Tag: yarmouth

“Double Plays” on Cape Cod

The Chatham Town Band and Chatham “A’s” Anglers play on the same day four (4) times in 2026, a so-called “Double Play.”

“Summer Fridays at 8:00pm means one thing; it’s band time in Chatham.” The same can be true, albeit different times and days, in Brewster, Yarmouth, Harwich, Barnstable, Falmouth [with their respective town bands]. Summer days (and nights) also mean Cape Cod Baseball League games. And wouldn’t you know it, there are many opportunities to catch a “Double Play” (band concert and baseball game on the same day in the same town) all summer long!

Here’s your guide to Double Plays this summer (while the bands play at the same time weekly; game times vary and are subject to change).

by Jeff Shaw

Fridays in Chatham. The Chatham Town Band plays at Kate Gould Park in Downtown Chatham at 8:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Chatham A’s at nearby Veteran’s Field, first pitch 7:00pm. Double play dates (4): June 19, June 26, July 10, July 24.

Sundays in Brewster. The Brewster Band plays at Drummer Boy Park off Route 6A in Brewster at 6:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Brewster Whitecaps at Stony Brook Field, first pitch 5:00pm. Double play dates (4): June 14, July 5, July 12, July 26.

Mondays in Yarmouth. The Yarmouth Summer Concert Series is located at Parker’s River Beach at 6:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the YD Red Sox at Red Wilson Field, first pitch 5:00pm. Double play date (1): July 20.

Tuesdays in Harwich. The Harwich Town Band plays at Brooks Park in Harwich Center at 7:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Harwich Mariners at Whitehouse Field, first pitch at 4:30pm, 5:30pm or 6:30pm. Double play dates (5): June 16, June 30, July 14, July 21, July 28.

Wednesdays in Barnstable. The Barnstable Town Band plays at Hyannis Village Green at 7:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Cotuit Kettlers at Lowell Park, first pitch at 4:30pm and/or Hyannis Harbor Hawks at McKeon Park, first pitch at 6:00pm, respectively. Double play dates (1-Cotuit: July 18) (3-Hyannis: July 8, July 15, July 29).

Thursdays in Falmouth. The Falmouth Town Band plays at the Lin Whitehead Band Shell at 7:00pm. Prior to the music (or even after), catch a few innings of the Falmouth Commodores at Guv Fuller Field, first pitch at 6:00pm. Double play dates (3): June 18, July 7, July 16.

July 15, 2026

Iconic Events in Every Cape Cod Town, Part 1 – Chatham, Eastham, Falmouth, Wellfeet, Yarmouth

by Jeff Shaw

Quick disclaimer; there are tons of annual and notable events in each Cape Cod town. This three-part series seeks to highlight one of many notable 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!

Fourth of July Parade, Chatham

“One of the oldest town parades in the United States,” reads the event website homepage. While most people agree the [unofficial] summer season kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July in Chatham may as well mark the [official] start. The Chatham Fourth of July Parade is an absolute gem of an annual event. 

First, the public is encouraged to submit ideas for the annual parade theme to the Parade Committee. Second, best practices to build a “winning float” are actually listed on the website, including a video with five tips! And of course, a baker’s dozen worth of awards are made annually, including most patriotic, funniest, best family entry, best youth entry, etc.

As for onlookers, be sure to place your blanket or chair along the parade route by sunrise on parade day!

A Taste of Turnip Day, Eastham

It has been a few years, but I had to see for myself what the town of Eastham and turnips have in common. And sure enough, a full gymnasium full of vendors, exhibits and games confirmed the fact that indeed, Eastham is the turnip capital of [the world?!] Cape Cod!

Last year, over thirty local restaurants and food trucks served specials featuring Eastham turnips; soups, sides, entrees and even ice cream! A local celebrity, Bob Seay of GHB News, even delivered the Blessing of the Turnips. 

Falmouth Road Race

Save the date, August 18, 2024, for the 52nd running of the Falmouth Road Race!

