April 2016

Upcoming Cape & Islands events: April through September

Cape Cod Life  /  April 2016 / , , ,

Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications

Upcoming Cape & Islands events: April through September

April 2016

Cape Cod Life  /  April 2016 / , , ,

Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications

Check out this robust listing of unique, fascinating and fun upcoming events on Cape Cod and the Islands!

PMPM Natalie Gioioso Photo Archive_ Painters on the Wharf

Through September 1

CAPE COD MUSEUM OF ART CELEBRATES 35 YEARS!

In 2016, the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis celebrates its 35th anniversary. The museum is hosting exhibits and events during the year, including a national juried exhibition, the Annual Gala & Art Auction, and a fashion show. For more information, visit ccmoa.org.


Through November

VISIT PROVINCETOWN’S PILGRIM MONUMENT

Climb the Pilgrim Monument, America’s tallest granite tower, for an incredible view of Cape Cod. While there, check out the new exhibit at the Provincetown Museum titled “The Great Provincetown Summer—1916” to learn about the beginnings of Provincetown’s artist colony. For more information, including hours of operation, call 508-487-1310, or visit pilgrim-monument.org.


Through December

THREE CHEERS FOR “WINE AND MUSIC WEDNESDAY”

“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, 4404 Falmouth Road, Cotuit. Enjoy wine tasting and live music for just $10 ($5 for members) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org.


April 1 – May 1

SEE “LITTLE WOMEN”

The Cape Cod Theatre Company performs Little Women on selectdays, April 1 to May 1. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel, the musical follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up during the Civil War. All shows are performed at the theatre’s main stage at 105 Division Street, West Harwich. Learn more at hjtcapecod.org.


April 4

HYANNIS LIBRARY HOSTS BOSTON MARATHON TALK

The Hyannis Public Library, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, presents “The History of The Boston Marathon” with author Paul C. Clerici on Monday, April 4, at 10 a.m. This program is free and open to the public. Clerici will speak about his latest book, Boston Marathon: History by the Mile, and share other stories from along the world-famous route. In 2015, Clerici published another running-related book: A History of the Falmouth Road Race. The  The library is at 401 Main Street, Hyannis. For more information, visit hyannislibrary.org.


April 9

GARDEN EXPO IN HARWICH

Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, 351 Pleasant Lake Avenue in Harwich, hosts the 2016 Lower Cape Home & Garden Expo Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted jointly by five Cape Cod chambers of commerce, the event features vendors offering a variety of home and garden products and services. Best of all—admission is free! Learn more at harwichcc.com, or call 508-430-1165.


April 16-October 10

HERITAGE UNVEILS EXHIBIT OF MOVIE COSTUMES

Discover the glamour and artistry of cinematic couture at Heritage Museums & Gardens’ new exhibit “CUT! Costume and the Cinema.” 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 are Anjelica Huston’s Ever After gown and Kate Winslet’s dress from Finding Neverland. Heritage Museums and Gardens is located in Sandwich. Learn more at heritagemuseumsandgardens.org.


April 23

A TRIBUTE TO JAMES TAYLOR

Singing along is encouraged at Greg Johnson and Friends’ tribute to the life and music of James Taylor. The masterful singer/songwriter’s rich catalog of music provides the perfect background for a memorable evening at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in Yarmouth. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20. For reservations, call 508-394-7100, or visit cultural-center.org.


April 23, 30

FALMOUTH HOSTS “DAFFODIL DAYS”

A vista of thousands of blooming daffodils is an incredible sight to see at the six-acre Spohr Gardens

in Falmouth—especially after a long winter. Bring the family to explore the beautiful grounds and celebrate the arrival of spring. Events are scheduled on both Saturdays, April 23 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bonus: enter a raffle for a chance to win a daffodil quilt! For information, visit spohrgardens.org.


April 29-May 1

NANTUCKET’S ANNUAL DAFFODIL FESTIVAL

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 annual antique car parade at the festival features more than 100 daffodil-adorned vintage cars. For more information, visit nantucketchamber.org, or call 508-288-1700.


April 30, May 1

SONGS ABOUT THE SEA

The Cape’s allure will always  be intertwined with the sea—and that’s what the Falmouth Chorale celebrateS in its spring concert. Join these talented singers on a voyage of song honoring life near the ocean. This concert is held at the John Wesley United Methodist Church in Falmouth on Saturday, April 30, at 4 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m. For ticket information, visit falmouthchorale.org.


