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Updated: March 17, 2023
When the calendar turns to May, the Cape Cod events schedule heats up ... just like our weather!
Events throughout the month of May have us all outdoors enjoying the spring sunshine and the first balmy beach days of the season.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July
August | September | October | November | December
*Note: While I do my best to ensure the accuracy of these listings, events may be changed, postponed or cancelled without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details with the event organizer before making any plans!
When: Through mid-May, during daylight hours
Where: Multiple locations around the Cape
Admission: Free
More Info: Herring Runs on Cape Cod
Herring? The fish ... running? Yes, indeed! And they climb ladders, too!!
We
see these amazing feats every spring as thousands of herring migrate
from the wide-open ocean to our local rivers, streams, lakes and ponds
to spawn.
Where are the best places on the Cape to watch herring running and climbing? Click here to find out!
When: May 1st to May 14th, 2023
Where: Harwich Antique Center, 10 Route 28, West Harwich, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Harwich Antique Center
Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to any kiosk at the Harwich Antique Center.
Sign
up in store from May 1st to May 14th. (No purchase necessary!)
The winner will be drawn on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 14th.
When: May 5 - 7, 2023
Where: Various venues in the town of Brewster
Admission: Free
More Info: Brewster in Bloom
The annual "Brewster in Bloom Festival" celebrates spring in the town of Brewster.
Events during the festival encourage everyone to get out and explore all around the town:
As it has for the past 30+ years, the Brewster in Bloom Festival will have fun for all in 2023!
When: May 7, 2023, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Wellfleet Drive-In Theater, 51 US-6, Wellfleet, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Wellfleet Police Dept. FB Page
Touch-A-Truck comes to us courtesy of the Wellfleet Police Association and the Eastham Police Union.
What kind of vehicles will be there? Police cars, fire trucks, construction trucks, emergency vehicles and more!
So put this much-loved annual event on your calendar, and plan on a fun day with the family!
When: May 19, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Where: Hyannis Harbor Overlook and Bismore Park, Ocean Street, Hyannis
Admission: Free
More Info: HyArts Art Shanties
These adorable "shanties" house artists and artisans whose works include ceramics, painting, jewelry and more. Items are for sale at very reasonable prices (IMHO). And even if you're not in shopping mode, it's a pleasure peeking at the artists' creations as you stroll along the harborfront.
The shanties are open on weekends only from opening day in May until mid-June, then every day through late September.
When: May 19 - 29, 2023
Where: Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich
Admission: $22/adult; $12/youth (3-17); Members and children 2 and under Free
More Info: Rhododendron Festival at Heritage
This is one of the Cape Cod events I look most forward to each spring. The grounds at Heritage are a breathtaking sight to behold with thousands of Rhododendrons in bloom from late May into early June!
Plan to spend a few hours or more here, exploring the acres of gardens, miles of walking trails, and the museums filled with art, American history, and antique autos. The kids will love riding on the carousel!
When: Memorial Day Weekend, May 26 - 29, 2023
Where: Hyannis / Nantucket
Admission: No admission fee for spectators
More Info: Figawi Race Weekend
The annual "Figawi" Regatta is recognized as one of the premier yacht regattas on the east coast. For this year's 52nd annual Figawi Regatta, the teams will once again race from Hyannisport to Nantucket.
The warning signal sounds for the start of the race at 9:55 a.m. on Saturday, May 27th.
To see the yachts gathering and watch them head off to Nantucket, you'll have a good vantage point from Kalmus Beach, Orrin Keyes Beach, or Sea Street Beach. (See my Hyannis beaches page for directions, parking info, etc.)
When: May 28, 2023, 11:30 a.m. to midnight
Where: Capetown Plaza, Rt. 132, Hyannis MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops
Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops honors our country's fallen heroes - and all members of the military - with its 18th annual "Troops in the Spotlight" event.
Come visit the Iraq/Afghanistan Memorial Wall. Enter to win great prizes in the Troops Raffle. See the display of military vehicles and equipment. Send a free video message to our deployed troops, and make a card to include in a care package.
And most importantly of all, meet and greet members of our country's military and thank them for their service!
*Please consider making a monetary donation or donating a care package item to Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops.
When: 2023 schedule - TBA
Where: Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne MA
More Info: MA National Cemetery
Each year, the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne holds a special Memorial Day remembrance ceremony.
This year's keynote speaker and the ceremony schedule has yet to be announced.
When: Monday, May 29, 2023
Where: Many towns and villages across Cape Cod
Admission: Free
*Note: As of this writing (March 2023), the following locations and starting times are still tentative. I'll update as I learn more.
Want to Add an Event to This Month's Calendar?
Click here
Related Pages:
Lots More to See & Do on Cape Cod
Important Note: The date, time, place, admission charges, etc. of the events on this page may be changed by the event sponsor at any time, without my knowledge. Please be sure to confirm all information directly with the sponsor before you make any plans!