Cape Cod Fairs & Festivals
By Allie Provost
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.
A Guide to Cape Cod’s 2024 Farmer's Markets
By Kaitlyn McLaughlin
Right on the coast, Cape Cod is one of the best places to find locally grown, locally caught, and locally made products. Not only will you be able to support small businesses, but farmers markets are a great opportunity to meet like minded individuals as you browse through each shop. Each market has a unique array of organic fresh produce, artisanal handmade art, baked goods, flowers, homegoods, and much more to discover. For information on the specific vendors, keep an eye on each market's social media, as many of them will post a weekly list of who to expect. From Sandwich to Provincetown, below is a list of when and where you can shop locally across the cape this summer.
Sandwich Farmers Market
Open Tuesdays 9am-2pm. The first market will be on June 18th and will continue through October 15th
Location: 1131 S Sandwich Rd, Sagamore, MA 02360
Falmouth Farmers Market
Open Thursdays 12-5pm starting on May 30th 2024
Location: 180 Scranton Ave Falmouth, MA 02540 at Marine Park
Bass River Farmers Market
Open Thursdays and Saturdays 9am-1pm from June 13th- September 7th
Location: 311 Old Main St. South Yarmouth, MA 0266
Osterville Farmers Market
Open every Friday 9am-1pm. Their season has started and runs through October
Location: 155 West Bay Road Osterville, MA 02655 at the Osterville Historical Museum
Chatham Farmers Market
Open every Tuesday in the Summer from 3-6. Opening day for the 2024 season is May 14th
Location: 60 Meetinghouse Rd. South Chatham, MA 02659 at Our Lady of Grace Church
Orleans Farmers Market
Open every Saturday 8am-12pm. They have already began for the 2024 season and will be running until September
Location: 19 Old Colony Way, Orleans MA 02653
Open Saturdays 9am-1pm from May 18th to October 26th 2024
Location: Ryder St. Provincetown 02657
Mashpee Farmers Market
Open Sundays 11am-3pm from Memorial Day through October 13.
Location: Naukabout Garden Party, Mashpee Commons Village Green at 4 Job’s Fishing Road
Wellfleet Farmers Market
Open Wednesdays 8am-12pm. The first market of the season will be on May 22nd 2024
Location: 200 Main St. Wellfleet MA 02667
Harwich Farmers Market
This beloved farmers market is sadly taking a break for the 2024 season
Truro Educational Farmers Market
Open on Monday’s 8am-12pm. The first market of the 2024 season is on June 3rd
Location: 20 Truro Center Road Eastham MA, 02642
Provincetown Educational Farmers Market
Whether you're a local seeking the freshest ingredients for tonight's dinner or a visitor eager to experience the Cape’s delights, a trip to one of these farmers markets promises a memorable experience. Support local growers, savor the flavors of the season, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community that makes Cape Cod truly special.
Related Articles
Our Favorite Secret Spots
By Guidebook Staff
Explore some of our favorite hidden gems
The Cape is filled with secret nooks and corners… that’s what makes this little peninsula so special. While none of these places are really a secret, they are definitely cool spots to visit. Here are some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path places to add to your Cape Cod Bucket list this summer.
Chatham Light Beach Shack, Chatham
Find this cute little beach shack on Chatham Light Beach, about a quarter-mile walk from the lighthouse. This waterfront property is constantly changing as visitors decorate the shack with flotsam and jetsam. Owned by everyone and yet no one at all, this funny little shack even has its own Facebook page.
The Knob, Falmouth
A quarter-mile trail leads to the perfect spot to watch a sunset over Buzzards Bay. On a clear day, you can see the Elizabeth Island and New Bedford.
Walk the short trail from the parking area at the end of Quissett Harbor Rd for beautiful views. Please stay on the trails and respect this beautiful conservation land.
Scargo Tower, Dennis
The iconic cobblestoned Scargo Tower stretches 30 feet high and is located atop the highest hill in the mid-Cape, overlooking Scargo Lake. This cool spot began as a tourist observatory in 1874. Originally made of wood, two versions of the tower were destroyed by wind and fire before the current structure was built in 1901.
