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- Costumes, lanterns, and two curtains coming down
Costumes, lanterns, and two curtains coming down
Celebrate Lower Cape · October 22–28, 2026
Arthur Radtke
October 22, 2026
Halloween is still a week away, and the Lower Cape is already in costume. Saturday has trick-or-treating at the Shark Center in Chatham, a costumed stroll down Main Street in Orleans, Halloween on the Green in Eastham and a trunk-or-treat in Brewster. By midafternoon, most of the towns have a candy plan.
The other half of the weekend is older and quieter. Harwich unveils a Revolutionary War memorial Saturday morning and walks its oldest cemetery by lantern Sunday evening. The Atwood Museum spends Saturday afternoon on how Chatham remembers its dead. Choose which mood you want before you choose the event.
And two good shows close on Sunday: The Fall of the House of Usher in Brewster and Small Mouth Sounds in Provincetown. If either has been on your list, this is the weekend. The middle of next week still has Washington Irving in Wellfleet and a locally made horror film in Chatham. The week is longer than its busiest afternoon.
Reading the week
Saturday is the crowded day. The Harwich memorial starts at 10 a.m., Shark Center trick-or-treating runs on timed entries from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Chatham egg hunt is at 1, and Orleans and Eastham both start at 3. If you have children, pick a town first and let the rest of the day follow.
Two Sunday matinees are final performances. Usher and Small Mouth Sounds both play their last shows at 2 p.m. on October 25. Usher is PG-13 and not recommended for children.
Read the small participation details. Friday’s bird banding is for adults and families with children ages 8–17. Forest Bathing is ages 15+. Oyster Sunday requires a 2026 recreational shellfish permit. The Harwich Halloween Parade asks families not to arrive before 3:45 p.m. Those are details that can change an outing before it begins.
This Week’s Headlines
The weather: Thursday is windy with showers and gusts near 39 mph. Saturday is sunny and about 51; Sunday is near 55 and close to calm.
The 250th, locally: Harwich Remembers the Call of Liberty has a memorial dedication Saturday at 10 and a Living History Fair from noon to 4.
The oyster opener: Brewster’s first Oyster Sunday is October 25 at Mants Landing, 3–5:45 p.m. Wait in the lot for staff to check permits.
A door to know about: Eldredge Public Library’s front entrance is closed. Use the Library Lane side entrance in Chatham.
For Provincetown seniors: the Adult Community Center asked for RSVPs by October 22 for the Walky Talky and the Halloween Lunch / Spooky Hat Party. Call 508-487-7080 to check for room.
Around town: MacMillan Pier in Provincetown has electrical work starting October 26, and Wellfleet Town Meeting is Monday.
Don’t Sleep On This
A Friday night with a caller. The Outermost Contra Dance opens doors at 6:15 p.m. at Wellfleet Preservation Hall, teaches beginners at 6:30 and dances at 7. Amy Larkin plays fiddle, Chris Marchio plays piano and Bob Peterson calls. $15; $10 for 30 and under; $5 with a student ID. No partner or experience needed.
A free Saturday afternoon in Truro. The Truro Playwright Collective stages Long Distances, a new play by Joseph M. Paprzycki, at 2 p.m. at Truro Public Library. A married gay man goes home to bury his friend’s wife and runs into an old truth. Free; no tickets.
A lighthouse after dark. Nauset Light’s Full Moon Tour runs 5:30–8:30 p.m. Sunday in Eastham. Only 10 to 15 people fit inside at once, so you may wait. Free; donations encouraged. If you would rather climb in daylight, the open tour runs 1–4 p.m.
All times are Eastern. Follow the event links for tickets or registration. Prices appear where published; remaining seats and schedules can change.
🇺🇸 One Big Thing
Sat, Oct 24 · 10–11 a.m. memorial dedication; noon–4 p.m. Living History Fair · Evergreen Cemetery, East Harwich, and Harwich Community Center
The Harwich Town Band plays as a Revolutionary War memorial is unveiled at Evergreen Cemetery, 40 Cemetery Road, off the Orleans-Harwich Road. The day then moves to the Community Center at 100 Oak Street for a Living History Fair. Both are public; neither organizer posts an admission price.
