Cape Cod Memorial Day Guide: Events and Activities

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and Cape Cod is gearing up with a variety of events to help you honor those that have given everything for us and our country. 

Once known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the military. Here on the Cape, we come together with heartfelt parades and ceremonies to commemorate their sacrifices.

Originally, Decoration Day was dedicated to those who fell during the Civil War. Over time, it has grown to honor all service members who have died in the line of duty. Now a cherished federal holiday, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer here on Cape Cod, blending remembrance with the joys of the season.

Celebrating Memorial Day on Cape Cod:

On Cape Cod, Memorial Day is embraced with a variety of events that blend patriotism with recreation. From the 20th annual Troops in the Spotlight in Hyannis to the exhilarating Figawi Sailing Race departing from Hyannis Harbor, the Cape is alive with both reflective and festive activities throughout the long weekend. Read on for ways you can participate in the unique ways Cape Cod celebrates this meaningful holiday.

Rhododendron Festival

When: May 17 - 27, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Where: Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich  

Admission: $22/adult; $12/youth (ages 3-17); Free for members and children 2 and under

Each spring, I eagerly anticipate this event on Cape Cod. The Heritage grounds are stunning, with thousands of rhododendrons in full bloom from late May into early June!

Plan to spend several hours here, enjoying the expansive gardens, numerous walking trails, and museums showcasing art, American history, and antique automobiles. Children will especially delight in riding the carousel!

Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale

When: May 18, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (or until plants are sold out)

Where: Cape Cod Fairgrounds - The Marketplace Building - West Gate, Route 151 & Currier Road, East Falmouth, MA

Admission: Free

Looking to enhance your yard, garden, or patio planters with some incredible plants? The Master Gardeners offer a fantastic selection of plants, all lovingly grown in their greenhouses, gardens, and local nurseries.

Expect to find native plants, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, perennials, dahlias, and succulents. Additionally, there will be 50 varieties of tomatoes, a great selection of vegetables, and over 100 types of culinary and pollinator herbs, among other offerings!

Proceeds from this well-loved annual event go towards supporting the Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod's scholarship fund and community programs, such as the children's garden, backyard horticulture, and the horticultural hotline.

Admission is free, and ample on-site parking is provided at no charge.

Arriving early is recommended as this sale tends to attract a large crowd!

Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary Special Events

When: May 19 & May 23, 2024  

Where: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary, River Road, Marstons Mills, MA  

Admission: Prices vary by event  

Mills River Rescue has two exciting events lined up for May, promising a lively month of activities!

Spring Carnival  

- Date: May 19, 2024 

- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

- Cost: $20 per person (reservations required)  

Join us for a delightful family outing to meet our adorable ponies, donkeys, bunnies, ducks, and other rescued animals!

The Spring Carnival features magic shows every hour, games with prizes, face painting, a photo booth, balloon animals, and delicious food. Rumor has it that Cape Cod's favorite magical Unicorn will make an appearance too!

Note: Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by texting (508) 367-4379.

Tea Time with the Ponies 

- Date: May 23, 2024  

- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

- Cost: $15 per person (reservations required)  

Mills River Rescue presents the 3rd annual "Tea Time with the Ponies," a special event for individuals aged 50 and above.

Enjoy quality time with our cherished animals while sipping specialty teas and indulging in fancy desserts. If you have difficulty moving around, don't worry—our friendly ponies will come to you!

Note: Seating is extremely limited, and spaces fill up quickly. Reserve your spot early by calling or texting (774) 353-6557.

Figawi Race Weekend

When: Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 - 27, 2024  

Where: Hyannis / Nantucket  

Admission: Free for spectators  

The annual Figawi Regatta is renowned as one of the top yacht regattas along the east coast. This year marks the 53rd edition of the Figawi Regatta, where teams will once again compete in the race from Hyannisport to Nantucket.

The race's warning signal will be sounded at 9:55 a.m. on Saturday, May 25th.

For the best views of the yachts assembling and setting off towards Nantucket, head to Kalmus Beach, Orrin Keyes Beach, or Sea Street Beach. Join us for this thrilling maritime event during Memorial Day Weekend!

West Yarmouth Congregational Church Events

Annual Memorial Day Weekend Plant Sale  

When: Thursday, May 23 - Noon until 6:00 PM - Friday, May 24 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

We continue our tradition of offering a wide variety of plants, grasses, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants. We will also be offering many other items for your yard and garden as well. Come early for the best selection!

Lobster Rolls to Go 

When: Saturday, May 25 - 11:00 AM

Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with a great lunch. For only $20 you will get a roll filled with our signature lobster salad, cole slaw, a bag of chips, and a beverage. Doors open at 11:00 AM, see you then!

Brewster Memorial Day Ceremony

The Brewster Memorial Day Celebration is scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2024. At noon, town members, honor guards, school bands, and veterans will gather at the Brewster Council on Aging for a brief ceremony. For more details, please refer to the event flyer below.

Mashpee Memorial Day Weekend Block Party

When: May 25, 2024 - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where: Central Square

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to the summer season! 🏖️ Join us on Saturday, May 25th, from 11 AM – 3 PM for our annual MDW Block Party in Central Square. Enjoy live music performances by Chris LeBeau (11 AM – 1 PM) and Kathleen Healy (1 PM – 3 PM), complimentary balloon twists and face painting, and a chance to paint your own RUSTIC MARLIN block. Capture memories at our MDW balloon photo wall and explore sidewalk shopping with a variety of local vendors (list coming soon). Don’t miss this fun-filled start to summer!

Memorial Day Parades & Ceremonies

When: Monday, May 27, 2024  

Where: Various towns and villages across Cape Cod  

Admission: Free  

Centerville

Centerville's Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from South Congregational Church (565 Main St.). The parade proceeds along Main Street and culminates at Memorial Park, where the main remembrance program of the day takes place.

Dennis

Join the town's Memorial Day Observance ceremony at 10:00 a.m. held at Dennis Village Green, located at the corner of Route 6A and Old Bass River Road.

Falmouth, MA

Falmouth's annual Memorial Day Ceremony commences at 10:00 a.m. at the Falmouth Main Street Public Library.

Bourne, MA

May 26, 2024 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Memorial Day Ceremony at Bourne National Cemetery. Parade details to be announced as event gets nearer.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth's Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at Yarmouth Town Hall in South Yarmouth (1146 Route 28).

Cape Cod ~ A Vacationer’s Paradise

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