Mid Cape Weekender: Elvis, Mother’s Day Stops, Beach Cleanups & Small-Town Stages

CapePOPS! Elvis and the Symphony Sat, May 9 · 7:30 PM · Barnstable Performing Arts Center, Hyannis · Ticketed Cape Symphony puts a full orchestra behind the King's greatest hits. Two performances: Saturday night and Sunday afternoon (May 10 · 3 PM).

Knickerbocker All-Stars Fri, May 8 · 7 PM · The Music Room, West Yarmouth · Check door Blues-and-roots night at one of the Cape's best small music rooms.

Natalia Bonfini at Love Farms Fri, May 8 · 6–9 PM · Love Farms, West Dennis · Free Friday night live music at West Dennis' outdoor farm venue.

The Kerosene Heater Band Fri, May 8 · 8–11 PM · Red Nun Bar & Grill, Dennis Port · No cover Live band night at Dennis Port's neighborhood bar.

Derek Dibbern at Love Farms Sat, May 9 · 1–4 PM · Love Farms, West Dennis · Free Afternoon live music at Love Farms — bring a lawn chair.

Live Irish Music with Rose Clancy Sat, May 9 · 5:30–7:30 PM · Red Nun Bar & Grill, Dennis Port · No cover Early evening Irish music in Dennis Port.

Acoustic Roots at Love Farms Sat, May 9 · 6–9 PM · Love Farms, West Dennis · Free The Saturday evening set continues at Love Farms with Acoustic Roots.

Matt York: Songs of The Highwaymen Sat, May 9 · 12–1 PM · Dennis Public Library, Dennis Port · Free New England musician Matt York performs songs by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings — with stories from their careers woven throughout.

Dave Alves at Love Farms Sun, May 10 · 1–4 PM · Love Farms, West Dennis · Free Sunday afternoon live music at Love Farms.

Barnstable Spring Concert Tue, May 12 · 6 PM · Barnstable Performing Arts Center, Hyannis · Free Barnstable Performing Arts Department's spring concert.

Mary McAvoy at Love Farms Thu, May 14 · 4–7 PM · Love Farms, West Dennis · Free Thursday early-evening live music at Love Farms.

Open Mic at House of Hatchets Fri, May 8 · 8 PM · House of Hatchets, Hyannis · Free A Friday night open stage at Hyannis' axe-and-arrow venue.

The Cottage Fri–Sun, May 8–10 · 7:30 PM (Sat/Fri), 2:30 PM (Sun) · Barnstable Comedy Club, Barnstable · $30 Sandy Rustin's sharp romantic farce — affairs, secrets, and door-slamming timing in an English country cottage. Also Thu May 14 · 7:30 PM.

Sister Act Fri–Sun, May 8–10 · Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit · Sold out (check for returns) Cotuit's big-hearted gospel musical comedy — Deloris Van Cartier hides in a convent, the choir will never be the same. Also Thu May 14 · 7:30 PM.

Tiny Houses Fri–Sun, May 8–10 · 7 PM (Fri/Sat), 1:30 PM (Sun) · Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit · Sold out (check for returns) Warm, funny stage comedy about five octogenarians choosing one more bold chapter together. Final weekend.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 All week, May 8–14 · 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM daily · Cape Cinema, Dennis · Ticketed Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci return to Runway Magazine. All week at the Cape's best independent cinema.

Out of This World: Open Juried Exhibition All week, May 8–14 · Gallery hours · Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit · Free to view Juried exhibition exploring the cosmic, surreal, and dreamlike. Runs through May 17.

Lauren Lortie: 10 UFOs All week, May 8–14 · Gallery hours · Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit · Free to view Ten large paintings blend UFO imagery, science fiction, fear, and hope. Paired with Out of This World.

Tiffany's Gardens in Glass Wed, May 13 · 10 AM–4 PM · Cahoon Museum of American Art, Cotuit · Museum admission Luminous exhibit of Tiffany garden-inspired glasswork at the Cahoon.

Book Talk: David Phillips 57-Year Retrospective Thu, May 14 · 2–3 PM · Cape Cod Museum of Art, Dennis · $24 Museum book talk and signing tied to the Phillips sculpture retrospective on view all week.

A Taste of Argentine Wine, Tango & Tapas Fri, May 8 · 7–9 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · $50 Tango instruction, Argentine wine, and tapas in the Cultural Center's grand ballroom.

Metal Clay with Kim: Give Your Heart to Mom Fri, May 8 · 5–9 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · Ticketed Make a handmade jewelry piece in time for Mother's Day — a full evening workshop.

