doors commonly went unlocked and neighbors actually knew each other. Admission $12-$16. At Harwich Junior Theatre. (508-432-2002 ext. 4)
25-26. Brahms Requiem. Falmouth. Falmouth Chorale production. At St. Patrick's Church, Main St.
30 through April 23. Take Me Out. Orleans. Thurs.- Sat. nights at 8 pm, and Sun. matinees at 2 pm. 2003 Tony Award Winner Comedy Drama. Tickets $16. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)
APRIL
8-9. Cape Symphony Orchestra. Hyannis. Sat. 8pm., Sun. 3pm. Rachel Lee, outstanding violinist and rising star, returns to grace the CSO stage performing the delicate, and hauntingly beautiful Red Violin. Following this, Ms. Lee will perform Paganini's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1. Then the CSO performs the rousing Billy the Kid Suite by Aaron Copland and two Shostakovich pieces, Jazz Suite and Tahiti Trot Tea for Two. Adult tickets $26-$53; students 6.5 0-$13.25. At Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center, West Main St. (508-362-1111)
14-15. Still Life with Iris. Harwich. Fri. at 11am & 7:30pm., Sat. at 2pm and 7:30pm. This fantasy adventure drama, the first play for young audiences to receive the Kennedy Center’s Fund for New American Plays Award, chronicles a young girl's quest to regain her memory and with it her home. With the help of the incredible people she meets along the way, Iris' crusade recovers more than her past. Admission $12-$16. At Harwich Junior Theatre. (508-432-2002 ext. 4)
15. Easter Egg Hunt. Falmouth. 1pm. At Peg Noonan Park.
28- 29. Night of New Works. Orleans. 8pm. Tickets $16. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)
28-30. Into the Woods. Falmouth. Fri. and Sat. at 8pm., Sun. at 3pm. At Highfield Theatre.
28 through May 28. A Year with Frog and Toad. Harwich. Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 pm,Sundays at 4 pm. (Special Saturday matinees at 4 pm on May 3 and 10.) A jazzy, perky delight destined to become a classic.... a splashy and lavish family musical. Frog and Toad are nothing alike, yet they're best, BEST friends. Toad's a worrywart, if you'll pardon the expression, Frog's not. But oh what good times they have! Admission $12-$16. At Harwich Junior Theatre. (508 432-2002 ext. 4)
30. Easter Organ Concert. Orleans. 3:30 pm. Tickets $20; $15 seniors; students/children 18 and under free. At the Church of the Transfiguration, Community of Jesus, 7 Bay View Drive, Rock Harbor. (508-240-2400)
MAY
13-14. Cape Symphony Orchestra. Hyannis. Sat. 8pm., Sun. 3pm. The famed Royal Choral Society makes a return visit to Cape Cod for a finale to the Cape Symphony Orchestra classical concert season, one that is sure to win critical acclaim. Performing Requiem by Verdi, this musical masterpiece will thrill the audience with its powerful composition. Adult tickets $26-$53; students 6.5 0-$13.25. At Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center, West Main St. (508-362-1111)
13-21. 12th Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days. Cape-wide. A celebration of Cape Cod’s rich maritime heritage. Activities include: the 9th Annual Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium (5/14), historic lighthouse and walking tours, a maritime art show, the Cape Cod Maritime Festival on the Hyannis waterfront (5/22), boat-building exhibits at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, kayak tours by the Center for Coastal Studies, harbor cruises and historic seaports. Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium on May 13 and the Cape Cod Maritime Festival on May 21. Times vary per event; some events are free, others, fee-based. Full schedule of events and activities available at www.capecodmaritimedays.com Admission: Some events are free and some are fee-based.
19-21. Green Briar Herb Festival. E. Sandwich. 10am-4pm. Festival features extensive plant sale, special exhibits and lectures on the uses of herbs, plus garden walks, and herb luncheon on Sat. & Sun. Free admission; paid reservations required for luncheon and lectures. At Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Rd. (508-888-6870)
20. Annual Spring Consignment Auction. Provincetown. 7pm. (Preview exhibition May 5- 20). Live auction of early Provincetown Art. $10 admission. At Provincetown Art Association Museum, 460 Commercial St. (508-487-1750)
25-28, June 1-4. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged. Orleans. 8pm. A zany dose of the Bard – in one sitting! Fun for the entire family. May 25 -28, June 1-4, and every Monday during the summer. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)
JUNE
1. A Night at the Chef's Table. Various restaurants Cape-wide. (508-487-9445)
2-4. "Girls" Cape Escape Weekend Red Jacket Beach Resort. Visit www.redjacketresorts.com/escape for more details or call 1-800-CapeCod to make a reservation.
3. Annual Kitchen Tour. Cotuit. 10am-3pm. This self-guided tour of five or six beautiful homes in the Cotuit/Osterville area also features artists painting on location, crafts demonstrations, floral displays and raffles. Tickets will go on sale in early May.
