No matter when you visit, Cape Cod has many popular, seasonal events. While summertime attracts the most tourists, there are plenty of events you can add to your calendar if you visit during the fall, winter, or spring seasons. Check out some of our favorites.

Cape Cod Summer Events

Cape Cod Baseball League

With 10 teams spanning the entire Cape, the Cape Cod Baseball League operates from mid-June to mid-August in the towns of Cotuit, Falmouth, Bourne, Chatham, Brewster, Harwich, Hyannis, Orleans, Wareham, Yarmouth, and Dennis. Catch a game and check out some future major league players for free. Game schedules and special event information can be found on the official Cape Cod Baseball League website, along with directions and park information.

Provincetown International Film Festival

If you are in town June 12th-June 16th of 2024, head to Provincetown to help celebrate the film festival’s 25th anniversary. Featuring independent and international films, this festival also includes meet-and-greets, book signings, parties, and other special events you’ll want to add to your calendar. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on the Provincetown International Film Festival website.  

4th of July Fireworks and Parades

Events on Cape Cod this week are booming, pun intended. Many towns have parades, fireworks, and other festivals leading up to July 4th. Two events worth noting are the fireworks at Falmouth Heights Beach and the Orleans 4th of July parade.  

In Falmouth, the fireworks display is one of the most widely attended spectacles. Fireworks begin after sunset, around 9:00. Spend the day at the beach and hunker down for the show as the sky lights up over the Vineyard Sound.  

In Orleans, the parade begins at 10 a.m. at Eldredge Parkway on July 4th and features community residents and businesses with decorated floats, marching bands, and classic cars. Check out the Orleans’ website in advance for information about parking and the parade theme. Don’t forget to wear your red, white, and blue! 

Barnstable County Fair

Located at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds on Route 151 in Mashpee, the annual Barnstable County Fair takes place in mid-July and runs for one week. The fair features rides, games, demolition derby, musical performances, food, and farm animals. More information regarding performances and ticket prices can be found at Cape Cod Fairgrounds. 

Cape Cod Food Truck and Beer Festival

If good food and craft beer are your love languages, you’ll want to attend this popular seasonal festival that typically takes place in early August at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds. Featuring food trucks from the region and local brews, this event is sure to become an annual addition to your Cape Cod vacation.   

Falmouth Road Race

This event is a “don’t miss.” Be sure to add this to your Cape Cod events calendar if you are planning to visit in August. Typically held on the third Sunday in August, the Falmouth Road Race attracts 10,000+ runners in what feels like a mini Boston Marathon. The route runs from Woods Hole to the finish line at Falmouth Heights Beach. Watch and cheer on runners from all over the world as they tackle the 7-mile race.  

Cape Cod Summer Events Honorable Mention

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Cape Cod Fall Events

Harwich Cranberry Arts and Music Festival

In operation since the 1970s, this favorite Cape Cod festival takes place behind the Harwich Community Center on Oak Street and has over 180 craft vendors, food trucks, wine, and beer. Not to mention, it celebrates one of the many things Cape Cod is known for: cranberries! If you are visiting Cape Cod in mid-September, add this to your calendar. Parking and entry are free.

Cape Cod Brewfest

This festival runs for one day only in late September at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Mashpee.  It features live music, 50+ brewers, and more than 150 different kinds of beer. Tickets should be purchased in advance at Cape Cod Brewfest, as this event often sells out. 

Wellfleet OysterFest

Located in the heart of Wellfleet on the harbor, OysterFest takes place in mid-October. If you are planning your visit around this time, you’ll want to put this one on your calendar. With live music, crafts, contests, local cuisine, family-friendly activities, and, of course, the star of the festival, oysters, this event is a can’t-miss. Be sure to grab your OysterFest tickets in advance, as this event does tend to sell out. 

Pumpkin People in the Park in Chatham

Take a stroll down Main Street in Chatham mid-October through Halloween and check out the creative scarecrows outside the bandshell put together by local businesses, organizations, and residents. This free event is a great way to take in the fresh fall air and get into the spirit of pumpkin season.  

