Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

April

Brewster in Bloom, Brewster. You'll find open houses, a crafts fair and flea market, and hot-air balloons. The Old King's Highway (Rte. 6A) is lined with thousands of daffodils. Call tel. 508/896-3500. Late April.

Daffodil Festival, Nantucket. Spring's arrival is heralded with masses of yellow blooms adorning everything in sight, including a cavalcade of antique cars. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Late April.

May

Chatham Maritime Festival, Chatham. A festival to raise awareness of Chatham's fishing industry with food and events at the Chatham Fish Pier and on Main Street. Call tel. 508/945-5199. Early May.

Herb Festival, Sandwich. Activities include exhibits, talks, and garden walks at the Green Briar Nature Center. Call tel. 508/888-6870. Mid-May.

Cape Maritime Week, Cape-wide. A multitude of cultural organizations mount special events, such as lighthouse tours, highlighting the region's nautical history. Activities include Coast Guard open houses, lectures, walking tours, and more. The week is sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission. Call tel. 508/362-3828. Mid-May.

Nantucket Wine Festival, Nantucket. Vintners from all over converge on Nantucket for wine tastings and cuisine provided by some of the island's top chefs. The Grand Cru is the main event. Call tel. 508/228-1128. Late May.

Figawi Sailboat Race, Hyannis to Nantucket. This is the largest -- and wildest -- race on the East Coast. Intense partying in Hyannis and on Nantucket surrounds this popular event. Call tel. 508/362-5230. Late May.

Dexter Rhododendron Festival, Sandwich. Heritage Museums and Gardens -- at the peak of bloom -- sells offshoots of its incomparable botanical collection. Call tel. 508/888-3300. Late May.

June

Brewster Historical Society Antiques Fair, Brewster. This outdoor extravaganza features 80 top dealers. Call tel. 508/896-3500. Early June.

A Taste of the Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard. Island restaurateurs offer samplings of their specialties at Edgartown's Whaling Church to benefit the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust. Call tel. 508/627-8017. Mid-June.

Harborfest Celebration, Nantucket. It's a chance to sample competing chowders and board tall ships. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Mid-June.

Provincetown Film Festival, Provincetown. Focusing on alternative film, this fete has brought out celebrities like John Waters and Lily Tomlin. Call tel. 508/487-FILM. Mid-June.

Nantucket Film Festival, Nantucket. This annual event focuses on storytelling through film and includes showings of short and feature-length films, documentaries, staged readings, panel discussions, and screenplay competitions. Sponsors include Vanity Fair magazine, so you may see a celebrity or two. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Mid-June.

St. Barnabas Strawberry Festival, Falmouth. Indulge in strawberry shortcake, as well as barbecue and lots of children's games on the grounds of St. Barnabas Church next to the Village Green. Call tel. 508/548-8500. Mid-June.

Aptucxet Strawberry Festival, Bourne. The Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, a replica of the country's first store, hosts crafts demonstrations, accompanied by fresh strawberry shortcake. Call tel. 508/759-9487. Late June.

Provincetown Portuguese Festival, Provincetown. This cultural event celebrates Provincetown's Portuguese heritage with music, dancing, exhibits, food, a parade, fireworks, and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet. Call tel. 508/487-3424. Late June.

Rock 'n' Roll Ramble, Sandwich. Vintage cars from the '50s and '60s converge on Heritage Museums and Gardens for a concert and mutual admiration. Call tel. 508/888-3300. Late June.

July

Edgartown Regatta, Martha's Vineyard. A highly social sailing event. Call tel. 508/693-0085. Early July.

Wampanoag Pow Wow, Mashpee. Native American tribes from around the country converge to enjoy traditional dances and games. Call tel. 508/477-0208. July 4th weekend.

Independence Day, Falmouth. The fireworks at Falmouth Heights Beach are one of the largest shows in the region. Your best bet is to park in town earlier in the evening and walk over to the Heights. Call tel. 508/548-8500. July 4th weekend.

Independence Day, Nantucket. The highlight of the island's busiest weekend is fireworks on Jetties Beach. Call tel. 508/228-0925. July 4th weekend.

Independence Day, Edgartown. An old-fashioned, small-town parade and fireworks over Edgartown Harbor are the highlights of this beloved event. Call tel. 508/693-0085. July 4th weekend.

