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Cape Cod Events
September 2026

Arts & Crafts Fair on the Village Green

*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.

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
September 2026

Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail

When: Daily in September, 2026

Where: All around the town of Yarmouth MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail

Follow the Sand Sculpture Trail to see the mind-blowing work of nationally renowned artist and sculptor, Sean Fitzpatrick!

This year, you'll find Sean's creative, amusing and totally family friendly sand sculptures in dozens of locations around the town of Yarmouth.

Lighthouse Tours

When: Throughout September 2026

Where: Multiple lighthouses across Cape Cod

Admission: Varies by lighthouse, many are free (donations always welcomed!)

More Info: Lighthouse Tours

Highland Light in Truro offers interior tours daily in September. Other lighthouses across the Cape hold their tours on select days each week.

Here's your chance to climb the stairs, take in the view from the lantern room, and hear the stories behind these historic coastal beacons.

Wellfleet Shellfish Farm Tours

When: September 2 & 13, 2026

Where: Wellfleet Aquaculture Farms, Wellfleet MA

Admission: $35 per person (plus $3 online registration fee)

More Info: Wellfleet Shellfish Farm Tours

Have you ever wondered how Wellfleet's world-famous shellfish are "grown" and harvested? This is your chance to find out! 

On select dates this month, Wellfleet Oyster Alliance (WOA) invites you to come and learn all about shellfish farming, first-hand, from the farmers who do it.

I've taken this tour; and I guarantee, you'll come away from this fun and fascinating, interactive event with a new appreciation for the aquaculture industry on Cape Cod and the men and women who work so hard to supply us with the most succulent oysters and clams you've ever tasted!

*Note: Tours do sell out. So reserve your spot as soon as possible!

Ice Cream Saturdays at Jericho Historical Center

When: September 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2026, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Jericho Historical Center, 90 Old Main Street, West Dennis MA

Admission: Free; donations appreciated

More Info: Ice Cream Saturdays at Jericho

Tour the 1801 Captain Baker House and Barn, then treat yourself to some homemade, hand-churned ice cream. Along the way, you can browse the house’s 19th-century furnishings and keepsakes and check out exhibits in the barn on farming, cranberry growing, and other pieces of Dennis history.

History and ice cream? Sounds like a pretty good way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Sandy Neck Hatchling Hike

When: September 9, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable MA

Admission: Free, but spots are limited so register early

More Info: Sandy Neck Hatchling Hike

Tiny diamondback terrapins are hatching at Sandy Neck, and here's your chance to look for signs of their journey.

Join Barnstable Land Trust and Sandy Neck Park staff for a 1.5-mile hike through the Great Marsh and sandy terrain in search of hatchling tracks.

Along the way, you'll learn about the terrapins' life cycle and the headstart program that's giving some of these little turtles a helping hand.

*Note: This hike is considered strenuous because you'll be walking on loose sand and uneven terrain. Sturdy hiking shoes are required.

Eastham's Windmill Weekend Festival

When: September 11 - 13, 2026

Where: Windmill Green and other locations in Eastham MA

Admission: Many events are free

More Info: Eastham Windmill Weekend

Kick off the weekend Friday evening with a chicken and fish fry and karaoke, then come back Saturday and Sunday for live music, crafts, food, a beer and wine garden, and plenty more.

Saturday’s lineup includes a vehicle show, historical bike ride, Touch-a-Truck and sand art contest at First Encounter Beach. On Sunday, there’s a 5K road race followed by the always-popular Windmill Weekend Parade.

And that’s still only part of what’s happening! Check the Windmill Weekend website (link above) for the full schedule.

Seaside LeMans Race

When: September 12, 2026 

Where: Mashpee Commons, Mashpee MA

Admission: Free for spectators

More Info: Seaside LeMans Race

"Drivers ... start your engines!"

Race fans won't want to miss this special event where teams of fearless drivers hop into European-style Formula One karts and vie for the checkered flag.

From the drop of the green flag, to pit stops, spin-outs, crashes, and the much-anticipated final lap, it's non-stop excitement for participants and spectators alike!

Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage: Film Screening

When: September 12, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Chatham Orpheum Theater, 637 Main Street, Chatham MA

Admission: Free; registration required

More Info: Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage Film Screening

Meet the Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage, a remarkable group of Cape Cod women age 65 and older who dive into ponds and lakes to remove trash that doesn't belong there.

This premiere screening of OLAUG tells their story and follows the work they're doing to help protect Cape Cod's freshwater ponds and wildlife.

After the film, some of the women featured in the documentary will take part in a panel discussion moderated by OLAUG founder Susan Bauer, who'll also be signing copies of her book, Swimming with Turtles.

A Different Drummer Craft Fairs

When: September 12 & 13, 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 feature 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!

Cape Cod Wildlife Festival

When: September 12, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, 345 Bone Hill Road, Barnstable MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Cape Cod Wildlife Festival

Celebrate Cape Cod wildlife with a lively, family-friendly festival at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet local environmental organizations, enjoy food trucks and live music, and explore hands-on activities throughout the day.

This year includes some standout experiences, like a life-sized inflatable North Atlantic Right Whale walkthrough and the Atlantic Shark Conservancy's Great White Shark program activities. There'll also be book signings, a raffle, and a live animal presentation by Wild Animal Ambassadors.

Houses of Falmouth Sea Captains: Historic Homes Tour

When: September 13, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Museums on the Green, 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth MA

Admission: Advance tickets: $50 members, $65 non-members; day-of tickets: $55 members, $70 non-members; small on-line ticketing fee additional

More Info: Falmouth Sea Captains Historic Homes Tour

Ever wonder what’s behind the doors of some of Falmouth’s historic homes? Here’s your chance to find out.

This self-guided tour takes you inside a collection of private homes with connections to Falmouth’s seafaring past and whaling history. Pick up your map at Museums on the Green, then visit the houses in whatever order you like, with museum staff on hand at each property to share their stories.

The 1790 Dr. Wicks House at Museums on the Green is included in the tour, too.

Second Summer Cycle

When: September 13, 2026

Where: Starting/ending at Smugglers Beach, South Yarmouth MA

Entry Fee: Varies by ride category

More Info: Second Summer Cycle

Join the "Second Summer Cycle", a Cape-wide charity cycling event benefiting local non-profits on Cape Cod.

Choose from four different distances to ride: Century Plus (100 miles), Metric Century (60 miles), 34 Miles or 15 Miles. 

At the end of the ride, there'll be a big celebration with food, music, and beverages at Smugglers Beach.

*Note: In addition to their entry fee, each rider is asked to raise at least $250 for their non-profit of choice. 

The Wall That Heals - Yarmouth 2026

When: September 15–20, 2026

Where: Parker’s River Landing, 669 Rt. 28, West Yarmouth MA

Admission: Free

More Info: The Wall That Heals – Yarmouth 2026

Yarmouth is the only Massachusetts stop on the 2026 tour of The Wall That Heals, the official traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Along with tours of the Wall, events include the Welcome Escort, a Blessing of the Wall, Wampanoag Medicine Man & Ceremonial Drums, wreath laying and Agent Orange Awareness ceremonies, Echo Taps, and opening and closing ceremonies.

See the official website (link above) for the daily schedule and event details.

Want to help welcome the Wall to Yarmouth? The best places to watch the September 15 Welcome Escort will be along Route 28 from North Main Street in South Yarmouth to Parker’s River Landing in West Yarmouth. The motorcade is expected to arrive at Parker’s River Landing sometime between noon and 12:15 p.m., so plan to be in place well before then.

"Birds of a Feather" Luncheon at Mills River Rescue

When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary, 240 River Road, Marstons Mills MA

Admission: $20 per person; reservations required

More Info: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary

Spend lunchtime with the rescued animals at Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary during this special "Birds of a Feather" gathering.

The luncheon includes sandwiches, salads, desserts and a beverage, along with bird-themed games and a parade of the rescue's ponies and donkeys.

