FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!
Updated: January 2, 2024
August is prime time for Cape Cod's most popular special events!
Summer brings us celebrations at the beach, film and music festivals, world-famous Carnival Week in Provincetown, and the ever-popular "Hookers Ball" under a big white tent.
And that's just the beginning of all the fantastic things to do on Cape Cod in August!
January | February | March | April | May | June | July
August | September | October | November | December
As you'll notice, dates for many August 2024 events shown below are still "TBA" (to be announced). Also, some new events are currently in the planning stages, so I haven't listed them yet.
Please bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates!
When: Daily in August, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. (tentative)
Where: The Orpheum Theater, 637 Main Street, Chatham, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Chatham Orpheum Theater
Chatham's Orpheum Theater shows free, family friendly movies every morning:
Doors to the theater open at 9 a.m. The show starts at 9:30 a.m.
Tickets are free, available at the box office the morning of the show. Seating is first come, first served.
When: Daily in August 2023
Where: Throughout the town of Yarmouth, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail
Follow the Sand Sculpture Trail to see the mind-blowing works of nationally renowned artist and sculptor, Sean Fitzpatrick!
This year, you'll find Sean's creative, amusing and totally family friendly sand sculptures in 32 different locations around the town of Yarmouth.
When: Daily in August, 2024 (weather permitting)
Where: Mullen-Hall Elementary School, 130 Katharine Bates Road, Falmouth
Admission: One ticket per ride, prices vary
More Info: Carousel of Light on Facebook
This hand-carved, twirling work of art features 20 wooden horses and 2 wheelchair accessible chariots (including one called "Bubbles" that actually blows bubbles!), all decked out in a nautical flair.
Come out for a ride on one of the most popular attractions in Falmouth - the Carousel of Light.
When: Through August 3, 2024
Where: Venues in Woods Hole, Falmouth & Cotuit
More Info: Woods Hole Film Festival
Dedicated
to showcasing and promoting the work of talented independent, emerging
filmmakers, the highly regarded Woods Hole Film Festival draws
filmmakers and patrons from around the world.
The Festival
showcases a wide variety of screenings and events during its eight-day run. Truly, something for everyone!
When: 2024 dates and details - TBA
Where: John Simpkins Field, 1153 Rt. 28, South Yarmouth, MA
Admission: Free
Come see what the Yarmouth Police are all about. Interact with officers, check out policing equipment, and have fun!
There will be free face painting, pizza, and ice cream (while supplies last). There'll also be a K9 and SWAT demo and an obstacle course for children.
When: July 31 - August 2, 2024
Where: Cape Cod Technical High School, 351 Pleasant Lake Ave., Harwich, MA
Admission: $12/adult; children under 12 - Free
More Info: Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod
Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod's 41st annual
show features 250+ beautiful quilts including special displays of "Welcome Aboard"
themed quilts.
In addition to the quilt displays, there'll be lots of activities for both beginning and experienced quilters.
When: 2024 dates - TBA
Where: Throughout the town of Orleans, MA
Admission: Varies by event
More Info: Orleans Summerfest
Summerfest in Orleans features interactive tours, fun family activities, and tons of shopping all weekend long.
Enjoy live music at Barley Neck, the Artists Cottage Entertainment Park, the Academy of Performing Arts, and much more! Catch the Firebirds at the Cape Cod Baseball League’s playoff game, or explore Orleans’ many galleries, museums, and unique shops.
This is a great time to explore Orleans!
When: Saturdays in August, 2024, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Also see below for special event!)
Where: Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum, 830 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Stony Brook Factory Village - FB page
Here's your chance to see this fully restored, 19th century water-powered gristmill in action!
Watch as the miller grinds kernels of corn into cornmeal the old fashioned way. Buy a bag of freshly ground organic cornmeal. Visit the museum upstairs where you'll learn about the history of Stony Brook Village and see weaving demonstrations on the antique "barn
loom". Then spend some time exploring the scenic footpaths on Stony Brook's grounds.
*Special Event: One Saturday in late August (2024 date yet TBA) is an extra-special day at Stony Brook. It's the annual Cornbread Festival. Stop by and sample homemade corn bread, made from corn meal ground at the Mill. Get there early, before all the samples are gone!
When: August 2024 date - TBA
Where: Mayflower Beach, 2 Dune Road, East Dennis, MA
Admission: Free; paid parking (see below)
More Info: Mayflower Beach Sand Sculpting Contest
Bring your favorite sand sculpting tools (and your creativity!) to Mayflower Beach for this year's sand sculpture contest.
Everyone in the family can get in on the fun! Prize ribbons will be awarded to the winners!
*Note: Parking at Mayflower Beach requires a town of Dennis beach parking sticker or daily pass. Parking is first come, first served.