Climb to the top to see sweeping views of the entire Lower Cape to Provincetown and as far west as Plymouth. There are interesting indigenous creation stories about Scargo Hill and Lake that are fun to learn before visiting this cool spot.
Long Point, Provincetown
At the tip of Cape Cod, Long Point is the perfect location if you’re looking to get away from it all. This rugged landscape features breathtaking views of Provincetown from across the harbor, plus the awe-inspiring sight of the expansive blue Atlantic. Long Point Lighthouse is one of the main features of this area. This picturesque old lighthouse is tucked behind grassy dunes, overlooking Long Point Beach.
Spend the day swimming, exploring, and bathing in the warm summer sun to get the most out of this unique spot; you’ll feel like you’re at the end of the Earth. During the summer, get there via the Long Point Shuttle from MacMillan Pier. Year-round, walk the 1-mile Provincetown causeway— the jetty that bridges the end of Commercial Street and Long Point. Be sure to check the tide before crossing as the jetty is dangerous and impassable around high tide.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill, Brewster
The Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum is the only remaining structure from Brewster’s Factory Village, a once-thriving 19th-century industrial hub. This restored mill on Stony Brook Road is open every Saturday in the summer. Stop by to see the water wheel in motion and purchase freshly ground corn meal! After checking out the mill and attached museum, take some time to wander the footpaths along the brook to see a variety of wildlife.
In the spring, visit the brook to see the annual herring migration. From around mid-March into May watch the herring jump up the fish ladders of Stony Brook as they migrate from Cape Cod Bay to the freshwater ponds of West Brewster to spawn. Have you seen this spectacular sight? If not… be sure to add it to your Cape Cod bucket list!
Photo via @capecodnps
Three Sisters Lighthouses, Eastham
These three small lighthouses once sat on the edge of the Atlantic at Nauset Light Station. Relocated and restored, you can visit them in their original orientation in the pine forests of Cable Road in Eastham.
Before they were acquired by the National Park Service, they sold at auction for $3.50! One also spent a period of time operating as a dance studio. These little lighthouses have had quite the life!
More Blog Posts
Kappy's presents Summer Drinks
By Guidebook Staff
This summer, Kappy’s set us up with some delicious summer cocktail recipes. In true Cape Cod fashion, we had to try them out at the beach!
First we stopped by Kappy’s Hyannis location to stock up on ingredients and then hit the sand for an oceanside cocktail hour. Be sure to try these delicious drink recipes all summer long.
We will be adding new Kappy’s drink specials every month, so keep checking back for exciting new mixes, and hit the Kappy’s logo below to go directly to their online ordering!
June Specials
Truro Tequila Zarza
2 oz Tierra Noble Reposado Tequila
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Blackberries
Float: Creme de Cassis Liqueur
Combine all ingredients, excluding liqueur. Shake well. Strain and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Float liqueur on top. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
Gardener’s Gin Sour
1.5 oz Greenall’s Gin
.5 oz Simple Syrup
.5 oz Lemon Juice
Basil leaves (for muddling & garnish)
Muddle basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice. Add remaining ingredients.
Shake well. Double strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with basil leaf.
Race Point Raspberry Lemonade
1.5 oz Grays Peak Vodka
.5 oz Raspberry Liqueur
2 oz lemonade
Raspberries and Lemon Wheel for garnish
Mix ingredients in a glass with ice and stir. Garnish with lemon wheels or raspberries.
Kappy’s Fine Wine and Spirits has everything you need to create the perfect summer night on Cape Cod.
Browse their stellar selection in person, or easily place your alcohol order on their website or by using the Kappy’s app (available in the Apple and Google Play store).
Be sure to check out their specials and staff picks if you’re looking to try something new. Kappy’s is located in Hyannis on Rte 28 (across from the airport) and on Spring Bars Road in Falmouth (next to the Christmas Tree Shop).
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