Uncover Cape Cod’s Charm: 5 Must-Experience Events for an Unforgettable Visit!

There’s always an activity on Cape Cod and the Islands, whether it’s during the peak of summer, in the spring and autumn transitioning periods, or even winter.

Below are five yearly events you absolutely should not overlook in 2025.

Make a note on your calendars now and return to CapeWeek (capecodtimes.com) for updates as each occasion approaches. Additionally, you can find — or create — event listings at capecodtimes.com/calendar and in CapeWeek, released each Friday featuring previews of activities and profiles of individuals and events within Cape Cod’s vibrant arts scene.

Explore everything from culinary delights to theatrical performances, from festivals to outdoor fun. Culinary enthusiasts may wish to join the Cape Cod Times free Facebook group, Good Stuff at Cape Cod Restaurants, to contribute stories and engage in discussions about all things culinary. Be sure to catch our restaurant news column, Tidbits.

Here are key events to be aware of:

This local yet large parade marks its 20th anniversary this year. Taking place two Saturdays before St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, the Cape Cod parade is arranged to avoid conflicting with the Boston festivities. Tens of thousands gather to participate, ride in, or simply witness the parade down Route 28.

The Hydrangea Festival is an opportunity to visit gardens at individual residences and public spaces where the region’s signature bloom flourishes in stunning blue hues within the sandy soils. Interested in cultivating your own? The yearly fest presents classes, lectures, and even an outdoor painting demonstration by local artists.

Taking place the weekend after Columbus Day, this event, which organizers describe as a “family-friendly celebration (that) dominates Main Street” with local cuisine, music, wine, beer gardens, and oysters attracts thousands to tiny Wellfleet each autumn. Established in 2001 by Lisa Brown and Becky Rosenberg, the organization managing the festival adopted a new name last year: Wellfleet Oyster Alliance. For details regarding the 2025 festival, anticipated in early spring, check their website at wellfleetoa.org.

Music festivals throughout the Cape are expanding rapidly and are highly sought after

Events such as Washashore in Provincetown, Outermost Roots & Blues in Orleans, Vinegrass at Truro Vineyards, and Beach Road Weekend, which will take place on Cape Cod for the first time in 2025. The coordinators of the renowned Martha’s Vineyard festival have declared that the 2024 event, which was canceled, will return next year at a mainland venue to help manage expenses.

Winter: Is winter a celebration on the beach-centric Cape Cod?

Indeed, it is, featuring activities like the yearly Falmouth Christmas Parade, recognized by planners as the largest in New England; the “Gardens Aglow” illuminated walk-through display at Heritage Museums & Gardens; the lighted massive sculptures sprinkled across Sandwich, and numerous town strolls leading up to the holiday season. Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster offers dining in igloos, while Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Harwich has organized a Christmas cookie event for two years. Chatham Bars Inn presents a comprehensive calendar of seasonal events accessible to the public but quickly being filled. Provincetown celebrates Holly Folly and several other seasonal traditions such as Chatham First Night and Provincetown First Light.

Gwenn Friss is the editor at CapeWeek, focusing on entertainment, dining, and the arts. Reach out to her at gfriss@capecodonline.com.

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