May 1-May 31

CAPE COD MARITIME DAYS

Celebrate the Cape’s rich maritime history during the 23rd annual Cape Cod Maritime Days. The month-long celebration, hosted at venues across the Cape, includes lectures, boat-building exhibits, lighthouse and walking tours, and kayaking excursions as well as other maritime-themed activities. Sponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Commission and Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. For more information, visit capecodmaritimedays.com, or call 508-362-3225.


May 2

A KENTUCKY DERBY GALA IN COTUIT

Don your best hat and cheer on your favorite horse at the Cotuit Center for the Arts’ third annual Kentucky Derby Gala. Not only will the celebrated race be broadcast in HD on a 26-foot movie screen, but attendees can take part in live betting, participate in a hat parade and contest, pose with horses, and sip on mint juleps. Event runs 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Find out more at artsonthecape.org, or call 508-428-0669.


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. Admission and parking are free! Proceeds benefit the Elder Brewster Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit brewster-capecod.com, or call 508-896-3500.


May 13-15

A WEEKEND OF MUSIC

The 170-voices-strong Outer Cape Chorale presents three concerts in two locations over the course of three days. On Friday and Saturday, May 13-14, at 7 p.m., the chorale performs at Provincetown Town Hall, and on Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m., Nauset Regional Middle School in Orleans hosts the concert. The concerts will be the first under the direction of new artistic director and conductor Allison Beavann. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. For more information, visit outercapechorale.org.


May 18-22

NANTUCKET WINE FESTIVAL

Taste selections from more than 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

SANDWICH HOSTS RHODODENDRON FEST

Thousands of rhododendrons and an explosion of color cover the grounds of Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich during this nine-day festival, held Saturday, May 21, to Monday, May 30. 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 plant sale. Learn more at  heritagemuseumsandgardens.com.


May 26-29

MARTHA’S VINEYARD NATURE FILM FESTIVAL

The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center hosts a four-day festival showcasing environmental and nature films with an emphasis on national and local concerns. Music, speakers and an art show complement the films. Admission costs vary. For more information, call 508-696-9369, or visit mvfilmsociety.com.


May 28-30

FIGAWI RACE WEEKEND

Marking the unofficial start of summer on Cape Cod, more than 200 boats and hundreds of sailors participate in various races from Hyannis to Nantucket during Figawi Race Weekend. Held Saturday to Monday, May 28 to 30, the annual event draws world-class sailors, supporters and fans. Learn more about the Figawi—and its May 21 charity gala—at figawi.com.


June 1-September 2

FEED A BUTTERFLY IN BEAUTIFUL BREWSTER

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster offers the rare opportunity to feed butterflies this summer. On weekdays, from June 1 through September 2, visitors of all ages can take part in this unique opportunity, which takes place at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. The cost is $5, and reservations are recommended. To learn more, call 508-896-3867, ext. 133.


June 1-7

WELLFLEET HARBORFEST & RESTAURANT WEEK

Enjoy exhibits by local artisans, boat builders, charter companies, theater and arts organizations, educational displays and more at the end of picturesque Wellfleet Town Pier. Also, many Wellfleet restaurants offer dining specials throughout the week. For more information, visit wellfleetrestaurantweek.com.


June 4, 5

DENNIS’ EVENTIDE THEATRE HOSTS PIANO CONCERT

Renowned pianist Robert Wyatt returns to the Eventide Theatre with a performance remembering Gertrude Lawrence, a Broadway actress with Cape connections. Lawrence lived in Dennis for many years and played an important role in the Cape’s rich theatrical history. Two showtimes are scheduled: Saturday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 5, at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 508-398-8588, or visit eventidearts.org.


June 9

TASTE OF THE CAPE SOIREE

The Eastham Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Taste of the Cape event Thursday, June 9, at 6 p.m. Held at Four Points Sheraton, 3800 State Highway 6 in Eastham, the evening is an epicurean delight, showcasing mouthwatering creations from 12  culinary specialists. Tickets cost $30. For more information, visit easthamchamber.com.