Halloween Events on Cape Cod

Events to check out this weekend on Cape Cod include:

  • Halloween Celebration and Parade at the Mashpee Commons: this all-day event happens the Saturday before Halloween and includes costume contests, a parade, and trick-or-treating at the shops
  • Provincetown Ghost Tours: these 90-minute walking tours depart from The Coffee Pot and begin in early October and run up until Halloween: reservations recommended
  • Haunted Forest in Wellfleet: put on by the Cape Cod Museum Trail, these tours run every 15 minutes from 5:15-7:30 and are suitable for children as young as 3: registration is required, and you’ll want to check the Cape Cod Museum Trail website for the date, though it typically runs the weekend before Halloween.   

Cape Cod Fall Events, Honorable Mention

Cape Cod Winter Events

Hyannis Holiday Stroll

Get in the holiday spirit by taking a walk down Main Street in Hyannis in early December. Visit the petting zoo, sample and vote for your favorite holiday cookie, and partake in Santa’s reindeer roundup. Santa arrives in the afternoon for visits. While you wait, browse the shops, get your face painted, and make your way down to the harbor to watch the boat parade.  

Chatham Christmas by the Sea Weekend

Typically held on the second weekend in December, Chatham’s Christmas by the Sea Weekend includes the town tree lighting, breakfast with Santa (tickets required), horse and carriage rides, and holiday cheer with the merchants on Main Street. Check out the events calendar at the Chatham Chamber of Commerce for additional details. 

Ride the Polar Express

Just over the Bourne Bridge in Buzzards Bay, you can take a trip on the Polar Express that departs from 70 Main Street. Listen to a reading of the classic short story, sing carols, and eat cookies while you travel to the North Pole to see Santa. Tickets for the Polar Express should be purchased in advance.

Cape Cod National Seashore’s Winter Film Festival

Located in Eastham at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, this festival shows a series of films every Sunday from mid-January through February that celebrates the human capacity to overcome extreme obstacles. Shows begin at 1:30, and a full list of movies can be found at Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore. 

Yarmouth Winter Carnival

If you’re visiting Cape Cod after the holidays, embrace the winter season at Skull Island in South Yarmouth. Dates can vary, but this carnival runs in mid to late February for one weekend and features ice skating, food trucks, s’mores, and family-friendly activities. 

Cape Cod Winter Events, Honorable Mention

Cape Cod Spring Events

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Yarmouth

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a week early in South Yarmouth at their annual parade. This two-mile route begins at 11 a.m., starts at Long Pond Road, and ends at Higgins Crowell Road.  Enjoy the festive floats, music, and performances of the local residents.   

Awesome Chili Challenge at Popponesset Inn

Sample some of the best local chili on Cape Cod in the annual Chili Challenge. This festival takes place in an outdoor, heated tent just outside the beautiful Popponesset Inn at New Seabury. Rock out to live music, maybe win a raffle prize, and wash your chili down with a festive margarita. This event sells out, so be sure to get your Chili Challenge tickets in advance. 

Easter at the Commons

Take photos with the Easter Bunny and partake in an egg hunt with over 2000 treat-filled eggs at the Mashpee Commons. This fun family event runs from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. the Saturday before Easter. 

Figawi Weekend in Hyannis

Typically held in late May, Figawi weekend is viewed as the official kick-off to summer by Cape Codders. The highlight of the festival is the sailboat race from Hyannis to Nantucket, attracting sailors from all over the region. In addition to the race, revelers can partake in the Figawi Charity Ball, along with other parties, promotions, and events located in both Hyannis and Nantucket. If you feel like joining the other boats in the water, consider traveling on one of the Cape Cod ferries. 

Wellfleet Restaurant Week

If you are a foodie and visiting Cape Cod after the rush of Memorial Day weekend, head to Wellfleet for Restaurant Week, which is traditionally held the week following Memorial Day.  Experience creative local cuisine and take advantage of special menus and promotions. 

Cape Cod Spring Events, Honorable Mention

Don’t forget to check out the events calendar on the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce for additional seasonal events. If you are looking to make the most out of your stay, Foley offers vacation rentals year-round. Give us a call or search for a vacation rental on the Cape today!