Coming soon to a stage near you
By Annie Bentley
Cape Cod enjoys a wealth of theatre, both community and professional. With everything from musicals to drama and cutting-edge new plays, there is something for everyone.
Here’s a brief rundown of current and upcoming productions. Theaters are ordered by region, starting with the Upper Cape and moving east to the Outer Cape. This will give you an idea about who does what; see our Calendar section for specific dates and times. Reservations are recommended for most theaters, so be sure to call ahead. Enjoy the show!
THE COLLEGE LIGHT OPERA COMPANY
Highfield Theatre, 58 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, 508-548-0400
Highfield Theatre was once the stable for Highfield Hall, the beautifully restored 1878 mansion that shares the hilltop property surrounded by the Beebe Woods conservation land. The Falmouth Theatre Guild specializes in Broadway musicals produced fall through spring; in summer, Highfield Theatre is home to the renowned College Light Opera Co. This month’s line-up begins with Lerner & Loewe’s hilarious musical, Brigadoon (June 18-22). Then, catch the comic opera Iolanthe from June 25-29.
COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
4404 Rte. 28, Cotuit, 508-428-0669
This dual venue houses an art gallery and a theater, which stages dynamic plays. The Playground runs from June 6 to 23. This full-length, one-woman play by Jim Dangleish explores themes of class and life in New York City. Catch Twisted Broadway on June 7 & 8. Favorite local performers prove gender doesn’t matter… but love does. Enjoy the great songs of musical theatre with a twist: the men sing songs intended for women and vice versa.
CAPE PLAYHOUSE
820 Rte 6A, Dennis, 877-385-3911
The historic Cape Playhouse, which has been producing professional summertime theatre for more than 90 years, runs June through August, with a great line-up of comedies, musicals, and more. The summer season begins with the musical Tick, Tick… Boom (June 5-15). Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, first created this semi-autobiographical explosive, and joyful rock-musical about creativity, the fear of mortality, and the power of music to change the world. Next, catch Million Dollar Quartet. This Tony Award-nominated musical captures the exact moment when four major talents came together to become a rock ’n’ roll band.
CAPE COD THEATRE COMPANY
Division Street, West Harwich, 508-432-2002
CCTC is the home of the Harwich Jr. Theatre, which has great offerings for the younger set, including classes in musical theater, acting, and more. It’s also a major venue for adults. This month, families will love Princess and the Pea (through June 9). This new adaptation by local playwright Kristen Stewart features original music by Fionn Pina Parker. At the end of the month, catch The Drowsy Chaperone (June 26-July 21).
CAPE REPERTORY THEATRE
3299 Route 6A, Brewster, 508-896-1888
Cape Rep began with its well-loved outdoor theater and honed its reputation with its indoor theater; in the summertime, it manages to operate both to great effect. Trish LaRose’ Come On-A My House is back by popular demand from June 20 to July 14. Backed by a stellar six-piece band, Trish invites you on a candid, eclectic journey about life as a New Yorker, becoming a mother, and discovering her inherent connection to Puerto Rico goes deeper than she could have imagined.
ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
120 Main St, Orleans, 508-255-1963
The Academy of Performing Arts Playhouse, on the road to Nauset Beach, stages a wide variety of productions all year. There's not a bad seat in the house at this intimate theater, where the stage extends to an area encircled by the audience. The beloved musical, The Sound of Music, graces the APA stage through June 16. Next, catch Rock of Ages from June 27 to July 21.
WELLFLEET HARBOR ACTORS THEATER
2357 Route 6, and Town Harbor, Wellfleet, 508-349-9428
Known for cutting-edge shows, WHAT performs in a state-of-the-art theater facility, the Julie Harris Stage on Route 6, next to the post office. Smart by Mary Elizabeth Hamilton runs from June 8 to 23. This play explores how and why we bring technology into our homes and the unexpected changes that can bring.
HARBOR STAGE COMPANY
15 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet, 508-514-1763
Cape theatre aficionados who remember where Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater began are gratified that the old harbor theater has been revived by an ensemble of actors who met while performing in WHAT productions. Betrayal runs from June 13 to July 6. Emma and Robert are married. Robert and Jerry are best friends. Jerry and Emma are. . . in trouble. The classic love triangle gets turned on its head in Pinter's searing drama.
