Cape & Islands Field Trips

January through December

WINE AND MUSIC WEDNESDAYS

‘Wine and Music Wednesday’ is an open house held on the third Wednesday of every month in the gallery of the Cotuit Center for the Arts. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., enjoy wine tasting and live music for just $10 ($5 for members). For more information, visit artsonthecape.org.

Saturdays, January 9 through April 30

JAM-MAKING WORKSHOPS

On Saturdays mornings in the historic 1903 Jam Kitchen, operated by the Thornton Burgess Society in East Sandwich, learn how to make all kinds of jam delights, including apple pie jam, cherry apricot jam, strawberry rhubarb jam, and more. Saturday morning classes are for adults from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Children’s classes and other workshops are available on other days.) Each class is $45 ($35 for members), and participants bring home four to six (6 ounce) jars of their own preserves. Pre-registration is required. Call 508 888-6870, or go to thorntonburgess.org.

January 23

ELDRED’S AUCTIONEERS “CABIN FEVER” SALE

This sale of treasures and collectibles is held at Eldred’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, on 1483 Route 6A in East Dennis. The sale features fine antiques, artwork, furnishings, and accessories. For information, visit eldreds.com, or call 508 385-3116.

January 23 through April 3

THROUGH YOUNG EYES

In collaboration with the Cape & Islands Art Educators Association, the Cape Cod Museum of Art exhibits diverse works of art by young artists curated by Cape-wide art teachers in this popular annual show. Visitors delight in the great variety of media created by students ages kindergarten through grade 12, including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, pottery, fiber work, jewelry, fashion design, and more. For information, visit ccmoa.org.

January 28-31

FLORA IN WINTER

The Worcester Art Museum blooms during the annual four-day Flora in Winter celebration. Skilled floral arrangers from around New England interpret works inspired by the museum’s galleries. The celebration launches with a Flora Opening Party on Thursday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m. Workshops, lectures, scavenger hunts, docent-led tours, and more are available throughout the weekend. For more information, visit worcesterart.org, or call 508 793-4502.

February 5-7

BOATBUILDERS SHOW IN HYANNIS

Looking for a way to escape the winter doldrums? Stop by the 10th Annual Boatbuilders’ Show at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis. Custom-built sailboats and powerboats are on display, and more than 50 exhibitors are on hand. Admission is $5 and free for children under 12. For more information, visit boatcapecod.org.

February 28 through September 1

CAPE COD MUSEUM OF ART 35TH ANNIVERSARY

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis. To celebrate, the museum is hosting exhibits and events throughout the six months, including a national juried exhibition, the Annual Gala & Art Auction, and a fashion show. The festivities kick off on February 28 with a Red Carpet Gala. For more information, visit ccmoa.org.

Photography by Samo Trebizan

March 19-20

HYANNIS ROTARY HOME & GARDEN SHOW

The 58th Annual Home & Garden Show at Barnstable High School benefits the Good Works Fund of the Hyannis Rotary Club and gives homeowners a head start on sprucing up for spring with exhibitions from 160 vendors. The event is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. For information, go to hyannisrotary.org.

April 16-October 10

CUT! COSTUME AND THE CINEMA

Discover the glamour and artistry of cinematic couture at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. Five centuries of fashion as interpreted by award-winning costume designers and worn by our favorite stars will be on display, along with props, movie clips, photos, and memorabilia. Among the 43 costumes featured in the exhibit are Anjelica Huston’s Ever After gown and Kate Winslet’s dress in Finding Neverland. For more information, visit heritagemuseumsandgardens.org.

April 29-May 1

DAFFODIL FESTIVAL WEEKEND

As the winter chill leaves Nantucket, millions of yellow, orange, white, and pink daffodils spring from the island earth. The flowers’ return is celebrated at the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce’s annual Daffodil Festival with garden shows, picnics, pageants, and parades. The event’s Antique Car Parade features more than 100 daffodil-adorned vintage cars. For more information, visit nantucketchamber.org, or call 508 288-1700.

