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August is prime time for Cape Cod's most popular special events!
Summer brings us celebrations at the beach, film and music festivals, world-famous Carnival Week in Provincetown, and the ever-popular "Hookers Ball" under a big white tent.
And that's just the beginning of all the fantastic things to do on Cape Cod in August!
Cape Cod Events Calendars
Month-by-Month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July
August | September | October | November | December
*Note: Most events go ahead as planned. Even so, weather or other unforeseen factors occasionally lead to postponements or cancellations. So it's always best to double-check with the organizer (see links below) before you head out.
Some August event dates and details haven’t been announced yet. I’ll update these listings as that information comes in and add new events as I learn of them. So please check back often.
When: Daily in August 2026
Where: Throughout the town of Yarmouth, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail
Follow the Sand Sculpture Trail to see the mind-blowing works of nationally renowned artist and sculptor, Sean Fitzpatrick!
This year, you'll find Sean's creative, amusing and totally family friendly sand sculptures in 33 different locations around the town of Yarmouth.
When: Daily in August, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. (tentative)
Where: The Orpheum Theater, 637 Main Street, Chatham, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Chatham Orpheum Theater
Chatham's Orpheum Theater shows free, family friendly movies every morning this month.
Doors to the theater open at 9 a.m. The show starts at 9:30 a.m.
Tickets are free, available at the box office the morning of the show. Seating is first come, first served.
When: Daily in August 2026, weather permitting, from 11 a.m. to dusk
Where: Mullen-Hall Elementary School, 130 Katharine Lee Bates Road, Falmouth
Admission: $4.00 per ride, 10-ride punch card is $25
More Info: Carousel of Light
This hand-carved, twirling work of art features 20 wooden horses and 2 wheelchair accessible chariots (including one called "Bubbles" that actually blows bubbles!), all decked out in a nautical flair.
Come out for a ride on one of the most popular attractions in Falmouth - the Carousel of Light.
When: Mondays in August 2026, (weather permitting), 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Dennis Village Green, corner of Rt. 6A and Bass River Road, Dennis MA
Admission: Free
The Monday Painters Club display their works each Monday through Labor Day on the village green in Dennis.
Stop by to see a wide variety of art subjects in watercolors, acrylics, oils and pastels by the 18 member artists.
Original artworks, prints and cards are available for purchase.
A portion of the proceeds is given as an art scholarship to Dennis-Yarmouth High School.
In case of rain on Monday, come by on Tuesday to see these lovely paintings ranging from ocean views, to florals and landscapes.
When: August 1 & 2, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Drummer Boy Park, 773 Old Kings Highway (Rt. 6A), Brewster MA
Admission: Free
More Info: A Different Drummer Craft Fairs
A Different Drummer Craft Fairs features more than 40 of Cape Cod and New England's best crafters and artists.
What will you find at these fairs? A wonderful selection of artwork, books, candles, clothing, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, metal work, mixed media, pet items, photography, soaps, pottery, toys, woodwork, and much more!
When: Saturdays in August 2026, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Patriot Square, 492 Route 134, South Dennis, MA
More Info: Cape Cod Classics
Are you a classic car fan?
Saturday nights in August, tourists and locals alike revel in the opportunity to see all makes & models from classic antiques, muscle cars, trucks, restoMods, and classic exotics to the new EV cars.
You never know what kind of cars will show up. Come see for yourself!
When: August 1, 2026
Where: Details for this years event - TBA
More Info: Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance
The name of this event got your attention, didn't it?
This exceptional
evening highlights fresh-from-the-boat seafood, a one-of-a-kind live
auction and an extensive silent auction with items from the Cape's great
businesses, artists and services.
When: August 1, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and August 2, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Chatham Community Center Lawn, 702 Main Street, Chatham MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Castleberry Fairs
Explore a charming crafts fair showcasing 55 talented artisans selling their
exceptional American-made creations. You'll find a diverse range of items
including jewelry, photography, art, candles, signs, pet gifts, towels,
glassware, and more. Plus unique finds like whimsical garden art,
knives, woodwork, bath products, calligraphy, fine art, and plenty of specialty foods, too.
When: August 2026 date - TBA
Where: Along Water Street in Woods Hole, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Woods Hole Science Stroll
Come explore the world of science along Water Street in Woods Hole, and get close-up views of instruments and equipment used in current scientific research.
Talk with those doing the research and building the technology. See live animal exhibits, participate in hands-on activities and crafts, see demonstrations, tour a commercial scalloper and learn about cooperative research with the fishing industry.
Engage with staff from more than a dozen of the village’s marine science and educational organizations.
*Tip: Take the WHOOSH trolley from Falmouth to Woods Hole or ride your bike as parking is limited to metered street parking and some free parking in designated lots .
