Summer guide to Cape Cod and the islands
Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island are perennial favorites for vacation and long weekend getaways, and with good reason. All have spectacular beaches, and activities to keep vacationers or all ages occupied.
By Lidia Ryan
on May 19, 2016 1:27 PM
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![Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days
Month of May
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (and various towns)
A month-long event including guided kayak excursions, tours of Nauset
and Highland Lighthouses, walking tours, nautical art exhibits, and
other maritime-themed activities.
www.capecodmaritimedays.com
Photo: Blue Line Pictures, Getty Images / (c) Blue Line Pictures]()
Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days Month of May Cape Cod Museum...photo-7154354.129825 - |ucfirstAnnual Cape Cod Maritime DaysMonth of May
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Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (and various towns) A month-long event including guided kayak excursions, tours of Nauset and Highland Lighthouses, walking tours, nautical art exhibits, and other maritime-themed activities.
www.capecodmaritimedays.comAnnual Cape Cod Maritime DaysPhoto: Blue Line Pictures, Getty Images
Month of May
... more
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (and various towns) A month-long event including guided kayak excursions, tours of Nauset and Highland Lighthouses, walking -
![Vineyard Artisans Spring/Memorial Day Festival
May 28-29
Grange Hall, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
The opening show of the season features all the new work by island artists as well as food, demonstrations and a playground for kids.
www.mvol.com Photo: Courtesy Of HomeAway]()
Vineyard Artisans Spring/Memorial Day Festival May 28-29...photo-7041225.129825 - |ucfirstVineyard Artisans Spring/Memorial Day FestivalMay 28-29 Grange Hall, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
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The opening show of the season features all the new work by island artists as well as food, demonstrations and a playground for kids. www.mvol.comVineyard Artisans Spring/Memorial Day FestivalPhoto: Courtesy Of HomeAway
May 28-29 Grange Hall, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
... more
The opening show of the season features all the new work by island artists as well as food, demonstrations and -
Barnstable Village’s Ghost Hunters Tour Every Monday and...photo-1703278.129825 - |ucfirstBarnstable Village’s Ghost Hunters TourEvery Monday and Friday night through November
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Barnstable Village, Cape Cod, MA Take a walking tour of the historic “Old Kings Highway” in Barnstable Village with professional ghost hunters, and hear the town’s haunting tales.
www.caiprs.comBarnstable Village’s Ghost Hunters TourPhoto: Chris Garafola
Every Monday and Friday night through November
... more
Barnstable Village, Cape Cod, MA Take a walking tour of the historic “Old Kings Highway” in Barnstable Village -
![Rhododendron Festival
Through May 30
Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, Cape Cod, MA
Thousands of world-famous rhododendrons and an explosion of color cover 100 acres with spectacular blooms during this nine-day event with walking tours, pruning and propagation demos.
www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times]()
Rhododendron Festival Through May 30 Heritage Museums...photo-1012985.129825 - |ucfirstRhododendron FestivalThrough May 30
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Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, Cape Cod, MA
Thousands of world-famous rhododendrons and an explosion of color cover 100 acres with spectacular blooms during this nine-day event with walking tours, pruning and propagation demos.
www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.orgRhododendron FestivalPhoto: Michael Duffy
Through May 30
... more
Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, Cape Cod, MA
Thousands of world-famous rhododendrons and an explosion of color cover 100 acres with spectacular blooms during -
![44th Annual Figawi Race Weekend
May 28-30
Cape Cod and Nantucket
Recognized as a top sailing event not only on the East Coast but nationally and internationally, the Figawi Race Weekend kicks off the summer season for Cape Cod and Nantucket with serious fun, camaraderie, and sailing, more than 200 boats and one thousand sailors convene for the Northeast’s first major regatta to kick-off the summer.
www.figawi.com
Photo: Jason Rearick / Stamford Advocate]()
44th Annual Figawi Race Weekend May 28-30 Cape Cod and...photo-6493688.129825 - |ucfirst44th Annual Figawi Race WeekendMay 28-30
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Cape Cod and Nantucket
Recognized as a top sailing event not only on the East Coast but nationally and internationally, the Figawi Race Weekend kicks off the summer season for Cape Cod and Nantucket with serious fun, camaraderie, and sailing, more than 200 boats and one thousand sailors convene for the Northeast’s first major regatta to kick-off the summer.
