The 2023 Yarmouth Seaside Festival will take place October 7-9th 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.
Bonfire at Smuggler’s Beach
On Saturday October 7th the event begins at 10 am with pumpkin decorating! That event and the Kids’ Arts & Crafts Show will take place until 2 pm. Kids will enjoy Bonaparte the Musician and the Seaside Clowns at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
If magic and clowns aren’t your speed, consider attending the Toe Jam Puppet Band and Cool Banana Wigs at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. The Birds of Prey show will take place at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
Don’t miss the Jaws of Life Demonstration at 12:30 or the Pie Eating Contest at 1 pm! Live music throughout the day will be provided by 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.
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 food from Dennis Public Market’s “Meat Commander” who will be serving chili, chowder, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, rings, and more! So, relax, do some dancing, and enjoy an evening on the seaside!
Yarmouth Seaside Road Race
On Sunday October 8th 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 $27 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 125 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 9th, music will be provided by Cape Jazz, Andrea, The Judge & the Sinners, Rock Harbor 3, and North Country. 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.
On Monday the 9th 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 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.
