Find Cape Cod Tourist Attractions, Activities, Events & Things to Do >> Activities >> Cultural

Crossing Paths, by Russell Vujs Courtesy of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod
Culture - Theater, Arts and Music on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket
Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are blessed with rich history - from the first landing of the Pilgrims, to Revolutionary War activists, the lucrative clipper ship trade with the Orient and the heyday of the whaling industry.
Numerous museums, both maritime and historic, are open to the public, along with many former sea captains' homes, historic lighthouses and exhibits of Native American artifacts.
Actor's theatres, cabaret venues and symphony orchestra performances are abundant. Art museums are plentiful and galleries provide a full schedule of gala opening shows when one may meet and greet the featured artist.
397 Main Street •
Hyannis,
MA 02601
Tel: (508) 790-3077
The sea and shores of Hyannis Port inspired our 35th President like no other place on earth. It was here that he contemplated and accepted his run for office. It was here that he reconnected with his humanity, and it is here, at the JFK Hyannis Museum that you can discover why he loved this place so, and how he spent his time on Cape Cod. Our museum captures the years JFK spent at the family compound in Hyannis Port—his time with family and friends, and with national and international persons of prominence. There are four main photographic exhibits available ... <more>
3 Shoot Flying Hill Road •
Centerville,
MA 02632-1428
Tel: (508) 362-0066
The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod is the regional arts agency for Barnstable County, and has been the Voice of the Arts on Cape Cod since 1988. The AFCC strengthens, supports, and promotes Cape Cod's arts and culture community through grants, professional development, training, collaborative marketing, and advocacy. For additional information about our year-round programs, visit our website. <more>
5 India Street •
Nantucket,
MA 02544
Tel: 508-228-0406
South Warf Gallery opened in the summer of 1978 and for twenty-nine years the gallery was a landmark on the warf featuring refreshing and original works of art created primarily by rising and accomplished stars from Nantucket's own creative community of artists. <more>
449 Bragg Lane •
Barnstable,
MA 02630
Tel: (508) 432-6909
From Cochrane and Traynor to Munson and Fisk, from Garciaparra and Erstad to Varitek and Helton, the Cape League has proven a breeding ground for top Major League talent since the turn of the century. Suffice it to say, the CCBL will once again prove it is the place where "tomorrow's stars shine tonight." Each year the most talented collegiate baseball players in the country are selected to play on one of 10 Cape Cod League teams. And fans, families and everyone in between are invited to share in the making of history. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. ... <more>
67 Grove Street •
Sandwich,
MA 02563
Tel: (508) 888-3300
Heritage Museums & Gardens celebrates American culture and inspires learning with excellence in horticulture, garden design, and great collections. Located on 100 acres of gardens and nature trails, the estate holds a significant collection of specialty gardens, water features, and sculpture. Hidden Hollow, a new family-friendly area, allows for exploration of the natural world and learning about the environment. We offer three museums housing classic automobiles, American folk art, historical artifacts, a vintage carousel, and traveling exhibitions. <more>
307 Commercial St •
Provincetown,
MA 02657
Tel: (508) 487-3424
Provincetown.... Cape Cod's most exciting destination: An historic town that knows how to have fun! Our first visitors: Nov. 11, 1620. For more information, please visit our website! http://www.ptownchamber.com <more>
Dedicated to preserving and interpreting Cape Cod's maritime past, present, and future. Centrally located in Hyannis with frontage on the town marina and harbor, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum serves as a focal point for the Cape and Islands' maritime past, present, and future. Cape Cod's long and rich maritime history. From the clambakes of early native Americans, to the heroics of 19th century sea captains, to today, the sea continues to play a vital role in the economic and recreational lives of Cape Codders and visitors. Ours is a colorful history captured in images, local historical societies, private collections ... <more>
13 Broad Street •
Nantucket,
MA 02554
Tel: 508-228-1894
