Like most other locations around the country, spring is a time of renewal on Cape Cod. As we move into April and May, there’s a lot more activity around the Cape, too, as the region begins gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial kickoff to the busy season.
Spring is also when you’ll start seeing more events taking place around Cape Cod, including various festivals and outdoor activities. These events give you something to do if you visit the Cape during the shoulder season and, in some cases, are reason enough to book your vacation before summer.
Learning as much as possible about some things to do on Cape Cod in the spring is a good start. Here’s a look at some spring events you won’t want to miss.
Cape Cod Herring Runs
Herring migrate from the Atlantic Ocean to the Cape’s ponds and streams every spring to spawn. As they make this move, you can witness this integral part of the region’s ecosystem in various locations.
As its name suggests, Herring River in Wellfleet is an excellent spot to see this phenomenon, as are the Quashnet River in Mashpee, Stony Brook in Brewster, and Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands in West Harwich. These locations are well-marked and easily accessible, so you shouldn’t have much trouble getting there or tracking down the perfect spot to observe.
Cape Cod’s herring runs typically begin in late March or early April and continue until the end of May, depending on the weather. More details on the 2024 Cape Cod Herring Runs can be found here.
Brewster in Bloom Festival
Brewster in Bloom is one of the Cape’s most highly-anticipated springtime events. This year’s festival is the 38th annual edition and will run from May 3 to 5 in various spots around town, giving you multiple opportunities to check it out.
First, the Brewster Band Spring Concert is on May 3 at the Brewster Baptist Church. The show starts at 7:00 PM and will be the band’s first concert of the season before they head to Drummer Boy Park for the summer.
On May 4 and 5, there’s a fine arts and crafts show at the former Cape Cod Sea Camps location, just off Main Street. This outdoor fair will feature vendors from all over the region and is the perfect place to grab some souvenirs to take home with you.
May 4 is also the date of the Cape Cod 5 Bloom Run, a 5K event that loops throughout Brewster. If you want to participate, you’ll have to pre-register, and there’s a $40 entry fee.
The Brewster in Bloom headliner is always the Town Parade, which runs between Eddy Elementary School and Swamp Road on Sunday, May 5. This year’s theme is Enchantment Under the Sea, and it should create some engaging visuals for attendees. The parade starts at 1:00 PM, but you’ll want to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Hyannis Main Street
Main Street in Hyannis is a hot spot you’re sure to visit at least once during your time on Cape Cod. It’s full of activities, restaurants, and boutique shops and is close to the bustling Hyannis Inner Harbor, as well.
On May 19, 2024, you can head to Main Street for the first Open Streets event of the year. In short, Open Streets is a day when Main Street is blocked off to vehicle traffic so you and your family can walk the area in peace.
There will be food vendors and activities for the entire family, in addition to live music and special sales at some local retailers. The event is free, and there’s complimentary parking nearby.
If you visit the Cape later in the spring, Main Street is hosting another event on June 7 called the Summer Kickoff Sip & Shop. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic between 5:00 and 8:00 PM this evening, and you can grab a cocktail or other drink from a participating retailer while you shop. Tickets are $10 each, but you will be entitled to a free drink at every business participating in the event.
Cape Cod Pirate Festival
Although it’s a relatively new event, West Yarmouth’s Cape Cod Pirate Festival has quickly become a reason to visit the Cape in early June. The 2024 festival is the 4th annual edition and takes place over two weekends – June 1 – 2 and June 8 – 9 – giving you plenty of time to get out there to enjoy.
Much like the previous pirate festivals, this year’s event will feature music, drinks, dancing, games, a vendor market, and actors performing throughout the weekend in period costumes. It’s like stepping back in time to the days pirates sailed the waters surrounding the Cape, except you don’t have to worry about becoming their next victim.
Tickets to the Pirate Festival are $19 for adults and $15 for kids. You can also purchase an all-day play pass for $45, which gives you unlimited access to the activities and games throughout the venue.
Arts Alive 2024
Just before the end of spring, the Arts Alive festival will take place on the Falmouth Library Lawn. This event runs between June 14 and 16 and celebrates the visual, literary, and performing arts in a scenic outdoor location.
The highlight of Arts Alive is always the music, as bands will perform on the lawn throughout the weekend. You can also check out the on-site market, where artists and restaurants will be selling their creations. All events are entirely free, making Arts Alive an inexpensive way to spend a day on your Cape Cod vacation.
Book Your Rental Early
If you plan to check out the Cape in the spring, proactively booking your vacation rental is highly recommended. Not only does booking early give you more options, but you can ensure you find a spot in a community close to the events you want to attend.
There’s something for everyone on the Cape this spring, so don’t hesitate to make it your next vacation destination.