PROVINCETOWN THEATER
238 Bradford St, Provincetown, 508-487-7487
The Provincetown Theater has made a name for itself by promoting and maintaining the performing arts on the Outer Cape. Their modern facilities are open and active throughout the year, hosting community-based and professional theater, a children's theater program, and theater arts classes. This month, catch the 4-Star Solo Show Festival. Enjoy unique one-person performances every Thursday through Saturday from June 6 to 29 in this beloved festival.
Cape Cod's Beer Gardens
By Guidebook Staff
Explore the Cape’s Craft Brew Scene
This summer is the perfect time to explore the Cape’s beer gardens. Luckily, there are many fantastic options found Cape-wide. These fun outdoor spaces offer locally crafted beers, cocktails, and cuisine. We’ve rounded up the Cape’s best beer gardens by region and highly recommend making a dent in our list this summer!
Upper Cape
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, Falmouth via @badmarthafalmouth
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
876 E Falmouth Hwy, Falmouth
(508) 444-6571
Bad Martha operates a 15-barrel brewing system, which means they have a ton of beers on tap that are brewed on-site. Their beer garden features outdoor games and live music, plus artisan pizza and brewery grub.
Naukabout Brewery and Tap Room
13 Lake Ave, Mashpee
(508) 444-9822
Naukabout Brewery boasts a six-thousand square foot patio allowing plenty of room to spread out and enjoy their tasty brews on tap alongside a food menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Tree House Brewing Company
98 Town Neck Rd, Sandwich
The famed Tree House Brewing Company’s new Sandwich location boats stellar views of Cape Cod Bay.
Mid Cape
Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis via @capecodbeer
Cape Cod Beer
1336 Phinneys Lane, Hyannis
(508) 790-4200
Considered the grandfather brewery of the Cape, Cape Cod Beer has been a staple on Cape Cod for decades. Their impressive list of beers brewed on-site often feature seasonal specials. They regularly host events, live music, and pop-up shops and eateries on their spacious outdoor patio.
Barnstable Brewing
485 W Main St, Hyannis
(774) 470- 6989
Barnstable Brewing offers beer brewed on-site. Enjoy signature brews in their tasting room, or relax outside on their patio and lawn. The E-DOGS food trailer camps out on their grounds daily.
Finns Craft Beer Taphouse
16 Barnstable Rd, Hyannis
(508) 534-9756
Located on Main Street in Hyannis, Finns has a comfortable outdoor patio that often features live music. Enjoy their eclectic list of beers on tap alongside a fun menu of shareables and snacks.
Lower Cape
Outermost Brewery, Orleans via @hogislandbeer
The Outermost Brewery/Hog Island Beer Co.
28 West Rd, Orleans
(508) 255- 2337
The Outermost Brewery features Hog Island Beer Co. beer brewed on the grounds. Their sizable outdoor space includes two patios, a large lawn, and a tent, and their brewery menu features a handful of staple brewery grub with a Cape Cod twist.
Perks Coffee Shop and Beer Garden
545 MA-28, Harwich Port
(774) 209-3460
Located in downtown Harwich Port, Perks Beer Garden boasts a full menu of unique and delicious eats and a tap list of beer sourced coast-to-coast. Their beer garden often features live music.
Outer Cape
Truro Vineyards, Truro via @trurovineyardsofcapecod
Truro Vineyards
11 Shore Rd, North Truro
(508) 487- 6200
Though Truro Vineyards is not technically a beer garden, it is one of the more beautiful outdoor locations on the Cape. Perched between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay, Truro Vineyards bucolic vineyard is a unique place to spend an afternoon. Enjoy a tasting of their wine or South Hollow Spirits. The Blackfish Restaurant food truck is on the grounds summer-long.
Provincetown Brewing Co.
141 Bradford St, Provincetown
(508) 418-4499
The Provincetown Brewing Co. taproom is located in the heart of Provincetown. Try their unique and high-quality craft brew alongside tasty shared plates and sandwiches on their vibrant patio.
Block and Tackle
545 US-6, Wellfleet
(774) 383-3967
Wellfleet’s Block and Tackle has ample outdoor space to enjoy their eclectic tap and beverage menu. You won’t want to miss their delicious smoked BBQ plates.