7 through July 15. Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Orleans. 8 pm (Shows every night except Monday). Tickets $18/adults, $16/students. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)
10. Strawberry Festival. E. Sandwich. 11am-2pm. Enjoy strawberry desserts, view old-fashioned strawberry jam making in the 1903 kitchen, and visit the small resident animals of the nature center and walk its wooded trails. Fee: $3. At Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Rd. (508-888-6870)
10. The 6th Annual By the Sea Bike Trek Helping Our Women Fundraiser. Outer Cape. This pledge ride to benefit Helping Our Women takes cyclists on a choice of 3 loops through the Cape Cod National Seashore, Provincetown, Truro and, for the longest loop, Wellfleet. Riders are asked to raise a minimum of $100 and registration is $25. (508-487-4357)
14-18. International Film Festival. Provincetown 508-487-FILM or www.ptownfilmfest.org.
17. Fourth Annual “Run for the Arts.” Bass River. 9am walkers, 9:30am runners. Departs from Cultural Center Building, 307 Old Main Street. (508-394-7100)
22-25. Annual Portuguese Festival Parade. Provincetown. The heritage and culture of P-town's Portuguese history is celebrated. Parade route to commence at Cape Inn on Route 6A heading West on Commercial Street to Franklin Street.
24-25. A Celebration of the Arts…and All that Jazz. Bass River. Art exhibition and sales, jazz brunch, artisans, live music, theatrical performance. (508-394-7100)
25. Annual Blessing Of The Fleet Parade. Provincetown. The annual celebration of “The Blessing of the Fleet.” Parade route commences at St. Peter's Church.
25. Annual Chatham Harbor Run/Walk. Chatham. Noon. The most scenic 10K run on the Cape. Starting/Finishing at Chatham High School, Crowell Road. (508- 945-3028).
JULY
4. Fourth of July Fireworks. Falmouth. Dusk. At Falmouth Heights Beach. (508-548-8500)
4. Fourth of July Parade. Chatham. 9:30am. Stepping off at 9:30am traveling down Main Street from the corner of Shore Road to Veterans’ Field.
8. 16th Annual Great Brush Off! Cotuit. 2pm live auction begins. Come earlier for a silent art auction, live music by Four Guys in Tuxes, and hamburgers, hotdogs and ice cream. No entrance fee.
9. Annual Secret Garden Tour. Provincetown. 10am-3pm. Tour 10 P’town gardens tucked behind the hedges, down hidden alleys, around the bends of roads less traveled. Ticket holders ($30) will receive a full list of locations to visit at their leisure, along with maps where convenient parking is reserved. Sponsored by Provincetown Art Assoc. (508-487-1750)
12. Annual Arts & Crafts Street Fair. Falmouth. 10am-5pm. Along Main Street. (508-548-8500)
19. Sandwich Garden Tour and Tea. E. Sandwich. 11am-3pm. Visit a number of lovely Sandwich gardens at your leisure and enjoy a “cream Tea” overlooking a wildflower garden. Fee: TBA. Tickets for tea and tour must be purchased in advance; tour-only tickets available day of tour. Benefit for Thornton Burgess Society. At 6 Discovery Hill Rd. (508-888-6870)
19 through August 19. Cats. Orleans. 8 pm (Shows every night except Monday). A Masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tickets $18. At Academy Playhouse. (508-255-1963)
21-29. Barnstable County Fair. East Falmouth. Mon. through Thurs. 4pm-11pm; Fri. through Sun. 11am-11pm. Midway, Animal shows and 4H exhibits, arts & crafts, food vendors, live entertainment. Admission $8 adults. At Barnstable County Fairgrounds, Rte. 151. (508-563-3200)
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31. Annual Taste of Chatham. Chatham. 5-8pm. Tickets available after July 1. Sponsored by Monomoy Community Services. (508-945-1501)
AUGUST
3-5. Annual Antique Show and Sale. Chatham. Thurs. & Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm. Admission fee. At Chatham Elementary School, Depot Rd. (508-945-5199)
5. Blueberry Festival. E. Sandwich. 11am-2pm. Enjoy a special dessert in the Jam Kitchen along with a demonstration of blueberry jam making. At Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Rd. (508-888-6870)
9. Peter Rabbit's Animal Day. Sandwich. 10am-2pm. Outdoor family fun day on the lawn overlooking Shawme Pond. Enjoy live animal exhibits, pet rabbit show, story times and personal appearances by Peter Rabbit. Refreshments available. Free. At Thornton Burgess Museum, 4 Water St. (508-888-6870)
13. Annual Falmouth Road Race. Woods Hole. 10am. Annual 7.1-mile run along scenic coastline of Falmouth. Premier event including world-class runners. (508-540-7000)
14-20. Carnival Week. Provincetown. A Mardi Gras-Like Festival with the theme “Gay Paris.” Carnival Parade, Thursday, August 17th. (508-487-2313)
16 through September 16. Rumors. Orleans. 8pm. (Shows every night except Monday.) Neil Simon's play, on the stage of the Academy Playhouse. Tickets $18. (508-255-1963)
8-20. Annual Festival of the Arts. Chatham. 10am-5pm. Featuring 120 exhibitors. Sponsored by the Creative Arts Center. At Chase Park.