Studio Ghibli-Style Watercolor & Gouache Sat, May 9 · 11 AM–1 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · From $160 Soft, expressive painting in the Ghibli spirit — watercolor and gouache techniques with Dylan Griffin.

Mini Sailor's Valentine in a Pocket Watch Sat, May 9 · 9 AM–12 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · From $144 Create a detailed miniature sailor's valentine inside a pocket watch. Hands-on with Helaine.

Improv YOUR Life with Melinda Gallant Sat, May 9 · 1–3 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · From $50 Improv theater games to build confidence, listening, and genuine spontaneity.

Thursday Atelier with Susan Overstreet Thu, May 14 · 10 AM–1 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · From $30 Open-studio session with structured time and feedback for painters of any medium.

Oil Painting Technique with Susan Overstreet Thu, May 14 · 2–4:30 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · From $250 Technique-focused class on process, color, and composition for oil painters.

Nantucket Lightship Basket Workshop Thu, May 14 · 9 AM–12 PM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · From $480 Multi-session traditional craft workshop in Nantucket lightship basket making.

Barnstable High Senior Showcase Thu, May 14 · 6 PM · Barnstable Performing Arts Center, Hyannis · Free One night only — Barnstable High Drama Club spotlights its seniors on the main stage.

Gorey Letters: Handlettering Workshop Wed, May 7 (starts this week) · 5:30–7 PM · Thacher Hall, Yarmouth Port · From $48 Edward Gorey-inspired traditional handlettering with guided practice and a final project.

Discomfort in the Manic Mind — Author Talk Fri, May 8 · 2–3:30 PM · Cotuit Library, Cotuit · Free Author Deborah Francis discusses her memoir with books available for purchase and signing.

History on Tap: Stormy Seas Fri, May 8 · 5–7 PM · Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Hyannis · $10 Woods Hole's Glen Gawarkiewicz on shifting currents, warming waters, and the changing ocean around Cape Cod. Beer included.

History on Tap: Early Nautical Charts Thu, May 14 · 5–6:30 PM · Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Hyannis · $10 Bob Zaremba of Maps of Antiquity shares historic charts and the story of how Cape Cod's coastline was first mapped.

Birding with BLT Fri, May 8 · 7:30–8:45 AM · West Barnstable · Free Tommy Burgess leads an easy spring birding walk with stops to listen and look.

Keyes Beach Clean-up Sat, May 9 · 7–9 AM · Keyes Memorial Beach, Hyannis · Free Morning shoreline cleanup with BLT and conservation partners — gloves and bags provided.

Kalmus Beach Walk & Talk with Gil Newton Sat, May 9 · 10–11:15 AM · Kalmus Beach, Hyannis · Free Naturalist Gil Newton explores marine life, dunes, seaweeds, and coastal ecology along the shoreline.

Blessing of the Rakes Sat, May 9 · 11 AM–12 PM · Barnstable Harbor · Free BARS' 25th-anniversary blessing ceremony for shellfish rakes, followed by an optional low-tide quahog harvest for licensed shellfishers.

Monitoring Pond Health on Cape Cod Fri, May 8 · 10–11:30 AM · APCC's Koppel Center, Dennis · Free Julie Hambrook on how APCC monitors pond health and what water-quality indicators reveal about local ecosystems. Also available hybrid.

Wildlife on Tap: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Wed, May 13 · 6:30–8:30 PM · Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis · $15 Mass Audubon brings the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to the taproom — research, conservation, public safety, and what the science is currently finding.

Natalie Stopka Plant Pigment Demo Wed, May 13 · 2–4 PM · Dennis Conservation Land Trust, East Dennis · Free Artist Natalie Stopka demonstrates how invasive buckthorn becomes pigment, with a book talk and signing for From Plant to Pigment.

Mother's Day at the Cahoon Museum Sun, May 10 · 10 AM–4 PM · Cahoon Museum, Cotuit · Mothers free Exhibits, shopping, and Art Cart activities — mothers receive free admission on Sunday.

Mother's Day at the Maritime Museum Sun, May 10 · 12–4 PM · Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Hyannis · Moms free A Mother's Day visit with complimentary admission for moms.

Children's Story Time with Kate Lynch Sat, May 9 · 10–11 AM · Osterville Village Library, Osterville · Free Local author and conservationist Kate Lynch leads a nature-minded storytime for kids.

Mother's Day Mini Sessions Sat, May 9 · 9 AM–1:45 PM · Jaxtimer Farm, Hyannis · Ticketed Short family photo sessions with Salty Broad Studios; a portion of proceeds goes to WE CAN.

