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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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,
July 9
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
It’s not summer without a classic New England clambake.
www.mashpeechamber.com
July 9
Mashpee, Cape Cod, MA
It’s not summer without a classic New England clambake.
www.mashpeechamber.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.