31 through September 4. Dennis Festival Days. Dennis. Fireworks, Sand Sculpture Contest, Beer Races, Antique Car Parade, Movie Premiere, 10K Road Race, and more. For more information, www.dennischamber.com
SEPTEMBER
1-2. Annual Art Auction. Provincetown. Fri. silent auction 12M-9PM ($5); Live bidding ($10) begins Sat. at 5PM. Arts, antiques, jewelry, gift certificates and more donated by Cape artists, businesses and residents. Benefits AIDS Support Group Client Fund. At Town Hall, Commercial St. (508-487-9445)
2. “Pops Goes the Summer.” Falmouth. Annual concert (7pm.) and festival (4-7pm) featuring the Cape Symphony Orchestra playing popular favorites. Free, or reserve a table. Fireworks following concert. (508-548-8500)
9-10. Bird Carver’s Show and Sale. East Sandwich. 10am-4pm. Fifteen of the most prestigious bird carvers in the state show their wares and provide carving demonstrations. Appraisals available for collectors. Admission: $5. Benefit for Thornton Burgess Society. At 6 Discovery Hill Rd. (508-888-6870)
22-24. 37th Annual Bourne Scallop Fest. Buzzards Bay. 10am-8pm. Largest scallop fest on the East Coast. A family event with more than 130 craft and merchant booths, children’s rides and games, midway rides and games, home expo show, arts and crafts show, continuous entertainment, specialty foods and ever-popular scallop and chicken dinners. Admission $3 (under 12 free). (508-759-6000)
MARTHA’S Vineyard (Vinyard)
ONGOING
Band Concerts – At 8pm. every other Sun. night at Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs. Community Sing – At 8pm every Wednesday night at the Tabernacle, Methodist Campground, Oak Bluffs. Throughout July and August.
MAY
28. Oak Bluffs Memorial Day 5K Road Race. 5K race that begins at 10am at the Wesley Hotel on Lake Avenue. Entry fee includes T-shirt. (508-693-7887)
JUNE
3. “Oak Bluffs The Inn Place To Be.” Oak Bluffs. 1-4pm. A tour of Oak Bluffs Inns. Tickets ($5) and maps at the Information Booth at the foot of Circuit Avenue. (508-696-7643)
10. 13th Annual Harbor Festival. Oak Bluffs. Noon-5pm. Live music, food, arts, crafts & fun. Wacky boat race & chalk art contest at Oak APRIL Bluffs Harbor. Free. (508-693-3392)
JULY
July 15-16. Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast. Oak Bluffs. A weekend of festive fun! Parade – music – dancing –food – games of chance. At the Portuguese American Club, Vineyard (Vinyard) Avenue. (508-693-9875) 20-22. Shark Fishing Tournament. Oak Bluffs. The largest offshore sport fishing event held in New England. At Oak Bluffs harbor. Registration at the Wesley Hotel. For colorful details/information: www.bbgfc.com
AUGUST
7. All Island Art Show. 10am-4pm. Oak Bluffs. Island artists & their works on exhibit and for sale. At the Tabernacle, Methodist Campground. Free admission. (508-693-0525)
18. Fireworks at Ocean Park by the Sea. A sensational display at dark! Band concert begins at 8pm. Free admission. (508-693-5380) 27. Zydeco Concert and Dance. Oak Bluffs. 6-8pm. Get a taste of the Bayou with music from Louisiana and the Creole Cowboys. Bring your cowboy boots and blanket. Admission $15. Food available from Smoke ‘N Bones. At Featherstone Center for the Arts, Barnes Rd.
SEPTEMBER
16. Tivoli Day Festival. Oak Bluffs. Live music – arts – crafts – food & fun for the entire family. Along Circuit Avenue. (508-696-7643)
NANTUCKET
APRIL
28-30. Annual Daffodil Weekend. Traditional welcome to spring when over three million daffodils blanket the island. Events include Antique Car Parade and Tailgate Picnic, Flower Show, historical walking tours, art exhibit, biking, bird watching and more. (508-228-1700)
MAY
17-21. Nantucket Wine Festival. A multi-faceted exploration of food and wine emphasizing the island’s celebration of all things gastronomic. Over 100 internationally acclaimed wineries represented. Sip wine in grand homes and dine in world-class restaurants. (508-228-1128)
JUNE
14-18. Nantucket Film Festival. Dedicated to screenwriters, the festival is a premiere event showcasing independent films and including panels, readings and the annual screenwriters tribute. (508-325-6274)
