Cape Cod Summer Events

Plein Air Nantucket happens June 11-16

JUNE
Sunday Estate Walks
June 2 and 16, July 7 and 21, August 4 and 18, September 8 and 22, October 6 and 20. Learn the story of the Beebe family, builders of Highfield Hall and its sister mansion, Tanglewood,
as you walk through the former’s 700-acre estate. | 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Tickets are free with admission. Highfield Hall, Falmouth, 508-495-1878, highfieldhallandgardens.org

Summer Garden Tours
June 5–August 28
The award-winning Shirley Cross Wildflower Garden at the Green Briar Nature Center will offer guided tours every Wednesday morning. See more than 300 plants from three zones: shaded hillside, freshwater wetland, and open meadow. | $4 for members, $6 for nonmembers. 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Thornton W. Burgess Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen with the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, East Sandwich, 508-888-6870, thorntonburgess.org

Plein Air Nantucket
June 11–16
The Artist Association of Nantucket’s outdoor painting festival returns with a paint-out (June 12), awards ceremony and artists’ reception (June16), and exhibits. | See website for complete schedule of events and locations. 508-228-0722, nantucketarts.org

Arts Alive Festival
June 21–23
Enjoy music, theater, dance and spoken word performances, art demonstrations, children’s activities, fitness classes, and more during this free, three-day festival. | June 21, 5 p.m.–9 p.m., June 22, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., June 23, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Falmouth Public Library, Falmouth, artsfalmouth.org

Art in the Village 2019
June 22–23
Cape Cod’s art season kicks off with Cape Cod Art Center’s free 17th annual Art in the Village show featuring original works of art and handmade goods, family activities, live music, an auction, and more. | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Barnstable Village, Courthouse Green, Barnstable, 508-362-2909, capecodartcenter.org

Keeping History Above Water: Nantucket
June 26–28
This two-day workshop brings together members of the island community, stakeholders from other coastal communities, and national experts to discuss the challenges facing historic coastal communities. | Registration is $120 for two days, $65 for one day. Nantucket Preservation Trust, Nantucket, 508-228-1386, nantucketpreservationsymposium.org

The Annual OIA Garden Tour
June 29
The Orleans Improvement Association will hold its 31st annual Secret Gardens tour, featuring six beautiful gardens. Attendees can see plein air painters at work in the garden and interact with master gardeners. | $25 in advance, $27 online, $30 the day of the tour. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets are available at local outlets in Orleans, or online at orleansimprovement.org

Evening of Discovery
June 29
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum celebrates its new Vineyard Haven location with its 21st annual Evening of Discovery. | $275. 5:30 p.m. Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven, 508-627-4436, mvmuseum.org

JULY
Falmouth Village Association Street Fair
July 10
Main Street will be closed to vehicles while shoppers delight in outdoor pop-up shops that run the length of the thoroughfare. | falmouthvillageassociation.com

Hydrangea Festival
July 12–21
Celebrate the iconic plant that makes Cape Cod so stunning from July through September. Enjoy a display garden from the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, participate in workshops, and tour heritage gardens. | Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Heritage Museum & Gardens, Sandwich, 508-888-3300, heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

Summer Art Auction & Gala
July 13
The Artist Association of Nantucket will honor artist Carol Keefe at this annual event. Visit the website for ticket prices and event times. | Great Harbor Yacht Club, Nantucket, 508-228-1386, nantucketpreservationsymposium.org

Provincetown Art Association and Museum’s Secret Garden Tour
July 14
Explore some of the most beautiful gardens in P-town. Tour tickets include museum admission. | $40. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Provincetown, 508-487-1750, paam.org

Nantucket Garden Festival
July 16–18
The 11th annual festival will highlight the unique garden ecosystems of Nantucket and focus on the importance of sustainability, conservation, and gardening ethics. Enjoy workshops, garden tours, family activities, and an opening-night party. | Various locations around Nantucket, 508-228-0427, ackgardenfestival.org

The Nantucket Art & Artisan Show
July 19–21
Back for the 28th year, this show attracts more than 3,000 visitors and features more than 40 local and nationally recognized artisans who highlight both traditional and modern techniques in a variety of mediums. All proceeds benefit Small Friends on Nantucket. | Three-day show passes are $15. July 19 and 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., July 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Bartlett’s Farm, Nantucket, nantucketartandartisanshow.org

