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Cape Cod Events
September 2023

Updated: September 15, 2023

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to the approach of Hurricane Lee, many events originally scheduled for the weekend beginning September 15 have been cancelled or postponed to another date.

Be sure to check with the event sponsor for updated information!

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Arts & Crafts Fair on the Village Green

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
September 2023

Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival

When: September 2 & 3, 2023, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine)

Where: Simpkins Field, 1153 Rt. 28, South Yarmouth, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival

Come see 90+ talented artisans showcasing a world of Amercan-made fine jewelry, captivating art, photography, cozy candles, textiles, sea glass, turned wood, resin creations and much more.

You'll also find loads of specialty foods like kettle corn, oils, jams, jellies, nut butters, whoopee pies, dessert mixes, herbal dips, baked goods, balsamic, single-origin roasted coffee beans, premium cocoa powder, cannoli, and the list goes on.

There's plenty of free, on-site parking. And well-beahved, leashed dogs are welcome.

Fireworks Displays

When: September 2 & 3, 2023 at dusk

Where: Hyannis Harbor (Sept. 2nd) & West Dennis Beach (Sept. 3rd)

Admission: Free

More Info: Cape Cod Fireworks Displays

As bummed as we might be to have summer vacation season coming to a close, we're sending it off with a bang ... and lots of booms and sparkles!

*Update 9/2/23 - It looks like perfect weather for this weekend's fireworks displays. (Thank you, Mother Nature!) Get out and enjoy the show!!

Wellfleet SPAT Shellfish Farm Tours

When: September 2, 5 & 16, 2023

Where: Wellfleet Harbor, Wellfleet, MA

Admission: $25 per person, children under 12 free

More Info: Wellfleet SPAT 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 Shellfish Promotion & Tasting (SPAT) invites you to come and learn all about shellfish farming, first-hand, from the farmers who do it.

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!

West Dennis Beach Party & Fireworks

When: September 3, 2023

Where: West Dennis Beach, West Dennis, MA

More Info: Dennis Chamber of Commerce

This family friendly evening at West Dennis Beach begins at 6 p.m. with music, a beach bonfire and marshmallow roasting, followed by the big fireworks display at dusk.

The fireworks can also be seen from nearby beaches including Smugglers Beach in South Yarmouth.

Provincetown's "Celebration of Life" Concert

When: September 8, 2023 at 8 p.m.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown, 236 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Ptown Music

Since 1994, the Provincetown Unitarian Universalist Meeting House has hosted the annual CELEBRATION OF LIFE concert, an event filled with music, joy, and community spirit.

The concert features a diverse lineup of performers and kicks off with energetic drumming and the rising of colorful prayer ribbons.

This unique event, co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, embodies the caring and vibrant spirit of Provincetown's community, celebrating life and honoring those who have passed.

This is a FUN-raiser, not a fundraiser, with free admission, free performances, and free space!

Eastham's Windmill Weekend Festival

When: September 8 - 10, 2023

Where: Windmill Green and other locations in Eastham

Admission: Many events are free

More Info: Eastham Windmill Weekend

Join the festivities and show off your skills at the talent show. Ooh and aah over the shiny autos at the car show. Pick up a few Holiday gifts at the arts and crafts booths. Chow down at the cookout. Tour Nauset Lighthouse.  Enter for chances to win great raffle prizes. And be sure to save time in your schedule for the Windmill Weekend Parade on Sunday!

This is just a small sampling of the many events scheduled for the weekend. Check out the Windmill Weekend website (link above) for the full lineup!

Seaside LeMans Race

When: September 9, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Mashpee Commons, Mashpee

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!

Cape Cod Wildlife Festival

When: September 9, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Admission: Free (donations appreciated!)

More Info: Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative

The 13th Annual Cape Cod Wildlife Festival promises a fun-filled day with food trucks, live music, a life-size inflatable whale named Delilah, and live animals from Animal Ambassadors.

Meet renowned great white shark expert Dr. Greg Skomal, who will be presenting his new book, "Chasing Shadows," from noon to 1:00 p.m.

This event also highlights the endangered right whale and conservation efforts to protect them from extinction, featuring the opportunity to walk inside the inflatable right whale, Delilah.

