by Jeff Shaw
Quick disclaimer; there are tons of annual and notable events in each Cape Cod town. This post is the second of a three-part series seeks to highlight one of many events that could very easily be swapped in for what follows.
My goal is to actually attend each of these events this year, but as the old adage goes, the more the merrier. I hope to see you there!
Barnstable County Fair, Barnstable (Hyannis)
“There is a Fair in the Air,” the tagline reads and cheerful jingle sings. The weeklong Barnstable County Fair returns from July 22-28 at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds.
“Sizzling entertainment, thrilling rides, fabulous food, animals, agriculture and the world’s largest Demolition Derby converge for seven days each July. Named the “Best Local Event of 2022” by the Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable County Fair is a summer staple not to be missed. We bring together an incomparable slate of entertainers, the best-of-the -best in fair food, an array of sizzling rides from Rockwell Amusements, and the world’s largest Demolition Derby.
We match that with county fair hallmarks like 4H demos, petting zoos, livestock, and an impressive display of vegetables, crafts and Americana. This is Cape Cod’s marquee summer event!”
Tickets are not yet on sale.
Brewster in Bloom, Brewster
The 38th Annual Brewster in Bloom returns May 3-5, 2024. The 3-day event features the town parade, Brewster Band spring concert, 5K and arts and crafts festival and excursion. The 2024 Parade theme is Enchantment Under the Sea [hopefully with a cameo from Michael J. Fox!].
There are also plant giveaways and raffles, a kids fest, chowder tasting, book signings, open houses (at the historic windmill, art galleries, Cobb House Museum, etc.) and garden design talks.
Cranberry Arts and Music Festival, Harwich
The Harwich Cranberry Festival will return on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024. The Festival seeks to entertain the public, sustain artists and musicians, provide voice to community organizations, and raise funds to support local youth. The Festival provides scholarships to Harwich students graduating from high school as well as support local activities to benefit youth and families.
A related program is weekly Thursday concerts throughout the summer. Dubbed “Cranfest in the Courtyard,” begins the week after the Fourth of July, with tickets are $25 per show or $160 for a season pass.
Provincetown Carnival, Provincetown
The town at the end of Cape Cod has so many cool and fun annual events picking one is not fair. So let’s go with an oldie, but a goodie, the weeklong Provincetown Carnival!
Created by the Provincetown Business Guild in 1978, Carnival is Ptown’s original summer celebration of community, expression, and creativity. The festival attracts tens of thousands of guests from all over the world to enjoy parties, events, costume contests and the celebrated Carnival parade down Commercial Street. The 2024 theme is Renaissance X Revolution.
It should not be missed!
Truro Treasures, Truro
The understated Truro Treasures [which is so Truro by the way] returns Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. The three-day festival includes Antique Car Show, Grape Stomp, Treasure Hunt, Harbor to Beach 5K, Rock the Block and more!
I mean, where else on the Cape can you find a Grape Stomp?!
April 25, 2024