The race website homepage reads: The Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has become one of the premier running events of the summer season.

Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. The creation of the FRR At-Home Edition allows you to experience Falmouth from your hometown. You can walk or run 7 miles in 7 days beginning August 12th. 

The nonprofit Falmouth Road Race organization is committed to promoting health and fitness through community programs and philanthropic giving.

Wellfleet Oysterfest

Hosted by the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce, Oysterfest is a two-day, family-friendly festival that celebrates the town’s famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions and brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of hometown flavor and fun.

There is something for everyone at OysterFest: local cuisine, a fine art and craft fair, educational lectures, culinary programs, children’s activities, eco-tours, live music, a road race, and the annual Oyster Shuck-Off competition.

Yarmouth Sand Sculpure Trail

For a decade and a half, the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the annual Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail. The trail is one of Yarmouth’s biggest attractions, featuring three dozen or so family-friendly sand sculptures. The trail is usually available for viewing from Memorial Day until mid-October. But beware, some sand sculptures are not completed until mid-June.

Sand sculpture trail maps are available and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite!

March 14, 2024

Free Beach Parking Part 2

“Sun”day at Forest Beach in May. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The calendar says June which means we are on the cusp of beach parking fee season. A little-known fact about Cape Cod is that there are actually over a dozen beaches spread throughout the Upper, Mid, Lower and Outer Cape where you can find free beach parking. That’s right, no stickers, no passes, no fees, no tickets, do exist!

Sure, these beaches are not on any Top 10 lists. Most, you probably never heard of. But if you are looking for a new adventure, a reason to check out a new Cape Cod town or just want to save a few bucks, the beaches listed below do not charge fees to park/enter. 

Of course, you can always visit the beaches that do require a sticker before or after the enforcement hours, generally 9:00-4:30 p.m. or park elsewhere and walk, bike or ride-share back.

Whatever your preference, enjoy the sun and sand!

Free Beach Parking Exists on Cape Cod

Chatham

Forest Beach: Public beach, limited parking, no restrooms, no fees.

Jacknife Harbor Beach: Public beach, no fees, no restrooms.

White Pond: Public beach, no fees, limited parking

Oyster Pond: Public beach, lifeguards, restrooms, no fee, medium sized parking lot (50 spots)

Clear water at Mayo Beach, with ample eating and shopping options within walking distance. Photo credit: WeNeedAVacation.com

Falmouth

Grew’s Pond: toilet, bath house, ice cream truck, lifeguards

Wellfleet

Mayo Beach: Medium-sized parking lot (90 spots), walkable playground, restaurants and harbor

Yarmouth

Bay View Beach: No lifeguards, beach area, seasonal Porta-John, small parking lot (20 spots) calm, shallow water

Colonial Acres: Small beach, marina, no lifeguards, wooden bridge, small parking lot (15 spots), seasonal Porta-John, nearby Mill Creek is a good spot for fishing and crabbing

The crossing to Colonial Acres Beach in Yarmouth. Photo credit: CapeCod.com

Dennis Pond: Parking area, seasonal Porta-John, no lifeguards

Englewood Beach: No lifeguards, beach, marina, jetty, small parking lot (20 spots); good sunset spot

Gray’s Beach (Bass Hole Beach): Good views, amenities including pavilion with picnic tables, charcoal grills and playground; Unpaved boat launch for kayakers, boaters and anglers; Good sunset spot; Medium-sized parking lot (50 spots)

Long Pond (Wings Grove): Parking area, small playground, wooded area, basketball court, seasonal Porta-John

Sandy Pond: Small beach, no lifeguards, recreation area, softball field, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, picnic area (first come first serve), seasonal bathrooms, parking areas

Wilbur Park Beach: Picnic area, boat ramp, parking lot, seasonal Porta-john

Windmill Beach: Small beach, historic windmill, small parking area

Do you know of other Cape Cod beaches with free parking? Please let me know!