The mission of the Nantucket Historical Association is to preserve and interpret the history of Nantucket Island in order to inspire island residents, both year-round and seasonal, to shape the island's future with a greater appreciation and respect for their shared heritage, and to foster among all Nantucket residents and visitors a deeper appreciation of the important historical role that the island's people have played in national and world history. <more>
Route 3 Exit 4 •
Plymouth,
MA 02360
Tel: (508) 746-1622
Plimoth Plantation - An America's Hometown adventure just minutes away from Cape Cod and Boston. Fun and educational, Plimoth Plantation presents the story of the Native Wampanoag and 17th century Pilgrim communities from their perspectives. Enjoy this Smithsonian Insitution Affilate- living history museum of the 17th century, perfect for families and groups with our hands on environment, authenticity, and engaging personal encounters. Visit role-playing interpreters aboard the Mayflower II and in the English Village or meet contemporary Native people in the Wampanoag Homesite. Visit the Craft Center and watch as skilled artisans re-create 17th century Native and Colonial items used ... <more>
93 Washington Street •
Salem,
MA 01970
Tel: 978-741-3252
America’s bewitching seaport, Salem is a dynamic city to visit and explore. Just 16 miles north of Boston, and a 90 minute drive from Hyannis, Salem has an incredible history that includes witches and pirates, art, culture, maritime exploration, literary brilliance, and neighborhoods inspired by emigrants and collections from around the globe. Visit the mansion and gardens at the House of the Seven Gables, explore the land of witches and pirates, take a walking tour that is historic or haunted, and make an easy connection to Boston via the high-speed Salem Ferry. Cultural & family events, historic tours & attractions, ... <more>
Off Route 6 •
Wellfleet,
MA 02663
Tel: (508) 349-2510
Fall in love with Wellfleet... and Enjoy Cape Cod at its Best! Wellfleet on Cape Cod offers something for everyone. Located some thirty miles out into the Atlantic Ocean, Wellfleet offers an abundance of quaint seaside character and charm. Our miles of beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, flying a kite or just relaxing. If you're willing to walk a short distance, you can enjoy complete solitude on your own private beach. The calmer waters of Cape Cod Bay and our harbor are a haven for boating, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Don't miss taking a refreshing dip ... <more>
19 I/2 Washington Square North •
Salem,
MA 01970
Tel: (800) 544-1692 or (978) 744-1692
Visit the Salem Witch Museum for a dramatic look at the history of the Salem witch trials of 1692. Our main presentation uses narration, lighting and figures to tell the story of the accusers and accused, the court proceedings and the executions of innocent victims. Our exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, examines the changing interpretations of the word witch over time.Images and figures portray the stereotypical witch and modern day Wiccans. A formula for a witch hunt and examples complete the exhibit. The museum is open year round and admission is charged. Available in English, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Mandarin, ... <more>
27 Nantucket St. •
Hyannis,
MA 02649
Tel: 508-790-7280
The Cape Cod Canal is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It was awarded this distinction in 1985. The two highway bridges received the Class A "Award of Merit" in 1935. These awards marked the end of a long struggle to achieve a dream that was first conceived three hundred years earlier when Captain Myles Standish visited the area. As he looked around he noticed a sea level valley that acted as a watershed for the Manomet (Monument) and Scusset Rivers. Captain Standish thought that a passage could be dug across this narrow neck of land thus joining the rivers ... <more>
P.O. Box 1698 •
Martha's Vineyard,
MA 02568
Tel: 800.505.4815
Discover the Magic of Martha's Vineyard Located just 7 miles off the Massachusetts coastline, the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard is a world apart, offering a vacation ambience unlike any other. Explore the diversity of our six island towns, take long walks along our pristine shores, and step back in time to a more leisurely pace. Each season offers something different. We invite you to come and experience all the island of Martha's Vineyard has to offer. MARTHA'S VINEYARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE <more>
501 Main Street •
Chatham,
MA 02633
Tel: 508-945-0144
