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.
Cape Cod Marathon Weekend – October 7th & 8th
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 September 29th, 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!
SandwichFest – October 7th, 10am – 4pm
It’s not a celebration of sandwiches, although there will be sandwiches available, but rather the 
Sandwich’s annual festival. Head over to Route 130 in Sandwich for food, beer, wine, craft vendors, and tons of activities.
One of the highlights of the day is the dog and costume parade that takes place at 2:30. If you’d like to participate, make sure to get there by 2:00.
Wampanoag Cultural Celebration – October 1st, 11 am to 4 pm
Head over to Highfield Hall for the 3rd 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.
Vinegrass Music Festival – October 1st, 11am to 6pm
The 9th annual Vinegrass Music Festival at Truro Vineyards will feature the talents of High Hawks, Twisted Pine, the Last Revel and Monica Rizzio. You’ll be able to munch on some snacks and, of course, sample a selection of wine while enjoying the music.
Yarmouth Seaside Festival – October 7th – 9th
The Yarmouth Seaside Festival is the place to be this Columbus Day Weekend. Featured events include:
- A craft fair
- 5k road race
- Canoe & kayak race
- Family chalk fest
- Sand sculpture contest
- Kid’s Activities
The festival concludes with a huge fireworks display viewable from Seagull Beach.
Taylor Bray Farm Fall Festival – October 7th
Visit Taylor Bray Farm for a day full of hayrides, games, refreshments, and visits from friendly farm animals. While this event is free to the public, a suggested donation of $5 goes towards maintaining the farm and feeding the animals.
Wellfleet Oysterfest – October 14th & 15th, 10am to 5pm
The annual Wellfleet Oysterfest at Baker’s Field is on! The two-day event will feature live music, food, a spelling bee, and of course, the Oyster-Shuck Off. The ticket costs $23 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 14th, 3pm -7pm
Bavarian music, games, raffles, museum tours and of course beer and food tasting! Tour ticket includes a pint-sized commemorative beer glass. Everyone gets to vote on their favorite Beer and Food and trophies will be handed out at the end of the evening.
Trick or Treat with the Animals – October 14th, 2pm to 5pm
Take this unique opportunity to trick or treat the farm animals of Meeting House Farm. 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. Don’t be afraid to wear a costume as the horses will already be wearing theirs.
Cape Cod Cranberry Day – October 14th 10 am-2 pm
Come celebrate 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. Advance registration is required for the Bog Tours at 11am and 1pm.
Hyannis Open Streets – October 15th, 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.
Outermost Contra Dance – October 20th, 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.
PumpkinFest – October 21st, 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 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.
Bass River Multi-Cultural Food Fest – October 21st, 12pm – 4pm
This 2nd annual 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.
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.
