We’re closing in on that time of the year again, as Halloween is just around the corner. Communities all over the country organize Halloween events as the big day draws near, and Cape Cod is no different.
Most towns and villages on the Cape will have something going on for Halloween, and in many cases, the party continues throughout the latter half of October. If you’re considering a vacation rental in the fall, you should learn a bit about the various festivals and events taking place.
Here’s a look at a few of the unique Halloween events you’ll find on Cape Cod in 2021.
Pumpkin People in the Park
Kate Gould Park on Chatham’s Main Street will host its annual Pumpkin People in the Park between October 15 and 31, 2021. This event is a must-see, as it involves local businesses creating displays throughout the park using pumpkins.
These pumpkins are decorated to look like people and often depict famous scenes from Cape Cod’s past. Pumpkin People in the Park is a permanent display in the park for those two weeks, so you can stop by any time the facility is open to have a look. The event attracts thousands of visitors every year because it’s one of the Cape’s most unique photo opportunities.
The 10th Annual PumpkinFest
The Sandwich Glass Museum is also hosting a pumpkin-related event, except this one involves pumpkins made from glass. Local glassblowers will create glass pumpkins in the weeks leading up to the 10th Annual PumpkinFest, and Cape Cod locals and visitors are free to head to the museum to check them out.
This event, which takes place on October 23 between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, is free to attend, and entirely outdoors, you can safely look at some of the creative exhibits the artists have created. All the pumpkins are for sale, too, making this an excellent option if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home with you.
Sandwich Halloween Festival
Another event to consider in Sandwich takes place at the Heritage Museums & Gardens on October 22 between 4:30 and 8:00 PM. The Sandwich Halloween Festival, which acts as a fundraiser for the museum, the STEM Academy/Sandwich High School Parent Teacher Student Association, and the Sandwich High School Senior and Junior Classes, provides an evening of entertainment for the entire family.
First, there’s a dance party featuring a local DJ, which is always a favorite with the kids. You can also participate in the cake walk, play some themed games, and have a look at the festival’s Halloween decor. It’s $5 per person to attend, or $25 per family if you have a larger group. Children two and under are free.
Halloween Safe Trick or Treat
Of course, the main event your kids are interested in on Halloween is the trick or treating, and downtown Hyannis has a safe option if you’re visiting the Cape with your children. Safe Trick or Treat is an annual event on Hyannis Main Street where local merchants will pass out candy between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.
Main Street is closed to vehicle traffic during that time, leaving your children with plenty of space to wander without having to worry about cars. Locals love this option because they can keep their families away from dimly lit residential areas as they make the most of their Halloween nights.
Pumpkin Palooza
Another option on October 31 is Pumpkin Palooza at Wellfleet Preservation Hall. This idea is that you’ll carve a pumpkin ahead of time and drop it off at the hall before 3:00 PM on Halloween night. All the pumpkins become part of a display, and the entire event kicks off at 5:00 with the grand pumpkin lighting.
There’s more to Pumpkin Palooza, though, as you’re encouraged to show up in costumes and do some on-site treat or treating. The festival runs until 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to head elsewhere after it finishes, too. The Wellfleet Preservation Hall sits right on Main Street, making it a straightforward venue to find if your vacation rental is on the Outer Cape.
Make the Most of Your Cape Cod Halloween
Whether you’re spending your Halloween on Cape Cod or visiting earlier in the month, there are plenty of events to attend with the family. This list only barely scratches the surface, too, as most communities announce events in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Heading to the Cape for Halloween is sure to provide your family with an entirely different experience and will become something your children remember for a long time. Cape Cod takes its Halloween festivals seriously, and you’ll have access to all of these events when booking a vacation rental in October.