Sunday evening, the Harwich Historical Society’s First Congregational Church Cemetery Lantern Tours leave at 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m., with actors as the town’s soldiers and their wives. Park and meet at Brooks Academy Museum, 80 Parallel Street. $10 ($10.60 with online fees). All three times showed open seats Thursday morning. Go Saturday for the ceremony, then come back Sunday when it’s dark.
🎨 Arts & Culture
A talk or a reception gives you a set hour when looking at the work is the whole plan.
Thu, Oct 22 · 2 p.m. · Eldredge Public Library, Chatham
The director of the Edward Gorey House on the man who made dread look cozy. Registration required; walk-ins if there’s room. Use the Library Lane side entrance.
Thu, Oct 22 · 10:30 a.m.–noon · Eldredge Public Library, Chatham
A morning lecture on the painter of Montmartre’s cabarets. $10 suggested donation.
Thu, Oct 22 · 5:30–7 p.m. · Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Wellfleet
The painter talks about his show Your Apparition Passes Through Me. Free.
Fri, Oct 23 · 5:30–6:30 p.m. · Provincetown Commons, Provincetown
Baylor Grifte reads from an art-world murder mystery. Mature language. Free.
Sat, Oct 24 · 5 p.m. · Farm Projects, 355 Main Street, Wellfleet
An artist’s print night supported by the Wellfleet Cultural Council and the Fine Arts Work Center. No price is posted.
Tue, Oct 27 · 10–11:30 a.m. · Creative Arts Center, Chatham
William Merritt Chase and The Ten, the Americans who took French light home. $15; $10 members.
Wed, Oct 28 · 4–6 p.m. · Galley West Art Gallery, 204 Monument Road, Orleans
The winter show opens. The gallery shares a campus with the Church of the Holy Spirit, so confirm the room when you arrive.
🧵 Hands & Habits
Some of the best afternoons this time of year end with something you made or something you brought home.
Sat–Sun, Oct 24–25 · 10 a.m.–4 p.m. · Lemon Tree Village Shops, 1069 Route 6A, Brewster
Two days of makers on 6A, with good weather both days. Free admission.
Sat, Oct 24 · 11 a.m.–2 p.m. · Provincetown Commons, Provincetown
Paint a small pie-themed square for the Commons’ November fundraiser. Materials provided. Registration required; 20-person limit.
Mon, Oct 26 · 10 a.m.–noon · First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church, Brewster
A stand-alone watercolor session for adults of any skill level. $39.19; no refunds.
Tue, Oct 27 · 3–6 p.m. · Provincetown Commons, Provincetown
A printmaking workshop for the week. $40.
🍽 Community & Food
Two markets, a farm dinner, a working-harbor party and the season’s first oysters. Some of it feeds you; some of it reminds you where the food comes from.
Fri, Oct 23 · 5–8 p.m. · Chatham Bars Inn Farm, 3034 Main Street, Brewster
A welcome reception, then four family-style courses in the greenhouse. Ages 21+; give dietary needs at least 48 hours ahead. $225 including alcohol, tax and gratuity.
Fri, Oct 23 · 5:30–7 p.m. · Truro Vineyards pavilion, North Truro
Team trivia under the enclosed pavilion. Reserve through the vineyard’s ticket link.
Sat, Oct 24 · 9 a.m.–noon · Orleans
Late-season produce, bread and whatever the cold nights have sweetened.
Sat, Oct 24 · 9 a.m.–1 p.m. · Ryder Street by Town Hall, Provincetown
Vendors price their own goods; no admission is posted.
Sat, Oct 24 · 11 a.m.–5 p.m. · The Canteen, 225 Commercial Street, Provincetown
Shellfish farmers, sea shanties, shucking demonstrations and booths about the working harbor. RSVP online; seafood is extra.
Sun, Oct 25 · 3–5:45 p.m. · Mants Landing, Brewster
The town’s first recreational oyster opening of the season. A valid 2026 recreational shellfish permit is required. Bring gloves and boots, and wait in the parking lot for staff to check permits.