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Take a Trip with Rideaway Adventures!
By Guidebook Staff
Rideaway Adventures is one of the Cape’s most exciting providers of fun and adventure. Their two Upper Cape locations in Mashpee and Sandwich offer the perfect launching zone to explore the Cape’s natural world by kayak, paddle board, or bike.
We visited Rideaway’s Mashpee location on a hot morning in July. Concerns about the heat only lasted until strolling down to the launch point on Popponesset Bay, where we were met with beautiful scenery and a perfect breeze. After watching a few groups head out in kayaks and paddle boards, traveling towards the “spit”— a sprawling sandbar that separates the bay from the waters of Nantucket Sound— we caught up with Rideaway’s owner, Mike.
Mike is passionate about adventure and exploration, and Rideaway’s mission reflects this. Operating with a goal to get people outside and immersed in the beauty of the Cape’s waterways, Rideaway delivers with kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals in stunning locations, plus curated tours that offer truly unique and memorable experiences. Their staff and tour guides are ACA certified, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. They are clearly in love with their jobs and psyched at any chance to share their favorite waterways with visitors. While they encourage folks to rent equipment and explore on their own, their informative and well-crafted tours should not be missed.
From their Mashpee location, take a Sunset Kayak Tour to experience a stunning Cape Cod sunset in Ockway Bay. The tour begins with an easy paddle around Popponesset Island before heading out to the “Spit.” You’ll learn about the barrier beach as well as the marine and birdlife that calls Popponesset Bay home. From there you’ll travel to the mouth of Ockway Bay to view the sunset on the still waters of the bay. Sitting on a quiet kayak in the middle of a peaceful bay is arguably one of the best ways to enjoy a Cape Cod sunset.
If you’re really feeling adventurous, plan ahead and save a spot on their Full Moon Adventure Tour. Coinciding with each month’s full moon, these tours only occur a handful of times each summer so we recommend making a reservation. Geared up with headlamps and glow sticks, you’ll start this tour with an amazing sunset before heading off into the night to explore Popponesset Bay under the moonlight. There is a kayak and paddle board options for both the Sunset and Full Moon Adventure Tour.
Rideaway Adventures Sandwich location sits on Scorton Creek, a beautiful tidal flat that runs off of Cape Cod Bay at East Sandwich Beach. The creek’s slow-moving current, changing tides, and lush vegetation causes the scenery to completely change over a six-hour stretch. The coastal wildlife present in this tidal flat makes every expedition unique and exciting.
Their Lazy River Nature Tour is the perfect option for those looking for a relaxing kayak trip. On this tour, you’ll explore Scorton Creek just before high tide. The creek’s current will do the heavy lifting while you take in the wildlife and landscape. Since you’re never more than 10 feet from land, this tour is a great option for kids and anyone who wants to ease into water sports.
Those looking for a bit more of an adventure on should sign up for the Cape Cod Explorer tour. This adventure will always be different, as their ACA certified guides choose the best route around the creek depending on the current, wind, and tides. This adventure has a bit of everything. You’ll navigate through intricate marsh branches, through stunning coastal landscapes.
If you’re looking to stay land-bound, both their Mashpee and Sandwich locations offer bike rentals. At their Mashpee location, you can pick up your rental, or ride out and spend a few hours enjoying the “New Seabury” scenery that offers neighborhood style sidewalks and streets with water views. From Sandwich, you can pick up your rental or they can stage your bikes at the Canal Bike Path. Due to bike shortages, this year they have limited online booking to 5 days out. Call ahead of time to check availability.
We always recommend getting outside and enjoying Cape Cod’s natural beauty, but that advice is even more relevant this summer. Whether you rent equipment or embark on a kayak or paddleboard tour, Rideaway Adventures offers the perfect chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy off the beaten path waterways.
Check out Rideaway Adventure’s website for more information about their rentals, tours, and a full list of their offerings. They also offer private tours. Call them at 508-247-0827 for same-day bookings.
Rideaway Adventures Sandwich: 449 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537
Rideaway Aventures Mashpee: 259 Shore Drive Mashpee, MA 02649