Woods Hole Jazz at Highfield Hall: Sullivan Fortner
July 28
Lauded as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation, Sullivan Fortner has graced the stages of Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival. | $30–$35. 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Highfield Hall, Falmouth, 508-495-1878, highfieldhallandgardens.org

AUGUST
Nantucket by Design
August 1–3
Discover Nantucket’s unique influence on American design with lectures, an antique-show preview, panel discussions, and intimate and grand gatherings. The event ends with the Night at the Museum gala at the Whaling Museum on August 3. | Ticket prices vary. Various locations around Nantucket, 508-228-1894, nha.org

2019 Nantucket Summer Antiques Show Strawberries & Cream Preview Brunch
August 1
Be the first to preview the antiques show during a strawberries-and-cream brunch. | $40. Visit website for times and location. 413-436-7064, nantucketsummerantiquesshow.com

2019 Nantucket Summer Antiques Show
August 2–5
The show, presented by the nonprofit Antiques Council, will feature 32 antiques dealers from the U.S. and abroad. | Run of the Show tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. August 2, 12 p.m.–6 p.m., August 3, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., August 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., August 5, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Nantucket Boys and Girls Club, 413-436-7064, nantucketsummerantiquesshow.com

Eric Kandel and Emily Braun in Conversation
August 3
Spend an afternoon in conversation with Nobel Prize–winning neuroscientist Eric Kandel and Emily Braun, distinguished professor of 20th century European and American art at Hunter College. The two will discuss Kandel’s most recent book, Reductionism in Art and Brain Science. | Tickets are $25. 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Provincetown Art Association and Museum, 508-487-1750, paam.org

65th Annual House and Garden Tour
August 7
Explore historic and new homes and gardens during this Nantucket Garden Club fundraising event. (The garden club provides flower arrangements to complement the rooms in the homes.) | Visit website for times and ticket prices. Various locations around Nantucket, nantucketgardenclub.org

Annual August Fête
August 8
A festive night that benefits the Nantucket Preservation Trust and features tours of historic homes, a reception, and live music. | 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. ’Sconset Casino, Siasconset, 508-228-1387, nantucketpreservation.org

Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea
August 11
Help raise funds for the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod during this outdoor concert featuring the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra led by conductor Keith Lockhart. | $25–$200. 1 p.m.–7 p.m. Hyannis Village Green, Hyannis, 508-362-0066, artsfoundation.org

Annual Osterville Historical Museum Antiques Show
August 15–28
Shop 40 dealers for nautical memorabilia, paintings, prints, rugs, furniture, books, silver, jewelry, glass, porcelain, Americana, and more. | $10. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Osterville Historical Museum, Osterville, 508-428-5861, ostervillemuseum.org

SEPTEMBER
You Can’t Spell Martha’s Vineyard Without A-R-T Party
September 7
Martha Vineyard artists will showcase their works during this cocktail reception. Artwork is available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. | $175. 5:30 p.m. Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven, 508-627-4441, mvmuseum.org

Provincetown Art Association and Museum’s Consignment Auction
September 21
The museum’s annual consignment auction includes contemporary and vintage works of art. Expect an animated evening of live bidding with all proceeds benefiting the museum’s cultural and educational initiatives. | 7 p.m. Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Provincetown, 508-487-1750, paam.org

OCTOBER
Provincetown Art Association and Museum’s 14th Annual Gala
October 5
Relax at an elegant dinner honoring supporters of Provincetown arts. Renowned area artists will receive lifetime achievement awards. | Tickets start at $350. 5 p.m. Visit website for location information. Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Provincetown, 508-487-1750, paam.org

JazzTober Fest
October 19–20
A weekend packed with jazz, shopping, and dining. Don’t miss the Falmouth Village Association + Arts Falmouth Jazz Stroll on October 19 and the jazz brunch on October 20. The festival also kicks off the Falmouth Village of Scarecrows when member businesses show off their creativity with scarecrows along Main Street and Queens Buyway. | falmouthvillageassociation.com

12th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival
October 23–27
Four days and four nights of local culinary talent alongside farmers, fisherman, oyster producers, artisans, and winemakers from around the world. | Visit website for times and ticket prices. Various locations around Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, 508-939-0199, mvfoodandwine.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Events are subject to change. Please confirm details with event organizer prior to your visit.