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Cape Cod Events
May 2023

Updated: May 21, 2023

Pre-start of the Figawi Sailboat Race in Hyannis

Events throughout the month of May have us all outdoors enjoying the spring sunshine and the first balmy beach days of the season. 

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
May 2023

Cape Cod Herring Runs

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!

Museum Mondays in May

When: Mondays in May, 2023

Where: Multiple museums across Cape Cod

Admission: Free

More Info: Museum Mondays in May

During the month of May, several of Cape Cod's amazing museums will be open for FREE on Mondays as part of "Museum Mondays in May".

Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or simply looking to have some fun, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the most wonderful cultural venues on the Cape without having to spend a penny on admission.

Mother's Day Give-Away

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.

Brewster In Bloom Festival

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:

• Discover Brewster's rich history and scenic spots with a self-guided Cultural Trail tour.
  
• Check out all the wares for sale at the open-air Fine Arts & Crafts Show at Drummer Boy Park.
  
• Enjoy the ever-popular Brewster Band's Spring Concert.
  
• Join in on the "Cape Cod 5 Bloom Run".
  
• And be sure not to miss the Brewster in Bloom Town Parade!

As it has for the past 30+ years, the Brewster in Bloom Festival will have fun for all in 2023!

Touch-a-Truck

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!

Spring at Spohr

When: May 13, 2023, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (rain date May 20th)

Where: Spohr Gardens, 45 Fells Road, Falmouth, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Spring at Spohr

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Spohr Gardens! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the gardens and witness the breathtaking pink azaleas in full bloom.

Bring the whole family and enjoy lots of activities, including making a wish on Spohr's famous "Wishing Tree". Write your wish on an index card and toss it up into the holly tree. Legend has it that when the wind catches your words, your wish will come true!

"Walk n' Wag"

When: May 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. to noon

Where:  Hinckleys Pond-Herring River Headwaters Preserve, Harwich, MA

Admission: Free. (Donations greatly appreciated!)

More Info: Walk 'n Wag

Join Harwich Conservation Trust and The Sampson Fund for the second annual "Walk 'n Wag"!

This fun dog-walking event will showcase pet-friendly exhibitors, activities to enhance your pup's well-being, and plenty of fluffy friends and their owners.

Please park at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, 351 Pleasant Lake Ave. in Harwich. Then walk down the hill to the event. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

*FYI: The Sampson Fund (co-host for Walk 'n Wag 2023) is a wonderful non-profit that provides financial assistance for veterinary care for critically ill or injured dogs and cats on Cape Cod and the Islands, when owners cannot afford to pay for treatment.

Click here to learn more about The Sampson Fund.

Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties - Opening Day

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.

Rhododendron Festival

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!

Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale

When: May 20, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Cape Cod Fairgrounds - The Marketplace Building - West Gate, Route 151 & Currier Road, East Falmouth, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod

Looking for some amazing plants to add to your yard, garden or patio planters? The Master Gardeners have you covered with lovingly grown plants from their own greenhouses, gardens and local nurseries.

You'll find: native plants, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, perennials, dahlias, and succulents ... plus 50 tomato varieties, a fantastic selection of veggies, over 100 varieties of culinary and pollinator herbs, and more!

Proceeds from this popular annual event support the Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod's scholarship fund and community programs including the children's garden, backyard horticulture, and the horticultural hot line.

Admission is free; and there's plenty of free on-site parking available, too.

"Tea Party with the Ponies" (Special Event for Seniors)

When: May 25, 2023, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary, Mills River, MA

Tickets: $10 per person

More Info: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary on FB

"Seasoned Citiziens": this event is especially for you!

Join Patti and her dedicated volunteers at Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary for a "Tea Party With The Ponies". 

Come visit with the rescue's adorable ponies while sipping specialty teas and snacking on fancy desserts. Try your luck at bingo and other games with prizes for the winners. 

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy this delightful animal  sanctuary and make some wonderful memories!

*FYI: For guests who have trouble getting around, no worries! You won't have to walk far at all. Just sit back and relax while the gentle, super-friendly little ponies are led over to meet you!

Seating is limited, and reservations are a must. Call Janice at (774) 353-6557 to reserve your spot now.

Figawi Race Weekend

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.)

18th Annual "Troops in the Spotlight"

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 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. 

Gilbert's Migration Vacation - Book Signing

When: May 28, 2023

Where: Brewster Book Store, 2648 Main St, Brewster, MA from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore, 432 Main St, Chatham, MA from 2 - 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

Wildlife enthusiast and author, Susan Levine, visits Cape Cod this weekend for two book signing events.

This is your chance to meet Susan and get your autographed copy of her enchanting new children's book "Gilbert's Migration Vacation: The Story of an Original Snowbird".

Who is Gilbert? He's a little Sanderling chick who hatched high in the Arctic tundra. Now, he must find his way south for the winter where warm weather and plentiful food await. Gilbert teams up with two other young Sanderlings to embark on an amazing journey of over 4,000 miles. Along the way, the young birds must deal with hurricanes, hungry falcons, and confusing city lights. But as Gilbert helps his friends navigate each obstacle, he gains the skills and confidence he needs to succeed. Curious readers will learn all about shorebirds, their incredible migrations, and how we can help protect these fascinating birds.

Memorial Day Parades & Ceremonies

When: Monday, May 29, 2023

Where: Several towns and villages across Cape Cod

Admission: Free

• Centerville
  
  The village of Centerville's Memorial Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at South Congregational Church (565 Main St.).
  
  The parade proceeds along Main Street to Memorial Park  where the day's main remembrance program will be held.

• Dennis
  
  The town's Memorial Day Observance ceremony takes place at 10:00am at the Dennis Village Green, on the corner of Route 6A and Old Bass River Road.
  

• Falmouth, MA
  
  The annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Falmouth begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Falmouth's Main Street Pubic Library.
  

• Yarmouth
  
  The town of Yarmouth's Memorial Day ceremony is held from 11 a.m. to noon at Yarmouth Town Hall in South Yarmouth (1146 Route 28)
  
  

Related Pages:

Lots More to See & Do on Cape Cod

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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!