The 2024 Yarmouth Seaside Festival will take place October 12-133th with a variety of fun events to keep the whole family entertained! Most of the weekend’s events take place at Joshua Sears Memorial Field.
Music, Magic & More
On Saturday October 12th the event begins at 10 am with pumpkin decorating! That event and the Kids’ Arts & Crafts Show will take place until 1 pm. Kids will enjoy Nature Nick’s Animal Adventure Show and the Birds of Prey Show throughout the afternoon.
The two kids’ tents have a full schedule of magicians, clowns and the Toe Jam Puppet Band and Cool Banana Wigs throughout the afternoon.
Don’t miss the Yarmouth Fire- Ready, Aim, Fire at 12pm or the Jaws of Life Demonstration at 1 pm! Live music throughout the day will be provided by Dr. Harp, The Mojo Kings, The Grab Brothers and North Country.
In addition to the scheduled events throughout the day, there will also be a world class craft fair, lots of games and rides, a kids entertainment tent, and lots of great food! The Kooks & Spooks Parade at 3pm is always a popular event.
Bonfire at Smugglers Beach
Finish off the evening on Saturday with a fun and relaxing Bonfire from 6-9 at Bass River Beach, also known as Smuggler’s Beach. It’s always a crowd favorite, and a perfect way to celebrate life on the seaside. Relax in the warmth of the fire, with stars shining above and the waves crashing nearby.
Music will be provided by DJ Patrick Treacy of South Cape Mobile Entertainment. There will also be a food truck on site serving up hot treats! So, relax, do some dancing, and enjoy an evening on the seaside!
Yarmouth Seaside Road Race
On Sunday October 13th the event kicks off at 9 am with the start of the Yarmouth Seaside Festival Road Race. Registration and bib pickup is at 8 am. The 5 K race is mostly flat and winds along the scenic Bass River, past great views of the water and stately houses.
Wondering where to park for the Yarmouth Seaside Road Race?
There is parking for runners behind Bridgewater State University. The Registration for the event will be in front of Cape Cod Collaborative. The entry fee of $30 covers registration, your bib, and an official commemorative t-shirt! After the race there will be awards and refreshments.
Crafts Abound!
On Saturday and Sunday of the event there will be a Craft Fair held from 10 am to 5 pm. The craft fair is located at Joshua Sears Memorial Field, at 1175 Route 28 in South Yarmouth. It will feature crafters from all across New England, selling all sorts of artwork and craft. Over 130 vendors will be on hand with wares ranging from jewelry and ceramics to artwork made on Cape Cod or inspired by the region. It’s a perfect spot to find a gift for someone special, start your holiday shopping, or find a treat for yourself!
Fireworks on the Beach!
On Sunday the 13th, music will be provided by Cape Jazz, the Barefoot Davis Band, Rock Harbor 3, and Summer Town. After the Road Race there will be a Junior Swat Obstacle Course put on by the Yarmouth Police from 12-2. The Kids Tents will have the same shows as Saturday, along with the Birds of Prey shows at 12:30 ,2:30 and 4pm. There will also be a K-9 Demonstrations at 2 pm.
The evening will finish out with a spectacular show of seaside fireworks. Don’t forget your beach chair and maybe a blanket for the show at Seagull Beach, beginning at 8 pm.
Family Sand Sculpture Contest
On Monday the 14th the fun continues! A Family Sand Sculpture Contest takes place at Bass River Beach (also known as Smugglers Beach). Get your shovels and sand sculpting supplies; this year’s theme is Seaside Favorites ! In the parking lot of the beach there will also be a family Chalk Festival sponsored by the Mid-Cape Cultural Council.
Also, on Monday the Canoe and Kayak Race down the Bass River. Race registration begins at 9 am. The event starts at Bass River Beach (Smugglers) and heads to Wilbur Park near Highbank Bridge in South Yarmouth. After a shotgun start from the beach, racers paddle with the outgoing tide, heading towards Bass River Beach where the event concludes. The race is followed by food, fun, and prizes at Sea Dog Brew Pub. Contestants don’t forget your Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device!
History of the Yarmouth Seaside Festival
The Yarmouth Seaside Festival began in 1978, started by South Yarmouth Resident Jan Butler. The intent was for an event that built community spirit and collective pride for the town, all while having a great time celebrating life on the seaside. The event has been made possible by hard work from volunteers, organizers, and sponsors!
How to get to the Yarmouth Seaside Festival
The bulk of the Yarmouth Seaside Festival’s events take place at the Joshua Sears Memorial Field at the intersection of Route 28 and Wood Road. The Bonfire and Sand Sculpture Contest takes place on the shore at Bass River Beach in Yarmouth. Bass River Beach is also where the Canoe and Kayak race on Monday culminates. The Canoe and Kayak Race starts at Wilbur Park, just south of Highbank Road. The fireworks can be viewed from Seagull Beach, located on the shores of Nantucket Sound, just off of Seagull Road in West Yarmouth.
Where to park for the Yarmouth Seaside Festival
There is parking available for the festival, though it is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. There is VIP parking at the site of the event, Joshua Sears Memorial Field for the cost of $5. The parking is at the Town Hall and behind Bridgewater State University.
After the Yarmouth Seaside Festival, there are many other October Events to check out on Cape Cod.