www.figawi.com44th Annual Figawi Race WeekendPhoto: Jason Rearick
May 28-30
... more
Cape Cod and Nantucket
Recognized as a top sailing event not only on the East Coast but nationally and internationally, the Figawi Race Weekend kicks off the summer -
![Restaurant Week Beer & Wine Garden
June 4
Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Wellfleet, Cape Cod, MA
Restaurant Week Beer & Wine Garden will spotlight local favorites such as Cape Cod Beer, Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod & Lola’s Local Food Lab. Live music and small bites provided by participating restaurants will also be featured at this event.
www.wellfleetrestaurantweek.com Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, Special To The Chronicle]()
Restaurant Week Beer & Wine Garden June 4 Wellfleet...photo-10074292.129825 - |ucfirstRestaurant Week Beer & Wine GardenJune 4
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Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Wellfleet, Cape Cod, MA
Restaurant Week Beer & Wine Garden will spotlight local favorites such as Cape Cod Beer, Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod & Lola’s Local Food Lab. Live music and small bites provided by participating restaurants will also be featured at this event.
www.wellfleetrestaurantweek.comRestaurant Week Beer & Wine GardenPhoto: Gabrielle Lurie, Special To The Chronicle
June 4
... more
Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Wellfleet, Cape Cod, MA
Restaurant Week Beer & Wine Garden will spotlight local favorites such as Cape Cod Beer, Truro Vineyards -
![19th Annual Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival
June 6
Grange Hall, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
A Vineyard Summer tradition and the only weekly juried art show where the public can meet over 70 artisans and buy directly from them. Many demonstrations, weaving, fine furniture, pottery, stained glass, oil paintings, pastels, mixed media, sculpture, wampum jewelry, quilts, clothing, sea glass windows, handmade books and more.
www.mvol.com Photo: Courtesy Of Homeaway]()
19th Annual Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival June 6 Grange...photo-7041228.129825 - |ucfirst19th Annual Vineyard Artisans Summer FestivalJune 6
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Grange Hall, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
A Vineyard Summer tradition and the only weekly juried art show where the public can meet over 70 artisans and buy directly from them. Many demonstrations, weaving, fine furniture, pottery, stained glass, oil paintings, pastels, mixed media, sculpture, wampum jewelry, quilts, clothing, sea glass windows, handmade books and more.
www.mvol.com19th Annual Vineyard Artisans Summer FestivalPhoto: Courtesy Of Homeaway
June 6
... more
Grange Hall, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
A Vineyard Summer tradition and the only weekly juried art show where the public can meet over 70 artisans and buy -
![4th Annual Cape Cod Chowdah Classic
June 10-12
Hyannis Youth & Community Center, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
Hockey teams compete to raise money for a drug and alcohol abuse shelter.
www.lurkinmerkins.com
Photo: James Tensuan]()
4th Annual Cape Cod Chowdah Classic June 10-12 Hyannis Youth...photo-9290549.129825 - |ucfirst4th Annual Cape Cod Chowdah ClassicJune 10-12
Hyannis Youth & Community Center, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
Hockey teams compete to raise money for a drug and alcohol abuse shelter.
www.lurkinmerkins.com4th Annual Cape Cod Chowdah ClassicPhoto: James Tensuan
June 10-12
Hyannis Youth & Community Center, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
Hockey teams compete to raise money for a drug and alcohol abuse shelter.
www.lurkinmerkins.com -
![Block Island Bacon Fest
June 11
Poor People’s Pub, Block Island, RI
Local chefs and cools compete to make the best bacon dish. The event benefits the Block Island Conservancy, dedicated to the preservation of open space on the island.
www.blockislandinfo.com]()
Block Island Bacon Fest June 11 Poor People’s Pub, Block...photo-4867687.129825 - |ucfirstBlock Island Bacon FestJune 11 Poor
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People’s Pub, Block Island, RI
Local chefs and cools compete to make the best bacon dish. The event benefits the Block Island Conservancy, dedicated to the preservation of open space on the island.
