Your guide to the best of the Cape from Friday, January 30th to Sunday, February 1st.
There is a specific kind of magic that settles over Cape Cod in late January. The summer crowds are a distant memory, the air is crisp, and the landscape takes on a serene, silvery hue. If you’re lucky enough to be here this weekend, it’s the perfect time to trade the beach chair for a cozy sweater and explore the "local" side of the Cape.
Here is how to make the most of your weekend:
Friday, January 30: Music & Maritime
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The Boatbuilders Show: Kick off the weekend in Hyannis at the Emerald Resort. The annual Boatbuilders Show on Cape Cod starts today. Even if you aren't in the market for a new vessel, it’s a great way to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship of our local maritime industry.
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Live Music at the Lanes: Head over to Mashpee for some Friday night energy. The Lanes Bowl & Bistro is hosting the Runaway Band starting at 7:30 PM. It’s a great spot for wood-fired pizza and a craft brew while you catch some live tunes.
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A Waterfront Serenade: If you’re closer to Chatham, catch Sara Sneed live at the Chatham Bars Inn as part of their Winter Music Series. There’s nothing quite like a cocktail by the fire with a view of the Atlantic.
Saturday, January 31: Arts & Discovery
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Opera in Wellfleet: For a bit of culture, head to Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT). They are hosting a live MET Opera screening of Arabella at 1:00 PM. It’s an intimate way to experience world-class performance without leaving the Outer Cape.
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Monomoy Bird Walk: Bundle up and join the birding enthusiasts at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham. Winter is prime time for spotting migratory waterfowl and the occasional snowy owl.
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Night in Wellfleet: End your evening at Wellfleet Preservation Hall for the Bitter and Broken Men’s Chorus at 7:00 PM. It’s a local favorite and always a soulful, community-filled night.
Sunday, February 1: Leisure & Light
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Sunday Symphony: Warm up at the Sandwich Glass Museum for a special musical performance at 2:00 PM featuring a flute, bassoon, and oboe trio. Afterward, stay for the glass-blowing demonstration—watching the molten glass is the ultimate way to beat the winter chill.
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A Quiet Sunset: Cap off your weekend at Nobska Light in Falmouth. In the winter, the sun sets at a "reasonable" hour (around 5:00 PM), casting a stunning purple and orange glow over the Vineyard Sound.
