Things to do / Travel Guide
Although summer is the most popular time to visit the region, there are special events to see and enjoy throughout the year. Culture is king in Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and most of the events have to do with the region's venerable history, culture, and traditions.
January
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Boston's Chinatown, where you'll see colorful dragons and fireworks.
February
Towards the end of the month, Newport's 10-day Winter Festival is one of the largest festivals in New England. This treat for the entire family features ice sculptures, a chili cook-off, and live music and entertainment.
March
One of the grandest spots to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and drink your fill of green beer is in South Boston, site of the city's biggest St Paddy's parade. There are lots of events, not least the parade, which every year features marching bands and bagpipe bands from all over the country. In Boston St. Paddy's is on March 17th or thereabouts, however if you happen to be in another fortunate New England city, check the local calendar, because it isn't necessarily on the same day.
April
On the third Monday in April, you can cheer on the runners participating in the Boston Marathon; or later in the month, head to Nantucket for the Daffodil Festival, where the yellow blooms everywhere herald the advent of spring.
May
The Nantucket Wine Festival, held in late May, is the time when vintners and some of the island's finest chefs invite you to sample their creations.
June
Eighty top antique dealers show off their wares in Cape Cod's Brewster in early June at the popular annual Brewster Historical Society Antiques Fair. You can buy an old sofa, an old phonograph, and a vintage album to play on it.
A few weeks later, Cape Cod's Falmouth is the site of the St. Barnabus Strawberry Festival, where you can pick your own strawberries and indulge in some strawberry shortcake served up on the town green.
July
This is an excellent month to be in Boston. In this city the Fourth of July isn't a day, it's a weeklong event called Harborfest, which culminates on the big day with a free Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade and the fireworks display over the Boston Harbor.
August
One of this month's highlights is the annual Newport Jazz Festival, held in early August.
Also in early August is the annual Cape Cod Antiques Show, another popular event for antique lovers.
For families, there are two family-focused events in August. The Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, held in Nantucket in mid-August, is a serious but fun contest. Since contestants are categorized by age group, the youngsters have a chances to win too. Festival Days is a late-August six-day event held in Dennis, Cape Cod, that includes fun activities such as a kite-flying contest, a canoe race, and a crafts fair.
September
The mid-September Cranberry Festival in Harwich (on Cape Cod) features nine days of events related to the region's colorful cranberry harvest, including pancake breakfasts and firework displays.
The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is a month-long contest, and the region's premier fishing derby.
The Provincetown Arts Festival takes place over four weekends, from late September to mid-October. Local artists and galleries open their studios and actors stage readings of Provincetown's most well-known playwright, Eugene O'Neill.
October
The Newport waterfront is where New England's largest authentic German Oktoberfest is held. The early October celebration features music, food and a biergarten - where - you guessed it - people sit around guzzling lots of beers.
November
Thanksgiving is a month-long event in Plymouth. Highlights include the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the New England Food Festival, and a concert performed by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
December
Nantucket Noel is a month-long festival that begins in late November, and culminates in the “Christmas Stroll.” But if you want to join the costumed carolers and the “talking” Christmas tree, make your reservations early, since the ferries and lodging places will be fully booked long before Santa arrives in town.
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