When: August 2024 date - TBA
Where: Chatham VFW, 150 George Ryder Road, Chatham
More Info: Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance
The name of this event got your attention, didn't it?
Held under a big white tent on the grounds of the Chatham VFW, this exceptional
evening highlights fresh-from-the-boat seafood, a one-of-a-kind live
auction and an extensive silent auction with items from the Cape's great
businesses, artists and services.
When: August 2024 date - TBA
Where: Chatham Community Center Lawn, 702 Main Street, Chatham, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Chatham Summer Craft Festival
Explore a charming crafts fair showcasing 55 talented artisans selling their
exceptional American-made creations. You'll find a diverse range of items
including jewelry, photography, art, candles, signs, pet gifts, towels,
glassware, and more. Plus unique finds like whimsical garden art,
knives, woodwork, bath products, calligraphy, fine art, and plenty of specialty foods, too.
When: August 2024 date - TBA
Where: Along Water Street in Woods Hole, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Woods Hole Science Stroll
Come explore the world of science along Water Street in Woods Hole, and get close-up views of instruments and equipment used in current scientific research.
Talk with those doing the research and building the technology. See live animal exhibits, participate in hands-on activities and crafts, see demonstrations, tour a commercial scalloper and learn about cooperative research with the fishing industry.
Engage with staff from more than a dozen of the village’s marine science and educational organizations.
*Tip: Take the WHOOSH trolley from Falmouth to Woods Hole or ride your bike as parking is limited to metered street parking and some free parking in designated lots .
When: August 17 - 24, 2024
Where: Multiple venues and events around Provincetown
Admission: Varies by event
More Info: Provincetown Carnival
Now in its 46th year, this week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ life attracts tens of thousands of guests from all over the world to enjoy parties, events, costume contests, and the wild and crazy Carnival parade down Commercial Street.
This year's Carnival theme is "Renaissance + Revolution". No doubt the festivities will be as big and boisterous as ever!
When: August 2024 dates - TBA
Where: Chase Park, Cross Street, Chatham, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Creative Arts Center
The 53rdd Festival of the Arts boasts 120 juried local and national artisans and craftsmen exhibitors. The festival is family friendly with a children’s tent offering face painting and art activities.
Food and refreshments will be available from Gourmet Food Trucks.
When: August 2024 date - TBA
Where: Josiah Dennis Manse, 61 Whig Street, Dennis Village, MA
Admission: Free
More Info: Colonial Day at the Manse
Journey back to the 1700s at the Josiah Dennis Manse and the restored Old West School House.
Come tour the Manse museum and schoolhouse, and see period-costumed docents, spinners, weavers and other craftsmen and women showing what life was like in the town of Dennis nearly 300 years ago.
This popular annual event is ideal for adults and kids, too. Don't miss it!
When: August 17, 2024 (tentative)
Where: Downtown Falmouth (or virtually, if you choose, from wherever you are)
Entry Fee: $30 per participant; pre-registration required
More Info: Falmouth Walk
The 33rd Annual Falmouth Walk is tentatively set for August 17th.
The picturesque 5K
(about 3.2 miles) course will once again flow through the charming
streets of Falmouth along the bustling Falmouth Harbor and past the
storefronts of Main Street to the finish at St. Barnabas Church by the
Town Green.
The entry fee for this event includes a Falmouth Walk t-shirt and official walk bib number. All profits from the Falmouth Walk benefit local charities.
When: August 18, 2024
Where: Throughout the town of Falmouth
More Info: Falmouth Road Race
The ASICS Falmouth Road Race is one of the most anticipated Cape Cod events each August. Over 10,000 runners from Cape Cod and around the world participate in the race each year.
This year's race will again follow a beautiful 7-mile seaside course, with spectators lining the route to cheer the runners on. Whether you're running or spectating, this is a don't miss event!
When: August 2024 date - TBA
Where: Stony Brook Gristmill, 830 Stony Brook Road, Brewster
Admission: Free
More Info: Stony Brook Gristmill Cornbread Festival
Have you ever tasted cornbread made from freshly ground cornmeal?
Here's your chance to watch corn being ground the centuries-old way: by water power ... and to sample Cape Cod-style cornbread made with Stony Brook's "home-ground" cornmeal.
*FYI: Once your taste buds have experienced this delicious treat, they'll never be satisfied with the store-bought stuff again! ;-)
Free cornbread samples will be given out until they're all gone. Get there early so you don't miss out!
>> Don't miss my Cape Cod Activities Guide for lots more fun things to see and do on the Cape this year!
Want to Add an Event to This Month's Calendar?
Click here
Important Note: The date, time, place, admission charges, etc. of the events on this page may be changed by the event sponsor at any time, without my knowledge. Please be sure to confirm all information directly with the sponsor before you make any plans!