June 20, 2015

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL IN FALMOUTH

Savor sweet treats on the grounds of St. Barnabas Church (91 Main Street, Falmouth) adjacent to Falmouth’s picturesque town green. 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. The annual strawberry festival is held Saturday, June 20. For more information, visit stbarnabasfalmouth.org.

Through May 17

NEW SHOW AT FALMOUTH THEATER GUILD

The Falmouth Theatre Guild presents “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying” on weekends from May 1 to May 17. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows start at 2 p.m. The theater is at 58 Highfield Drive in Falmouth. For information, call 508-548-0900, or visit falmouththeatreguild.org.

Through June 6

MARITIME DAYS FESTIVITIES

Celebrate Cape Cod’s rich maritime history during the 22nd annual Cape Cod Maritime Days. The month-long celebration, hosted at venues across the Cape, includes nautical art exhibits, lighthouse and walking tours, and guided kayaking excursions as well as other Cape-wide 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 capecodchamber.org, or call 508-362-3225.

Through June 21

CAHOON MUSEUM MARITIME EXHIBIT

A new  Cahoon Museum of American Art exhibition, “Commerce & The Sea: A Celebration of Antonio Jacobsen,” will focus on the maritime paintings of Antonio Jacobsen (1850-1921). The exhibit will also spotlight other artists who paint ship portraits, including James Edward Buttersworth, William Davis, Don Demers, D. Jerome Elwell, William Mueller, Xanthius Smith, and Lance Walker, who will give a gallery talk May 26 from 11:00 a.m. to noon in the museum’s temporary location in the old New Balance space, 30 Bates Road, Mashpee Commons. For information, visit cahoonmuseum.org.

Through October

UNIQUE IRON WORKS EXHIBIT

Cape Cod artist, Max Mattei, will exhibit a special project titled, “Iron Works” at the Blue Heron Gallery in Wellfleet, beginning Saturday, May 9, and running through October. The gallery is open daily. A graduate of the Art Institute of Boston, Mattei’s images focus on the Sagamore Bridge. “My intent,” says Mattei, “was to create a series of images that evoke that wonderful sense of escape we all experience when we are free from our usual routines and open to new possibilities.” The Blue Heron Gallery is at 20 Bank Street in Wellfleet. For more information, visit blueheronfineart.com.

May 13-17

NANTUCKET WINE FESTIVAL

Taste selections from 150 of the world’s finest wineries at the 19th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, held Wednesday to Sunday, May 13 to 17. Highlights include an opening reception, Harbor Gala, La Fête, and Grand Tastings. The festival also features award-winning chefs pairing their best dishes with outstanding wines. For more information, visit nantucketwinefestival.com, or call 617-527-9473.

May 15

TOAST OF HARWICH

Head to the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club Friday, May 15 to sample fine wines and indulge in hors d’oeuvres prepa#1788c3 by the town of Harwich’s top chefs. While enjoying the feast, browse the work of local artists and place a bid during the silent art auction. A VIP tasting is held at 6 p.m. (admission costs $100), with an additional tasting at 7 p.m. General admission costs $65. For more information, visit harwichcc.com, or call 508-432-1600.

May 23

BIRDHOUSE & GARDEN AUCTION

If you think your garden might be lacking a little color, mark your calendar for Wellfleet Preservation Hall’s Birdhouse and Garden Auction. The auction is held Saturday, May 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 335 Main Street in Wellfleet. Birdhouses are available at the hall to design—and will be auctioned and sold along with other garden art to support the facility’s year-round film program as well as a school vacation camp for children. The auction features live music and hors d’oeuvres, and admission is free. For more information, visit wellfleetpreservationhall.org, or call 508-349-1800.

May 23-25

FIGAWI RACE WEEKEND

Sailors from all over the world flock to Cape Cod and Nantucket to take part in the annual Figawi Race Weekend. The weekend of racing—this year held Saturday to Monday, May 23 to 25—features more than 240 boats and 1,000 or more sailors, who embark on the sail from Hyannis to Nantucket. In addition to the competition, fresh air, and fun, the annual event marks the beginning of summer for many. For more information, visit figawi.com, or call 508-437-0237.

June 4

BIRDS OF PREY EXHIBIT

The Bourne Farm Bird Sanctuary hosts a live exhibit and information session on the Cape’s striking birds of prey on Thursday, June 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The bird sanctuary is at 6 North Falmouth Highway in North Falmouth. All are welcome. For more information, call 508-548-8484.

