While Cape Cod’s summer charm is undeniable, we’ve come to appreciate the subtle beauty of autumn on the Cape. The mild temperatures and uncrowded beaches offer a serene experience that’s quite different from the bustling summer months. It’s a time when accommodations become more accessible, and you can enjoy your favorite restaurants without lengthy waits.
But what truly sets it apart are the wonderful events and festivals that showcase the Cape’s rich culture and heritage. There are numerous autumn celebrations, each offering its unique flavor of Cape Cod life. These are events treasured by the locals and open to those seeking an amazing autumn getaway.
We’ve curated a list of what we consider to be the top 8 festivals – events that we believe capture the essence of autumn on the Cape, and we are excited to share them with you. Whether you’re a longtime visitor or new to the area, these festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the Cape Cod we know and love in autumn.
1) 2024 Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival: 9/14 & 15, 2024
Cranberries and Cape Cod go together like peanut butter & jelly, so it is no wonder that Cape Cod is known for its cranberry festival. This festival has been held for over 40 years in Harwich, just 15 minutes from our inn in Brewster, and features live music, food, wine & beer, and celebrates the humble cranberry.
The Cape Cod beer fest is in its twelfth year and has been growing in popularity every year. There are beer samples from over 50 breweries and there will be over 150 styles of beer offered. Your ticket gives you access to food vendors and live music too. You must be 21+ to attend the event and every attendee will receive a custom glass when they leave the brewfest. What are you waiting for? Get your ticket now.
3) Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival: 9/26-29, 2024
In its 19th season, 2024 will turn to memory plays by Tennessee Williams and include live performances of such greats as The Glass Menagerie, Green Eyes and Tennessee Rising. Tickets are on sale now for this four-day event.
4) Vinegrass Music Festival: 10/6/24
Focused on traditional American roots music, each year the Vinegrass Music Festival features different musical artists. The Vinegrass Organization is a non-profit music production company that produces concerts, educational workshops and the Vinegrass Music Festival. They provide scholarships to students studying music at an accredited 4-year university. In addition to the scholarships, they subsidize camps and workshops, as well as provide instruments for younger students in need.
5) Yarmouth Seaside Festival: 10/12-15, 2024
Started over 45 years ago, this Yarmouth Seaside Festival is a much-anticipated event each year. This FREE festival is held over Columbus Day weekend every year and boasts an annual parade. Featuring over 125 craft booths, continuous live music, great food, kayak and canoe races, pie eating contests, a beach bonfire and fireworks too, this is an event you don’t want to miss. It is the highlight of the autumn season and one we highly recommend. To stay up-to-date on all things about the festival, follow them on Facebook.
6) Sandwich Glass Museum Annual Pumpkin Fest: 10/12-13, 2024
October on Cape Cod is magical. Not sure if it is the weather or the abundance of pumpkins, but the Sandwich Glass Museum does it right. From small glass pumpkins that fit in your hand to large statement pieces, local artists highlight the pumpkin in all its glory. The event is hosted on the lawn of the museum so there is ample space to wander around and take it all in. They will award the 2024 Pumpkin of the Year award after the event – how fun!
7) Chatham Oktoberfest: 10/19/24 website not updated yet:
Cape Cod in the fall begs for an Oktoberfest and the village of Chatham delivers. There is music, traditional German food and drinks (yes, there is a beer garden), art and fun for the kids too. If you love the tradition of an oompah band, this is an Oktoberfest you don’t want to miss.
8) Wellfleet OysterFest: 10/19-20, 2024
An entire weekend highlighting oysters? Yes, please…sign me up! There’s art, music, tons of seafood and craft vendors galore. Beer and wine gardens are available and, of course, there are all kinds of oyster events. From shucking to eating, if you love a good oyster (and who doesn’t?) this festival is for you. There are culinary demonstrations, educational lectures on oysters and a full assortment of activities for the kids, including a bounce house. The shuck-off contest has become well known and brings in competitors from all over the country. There are cash prizes and, the most important prize of all, their name engraved on the Golden Oyster Trophy. You won’t want to miss this fun event.
So, while we all live for our summers at the beach, if you haven’t experienced Cape Cod in the fall, you are missing out. Come visit us for the festivals, but stay and explore the local vineyards, our beaches, lighthouses, golf courses, bike trails and shops too. They are all spectacular in the fall. Planning a visit in November? Check out the Things to Do on Cape Cod in November post for ideas. For other amazing things to do and explore on Cape Cod, be sure to check out our Things To Do page. Then, book your stay. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our inn for a restful and serene getaway this fall.
