Signature Annual Events on Cape Cod

Lively festivals, village celebrations and seaside events are happening across Cape Cod all year long, bringing a healthy dose of fun to every season! Here are some of our best bets to put on your calendar.

Brewster in Bloom (Late April/early May)
Route 6A is a treasure at any time of year, but it bursts into action for Brewster in Bloom weekend, with hundreds of daffodils along the way and a weekend of family activities. Events include a 5K Bloom Run, self-guided arts & antique tours at local galleries, an outdoor band concert, Kid Fest at Drummer Boy Park, a juried arts & crafts show, and the colorful Brewster in Bloom parade.

Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail (May-October)
Ever seen beach sand transformed into beautiful art? Watching the professional sculptors at work on Yarmouth's Sand Sculpture Trail is almost as intriguing as the finished product. The trail is the largest in the U.S. and features family-friendly sand sculptures across town from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Past sculptures have depicted everything from mermaids and lobsters to unicorns and whales. Download the trail map at yarmouthcapecod.com and start exploring! Bring your camera - spectators are encouraged to snap photos along the way for a chance to win.

Wellfleet Restaurant Week (Late May/early June)
This week-long dining event is the perfect way to kick off the season. Enjoy special menus and offerings at everything from beach bars (think Wellfleet Beachcomber) to high-end bistros like Pearl on Wellfleet Harbor, where you’re sure to get some of those succulent Wellfleet oysters you’ve heard about. After your meal, stroll the downtown area for one-of-a-kind finds at unique galleries, boutiques and clothing shops.

Hyannis Father’s Day Car Show (June)
The sight of traffic stopped along Hyannis Main Street is never sweeter than during the annual auto show, featuring rare, antique, classic and muscle cars on proud display. Even non-enthusiasts may fall for a vintage convertible or sleek 70s Charger. This annual Father's Day tradition also includes kid’s games, prizes, a craft fair, and discounts at local restaurants and shops.

Harwich 5K Road Race (June)
Can’t stop, won’t stop! That’s the mantra of the Harwich 5k Road Race, presented with Koko Fit Club Cape Cod. Founded with the intent of keeping kids and adults moving, the race through scenic Harwich Port village features awards for the top three finishers in each division and an after-party celebration where you can celebrate your time or congratulate the runners.

Fourth of July
Everybody knows that hot dogs taste best on the beach, which is just one more reason Cape Cod is a quintessential destination for a seaside Independence Day. Check out our Fourth of July on Cape Cod events calendar for a full schedule of patriotic festivities around the Cape, including parades, concerts and spectacular fireworks displays.

Dennis Chamber of Commerce Fireworks & Bonfire (August)
Close out the summer season with a bang! The fun includes live music, a bonfire for roasting marshmallows and a spectacular fireworks display at West Dennis Beach. Admission and parking are free, Sponsored by the Dennis Chamber of Commerce.

Summerfest in Orleans (August)
Embrace an action-packed weekend in Orleans filled with interactive tours, delightful family activities, and endless shopping opportunities! Groove to the rhythm of live music at iconic venues like Barley Neck, the Artists Cottage Entertainment Park, and the Academy of Performing Arts. Catch the excitement at a Cape Cod Baseball League’s Firebirds game or unleash your inner art enthusiast by exploring Orleans' galleries, museums, and charming shops.

La Tavola: Italian Feast Under the Stars (August)
If you’ve never starred in a romance set in Tuscany, you’re about to. LaTavola is a five-course feast on the corner of Market and Fountain Streets in Mashpee Commons—featuring family-style tables, checkered table cloths, and live Italian music. You will eat, you will drink, you will be merry, and you will dance. It’s the al fresco dinner party of your dreams!

Provincetown Carnival (August)
Some things in life don’t live up to their hype, but Carnival Week in Provincetown will never be one of them. Get ready for a week of pool-partying, boat-cruising, pride-flag raising and costume-parading fiestas. The crown jewel of the week is a larger-than-life parade (held on the Thursday of Carnival), featuring elaborate costumes, over-the-top performances and colorful floats centered around a specific theme.

Eastham Windmill Weekend (September)
In the final weeks of summer, there’s no better place to celebrate the changing seasons than the annual Windmill Weekend on the Eastham town green, a three-day festival of crafts, raffles and music that culminates in a parade along Route 6. Other highlights include a pancake breakfast, tricycle race, car show, and sand art competition. The backdrop for the festivities is the scenic Eastham windmill, a 1680 working gristmill.

Cape Cod Canal Day (September)
Any day that celebrates the beautiful Cape Cod Canal is a great day in our books. Buzzards Bay Park plays host to food trucks, live music in the gazebo, kids’ activities with National Marine Life Center, and a whole bunch of family fun. Sample craft beer and wine, peruse the work of local crafters, and compete in a heated corn hole tournament. Make a (Canal) day of it

Truro Treasures (September)
Truro Treasures began in 1992 when several community members, most notably Betty Groom and Boo Houstoun, envisioned a fall weekend for children and adults to raise money to help save the Highland Lighthouse, and to promote community pride and interest in Truro. This annual fall weekend event is crammed full of activities like a pickleball tournament, 5k, artisan market, live music and a cocktail hour.

SandwichFest (October)
Take a bite out of Sandwich (literally) at the annual SandwichFest! This community street festival on Water Street has great food, music, artisan vendors, costumed dog parade, a beer & wine tent, and family activities.

Falmouth Holidays by the Sea Weekend (December)
The weeks leading up to Christmas may just be the most wonderful time of the year on Cape Cod. Where else can you welcome Santa Claus by boat? Santa’s highly anticipated arrival is just one of the highlights of this holiday weekend, where a nostalgic vibe of yesteryear is ever-present. Sing Christmas carols at Nobska Lighthouse, gather at the historic village green for the annual lighting ceremony, stroll the merrily decked downtown area, and line the street on Sunday for the annual Falmouth Christmas Parade, where Clydesdales and clowns walk among festive floats and marching bands.

Chatham Christmas Stroll (December)
If ever a seaside town were to be made into a snow globe, quaint Chatham surely would be the one. In between the candy-cane-making, tree lighting, carriage rides, hot chocolate, a Historic Inn Tour, and greeting Santa at the Kate Gould Park bandstand, be sure to carve out time for holiday shopping on Main Street.