When: August 2026 dates - TBA
Where: Falmouth Harbor Band Shell, 180 Scranton Avenue, Falmouth MA
Admission: Pay-what-you-can donation
More Info: Harbor Light Illumination Concerts & Night Market
This popular summer concert series and night market features an evening filled with wonderful live music, artisan goods, crafts and food.
Open to everyone on a "pay-what-you-can" basis, donations support Harbor Light Illumination's ongoing arts and wellness initiatives for children, youth, and families in the community.
When: August 2026 dates - TBA; times vary by tide stage
Where: Aquaculture farms in Wellfleet MA
Tickets: Adults $30 plus $3 online fee; under 12 Free
More Info: Wellfleet Shellfish Farm Tours
Looking for an extra-special experience? Sign up for one of Wellfleet Oyster Alliance's shellfish farm tours!
During these fun and educational events, participants wade out to a working aquaculture site to see, first-hand, how shellfish are cultivated in our local waters.
These tours do sell out, so reserve your spot as soon as possible!
*Note: Access to some aquaculture farms requires a fair amount of walking on mucky and uneven sand.
When: August 2026 dates - TBA
Where: Cape Cod Creative Arts Center, 154 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Festival of the Arts
Festival of the Arts boasts 120 fine artisans and craftsmen presenting their original and handcrafted artwork, jewelry, fabric, pottery, fashion, wood, glass, metalwork and so much more
Along with showcasing high-end arts and crafts, the family-friendly festival features a children’s tent offering face painting and art activities for the kids.
Shuttle bus service and food trucks will be available, too.
When: August 8, 2026, noon to 5 p.m. (VIP entry 11 a.m.)
Where: Cape Cod Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan Ellis Hwy., East Falmouth MA
Admission: $5 pre-sale, $10 at the gate; kids 10 & under FREE
More Info: Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival
Over 20 of New England’s favorite food trucks will be serving up their best dishes, paired with craft beer, wine, and beverages from local and national brewers. (Food & drinks are sold separately from admission.)
Add in live music, lawn games, and an artisan market—and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect, family-friendly summer day!
*Note: No dogs allowed at the festival.
When: August 15 - 22, 2026
Where: Multiple venues and events around Provincetown
Admission: Varies by event
More Info: Provincetown Carnival
Now in its 48th year, this week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ life attracts tens of thousands of guests from all over the world to enjoy parties, events, costume contests, and the wild and crazy Carnival parade down Commercial Street.
This year's Carnival theme is "Deep Sea Disco". No doubt the festivities will be as big and boisterous as ever!
When: August 15, 2026
Where: Downtown Falmouth
Admission: Free for spectators; pre-registration and entry fee required for participants
More Info: Falmouth Walk
The 35th Annual Falmouth Walk is set for August 15th.
The picturesque 5K
(about 3.2 miles) course will once again flow through the charming
streets of Falmouth along the bustling Falmouth Harbor and past the
storefronts of Main Street to the finish at St. Barnabas Church by the
Town Green.
The entry fee for this event includes a Falmouth Walk tee shirt and official walk bib number. All profits from the Falmouth Walk benefit local charities.
When: August 16, 2026
Where: Throughout the town of Falmouth
More Info: Falmouth Road Race
The ASICS Falmouth Road Race is one of the most anticipated Cape Cod events each August. Over 10,000 runners from Cape Cod and around the world participate in the race each year.
This year's race will again follow a beautiful 7-mile seaside course, with spectators lining the route to cheer the runners on. Whether you're running or spectating, this is a don't miss event!
When: August 29, 2026
Where: Multiple locations in Wellfleet Center, Wellfleet MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Wellfleet PorchFest
Wellfleet PorchFest is celebrating more than a decade as the Outer Cape's premier free music festival.
The festival features musicians from the Cape and beyond playing many musical genres including Celtic, classical, Americana, singer-songwriter, old-time Appalachian, bluegrass, jazz, youth talent and more.
When: August 2026 date - TBA
Where: Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum, 830 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Stony Brook Factory Village - FB page
Here's your chance to sample the yummiest corn bread, made by volunteers using Stony Brook Gristmill's stone-ground cornmeal.
Serving starts at 10 a.m. and continues until all the corn bread has been gobbled up. Get there early so you don't miss out!
*Tip: Be sure to explore the museum upstairs and enjoy the scenic footpaths beside Stony Brook.
When: August 23 - 29, 2026
Where: Various venues in the town of Dennis
Admission: Free
More Info: Dennis Festival Week
The ever-popular "Dennis Festival Week" kicks off as the Annual Antique Car Parade winds its way through all 7 villages in the town of Dennis.
Other festivities during the week include a Field Day at Johnny Kelley Recreation Area featuring a pie-eating contest, food trucks, DJ music, games and more.
And the party comes to a close with the annual Beach Party, bonfire and fireworks at West Dennis Beach.
What a way to wrap up summer vacation season!
*See: My schedule of all fireworks displays on Cape Cod in 2025
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