🎶 Music & Nightlife
A big band, a percussion quartet, a Sunday concert in a church and a free trio in a library. Pick by the room as much as the music.
Fri, Oct 23 · 2–3 p.m. · Eastham Public Library, Eastham
Bart Weisman with Bill Pernice on piano and Ron Ormsby on bass. Free.
Fri, Oct 23 · 4–5 p.m. · Wellfleet Public Library, Wellfleet
Folk songs, children’s songs and old favorites for any age or voice. Free.
Sat, Oct 24 · 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. · The 204, 204 Sisson Road, Harwich
The big band that still carries the name. From $57.33.
Sat, Oct 24 · 2–3 p.m. · Wellfleet Public Library, Wellfleet
A rescheduled concert, short video and talk on Moberg’s suite, with fiddler Heather Swanson. Free; seating limited.
Sat, Oct 24 · 7:30 p.m. · Performing Arts Center, Brewster
A Grammy-winning quartet playing Steve Reich and Oliver Tarpaga. $35; $30 seniors; students and youth free. Reserve online or call 508-240-2400.
Sun, Oct 25 · 2 p.m. · St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 625 Main Street, Chatham
The Chatham Music Club and its 2026 scholarship winners, with Gershwin on two pianos and a Sousa finale for eight hands. $30.
🌿 Nature & History
The best weather of the week falls on the weekend. These are the ways to spend it outside with someone who knows what you are looking at.
Fri, Oct 23 and Tue, Oct 27 · 8–10 a.m. · Harwich Conservation Trust preserves, Harwich
Peter Trull on fall birds and how they feed, for any experience level. Bring binoculars. $20; registration required.
Fri, Oct 23 · 8:30–9:30 a.m. · Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet
A banding demonstration for adults and families with children 8–17; admission covers the rest of the day. Arrive 15 minutes early. $14 members; $18 nonmembers.
Fri, Oct 23 · 1–3 p.m. · Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster
A slow, guided walk of about a mile and a half, some of it over rough ground. The last date in the museum’s 2026 series. Ages 15+. $10 members; $15 nonmembers; museum admission extra.
Sat, Oct 24 · 9–11 a.m. · Meet at Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich
A volunteer beach cleanup with an optional Halloween costume contest. Equipment provided. Free; register and choose a beach.
Sat, Oct 24 · 9–10:30 a.m. · Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, Harwich
Tom Evans walks the All Persons Trails and the rewilded wetlands. Free; registration required.
Sat, Oct 24 · 5–6:30 p.m. · Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet
A naturalist-led adult walk of under a mile and a half that ends in low light. Bring a flashlight and layers. $14 members; $18 nonmembers.
Tue, Oct 27 · 1–2:30 p.m. · Brewster Ladies’ Library, Brewster
Erin Camire on fall cleanup that leaves food and shelter for wildlife. Free; registration linked.
Tue–Wed, Oct 27–28 · 10 a.m.–noon · Three Sisters Lighthouses, 751 Cable Road, Eastham
A park volunteer opens the grounds and answers questions about the three lights. Free; no registration.
📚 Talks, Books & Big Ideas
Two poets, the man who wrote the Headless Horseman and a course title worth the drive.
Mon, Oct 26 · 1:30–3 p.m. · Eldredge Public Library, Chatham
Part of the library’s fall learning series. $10 suggested donation per course.
Tue, Oct 27 · 10:30 a.m.–noon · Snow Library, Orleans
Part of the fall learning series. $10 suggested donation per course.
Tue, Oct 27 · 3–4 p.m. · Brewster Ladies’ Library, Brewster
Two of ten spaces showed open Thursday morning.
Tue, Oct 27 · 6–7 p.m. · Wellfleet Public Library, Wellfleet
Two poets, one evening, no booking required. Free.
Tue, Oct 27 · 7–8:30 p.m. · Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Wellfleet
An interactive performance with the author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” No price is posted. It follows the poetry reading closely enough to make one Wellfleet evening.
🎭 Theater & Film
Two closing weekends, a detective in West Harwich and a scary movie made close to home.