June 11

CRUISE OVER TO HERITAGE’S ANNUAL CAR SHOW

This family-friendly car show, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 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. 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 get rolling at 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. Rain date is Sunday, June 12. For more information, go to heritagemuseumsandgardens.com.


June 11

CENTERVILLE LIBRARY’S FUNDRAISING AUCTION

On Saturday, June 11, from 5-8 p.m., the Centerville Public Library hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year. The festivities include live and silent auctions where various items will be bid on, ranging from vacation packages and artwork, to island excursions and gift certificates. Tickets are $35 each, and all proceeds go to support the library. The festivities takes place at the library, 585 Main Street in Centerville. For more information, call 508-790-6220.


June 12

TAYLOR-BRAY FARM’S ANNUAL SHEEP FESTIVAL

The annual Sheep Festival at Taylor-Bray Farm, 108 Bray Farm Road North, Yarmouthport, features sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, an exhibition of wooly animals, wool spinning and rug hooking, wool dyeing and more. Children will enjoy seeing the animals and taking a hayride around the farm. The festival is resented by the Taylor-Bray Farm Preservation Association on Sunday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.


June 15-19

PROVINCETOWN’S ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Now in its 18th year, the Provincetown International Film Festival is a five-day affair, from Wednesday, June 15, to Sunday, June 19, featuring the latest and greatest in the world of independent film. American and international narrative features, documentaries and short films are included, with a special focus on the rich history and diverse culture of P-Town. For more information, including film times and venue locations, visit ptownfilmfest.org.


June 18

ANTIQUES SHOW IN ORLEANS

Held Saturday, June 18, the Orleans Historical Society Antiques Show brings together more than 35 antique dealers from around the Cape and beyond. In a new location this year—on the front lawn of Nauset Middle School—attendees can browse for treasures from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To learn more, call 508-240-1329, or visit orleanshistoricalsociety.org.


June 18

OPEN HOUSE AT THE NYE HOMESTEAD

The Benjamin Nye Homestead & Museum in East Sandwich, hosts a free opening day open house Saturday, June 18, from 12-4 p.m. Docents will be in costume in rooms furnished to different time periods. The 1678 house is the oldest in East Sandwich and set in a pretty area by a mill pond, marsh and stream. Learn more at nyefamily.org.


June 18

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Savor sweet treats on the grounds of St. Barnabas Church—adjacent to the Falmouth Town Green—at this popular 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 18, July 16 & August 20

SUMMER BLOCK PARTIES AT MASHPEE COMMONS

The Mashpee Commons Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Routes 28 and 151, hosts summer block parties on the following three Saturdays: June 18, July 16, and August 20. The parties run from 12-8 p.m. Now in its fourth year, the summer block parties are family friendly events for the local community and visitors. The events feature live music as well as food vendors, entertainment for children, and more. To learn more, visit mashpeecommons.com.


June 20

QUAHOG DAY IN BARSTABLE HARBOR

Join “Doug the Quahog” as he predicts how many sun-drenched beach days lie ahead for the Cape in 2016. Part of Quahog Day on Monday, June 20, “Doug” the celebrity mollusk will arrive via in Barnstable Harbor via a Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruise boat to much fanfare, before making his prophecy. Bring the family to this quirky event sponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit quahogday.com.


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, children’s 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.


June 25

SANDWICHFEST!

The annual Sandwichfest extravaganza will be held Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along Route 130 in Sandwich, from Town Hall to the former Wing School. About 100 arts and craft vendors will be set up along the road. The “Best Sandwich in Sandwich” competition, featuring offerings from a dozen or so town restaurants, will take place at the Hoxie House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.


June 25

WELLFLEET’S “TASTE OF THE TOWN”

On Saturday, June 25, Preservation Hall on Main Street in Wellfleet hosts an evening of local food, live music, good libations and a fabulous auction to support its year-round programming. More than 20 restaurants and caterers will offer their specialties in a charming garden setting. For more information, call 508-349-1800, or visit wellfleetpreservationhall.org.


June 26

CHOWDER FESTIVAL AT THE MELODY TENT

The Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis hosts the WCOD Chowder Festival Sunday, June 26, beginning at noon. The fun annual event is a must-attend for food lovers as 10 to 15 local vendors compete for the “Best Chowder” crown; in 2015 the winner was The Sailing Cow Café of Dennisport. Tickets to the festival go on sale in April. Learn more at melodytent.org.