As the fall weather rolls in, Cape Cod certainly doesn’t slow down. There is a ton of fall fun to be had on the Cape; from music festivals to marathons, there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy. Check out the list of exciting October events on Cape Cod, all ending with a busy Halloween weekend.
SandwichFest – October 5th, 10am – 4pm
It’s not a celebration of sandwiches, although there will be sandwiches available, but rather the Head over to Route 130 in Sandwich for food, beer, wine, craft vendors, and tons of activities.
Adding to the magic this year, PorchFest will transform downtown Sandwich into a live music extravaganza!
Another highlight of the day is the dog and costume parade that takes place at 2:30.
Vinegrass Music Festival – October 6th, 11am to 6pm
The 10th annual Vinegrass Music Festival at Truro Vineyards will feature the talents of Yarn, Dirty Grass Players,the Wolff Sisters and Monica Rizzio. You’ll be able to munch on some snacks and, of course, sample a selection of wine while enjoying the music.
Cape Cod Marathon Weekend – October 12th & 13th
Calling all runners to one of the most scenic marathons in the World! Running from Falmouth along the shoreline through cranberry bogs and farmlands, this isn’t one that you want to miss.
Registration closes on October 4th, so make sure to get registered ahead of time. There is a kid’s run and a team relay option if you aren’t ready to do a full marathon. If running isn’t your thing, head out to the course to cheer on the runners!
Yarmouth Seaside Festival – October 12th – 13th
The Yarmouth Seaside Festival is the place to be this Columbus Day Weekend. Featured events include:
- A craft fair with music and food
- 5k road race
- Canoe & kayak race
- Sand sculpture contest
- Kid’s Activities
The festival concludes with a huge fireworks display viewable from Seagull Beach.
Cape Cod Cranberry Day – October 12th 10 am-2 pm
This October event celebrates one of the Cape’s most valuable resources at the Green Briar Nature Center. Events include a cranberry bake sale, jam making demonstration and cranberries for sale. The Green Meadow Forest & Live Menagerie will be open as well as the Wildflower Garden.
Taylor Bray Farm Fall Pumpkin Festival – October 12th
Visit Taylor Bray Farm for a day full of pumpkins, hayrides, old time games, face painting, refreshments, and visits from friendly farm animals. While this October event is free to the public, a suggested donation of $5 for parking goes towards maintaining the farm and feeding the animals.
Pumpkin Fest – October 12th & 13th, 10am to 2pm
Another great October event challenges local glass blowers to create inventive original pumpkins each year, on display and available for purchase outside on the lawn of the Sandwich Glass Museum. If you wish to pay the admission to the museum, you can watch the glassblower demonstration of how these pumpkins are created.
Outermost Contra Dance – October 18th, 7pm
A fun evening at the Wellfleet Preservation Hall with live music by Rose Clancy and Max Cohen. No contra dance experience is necessary, in fact you can come early at 6:30pm for a lesson in Basic Contra Dance. If you love it, you can come back and join in every month!
Wellfleet Oysterfest – October 19th & 20th, 10am to 5pm
The well loved annual Wellfleet Oysterfest at Baker’s Field is on rain or shine! The two-day October event will feature live music, food, a spelling bee, and of course, the Oyster-Shuck Off. The ticket costs $33 but is Free for kids both days and Wellfleet Residents on Sunday. Parking will be available at Lecount Hollow Beach, White Crest Beach, and Newcomb Hollow Beach, with shuttles running frequently.
OktoberFest at the Cape Cod Museum of Art – October 19th, 3pm -5:30pm
Bavarian music, games, raffles, museum tours and of course beer and food tasting! Tour ticket includes a pint-sized commemorative beer glass and 6 beer tasting + 6 food tasting tickets, as well as bratwurst bites, ice cream and complimentary wine. Everyone gets to vote on their favorite Beer and Food and trophies will be handed out at the end of the evening.
Halloween Extravaganza – October 19th, 1pm to 5pm
Take this unique opportunity to trick or treat the costumed farm animals of Meeting House Farm and Sanctuary in East Sandwich. There will be candy for everyone, and the farm will be decorated for fall. There will be animals available for petting and grooming throughout the day. Pony rides will be available. Don’t be afraid to wear a costume as the horses will already be wearing theirs.
Chatham Oktoberfest – October 19th 10:30am- 4:30pm
The annual Oktoberfest in Chatham is held annually at the Kate Gould Park, which comes alive with the festive Pumpkin People every October. Enjoy kids games, live music, vendors, a beer garden and more. Some events will spill over into the Town Hall Parking Lot at 549 Main Street.
Hyannis Open Streets – October 20th, 12pm to 4pm
Have you ever wanted to run around the streets of Hyannis without worrying about cars? Now is your chance! The Hyannis Main Street will be blocked off from traffic to allow kids in age and kids at heart to run wild in an effort to encourage exercise and healthy habits. There will be live music and activities throughout the day, ranging from dance lessons to Touch a Truck, sponsored by the Hyannis Fire Department. Rain date is October 27th.
Bass River Multi-Cultural Food Fest – October 19th, 12pm – 4pm
This 3rd annual October event showcases a variety of multicultural foods from local restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and chefs from all over the Cape. There will be various performers and musicians to add to the festivities. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. This festival will benefit both the Family Table Collaborative and the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.
Wampanoag Cultural Celebration – October 23rd, 11 am to 4 pm
Head over to Highfield Hall for the 4th annual Wampanoag Cultural Celebration, a free event fun for the whole family. The festivities will include the Wampanoag Singers & Dancers, native food trucks and vendors, as well as interactive activities, all aimed at celebrating the original inhabitants of the area.
More October Events
If you plan on spending Halloween on Cape Cod, there is a ton to do. From trick-or-treating to masquerade balls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Halloween on the Cape.