Thu–Sat, Oct 22–24 · 7:30 p.m.; Sat–Sun, Oct 24–25 · 2 p.m. · Cape Rep Indoor Theater, Brewster
Gip Hoppe’s Poe adaptation, closing Sunday. PG-13 and not recommended for children. $40; $30 ages 35 and under; student rush half-price at the door.
Thu–Sat, Oct 22–24 · 7 p.m.; Sun, Oct 25 · 2 p.m. · Provincetown Theater, Provincetown
Bess Wohl’s comedy about six people on a silent retreat, directed by Ali Greene. Sunday is the final performance.
Fri–Sat, Oct 23–24 · 7 p.m.; Sun, Oct 25 · 2 p.m. · Cape Cod Theatre Company, 105 Division Street, West Harwich
Sherlock Holmes on stage, recommended for ages 7 and up. $32 adults; $30 seniors; $21 youth.
Thu–Sat, Oct 22–24 · 7 p.m.; Sun, Oct 25 · 2 p.m. · The Academy Playhouse, Orleans
Roald Dahl’s book-loving girl and her terrible headmistress. Choose the dated performance on the ticket page.
Thu, Oct 22 · 7 p.m. · Chatham Orpheum Theater, Chatham
Cape Mediation’s annual movie night supports youth conflict-resolution programs. Rated PG.
Wed, Oct 28 · 5:30 p.m. · Provincetown Public Library, Provincetown
Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde and Jeanne Crain in the 1945 film, in the Marc Jacobs Reading Room.
Wed, Oct 28 · 7:30 p.m. · Chatham Orpheum Theater, Chatham
A psychological horror film made locally. Paul and Jade Schuyler introduce it and take questions afterward. Reserved seating; check the Orpheum for price.
👨👩👧 Family & Little Ones
Saturday is the early Halloween. Most of these need only a costume and a parent; a few ask for registration.
Sat, Oct 24 · 9 a.m. · Shark Center Chatham, Chatham
A seasonal story hour at the Shark Center. $8.48 including fees per participating child and adult.
Sat, Oct 24 · 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (timed entry) · Shark Center Chatham, Chatham
Timed entries from 10 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.; all slots showed open Thursday. $6.36 including fees.
Sat, Oct 24 · 10–11:30 a.m. · Brewster Baptist Church, Brewster
Games, candy from car trunks and visits from the police and fire departments. All community welcome.
Sat, Oct 24 · 1–2:30 p.m. · Chatham Community Center Gym, Chatham
Yes, eggs. Free for residents and nonresidents; preregistration required.
Sat, Oct 24 · 3–4:30 p.m. · Main Street and participating stops, Orleans
A costumed family trick-or-treat stroll. Use the organizer’s live map of candy stops.
Sat, Oct 24 · 3–5 p.m. · Eastham Windmill Green, Eastham
Trick-or-treat tables, games, music and dancing, with a costume and carved-pumpkin contest at 4. Bring the pumpkin.
Fri, Oct 23 · 5–7 p.m. · Truro Public Library, North Truro
A DJ, games, face painting, a photo booth, crafts and donuts on a string. Costumes encouraged.
Mon, Oct 26 · 3–5 p.m. · Brooks Free Library, Harwich
The 1939 film for all ages. Costumes encouraged; popcorn free; no registration.
Tue, Oct 27 · 6–7:30 p.m. · Eastham Public Library, Eastham
Teams up to six, or come solo. One person in costume earns the team a bonus point.
Wed, Oct 28 · 4–5:30 p.m. · Route 28 sidewalks, Harwich Port
Children walk with a parent or guardian. Please arrive no earlier than 3:45 p.m.
🌈 TransWeek in Provincetown
Fantasia Fair’s week brings two evenings at the Crown & Anchor that are open to the public.
Thu, Oct 22 · 8 p.m. · Crown & Anchor Cabaret Room, 247 Commercial Street, Provincetown
Hosted by Cody Suzuki and Ash. Performers sign up at the door as registered attendees. Free for the audience.