Independence Day, Provincetown. Festivities include a spirited parade, entertainment, and fireworks over the harbor. Call tel. 508/487-3424. July 4th weekend.

Independence Day, Barnstable. A spectacular fireworks display over either Barnstable Harbor or Hyannis Harbor (depending on the nesting of the piping plovers). Call tel. 800/4-HYNNIS. July 4th weekend.

Barnstable County Fair, East Falmouth. This old-fashioned, 10-day agricultural extravaganza is complete with prize produce and livestock and of course rides and a midway. There are concerts nightly. Call tel. 508/548-8500. Mid-July.

Woods Hole Film Festival, Falmouth. A festival that spans 2 weekends and numerous venues and features small independent films. Call tel. 508/548-8500. Late July.

August

Jazz by the Sea and Pops by the Sea, Hyannis. Celebrity "conductors" -- such as Olympia Dukakis -- enliven these two outdoor concerts. Call tel. 800/4-HYNNIS. Early August.

Possible Dreams Auction, Martha's Vineyard. Resident celebrities give -- and bid -- their all to support the endeavors of Martha's Vineyard Community Services. Call tel. 508/693-7900. Early August.

In the Spirit Arts Festival, Martha's Vineyard. Oak Bluffs celebrates its cultural diversity with food, music, and children's fun. Call tel. 508/693-0085. Early August.

Mashpee Night at the Pops, Mashpee Commons. A concert by the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra followed by fireworks. This event attracts about 15,000 pops fans. Call tel. 508/477-0792. Early August.

Falmouth Road Race, Falmouth. Joggers and world-class runners turn out in droves -- 9,500 strong -- for this annual sprint race that covers just over 7 miles. Entry registration is by lottery and ends in May. Unregistered runners are not allowed to participate. Call tel. 508/540-7000 or check out their website, www.sblifalmouthroadrace.com. Mid-August.

Carnival Week, Provincetown. The gay community's annual blowout features performers, parties, and an outrageous costume parade. Call tel. 508/487-2313. Mid-August.

Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair, Martha's Vineyard. In West Tisbury, you'll find a classic country carnival and a celebration of the Vineyard's agricultural tradition. Call tel. 508/693-9549. Mid-August.

Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, Nantucket. This fairly serious but fun contest is categorized by age group, which ups the odds of winning. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Mid-August.

Festival Days, Dennis. Six days of events, including fun-for-the-family activities, such as a kite-flying contest, canoe race, crafts fair, and more. Call tel. 800/243-9920 or 508/398-3568. Late August.

Illumination Night, Martha's Vineyard. The Oak Bluffs campground is lit with hundreds of Japanese lanterns. Campground officials keep this event a secret until the last minute, so it's hard to plan ahead. Call tel. 508/693-0085. Late August.

Oak Bluffs Fireworks and Band Concert, Martha's Vineyard. It's the summer's last blast. Call tel. 508/693-0085. Late August.

September

Pops Goes the Summer, Barnstable County Fairgrounds, Falmouth. Experience a Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra concert followed by fireworks. Call tel. 508/548-8500. Early September.

Bourne Scallop Festival, Bourne. This annual weekend event features food, crafts, rides, musical entertainment, and more. Call tel. 508/759-6000. Early September.

Windmill Weekend, Eastham. This jolly community festival includes a sand-art competition, road races, band concerts, an arts-and-crafts show, a tricycle race, and professional entertainment. The highlight of this weekend is the square dance held under the historic windmill. Call tel. 508/255-3444. Early September.

Cranberry Festival, Harwich. This is a chance to observe and celebrate the colorful harvest, with 9 days of events ranging from pancake breakfasts to fireworks. Call tel. 800/441-3199 or 508/432-1600. Mid-September.

Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, Martha's Vineyard. In its 56th year, the region's premier fishing derby and one of the country's oldest is a month-long classic contest. Call tel. 508/693-0085. Mid-September to mid-October.

Sandwich Boardwalk Celebration, Sandwich. This community did some serious bonding years ago when their boardwalk was damaged by a storm, and everyone pitched in to build a new one. This festival, with professional kite flying and entertainment for families, has become an annual tradition. Call tel. 508/833-9755. Late September.