It'll be a fantastic day of fun and learning for the whole family!

Chatham Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

When: September 9 & 10, 2023, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Chatham Community Center, 702 Main St, Chatham, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Supreme Fairs

Chatham's Fine Arts and Crafts Fair brings together a select group of the best creators, designers, crafters, and makers presenting their one-of-a-kind items. 

This is a juried show which means the artist's work has been reviewed for quality prior to acceptance to the festival.

Plenty of free parking is available. Come enjoy a day in Chatham while you support local artisans!

Beach Day in Harwich

When: September 9, 2023, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (no rain date)

Where: Red River Beach, Harwich, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Harwich Beach Day 2023

This popular annual event at Red River Beach is all about fun and games!

There'll be fish pool, ring toss, bowling, sand castles, races, tug-o-war, crafts to create, and real trucks to explore at "Touch-a-Truck".

Treat yourself to tasty offerings from the food vendor and homemade goodies at the Bake Table.

Despite having no bonfire this year (bummer!), Harwich Beach Day is sure to be a fun-filled time for all!

Cranberry Cluster Dog Shows

When: September 14 - 17, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day

Where: Cape Cod Fairgrounds, East Falmouth

Admission: Adults $5, children (under 12) $2

More Info:  Cranberry Cluster

The Cranberry Cluster All-Breed Dog Show and Obedience/Rally Trials is an AKC recognized competition featuring top dogs from both the Cape Cod Kennel Club and the South Shore Kennel Club. 

This event includes conformation judging, obedience trials, rally trials, dock diving and more.

*Note: No un-entered dogs will be allowed on premises, per AKC rules.

"Dark Sky Festival" at the National Seashore

When: September 15 & 16, 2023  *Cancelled*

Where: Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham and Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Dark Sky Festival 2023

The Dark Sky Festival is back for its second year!

Join Cape Cod National Seashore park rangers and invited experts at Salt Pond Visitor Center to learn all about our night sky. There'll also be interactive arts and crafts activities for the kids, tips for photographing the heavens, and a "Star Party" at Marconi Beach to celebrate the breathtaking dark skies of Cape Cod National Seashore!

"Truro Treasures" Weekend

When: September 15-17, 2023 *Some events cancelled*

Where: Various venues in Truro

Admission: Many events are free

More Info:  Truro Treasures

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

From start to finish, there's more to do in Truro this weekend than I can begin describe. Here's just a small sampling of the events to whet your appetite: 

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!

Celebrate Our Waters

When: September 15 - 17, 2023 *Some events cancelled*

Where: Rock Harbor and other locations in Orleans

Admission: Free

More Info: Celebrate Our Waters

Orleans Pond Coalition has a fabulous weekend planned at Rock Harbor and around the town of Orleans!

Events for this family friendly celebration include  sunset paddles, hikes, yoga on the beach, an oyster farm tour, sailing on Pleasant Bay, a beach bonfire, the "Tour de Orleans" bike ride, a cranberry bog tour, fun kids activities and science explorations, and more.

Definitely a fun, action-packed weekend not to be missed!

Cape Cod Canal Day

When: September 16, 2023, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. *Cancelled*

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 the "Cape Cod Canal Cup Cornhole Tournament". 

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

All Cape 23.5 Hour Play Festival

When: September 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Cape Playhouse, 820 Main Street (Rt. 6A), Dennis, MA

Tickets: $27.80

More Info: The Cape Playhouse

In a whirlwind artistic endeavor, teams of local Cape Cod playwrights, directors, and actors are poised to undertake the formidable challenge of creating, rehearsing and performing a series of short plays ... all within a mere 23.5 hour time span.

Adding to the challenge, the writers will be given a mystery prop and a special line that must be incorporated into their play. And the actors must perform without a script in hand.  

The clock starts ticking Friday evening for all the "behind the scene" work. Then the curtain rises on Saturday evening for all of us to enjoy the show.

Click the "More Info" link above to read all about this unique event!

Second Summer Cycle

When: September 17, 2023

Where: Multiple starting points across the Cape, ending in Provincetown

Entry Fee: Varies by rider category

More Info: Second Summer Cycle

Join the "Second Summer Cycle", a new Cape-wide charity cycling event benefitting more than 17 local non-profits on Cape Cod.