www.blockislandinfo.comBlock Island Bacon Fest
June 11 Poor
... more
People’s Pub, Block Island, RI
Local chefs and cools compete to make the best bacon dish. The event benefits the Block Island Conservancy, dedicated to the preservation -
![Block Island Music Fest
June 14-19
Captain Nick’s Rock and Roll Bar, Block Island, RI
It’s a six-day long musical celebration where festivalgoers sample music performed by “undiscovered” artists from around the Northeast.
www.blockislandmusic.com]()
Block Island Music Fest June 14-19 Captain Nick’s Rock and...photo-6441222.129825 - |ucfirstBlock Island Music FestJune 14-19
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Captain Nick’s Rock and Roll Bar, Block Island, RI It’s a six-day long musical celebration where festivalgoers sample music performed by “undiscovered” artists from around the Northeast.
www.blockislandmusic.comBlock Island Music Fest
June 14-19
... more
Captain Nick’s Rock and Roll Bar, Block Island, RI It’s a six-day long musical celebration where festivalgoers sample music performed by “undiscovered” artists from -
![A Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll
June 16
Dr. Daniel Fisher House, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
The Taste of the Vineyard kicks off the Vineyard’s summer social season. Thursday night’s Gourmet Stroll offers the Island’s best food, wine and handcrafted beers from over 75 fine food and beverage participants. Then, dance to Jerry Bennett and the Sultans of Swing’s 12-piece band.
www.mvol.com Photo: J.C. Reid / J.C. Reid]()
A Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll June 16 Dr. Daniel...photo-9956658.129825 - |ucfirstA Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet StrollJune 16 Dr. Daniel Fisher House, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
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The Taste of the Vineyard kicks off the Vineyard’s summer social season. Thursday night’s Gourmet Stroll offers the Island’s best food, wine and handcrafted beers from over 75 fine food and beverage participants. Then, dance to Jerry Bennett and the Sultans of Swing’s 12-piece band. www.mvol.comA Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet StrollPhoto: J.C. Reid
June 16 Dr. Daniel Fisher House, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
... more
The Taste of the Vineyard kicks off the Vineyard’s summer social season. Thursday night’s Gourmet Stroll -
![Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival
June 18
Oak Bluffs Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
The annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival celebrates summer with live music, food, arts, crafts on the harbor front.
www.mvol.com Photo: Lidia Ryan]()
Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival June 18 Oak Bluffs Harbor,...photo-10105983.129825 - |ucfirstOak Bluffs Harbor FestivalJune 18
Oak Bluffs Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
The annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival celebrates summer with live music, food, arts, crafts on the harbor front.
www.mvol.comOak Bluffs Harbor FestivalPhoto: Lidia Ryan
June 18
Oak Bluffs Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
The annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival celebrates summer with live music, food, arts, crafts on the harbor front.
www.mvol.com -
![Annual Midsummer Faerie Festival
June 18
Washington Park, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Celebrate the Solstice with the annual Midsummer Faerie Festival. The outdoor festival is free for the whole day.
www.mvol.com Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff / © 2014 Houston Chronicle]()
Annual Midsummer Faerie Festival June 18 Washington Park,...photo-8789009.129825 - |ucfirstAnnual Midsummer Faerie FestivalJune 18
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Washington Park, Martha’s Vineyard, MA Celebrate the Solstice with the annual Midsummer Faerie Festival. The outdoor festival is free for the whole day.
www.mvol.comAnnual Midsummer Faerie FestivalPhoto: Johnny Hanson, Staff
June 18
... more
Washington Park, Martha’s Vineyard, MA Celebrate the Solstice with the annual Midsummer Faerie Festival. The outdoor festival is free for the whole day. -
![22nd Annual Father’s Day Auto Show
June 19
Main Street, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
A fun day for the whole family with more than 300 cars – old and new of various makes and models on display - and fun activities for kids for free.
www.hyannis.com
Photo: Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media / Stamford Advocate]()
22nd Annual Father’s Day Auto Show June 19 Main Street,...photo-10072662.129825 - |ucfirst22nd Annual Father’s Day Auto ShowJune 19
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Main Street, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
A fun day for the whole family with more than 300 cars – old and new of various makes and models on display - and fun activities for kids for free.