Harbor Swim for Life, Provincetown. Stalwart swimmers participate in this event to raise money for local AIDS organizations. The race is followed by a festive Mermaid Brunch and a sunset "Festival of Happiness" on Herring Cove Beach. Call tel. 508/487-1930. Late September.

Provincetown Arts Festival, Provincetown. Building up to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum Annual Consignment Auction (tel. 508/487-1750), this festival, which takes place over 4 weekends, is an extraordinary opportunity to collect works spanning the past century. Local artists hold open studios, actors stage readings of Eugene O'Neill, and galleries hold special exhibits. Call tel. 508/487-3424. Late September to mid-October.

October

Wellfleet OysterFest, Wellfleet. Spend a weekend learning about and tasting Wellfleet's world-famous oysters at this weekend-long street festival including arts, crafts, and live music. For information, contact the Wellfleet Chamber at tel. 508/349-2510 or go to www.wellfleetoysterfest.org. Always the weekend (beginning on Fri) after Columbus Day.

Trash Fish Banquet, Provincetown. Unsung, or perhaps undersung, species are creatively cooked to benefit the Center for Coastal Studies. Call tel. 508/487-3622. Mid-October.

Women's Week, Provincetown. This is a gathering of artists, entertainers, and educators, as well as women who just want to have fun. Call tel. 508/487-2313. Mid-October.

Walking Weekend, Cape-wide. Over 45 guided walks (averaging 2 hr. in length) are sponsored by an organization called Cape Pathways to foster appreciation for the Cape's unique ecology and cultural accomplishments. Call tel. 508/362-3828. Mid-October.

Nantucket Harvest Festival, Nantucket. This festival features inn tours and a big chowder contest, just when the foliage is at its burnished prime. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Mid-October.

Nantucket Arts Festival, Nantucket. This weeklong event includes a wet-paint sale, mini film festival, writers and their works, gallery exhibitions, artist demonstrations, theater, concerts, photography, and more. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Mid-October.

Yarmouth Seaside Festival, Yarmouth. Enjoy a parade, fireworks, arts and crafts, contests, and sporting events. Call tel. 508/778-1008. Mid-October.

November

Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument, Provincetown. The Italianate tower turns into a monumental holiday ornament, as carolers convene below. Call tel. 508/487-1310. Thanksgiving Eve (late Nov).

Harbor Lighting, Hyannis. The boats parade by, atwinkle with lights, and Santa arrives via lobster boat. Call tel. 508/362-5230. Late November.

Fall Festival, Edgartown. Family activities at the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary include a treasure hunt, wildlife walks, and wreath making. Call tel. 508/627-4850. Late November.

Chatham's Christmas by the Sea, Chatham. A month of townwide events include historic-inn tours, carolers, hayrides, open houses, a dinner dance, and Santa. Call tel. 508/945-5199. Late November through December.

December

Christmas Stroll, Nantucket. The island briefly stirs from its winter slumber for one last shopping/feasting spree, attended by costumed carolers, Santa in a horse-drawn carriage, and a "talking" Christmas tree. This event is the pinnacle of Nantucket Noel, a month of festivities starting in late November. Ferries and lodging establishments book up months before this event, so you'll need to plan ahead. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Early December.

Falmouth Christmas by the Sea, Falmouth. A weekend of caroling, tree lighting, Santa, entertainment, and a parade that centers on the historic and lavishly decorated Falmouth Village Green. Call tel. 508/548-8500. Early December.

Christmas in Sandwich, Sandwich. Seasonal open houses, exhibits, community caroling, and merchant promotions take place throughout the town. Call tel. 508/833-9755. Early December.

Holly Folly, Provincetown. The annual Gay and Lesbian Holiday Festival has events open to all, including guesthouse tours, holiday parties, the Reindeer Run, concerts, and more. Call tel. 508/487-2313. Early December.

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll, Yarmouth Port. Stroll along the Old King's Highway for open houses, visits with Santa, and caroling. Call tel. 508/778-1008. Early December.

Christmas Weekend in the Harwiches, Harwich. This townwide celebration features entertainment, merchant promotions, hayrides, visits with Santa, and more. Call tel. 508/432-1600. Mid-December.

First Night, Chatham. Following Boston's lead, Chatham puts on a festive evening featuring local performers. Call tel. 508/945-5199. New Year's Eve.