Cape Cod Fairs & Festivals

Cape Cod is renowned for its scenic beaches and charming towns, but it also hosts a variety of unique festivals and events throughout the year that showcase the region's rich culture and vibrant community spirit. From celebrations of local arts and crafts to events that highlight the area's history and natural beauty, these festivals offer something for everyone. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, these distinctive gatherings provide an opportunity to experience Cape Cod in a memorable way.

Barnstable County Fair

Named the “Best Local Event of 2022” by the Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable County Fair brings classic fair fun to the Cape! Enjoy rides, music and entertainment, delicious food, and agriculture and animals showcases for a week in July. A staple event is the Demolition Derby, where crowds gather to watch JM Motorsport Productions’ intense motorsports insanity in action. Get the small-town, big-fair feel at the Barnstable County Fair. Visit the website for more information.  

Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival

Explore the various plant and floral offerings that Cape Cod blooms have to offer at the Hydrangea Festival! The festival typically occurs for about ten days in July, featuring tours of gardens, workshops led by experts, and special promotions at local nurseries. Not only is this festival a feast for the eyes and an excellent photographing opportunity, but the garden tours support local nonprofits in the community. Stay up to date about this event by following the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

Falmouth Holidays by the Sea

Happy Holidays! If you’re in the Falmouth area during December, there are plenty of fun activities to experience that will get you in the Christmas spirit. Join in song for caroling in Woods Hole Village. Watch Santa Claus arrive to town via boat. Walk in the Christmas Parade or run in the Jingle Jog. Falmouth knows how to get attendees excited for the most wonderful time of the year! Visit the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce’s webpage for the event for more information.

Brewster in Bloom

Brewster in Bloom occurs in late April or early May and is an excellent start to the blooming season on the Cape. There are a wide array of events, including a parade, a 5K run, antique tours, concerts, craft shows, and an overflow of community spirit. See Route 6A lined with daffodils and partake in the exciting family activities - it truly captures Brewster’s essence and charm. Stay tuned in about this event by visiting the Brewster Chamber of Commerce site.

Hyannis Father’s Day Car Show

What better way to spend Father’s Day than to see some of the coolest cars around? The Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce hosts a car show every Father’s Day right on Main Street in Hyannis. The event is free to attend and showcases hundreds of different vehicles, making it one of New England’s largest car shows. Local shops and restaurants are open throughout the day for you to explore while you’re out and about in Hyannis. If you or your dad are car fanatics, you can’t miss this event. Learn more about the event on the Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce’s webpage.

Eastham Windmill Weekend

Eastham’s Windmill Weekend in September is an excellent tradition that leads locals and visitors alike from summer into the fall season. On the Windmill Green and across town, there are events and activities all can enjoy. Check out the Talent Show, vendor fair, parade, vehicle show, road race, live music, and more! This event reminds everyone of the joys of gathering the community together and celebrating local businesses and organizations. For more information about the event, visit their website.

Wellfleet OysterFest

If you visit downtown Wellfleet on a special weekend in October, you’re in for a treat. Main Street is transformed into a festival full of vendors, live music, activities for children, and no shortage of oysters. There are demonstrations, presentations, and classes for attendees to learn all they can about oysters. And don’t forget to make time to witness the renowned Shuck-Off competition, America’s largest oyster shucking competition. The event is unlike any other that you’ve seen. Learn more about OysterFest by visiting the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance’s website here.

Festival of the Arts

The Creative Arts Center in Chatham hosts a Festival of the Arts every August. They celebrate local art by featuring a diverse array of handcrafted items, fine art, and unique creations from talented artisans. This festival is free to attend and is just a few minutes away from Main Street in Chatham. The event is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and collectors, providing a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the rich creative talent of Cape Cod. For more information about the Festival of the Arts, visit their website.