June 6-7

MARTHA’S VINEYARD ARTISANS FESTIVAL

Check out hand-blown glass vases, fine furniture, homemade rugs, and more at Grange Hall in West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard during the annual Spring Vineyard Artisans Festival. The festival includes food, and children’s demonstrations. This event is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. For more information, log on to vineyardartisans.com.

June 6-October 25

SECRET SHELTERS

Explore artistic shelters tucked around trees, hills, and hidden spaces at Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich. This exhibit features designs by artists and architects for contemplating nature, practicing the art of meditation, writing poetry, gazing at the heavens and more. For more information, visit heritagemuseumsandgardens.org.

June 6

ANTIQUE SHOW IN ORLEANS

Find treasures from 30-plus antique dealers in this fun, outdoor event, held rain or shine, on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The items on display include furniture, collectibles, art, glass, pottery, jewelry, books, toys, Americana, vintage, nautical, knickknacks, bric-à-brac, and more. Free parking is available en route to Nauset Beach, and visitors are welcome to attend the historical museum, which is open all day, free of charge. Also enjoy a bake sale table featuring loads of homemade goodies. Admission costs $6. For more information, visit orleanshistorical.org.

June 14

SHEEP FESTIVAL IN YARMOUTH

Interested in some shear madness? Head to the Taylor-Bray Farm at 108 Bray Farm Road in Yarmouthport on Sunday, June 14 for the 14th annual Sheep Festival. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The day’s festivities include sheep herding, sheep shearing, and wool spinning, rug hooking, and weaving demonstrations. There will also be hay wagon rides with Farmer Don. No dogs on the day of the festival. A parking donation of $5 is suggested. For more information, visit taylorbrayfarm.org, or call 508-385-9407.

June 15

CAPE COD CHOWDER FEST

A Cape Cod tradition continues with the annual “Chowder Fest” at the Melody Tent in Hyannis from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 15. Savor chowder samples from many of the Cape’s best restaurants, all competing for the coveted “WCOD Chowder Bowl.” Bring the family and spend the afternoon serenaded by some of the best bands on the Cape. Advance tickets cost $12 for adults, and $5 for children under 10. For more information, visit melodytent.com.

June 21

ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY AUTO SHOW

Get a good look at more than 300 automobiles—old and new makes and models—on parade during this free family day on Main Street in Hyannis. The event features arts and crafts, food vendors, and all the sights and sounds of Cape Cod in the summertime. For more information, go to Hyannis.com.

June 25, 26

CAPE COD SHELL SHOW

DoubleTree by Hilton hosts a unique show Thursday and Friday, June 25-26, on the theme of shells. The juried exhibit, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., features various collections of fine seashell art. Artwork is for sale, and admission costs $5 per person. For more information, email seashells5@earthlink.net.

June 25 to 28

PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET 

Provincetown’s famous Portuguese heritage is showcased with a full weekend of festivities from Thursday to Monday, June 25 to 28, 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. For more information, visit provincetownportuguesefestival.com.

July 16

‘GARDEN HAPPENINGS’ IN OSTERVILLE

The Osterville Garden Club invites you to “Garden Happenings” on Thursday, July 16 featuring five beautiful Osterville gardens on a tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Also enjoy shopping at a boutique, light refreshments, and an auction at the Osterville Historical Museum. ‘Happenings’ also includes a display of fairy houses, an Art in Bloom floral design display, and garden demonstrations. Visit ostervillegardenclub.org, or call 508-775-5981.

July 16

PRINTMAKING EXHIBIT IN PROVINCETOWN

In the past century, printmaking has evolved into a vibrant, captivating art form. Beginning with a reception on the evening of Thursday, July 16, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum hosts an exhibit titled, “The Fine White Line-Faces Behind the Prints.” Organized by the museum’s curator, Bill Evaul, the exhibit features portraits of printmakers, including B.J.O. Nordfeldt and Agnes Weinrich, who helped elevate this art form—and pays homage to the centennial anniversary of the Provincetown Print. The museum is at 1 High Pole Hill Road in Provincetown. For more information, visit paam.org, or call 508-487-1750.

July 23-25

EDGARTOWN RACING WEEKEND

Now that the seas have finally calmed from the harsh, Cape Cod winter, head over to the Edgartown Yacht Club on Martha’s Vineyard for a weekend of racing. Events from Thursday to Saturday, July 23 to 25, include the “Round the Island Race,” which circles the entire Vineyard and the 56-nautical mile Round the Buoy race. Deadlines for these races are July 22 and July 24, respectively. For more information, visit edgartownyc.org, or call 508-627-4361.