Cape Cod is a hot spot for tourists and as such, it offers all kinds of fun events and yearly festivals to keep everyone entertained. Though peak season on Cape Cod is the summertime, no matter what time of year you visit the area you will find something fun and exciting to do. Here are some of the most popular annual events to look forward to on Cape Cod.

Late Winter/Early Spring

Start the year off with First Night Chatham. This annual New Year’s Eve event welcomes those from near and far and offers the “cod-drop” at midnight, fireworks, open-houses at many of the businesses, and live music and entertainment. Be sure to purchase a button ahead of time!

The Cape Cod Orchid Show, which happens every January showcases some of the most beautiful orchids in a myriad of colors. Learn about growing these flowers and see some of the spots of Cape Cod where they are in full bloom. In March, take part in the annual Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day parade. Many line the streets and watch the floats, local bands, and leprechauns march by. The parade is centered in Yarmouth and isn’t something to be missed!

Every May is the Cape Cod Maritime Days event, which celebrates the area’s maritime heritage, and has been voted one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association.

Summer

Cape Cod Quahog Day is always held on the very first day of summer. The local prized clam, lovingly named “Doug,” has a task not unlike the groundhog who predicts the beginning of spring. A festival is held in which Doug will predict the length of the upcoming summer season and visitors gather from miles around to hear the predictions, enjoy amazing food, beautiful weather and more.

There’s a large Independence Day Parade in Chatham every year drawing thousands and Cape Cod fireworks in many towns to celebrate the 4th. It’s a chance for locals and the visitors alike to come together in celebration.

Carnival in Provincetown takes place in August offering an extravagant parade, colorful costumes, music, food, and fun! Take part in the Falmouth Road Race every August as runners run for charity and make their way through the picturesque town. If you’re not a runner yourself, you can cheer the runners from the sidelines.

Fall

The Bourne Scallop Festival takes place every September as does the ClamBQ (A New Orleans inspired food and music festival with lots of fresh seafood and live music to enjoy). The Orleans Surf Film Festival is always a hit in October at The Jailhouse Tavern and a Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Clause and Santa the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a great way to usher in the holiday season. Of course the Wellfleet Oysterfest is always the place to be in mid-late October, this multiple day festival offers live music, beer & wine, local shops and galleries selling goods, and of course the star of the event, freshly shucked oysters!