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.