May 1-31

CAPE COD MARITIME DAYS

Celebrate Cape Cod’s rich maritime history during the annual Cape Cod Maritime Days. The month-long celebration, hosted at venues throughout the Cape, will feature a variety of Cape-wide maritime-themed activities, including guided kayak excursions, lighthouse and walking tours, nautical art exhibits, the 19th Annual Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, and more. Sponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Commission, and the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. This event has been designated one of the top 100 in North America by the American Bus Association. For more information, visit capecodchamber.org, or call 508 362-3225.

May 6-8

BREWSTER IN BLOOM

Celebrate the 30th Annual Brewster in Bloom event with town-wide festivities spread over three days, from Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8. Festivities include a 5K run, an antique and collectibles fair, a parade, and a juried fine arts and crafts show. Free admission and parking. Proceeds benefit the Elder Brewster Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit brewster-capecod.com, or call 508 896-3500.

Photography by MNStudio

May 18-22

NANTUCKET WINE FESTIVAL

Taste selections from over 150 of the world’s finest wineries at the 20th Annual Nantucket Wine Festival, held Wednesday through Sunday, May 18 to 22. Highlights include an opening reception, Harbor Gala, La Fête, and Grand Tastings, with special events and seminars taking place throughout the five-day festival. For more information, visit nantucketwinefestival.com, or call 617 527-9473.

May 21-30

HERITAGE RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL

Thousands of world-famous rhododendrons and an explosion of color cover the gardens of Heritage Museums & Gardens during this nine-day event. Enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by walls of flowers, learn more about Heritage’s storied rhododendron legacy, participate in programs with horticulture experts, and purchase your own rhododendron at the special plant sale. For more information, visit heritagemuseumsandgardens.com.

June 1-7

WELLFLEET HARBORFEST & RESTAURANT WEEK

At the end of picturesque Wellfleet Town Pier, enjoy exhibits by local artisans, boat builders, charter companies, theater and arts organizations, educational displays, and more. Try the many dining specials offered throughout the week at Wellfleet’s restaurants. For information go to wellfleetrestaurantweek.com.

June 4 – October 10

NATURAL THREADS AT HERITAGE

Glacial kettle holes, copses of trees, and lawn and lake vistas are some of the diverse terrains featured at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. In the “Natural Threads” exhibit, artists will create installations that use textiles, fibers, and fabrics that blend with and highlight features of Heritage’s unique terrains. For more information, go to heritagemuseumsandgardens.com.

June 15-19

ANNUAL PROVINCETOWN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Provincetown International Film Festival presents a selection of American and international narrative features, documentaries, and short films. For information on this year’s festival, go to ptownfilmfest.org.

June 18

FALMOUTH STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Savor sweet treats on the grounds of St. Barnabas Church, adjacent to the Falmouth Town Green, at this annual strawberry festival. Enjoy strawberry treats, iconic Cape food like lobster rolls and barbecued chicken, and more as well as exhibits by arts and crafts vendors, a plant sale, and activities for the whole family. For more information, go to stbarnabasfalmouth.org.

June 11

HERITAGE ANNUAL AUTO SHOW

This family-friendly car show, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, highlights antique and classic automobiles as well as hot rods and custom cars in excellent original or restored condition. See Heritage’s “Drive to Collect” exhibit, featuring a stunning antique car collection and Collector’s Corner with classic cars on loan. All auto body styles are invited and displayed on the Parade Field, where cars compete for awards. Vote for your favorite car and watch the parade of cars at 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. Rain date is Sunday, June 12. For more information, go to heritagemuseumsandgardens.com.

Photography by Vorobyeva

June 22-27

NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL

Indulge your love of cinema at the 21st Annual Nantucket Film Festival, a premiere destination event. Held Wednesday to Monday, June 22 to 27, the festival features five days of screenings, programs, and other events designed to captivate film buffs. For a schedule and more information, visit nantucketfilmfestival.org, or call 646 480-1900.

June 23-26

PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL & BLESSING OF THE FLEET

Provincetown’s famous Portuguese heritage is showcased with a full weekend of festivities including a fishing derby, a capture-the-flag race, a festival parade, concerts, kids’ activities, and a full array of delicious Portuguese foods. On Sunday, a Fisherman’s Mass begins a procession to MacMillan Pier and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet.