Fri, Oct 23 · 8 p.m. · Crown & Anchor Paramount Room, Provincetown
Erin Daily and Nick Greiner host the participants’ talent show; tips support a local charity. $20 general public.
🎶 Music & Comedy at a Glance
Date | Act / program | Venue · Town | Time | Price / booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thu, Oct 22 | The 204 · Harwich | 7 p.m. | $47.15–$68.15 | |
Thu–Sat, Oct 22–24 | Post Office Cafe & Cabaret · Provincetown | 7:30 p.m. | See ticket page | |
Fri, Oct 23 | Hog Island Brewery · Orleans | 6–9 p.m. | See venue | |
Fri, Oct 23 | The Barley Neck · Orleans | 8:30 p.m. | See venue | |
Fri, Oct 23 | Post Office Cafe & Cabaret · Provincetown | 9 p.m. | See ticket page | |
Sat, Oct 24 | Crown & Anchor · Provincetown | 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. | $27.69 plus $25 food/drink minimum | |
Sat, Oct 24 | The 204 · Harwich | 4 and 7 p.m. | From $57.33 | |
Sat, Oct 24 | Performing Arts Center · Brewster | 7:30 p.m. | $35; $30 seniors; students free | |
Sat, Oct 24 | The Barley Neck · Orleans | 8:30 p.m. | See venue | |
Sun, Oct 25 | St. Christopher’s · Chatham | 2 p.m. | $30 | |
Sun, Oct 25 | Crown & Anchor · Provincetown | 7 p.m. | No cover | |
Sun, Oct 25 | Crown & Anchor · Provincetown | 9 p.m. | No cover | |
Mon, Oct 26 | Post Office Cafe & Cabaret · Provincetown | 9 p.m. | $39 GA; $49 VIP | |
Tue, Oct 27 | Crown & Anchor · Provincetown | 7 p.m. | No cover | |
Wed, Oct 28 | Crown & Anchor · Provincetown | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | No cover |
🌊 Out Toward the Tip
Eastham: Friday’s library jazz starts at 2 p.m. and is free. Halloween on the Green fills Saturday 3–5 p.m. Sunday has both Nauset Light tours, daytime and full moon. The Three Sisters open Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Wellfleet: The contra dance is Friday night. Saturday has the moonrise walk at 5 and print night at Farm Projects. Tuesday pairs the poetry reading at 6 with Washington Irving at 7. The library’s Wednesday trivia is free at 6 p.m.
Truro: The library’s Halloween party runs Friday 5–7 p.m., the same evening as vineyard trivia. Saturday’s staged reading of Long Distances is free at 2 p.m.
Provincetown: Small Mouth Sounds has its last four performances. Saturday has the farmers’ market on Ryder Street, Harborfest at the Canteen and the Conservation Trust’s fall volunteer morning on the Old Colony Nature Pathway. No single day needs to become an all-day expedition.
🗓 The Week Beyond the Weekend
Day | A daytime anchor | A later option |
|---|---|---|
Mon, Oct 26 | The Enchanted Brush · Brewster · 10 a.m.–noon; $39.19 | The Wizard of Oz · Harwich · 3–5 p.m.; free, or Goodnight Provincetown · Provincetown · 9 p.m.; ticketed |
Tue, Oct 27 | American Impressionism with Beth Stein · Chatham · 10–11:30 a.m.; $15, or Managing Fall in the Garden · Brewster · 1 p.m.; free | Kazim Ali and John Bonanni · Wellfleet · 6 p.m.; free, then An Evening with Washington Irving · Wellfleet · 7 p.m. |
Wed, Oct 28 | Bird Walk & Talk · Brewster · 9:30–11 a.m.; $10/$15, call 508-896-3867 x133 | Harwich Halloween Parade · Harwich Port · 4 p.m., or Red River Road + Q&A · Chatham · 7:30 p.m.; reserved seating |
Arthur’s note: This is a weekend for remembering, which is a strange thing to say about one full of candy. But both come down to the same thing: going out after dark, walking past the old houses and the old stones, and knocking on a neighbor’s door. Pick the costume or the lantern, not both in one afternoon. Halloween itself is next Saturday.
— Arthur
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