Established in 1980, Yellow Umbrella Books has become one of the best-known book destinations on Cape Cod. A full-service literary bookstore with an emphasis on poetry, modern and classic literature, current fiction, regional and children's books, the store also features nautical, art, cooking, gardening, other non-fiction categories and a growing collection of rare and out-of-print books. Our expert staff can help you to find the title you are looking for - and if we don't have it...we can get it! <more>
Rte 6A at the Cape Playhouse Center •
Dennis,
MA 02638
Tel: (508) 385-4477
The Cape Cod Museum of Art’s mission is to collect, conserve, study, interpret and exhibit works by outstanding artists associated with Cape Cod and the Islands. Through its programs, the museum seeks to preserve the artistic heritage of the area and to foster artistic and cultural growth within the individual and the community. Visit CCMA to discover the Cape through historical and contemporary artists: -See exhibitions in seven galleries -Stroll through the lovely sculpture garden -Visit the Museum Shop for unique gifts by artists andartisans -Explore your creativity in year-round art classes for adults and children -Be inspired through various ... <more>
One Gardner Perry Lane •
Nantucket,
MA 02554
Tel: 508-228-0722
The Artists Association of Nantucket is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to fostering the growth of the visual arts on Nantucket. The island's transformation from a fishing community to a summer retreat began after World War II. It had attracted artists for many years - John Steinbeck finished East of Eden here, Eastman Johnson, Tony Sarg, Elizabeth Rebecca Coffin, and Charles Green Shaw worked here. In 1945, local artists and craftspeople formed an association "to develop Nantucket as a recognized art center, and to promote the education and interest of Nantucket artists." They established the only gallery on the island, ... <more>
869 Route 6A •
Brewster,
MA 02631
Tel: (508) 896-3867
Founded in 1954, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History encourages and advances understanding of our natural environment through discovery and learning. The museum is set on 80-acres, abutted by 300 acres of town-owned conservation land. Two floors of exhibits feature the flora and fauna of Cape Cod, including exhibits on whales, indigenous birds, and coastal change, and several an aquarium housing different species of crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, turtles and snakes. Several displays are interactive and geared to children. Special, temporary exhibits enhance the permanent collection. The Museum also has a library and Museum Shop. Three nature trails meander ... <more>
51 Route 6 PO Box 900 •
Wellfleet,
MA 02667
Tel: (508) 349-7176
Wellfleet Cinemas was built in 1986 and is independently owned and operated. All four screens all equipped with Dolby Digital EX. and JBL Speakers. We now have Dolby Digital EX installed on all screens. Some customers have asked why most of the sound does not come out of the surround speakers. As you can see on the Dolby web site most of the sound is destined for the Left Front, Center Front, and Right Front speakers behind our acoustically transparent screen, were the largest speakers are. The surround chain is usually only used for "flyover" or ambient sounds, not dialogue, ... <more>
Route 151 •
East Falmouth,
MA 02536
Tel: (508) 563-3200
The Barnstable County Fair has been an annual summer tradition on Cape Cod for 166 years. The Fair is a place where families can spend the day together and share experiences they can only experience at the Barnstable County Fair. There are animal shows, 4-H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, live music, arts & crafts, food and commercial vendors with various arts and crafts for sale. The Fair features the best in wholesome family fun and entertainment. More than 85,000 people attend with an anticipated 90,000 this year. The Barnstable County Fair is a great place to get ... <more>
One High Pole Hill •
Provincetown,
MA 02657
Tel: (508) 487-1310
105 Division Street •
West Harwich,
MA 02671
Tel: (508) 432-2002
PO Box 582 •
North Chatham,
MA 02650
Tel: (508) 246-0039
PO Box 410 •
Falmouth,
MA 02541
Tel: 508-457-4242
4676 Falmouth Road •
Cotuit,
MA 02635
Tel: (508) 428-7581
14 Back St •
Nantucket,
MA 02554
Tel: 508-228-1128
1 North Union St •
Nantucket,
MA 02554
Tel: 508-228-4479
154 Crowell Road •
Chatham,
MA 02633
Tel: (508) 945-3583
424 Bellevue Avenue •
Newport,
RI 02840
Tel: (401) 847-1000
24 Pearl Street •
Provincetown,
MA 02657
Tel: 508-487-9960