July 4

4TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES IN BARNSTABLE

Throughout the Town of Barnstable on July 4, there will be a number of family-friendly events to celebrate Independence Day. Parades include: the Barnstable/West Barnstable Parade and Hyannisport Beach Club 2K run/parade at 9 a.m.; Centerville parade at 10 a.m.; Cotuit and Hyannisport parades at 11 a.m.; Hyannis Inner Harbor Boat Parade at 1:15; and the Hyannis parade at 4 p.m. From 5 to 7 p.m., the Town Band will entertain on the Hyannis Village Green, and local musicians will take the stage at Aselton Park from 7 p.m. till dusk. A firework show will also be held over Lewis Bay. For more information, go to townofbarnstable.us.

July 8-17

CAPE COD HYDRANGEA FESTIVAL

Celebrate the region’s blue, pink, and white signature flowers during the 2nd Annual Cape Cod  Hydrangea Festival, a Cape-wide event taking place Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 17. Enjoy tours of private gardens never before opened to the public, with each garden’s proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit organization. Workshops, lectures, paint-a-longs, and art exhibits will also be held throughout the 10-day event. For more information, visit capecodchamber.org.

July 15-16

2ND ANNUAL CAPE COD SHELL SHOW

The creation of Sandy Moran, the award-winning Sailor’s Valentine artist and longtime artistic chairperson of the prestigious Sanibel Shell Show on Sanibel Island in Florida, the Cape Cod Shell Show features outstanding and creative sea shell art by talented artists from the Cape and around the country—even abroad. Visitors can purchase exhibits for sale and quality sea shell-related items from vendors, including Sue Hobbs and Phil Dietz’s high-quality shells. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hyannis. Admission is $10. See who takes away the show’s tops awards! For more information, visit capecodshellshow.com.

August 11 & 15

PROVINCETOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL

Add a little jazz to your summer at the 12th Annual Provincetown Jazz Festival, held at both Provincetown’s Crown & Anchor (Thursday, August 11) and the Cotuit Center for the Arts (Monday, August 15). Making their PJF debut this year are Billy Stritch, Scott Avidon, Evan Christopher, and Nicki Parrott. For tickets and more information, visit provincetownjazzfestival.org.

August 14

31ST ANNUAL CITIZENS BANK POPS BY THE SEA CONCERT

Featuring the only Cape Cod appearance by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Keith Lockhart, the annual Pops by the Sea Concert—taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Hyannis Village Green is a can’t-miss Cape Cod event. Sponsored by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. For more information, go to artsfoundation.org.

August 17

ILLUMINATION NIGHT

On Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m., traditional Chinese paper lanterns are hung outside of the famous gingerbread cottages that line the Oak Bluffs Campground. Lanterns are lit at sun down and burn through the night. Originally marking the close of the summer season for Campground, Grand Illumination Night has become one of the most popular summer spectacles on the island. This is a free event at the Tabernacle in the Camp meeting ground. A Community Sing and band concert are also held in the Tabernacle. Donations accepted. For more information, go to mvcma.org.

Photography by Tom Wang

September 23-25

CAPE COD SCALLOP FEST 2016

Named one of the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events” in recent years, the 47th annual festival at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds on Route 151 in East Falmouth features famous scallop and herb-roasted chicken dinners, a food court, a juried arts and craft show, live entertainment, and an array of rides and games. For more information, go to scallopfest.org.

December

HOLLY DAYS

The entire village of Sandwich comes alive with holly day cheer, starting with a tour of private homes and inns in the historic community where historic architectural features, unique furnishings, and festive décor delight in beautiful Cape homes decorated for the holidays. This annual month-long event is a favorite holiday tradition for Cape Codders and visitors. For information visit sandwichhollydays.com.

December 31

FIRST NIGHT – CHATHAM

Count down to 2017, family-friendly style, at First Night in Chatham. The town says goodbye to another year with music, food, and special events throughout the evening. Bring your noisemakers, and don’t miss the fireworks display over Oyster Pond beginning at midnight. For more information, visit firstnightchatham.com.

December 31

FIRST NIGHT – SANDWICH

Ring in 2017 at First Night Sandwich. On New Year’s Eve, the community comes together for a night filled with family-friendly activities and a Mardi Gras-style procession down Main Street. Local artists exhibit their work throughout the village area, and outdoor venues host an array of festive activities.  For more information, visit firstnightsandwich.com.