www.hyannis.com22nd Annual Father’s Day Auto ShowPhoto: Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media
June 19
... more
Main Street, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
A fun day for the whole family with more than 300 cars – old and new of various makes and models on display - and fun -
![20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival
June 22-27
Nantucket, MA
This is one of the premiere destination film festivals in the world,
with visitors coming from afar to experience preview screenings,
signature programs, and stand out hospitality on this island rich with
its history, a friendly atmosphere, and beautiful sandy beaches. Seth
Meyers will host this year’s Screenwriters Tribute honoring Oliver
Stone.
www.nantucketfilmfestival.org]()
20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival June 22-27 Nantucket, MA...photo-9724678.129825 - |ucfirst20th Annual Nantucket Film FestivalJune 22-27
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Nantucket, MA
This is one of the premiere destination film festivals in the world, with visitors coming from afar to experience preview screenings, signature programs, and stand out hospitality on this island rich with its history, a friendly atmosphere, and beautiful sandy beaches. Seth Meyers will host this year’s Screenwriters Tribute honoring Oliver Stone.
www.nantucketfilmfestival.org20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival
June 22-27
... more
Nantucket, MA
This is one of the premiere destination film festivals in the world, with visitors coming from afar to experience preview screenings, -
![Mashpee Clambake
July 9
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
It’s not summer without a classic New England clambake.
www.mashpeechamber.com]()
Mashpee Clambake July 9 Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA It’s not...photo-8083562.129825 - |ucfirstMashpee ClambakeJuly 9
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
It’s not summer without a classic New England clambake.
www.mashpeechamber.comMashpee Clambake
July 9
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
It’s not summer without a classic New England clambake.
www.mashpeechamber.com -
![Entertainment Tonight!
July 12
Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit, Cape Cod, MA
The Cotuit Center for the Arts annual gala fundraiser features live performances from the year’s theatrical productions, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a VIP lounge, live and silent auctions and dancing.
www.artsonthecape.org
Photo: Shutterstock]()
Entertainment Tonight! July 12 Cotuit Center for the Arts,...photo-9153994.129825 - |ucfirstEntertainment Tonight!July 12
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Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit, Cape Cod, MA
The Cotuit Center for the Arts annual gala fundraiser features live performances from the year’s theatrical productions, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a VIP lounge, live and silent auctions and dancing.
www.artsonthecape.orgEntertainment Tonight!Photo: Shutterstock
July 12
... more
Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit, Cape Cod, MA
The Cotuit Center for the Arts annual gala fundraiser features live performances from the year’s theatrical productions, hors -
![Annual Block Island Triathlon
Aug. 6
Block Island, RI
The race starts at Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion and includes a swim, bike and run on one of the more challenging courses in New England
www.active.com Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff / © 2016 Houston Chronicle]()
Annual Block Island Triathlon Aug. 6 Block Island, RI The...photo-10102472.129825 - |ucfirstAnnual Block Island TriathlonAug. 6
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Block Island, RI
The race starts at Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion and includes a swim, bike and run on one of the more challenging courses in New England www.active.comAnnual Block Island TriathlonPhoto: Brett Coomer, Staff
Aug. 6
... more
Block Island, RI
The race starts at Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion and includes a swim, bike and run on one of the more challenging courses in New England -
![LaTavola Italian Feast Under the Stars
Aug. 12
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
Little Italy is re-created for this festive outdoor evening of authentic Italian food, wine and song.
www.mashpeechamber.com
Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle]()
LaTavola Italian Feast Under the Stars Aug. 12 Mashpee, Cape...photo-9634583.129825 - |ucfirstLaTavola Italian Feast Under the StarsAug. 12
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
Little Italy is re-created for this festive outdoor evening of authentic Italian food, wine and song.
www.mashpeechamber.comLaTavola Italian Feast Under the StarsPhoto: Leah Millis, The Chronicle
Aug. 12
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
Little Italy is re-created for this festive outdoor evening of authentic Italian food, wine and song.