Cape Cod Canal Day

Get excited for Cape Cod Canal Day! Festivities occur at Buzzards Bay Park in Bourne, made possible by the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce. Visit vendors, play in the cornhole tournament, or run in the road race - there is plenty of entertainment at this event. The Cape Cod Central Railroad often runs excursion trains throughout the day from Bourne to Sandwich and back. Stay updated about the event by visiting their webpage here.

Provincetown Pride

Provincetown has always been a town known for LGBTQ+ awareness, support, and empowerment. What better way to spend Pride Month than attend the events Provincetown has planned? Typically held during the first weekend of June, Provincetown Pride promises events of all sorts; drag shows, comedy shows, parades, rallies, and festivals showcasing local businesses. There are often other events in Provincetown promoting queer celebration throughout the year. Check out the Provincetown Business Guild’s website for more information.

Cape Cod’s collection of festivals and events offer something special for every resident and visitor throughout the year. Events such as these highlight the region’s powerful community spirit. If you are visiting during a time of the year when one or more of these events is taking place, you should definitely give them a try.

Celebrate Dad on Cape Cod this Summer

Fathers Day falls on June 16th this year, and is the perfect time of year to get outside and plan a day that dad will love. On Cape Cod there is a collection of events you can check out to celebrate and show appreciation for all the Fathers out there . Simply enjoying quality time together amidst the natural beauty of the Cape, you're sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. 

Visit a Car Show

The Hyannis Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their annual Main Street Fathers Day Car Show on Sunday from 8:30am-2pm. This is the largest car show in New England featuring over 350 classic cars. If your dad loves his cars, nothing will make him happier than you joining him for an afternoon of admiring the classics. The Hyannis Main St. shops will also be open for shopping and dining as well as pop up vendors to check out

The Cape Cod Classics Car Club has a cruise night every Saturday from 4:30-7:30 at Patriot Square in South Dennis. The first of the summer will be May 25th. This is a great thing to check out all summer if you can’t fit it into your Father’s Day Weekend on the Cape. 

The Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich also hosts an annual auto show, where all cars are invited and displayed on Parade Field. If your dad has a car of his own he loves to show off, encourage him to check this out! The 52nd Annual Auto Show will be on June 8th this year from 10am-2pm

If dad is a little too into cars, challenge him to a Go Kart race after the show. The Cape has a few places to bring a little friendly family competition in Harwich, South Dennis, and South Yarmouth.

Head to a Cape Cod Baseball Game

The first Cape League baseball game of the 2024 season is June 15th, just in time to take dad out to the ball field. All 10 teams have games on Father's Day starting between 5 and 7pm. Check out the schedule to see if there will be a game near you during Father’s Day weekend. 

Take Dad Out to Eat on the Water

Toast to your dad with a glass of wine or champagne over dinner with a view. Keep it casual and head to the Chatham fish pier for a picnic table meal , or treat him to a dining experience at Wequassett Outer Bar and Grill. Just make sure it's something dad will love, and don't forget to let him pick where you head afterwards for dessert with the family. 

Cape Cod Beer

Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis will be hosting a Pig Roast with Red River barbeque from 12-2pm on Sunday. Tickets are sold online for this all you can eat BBQ buffet. The brewery will be open from 12-6 and have live music all day. All ages are welcome, so you can bring the whole family and enjoy some time in the beer garden. 

A Day on The Green

If your dad is an avid golfer, treat him to a round of golf at one of Cape Cod's premier courses. The Cape has some beautiful fairways and stunning ocean views, making it a truly unforgettable experience. After your round, unwind at the clubhouse with a refreshing drink and soak in the coastal ambiance. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, spending the day on the greens is a fantastic way to celebrate Father's Day.

Get out on the Water

If you have an adventurous family, consider booking a charter fishing trip where you and your dad can reel in the catch of the day while enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, embark on a kayaking expedition through Cape Cod's marshes and see what luck will bring you. 

No mater what you choose to fill the day with, the most important part is that it will make dad happy. Fathers do so much for us so take the day as an opportunity to show your appreciation back. Fill the day with love, smiles, and good fun on the Cape.