Choose from three different distances to ride: a Century (100 miles starting in Mashpee), a Metric Century Plus (60+ miles starting in Sandwich), or a 30 Mile Plus ride starting in Orleans. 

At the end of the ride, there'll be a big celebration with food, music, and beverages at Motta Field in Provincetown.

Autumn at The Manse

When: September 16, 2023, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Josiah Dennis Manse, 16 Whig Street, Dennis Village

Admission: Free (donations greatly appreciated!)

More Info: Dennis Historical Society

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 is the 18th century.

Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival

When:  September 16 & 17, 2023 *Postponed to October*

Where: Harwich Community Center Field, 100 Oak Street

Admission: Free

More Info: Harwich Cranberry Festival

This two-day event features more than 100 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 when the music stops on Saturday evening, the fireworks display begins!

Tennessee Williams Theater Festival

When: September 21-24, 2023

Where: Various venues in Provincetown

Admission: Ticket prices vary by event

More Info: Tennessee Williams Festival

Theater buffs from far and wide come to Cape Cod each year just to attend the  fabulous Tennessee Williams Theater Festival.  

Festival events are held at different venues around Provincetown and include performances of Williams' works, opportunities to meet the artists, and get togethers for Williams aficionados at coffee hours, mixers and parties.

Book Signing with Azzedine Downes, IFAW CEO

When: September 21, 2023 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: International Fund for Animal Welfare Operations Center, 290 Summer Street, Yarmouth, MA

Admission: Free (pre-registration required)

More Info: IFAW Book Signing Event

Join Azzedine T. Downes, CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, as he shares his inspiring journey from a volunteer teacher to a global leader in animal welfare.

He'll discuss his debut book, "The Couscous Chronicles: Stories of Food, Love, and Donkeys from a Life Between
Cultures", recounting his personal journey from volunteer teacher to the doorstep of becoming a global animal welfare and conservation leader.

Azzedine’s tale is a testament to his unwavering commitment to
protecting and advocating for both people and animals all across the globe.

This event is free, and light refreshments will be served. Don't miss it! 

Cape Cod Brew Fest

When: September 23, 2023, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Cape Cod Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan Ellis Highway (Rt. 151), East Falmouth, MA

Admission: $60-$70 per person (adults 21+ only)

More Info: Cape Cod Brew Fest

Beer lovers, this one's for you!

This popular annual event features craft brewers from Cape Cod to California and everywhere in between. 

Your admission ticket gets you an afternoon of live music and unlimited samples of some of the best, most creative beers you'll ever taste, along with a commemorative pint glass to take home.

* Tip - If you're going to be drinkin', don't be drivin'!!! Designated Driver tickets are available, too. They include reduced-cost admission to the festival, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and a souvenir branded pint glass.

Love Local Fest

When: September 24, 2023, 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. And Cape Cod Maritime Museum will host maritime-themed activities for families and kids from 12-4pm on their back patio.

Cape Cod Vintage Motorcycle Show

When: September 24, 2023

Where: Barnstable County Courthouse Complex, Rt. 6A, Barnstable Village, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Vintage Motorcycle Show FB page

Motorcycle aficionados, this is your chance to check out some of the coolest rides from the "olden days"!

Make your way to scenic Main Street (Rt. 6A) in Barnstable Village for this popular, family friendly event where vintage and collectible motorcycle owners show off their treasures.

Cape Cod Doxie Day

When: September 30, 2023, from 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 Wiener 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.

Oktoberfest

When: September 30, 2023, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is October 1st)

Where: Mashpee Commons Village Green, Mashpee, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Mashpee Oktoberfest 2023

Oktoberfest 2023 is a full day of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family.

The day's festivities include: performances by "The Vagabonds" (New England's premier German band); dance demos from Haley School of Irish Step Dance and New England Ballet Theatre Company; the keg toss; children’s games; face painting; and crafts. 

There'll also be a variety of “Fair Style” food, along with 30+ arts and craft vendors. And of course ... a Bier Garten!

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

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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!