Best of all, the proceeds from this event help pay for the food, housing and veterinary care of the rescued animals at this entirely volunteer-run sanctuary. So you can have a fun afternoon and help a pretty wonderful cause at the same time.

A Grave Situation: Walking Tour of Brewster Cemetery

When: September 17, 2026, 4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. SOLD OUT

Where: Brewster Cemetery, 465 Lower Road, Brewster MA

Admission: $18 adults; $15 Brewster Historical Society members; $10 children ages 8-12. Advance reservations required.

More Info: A Grave Situation Walking Tour

Who knew a walk through a cemetery could be so entertaining?

This narrated tour introduces some of the famous, infamous, forgotten, and downright interesting people buried in Brewster Cemetery. And don't be surprised if a few "spirited" guests make an appearance along the way.

*Note: The tour covers uneven ground and is weather dependent, so wear comfortable shoes and check the Historical Society's website before heading out.

Celebrate Our Waters

When: September 18–20, 2026

Where: Various locations around Orleans MA

Admission: Free; some activities require advance registration

More Info: Celebrate Our Waters

Celebrate Orleans' ponds, bays and beaches with a weekend full of outdoor activities, art, music and more.

Choose from sailing on Pleasant Bay, birdwatching at Nauset Marsh, yoga on the beach, a hike to Pochet Island, kayaking to Sipson Island, a sunset SUP paddle and plenty of other activities. This year's celebration also includes photography, poetry, gallery events and live performances.

One of the weekend's highlights is the annual Saturday evening concert and bonfire at Nauset Beach.

"Truro Treasures" Weekend

When: September 18 - 20, 2026

Where: Various venues in Truro MA

Admission: Many events are free

More Info:  Truro Treasures

The normally tranquil town of Truro turns lively as residents and visitors celebrate Truro Treasures.

This year’s lineup of events includes the Pamet Harbor 5K, Artists Fair & Flea Market, Rock the Block, Antique Car Show, Grape Stomp, Treasure Hunt, and Community Breakfast.

Come to Truro for the weekend, or pop by for a day's outing. It's a great way to welcome autumn to Cape Cod!

Cape Cod Canal Day

When: September 19, 2026

Where: Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street, Buzzards Bay MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Cape Cod Canal Day

This community-wide, family friendly event takes place in beautiful Buzzards Bay Park alongside the Cape Cod Canal.

The day features arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, kids activities, a 5K road race (registration required), food vendors, and a Dog Costume Parade. 

Canal Day is a fun-for-all event for visitors and locals alike!

Cape Verdean Festival

When: September 19, 2026, noon to 7 p.m.

Where: Cape Verdean Club of Falmouth, 126 Sandwich Road, East Falmouth MA

Admission: Free; food available for purchase

More Info: Cape Verdean Festival

Celebrate Cabo Verde culture at the 12th annual Cape Verdean Festival in Falmouth.

The day features live music by Amilton & Friends, a hip hop medley by DJ Lady, and plenty of Cape Verdean food.

Bring your appetite and come enjoy an afternoon of music, food and Cape Verdean culture.

Sandwich Village PorchFest

When: September 19, 2026, 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Sandwich Village, Sandwich MA

Admission: Free; donations appreciated

More Info: Sandwich Village PorchFest

Historic Sandwich Village turns into one big outdoor music venue for the 10th annual PorchFest.

Stroll from porch to porch along Main, Jarves and Summer streets and Route 6A to hear local musicians playing everything from folk, rock and Americana to jazz, classical and traditional Irish music.

It’s a fun way to spend a September afternoon, wandering through the village and hearing something different at every stop.

Bird Banding Demonstration on Wing Island

When: September 19, 2026, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Where: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Main Street, Brewster MA

Admission: $20 members; $25 non-members; plus small on-line booking fee.

More Info: Bird Banding Demonstration

Ever wonder what happens after a wild bird flies into a bird-banding net?