www.mashpeechamber.com -
![Annual Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea Concert
Aug. 14
Hyannis Village Green, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
Arguably Cape Cod’s single largest cultural event, it features one of the nation’s finest and best-loved musical ensembles – the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, with festival seating or sit on the lawn.
www.artsfoundation.org
Photo: Michael Dwyer, Associated Press / AP]()
Annual Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea Concert Aug. 14 Hyannis...photo-6583337.129825 - |ucfirstAnnual Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea ConcertAug. 14
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Hyannis Village Green, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
Arguably Cape Cod’s single largest cultural event, it features one of the nation’s finest and best-loved musical ensembles – the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, with festival seating or sit on the lawn.
www.artsfoundation.orgAnnual Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea ConcertPhoto: Michael Dwyer, Associated Press
Aug. 14
... more
Hyannis Village Green, Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA
Arguably Cape Cod’s single largest cultural event, it features one of the nation’s finest and best-loved -
![Nantucket Race Week
Aug. 13-21
Nantucket, MA
The wooden boat sailing event culminates with the Rainbow Fleet Regatta and the Opera House Cup Regatta.
www.nantucketraceweek.org
Photo: Allen Clark / Rights Reserved PhotoBoat.com]()
Nantucket Race Week Aug. 13-21 Nantucket, MA The wooden...photo-8229332.129825 - |ucfirstNantucket Race WeekAug. 13-21
Nantucket, MA
The wooden boat sailing event culminates with the Rainbow Fleet Regatta and the Opera House Cup Regatta.
www.nantucketraceweek.orgNantucket Race WeekPhoto: Allen Clark
Aug. 13-21
Nantucket, MA
The wooden boat sailing event culminates with the Rainbow Fleet Regatta and the Opera House Cup Regatta.
www.nantucketraceweek.org -
![155th Martha’s Vineyard Livestock Show and Fair Aug. 18-21
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
This is a real old-fashioned agricultural country fair with mid-way rides, games, shucking and fiddle contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, fiber-arts tent, dog and livestock shows.
www.mvas.vineyard.net
Photo: Jason Rearick]()
155th Martha’s Vineyard Livestock Show and Fair Aug. 18-21...photo-7785920.129825 - |ucfirst155th Martha’s Vineyard Livestock Show and FairAug. 18-21
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Martha’s Vineyard, MA
This is a real old-fashioned agricultural country fair with mid-way rides, games, shucking and fiddle contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, fiber-arts tent, dog and livestock shows.
www.mvas.vineyard.net155th Martha’s Vineyard Livestock Show and FairPhoto: Jason Rearick
Aug. 18-21
... more
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
This is a real old-fashioned agricultural country fair with mid-way rides, games, shucking and fiddle contests, skillet -
![Annual Lion’s Club Clambake
Sept. 3
Narragansett Inn
Block Island, RI
This annual clambake raises money for the Local Lion’s Club. Enjoy clams, mussels, chowder, corn on the cob, sausage and more.
www.blockislandinfo.com
Photo: Craig Hartley, Freelance / Copyright: Craig H. Hartley]()
Annual Lion’s Club Clambake Sept. 3 Narragansett Inn...photo-9110963.129825 - |ucfirstAnnual Lion’s Club ClambakeSept. 3
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Narragansett Inn Block Island, RI This annual clambake raises money for the Local Lion’s Club. Enjoy clams, mussels, chowder, corn on the cob, sausage and more.
www.blockislandinfo.comAnnual Lion’s Club ClambakePhoto: Craig Hartley, Freelance
Sept. 3
... more
Narragansett Inn Block Island, RI This annual clambake raises money for the Local Lion’s Club. Enjoy clams, mussels, chowder, corn on the cob, sausage and more.
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Every Monday and Friday night through November
Barnstable Village, Cape Cod, MA
Take a walking tour of the historic “Old Kings Highway” in Barnstable Village with professional ghost hunters, and hear the town’s haunting tales.
www.caiprs.com
Every Monday and Friday night through November
Barnstable Village, Cape Cod, MA Take a walking tour of the historic “Old Kings Highway” in Barnstable Village