Memorial Day Weekend is Cape Cod’s unofficial kick-off to summer, as it’s when local businesses begin revving up for the busy season ahead. Visiting the Cape on Memorial Day can be advantageous because almost everything will be open, just like in the heart of the summer.
Of course, the weather can be hit or miss in late May, and you’ll have more traffic to contend with than other spring weekends. However, Memorial Day remains an excellent time to check out Cape Cod because there’s so much going on and excitement in the air in anticipation of the months to come.
Booking a Cape Cod vacation rental puts you in the ideal location to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend. Here’s a look at some ways you can celebrate this holiday during your getaway to the Cape.
1) Check Out an Event
Memorial Day Weekend is when many businesses that closed for the winter officially reopen for the summer, and these businesses often host special events to mark the occasion.
For instance, in 2024, The Cape Cod Music Room will host a concert by Hunter Root on May 26, and Off the Grid food truck, the Pearl Restaurant & Bar, and Cape Cod Coffee will also have live music over the course of the weekend.
Mashpee Commons will hold its annual Block Party on May 25, which features live music, face painting, and sidewalk vendors. The event runs between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and offers fun for the entire family.
The Rhododendron Festival runs from May 17 to May 27 at Heritage Museum & Gardens. This event allows you to get up close to over 100 rhododendron varieties and includes guided tours and hands-on art-making activities.
The Town of Brewster is hosting its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Main Street on May 27. This event starts at noon and includes appearances by honor guards, school bands, and local veterans.
This list barely scratches the surface of the events you’ll find on the Cape over Memorial Day Weekend because many local businesses will have something going on to attract early-season customers.
2) Go For a Paddle
If the weather is relatively mild on the holiday weekend, it’s the perfect time to go for a paddle. The Cape has dozens of first-class spots to put a kayak or SUP in the water, including the Bass River, Centerville River, and Parkers River. Or, if you’d rather have a calmer trip, Hathaway’s Pond, Hamblin’s Pond, and Nickerson State Park are great options.
You don’t have to bring your kayak or SUP to the Cape, as you can rent boats through Bass River Kayaks & Paddleboards, RideAway Adventures, and Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod, to name a few. All these retailers will deliver your kayaks to the location of your choice, so you don’t have to worry about transportation either.
3) Hit the Beach
There’s no predicting the Memorial Day weather on Cape Cod, but if you happen to be around for a nice day, hitting the beach makes a lot of sense. You can visit pretty much any of the Cape’s beaches on the weekend, but many visitors find Memorial Day a great time to check out the Cape Cod National Seashore because it could be relatively quiet compared to the summer.
Other spots you might want to stop at include South Cape Beach, Mayflower Beach, or Old Silver Beach, depending on the location of your vacation rental. There will be a beach near your vacation rental, giving you access to a top spot to spend your Memorial Day vacation.
4) Dine at a Restaurant
If you visit Cape Cod in the winter or early spring, you’ll notice that many local restaurants close for the season. Everything will be open by Memorial Day, though, so you can eat almost anywhere you desire.
Popular spots that close for the winter but are back in full swing for Memorial Day include Chapin’s Bayside in Dennis, the Ocean House in Dennis Port, The Captain’s Table in Chatham, and the Black Cat Harbor Shack in Hyannis. One thing for sure is that excellent food will be available throughout your vacation, no matter where you stay.
5) Take a Whale-Watching Cruise
The whale-watching season officially begins in mid-April on the Cape, so Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to head out. Charter companies like Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises start their season in the middle of May and offer a stress-free opportunity to visit the Atlantic Ocean in search of these majestic creatures.
Book your whale-watching cruise early because if the weather’s nice, these charters tend to fill up very quickly.
Join the Crowds on Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend is a special time on the Cape as the region prepares for the busy summer ahead. It’s also a great time for visitors because the crowds, while significant, are sometimes less overwhelming than in the summer, so you can see more of Cape Cod without interruption.
Book your vacation rental well ahead of time to ensure you have a spot close to the action and the activities you want to try during your Cape Cod Memorial Day Weekend getaway.