Join Master Bird Bander, Sue Finnegan, on Wing Island for an up-close look at how migrating birds are safely captured, examined, measured and banded before being released. You’ll also learn how more than 25 years of bird-banding data is helping researchers track changes in Cape Cod’s bird populations and environment.

Definitely not your average morning of birdwatching!

Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival

When:  September 19 & 20, 2026

Where: Harwich Community Center Field, 100 Oak Street, Harwich MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Harwich Cranberry Festival

This two-day event features at least 150 talented artists and crafters displaying their wares for sale. (A little early Holiday shopping, anyone?)

When you hear the music, it's time for some toe-tapping live entertainment at CranJam Music Festival, also held behind the Community Center.

And don't miss the Saturday-night drone show! 

Revolutionary War Experience

When: September 20, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Windmill Village, 51 Drummer Boy Road, Brewster MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Revolutionary War Experience

Step back to Revolutionary War times with the Brewster Colonial Artillery Company. Watch members in period dress drill with "Alice," their muzzle-loading cannon, and demonstrate the "Brown Bess" musket.

You'll also have the chance to learn how to write with a quill pen, play trap ball (a sort of colonial baseball with a twist!), and chat with militia members about colonial life, the Cape's role in the Revolution, and the United States' evolution as a nation.

Weather permitting, there'll be tents, flys, a bell of arms, and possibly cooking demonstrations.

Provincetown Book Festival

When: September 25–27, 2026

Where: Provincetown Public Library, 356 Commercial Street, Provincetown MA

Admission: Free; advance reservations strongly suggested

More Info: Provincetown Book Festival

Book lovers, this one's for you! The 10th annual Provincetown Book Festival brings acclaimed authors and guest speakers to town for three days of readings, interviews, conversations and other literary events.

This year's lineup includes Ibram X. Kendi, ’Pemi Aguda, Hannah Lillith Assadi and Michael Lowenthal, along with the annual Rose Dorothea Award presentation.

All festival events take place at the Provincetown Public Library.

Autumn at The Manse

When: September 26, 2026, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Josiah Dennis Manse, 61 Whig Street, Dennis Village

Admission: Free (donations greatly appreciated!)

More Info: Autumn at the Manse

Step back in time to the early 1700s as period-costumed docents show you around the home of the Reverend Josiah Dennis - the man for whom the town of Dennis was named.

This special annual event is a wonderful opportunity to see a treasure trove of historic artifacts and learn about life in Dennis in the 18th century.

Cape Cod Doxie Day

When: September 26, 2026, noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Behind the Barnstable County Courthouse, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable Village MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Cape Cod Doxie Day

A Cape Cod tradition continues this fall, celebrating everything dachshund in historic Barnstable Village.

Join the Weenieton Waddle and Waggin’ Parade, and cheer on your favorite doxie in the Doxie Dash.

Think you have the longest dachshund or teeniest weenie? [Dee's Disclaimer: Those aren't my words. The sponsor wrote it that way! LOL!] Enter contests to win prizes and bragging rights.

Cape Cod Pottery Trail

When: September 26 & 27, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 16 studio locations across several Cape Cod towns

Admission: Free

More Info: Cape Cod Pottery Trail

Go behind the scenes at 16 pottery studios during this self-guided tour.

Many of the studios are private working spaces that aren't normally open to the public. So this is a rare chance to meet the artists, see where they work, watch pottery being made, and shop directly from the makers.

*Note: The weekend kicks off Friday evening with a preview party at Brick Kiln Farm in Falmouth. Advance ticket purchase ($10) is recommended.

Love Local Fest

When: September 27, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Aselton Park on Hyannis Harbor

Admission: Free

More Info: LoveLiveLocal

The autumn Love Local Fest brings the Cape Cod community together for free, family-friendly fun while also supporting local business.

This popular event features local artists, brands, makers and the small businesses that sell them, along with food trucks, a craft beverage garden and kids activities - all overlooking the beautiful Hyannis Harbor. There'll be live music, too.

*See: My Activities & Attractions guide for lots more fun on Cape Cod in September!

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