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Cape Cod Events & Festivals

Jennie Sparrow | Updated 10/6/2025

From seaside festivals to classic baseball games, there’s always something happening on Cape Cod. Whether you visit in spring, summer, or the quieter shoulder seasons, you’ll find events that capture the Cape’s unique spirit. Below are some of our favorite annual happenings — and if you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to explore our Cape Cod Events Calendar for current listings.

🌊 Spring Kickoff Events

As the weather warms and flowers bloom, Cape Cod comes alive with community traditions that mark the start of the season.

  • Figawi Race Weekend – Memorial Day weekend brings one of the Cape’s most famous events: the sailboat race from Hyannis to Nantucket. Festivities on both sides of the Sound celebrate the unofficial start of summer.
  • Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival – A garden-lover’s dream, this ten-day event each July features open gardens, tours, and workshops across the Cape.

⚾️ Summer Highlights

Summer on Cape Cod is packed with music, food, and family fun. From small-town parades to nationally known festivals, every week offers something to enjoy.

  • Cape Cod Baseball League – Watch the country’s top college players compete in America’s oldest amateur summer league. The games are free and full of local charm.
  • Fourth of July celebrations – Celebrate America’s birthday with the many parades and fireworks throughout the area.
  • Falmouth Road Race – A seven-mile scenic run from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights, this August tradition draws runners and spectators from all over.

🍁 Fall Favorites

Autumn’s crisp air and colorful foliage make for perfect festival weather. These beloved local events highlight the Cape’s coastal heritage and small-town feel.

  • Wellfleet OysterFest – Each October, Wellfleet celebrates its world-famous oysters with shucking contests, live music, and local food vendors. It’s a must-do for seafood lovers!
  • Harwich Cranberry Festival – Celebrate the cranberry harvest with local crafts, food, and live entertainment. It’s a sweet taste of fall on the Cape.
  • SandwichFest – A day of music, family fun, and a sandwich competition (of course!) in one of the Cape’s oldest towns.

❄️ Winter & Year-Round Traditions

Even in the off-season, Cape Cod hosts cozy and festive events — from holiday strolls to year-round markets and art walks.

  • Christmas Strolls – Nearly every town, from Chatham to Provincetown, hosts a holiday stroll featuring carolers, parades, and tree lightings.
  • First Night Chatham – Ring in the New Year with this family-friendly celebration full of performances, fireworks, and community spirit.
  • Farmers Markets & Art Walks – Throughout the year, local farmers and artisans share their craft at weekly markets and open studios — a great way to support the community and bring home a piece of the Cape.

✨ Plan Your Visit

No matter when you visit, you’ll find something worth celebrating. Explore our full, regularly updated Cape Cod Events Calendar to see what’s happening now, or browse Cape Cod vacation rentals to stay close to the fun.

About Jennie Sparrow

About Jennie Sparrow: A true Cape Codder, born and raised, I am thrilled to call Cape Cod my home. I have been with WeNeedaVacation since 2017 and am grateful that my position at WeNeedaVacation has offered me the opportunity to combine my love for the area with my passion for marketing. My favorite pastime is driving onto Nauset's outer beach with my family where I'm happiest feeling the sun on my face and the sand between my toes!