Friday Storytime at Cotuit Library Fri, May 8 · 10–10:45 AM · Cotuit Library, Cotuit · Free Interactive stories, a craft, and a small scavenger hunt for young children.

Fresh Air Storytime with Miss Tessa Thu, May 14 · 11 AM · Centerville Public Library, Centerville · Free Outdoor stories, music, movement, and bubbles with Miss Tessa.

Weekly Storytime at Whelden Thu, May 14 · 11–11:30 AM · Whelden Memorial Library, West Barnstable · Free Drop-in preschool storytime with songs, stories, and outdoor-friendly play.

Churchill's Secret Armies in WWII — Parts 1 & 2 Fri, May 8 · 2 PM & Sat, May 9 · 1 PM · Osterville Village Library, Osterville · Free Historian David Barrett on Churchill's covert intelligence networks and SOE operations in occupied Europe — two sessions, each self-contained.

Best Small Museums in Massachusetts Fri, May 8 · 1–2 PM · Yarmouth Port Library, Yarmouth Port · Free Author Alison O'Leary on overlooked collections, unusual stories, and the small museums worth finding across Massachusetts.

From Bottles to Windows: Glass in Colonial America Sat, May 9 · 2 PM · Thacher Hall / Yarmouth New Church, Yarmouth Port · From $8 A local-history talk on how glass shaped everyday colonial life on Cape Cod and beyond.

What's Happening at This Time Fri, May 8 · 10–11 AM · Sturgis Library, Barnstable · Free A weekly discussion group for neighbors who want to talk through current events in a library setting.

Red River BBQ at Cape Cod Beer Fri, May 8 · 4–7 PM · Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis · No cover Food truck stop at the taproom every Friday. Also Saturday, May 9 · 3–7 PM.

Cape Cod Beer Taproom Open Sat, May 9 · 12–9 PM · Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis · No cover The full taproom day — beers, seltzers, and a relaxed brewery atmosphere.

It's Time for Tea at Whelden Thu, May 14 · 10 AM–12 PM · Whelden Memorial Library, West Barnstable · Free A quiet Thursday tea stop with the library's tea collection.

Social Group for Neurodivergent Teens Fri, May 8 · 3:30–4:30 PM · Centerville Public Library, Centerville · Free A welcoming afternoon social for neurodivergent teens to connect in a low-pressure library setting.

Yoga for Everyone with Marnie Wed, May 13 · 8:30–9:30 AM · Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth · $20 A gentle all-levels Wednesday yoga class.

Cape Cod Fencers Club Mon, May 11 · 5:30–6:30 PM · Thacher Hall, Yarmouth Port · Free Weekly fencing session welcoming beginners and experienced fencers. Also Tue, May 12.

Zumba with Rick Mon, May 11 · 10–11 AM · Centerville Public Library, Centerville · $10 A beginner-friendly Monday Zumba class at the library.

Mending Mondays Mon, May 11 · 2–3 PM · Centerville Public Library, Centerville · Free Bring a small repair project and mend alongside neighbors.

Beginner Line Dancing Tue, May 12 · 5:30–6:30 PM · Dennis Center for Active Living, South Dennis · $10 A low-pressure evening line dancing class for beginners.

Virtual Author Talk: Marjan Kamali Wed, May 7 (evening) → ongoing · Cotuit Library, Cotuit · Free Internationally acclaimed author on courage, turmoil, love, and storytelling. Virtual.

Feed Us with Trees — Author Talk with Elspeth Hay Fri, May 8 · 11 AM · Centerville Public Library, Centerville · Free Local author on food, trees, and growing closer to the land.

Meghan's Evening of Champions Fri, May 8 · 6–9 PM · Hyannis Yacht Club, Hyannis · Ticketed A community evening at Hyannis Yacht Club supporting the Meghan Constance Moore Memorial Foundation.

2nd Annual Meghan's Run 5K Sat, May 9 · 8 AM · Aselton Park, Hyannis · Free A community 5K honoring Meghan Constance Moore, starting from Hyannis Harbor.

Friends Paper Shredding Fundraiser Sat, May 9 · 10 AM–2 PM · Cotuit Library, Cotuit · Free Bring personal documents for secure shredding while supporting the Friends of Cotuit Library.

The Cahoon Maker Space Sat, May 9 · 10 AM–4 PM · Cahoon Museum, Cotuit · Museum admission Drop-in hands-on art making inspired by current museum exhibitions.

Cape Community Orchestra: Twilight to Triumph Sun, May 10 · 3–5 PM · D-Y Intermediate School, South Yarmouth · Donation A spring concert moving from uncertainty and struggle toward joy and victory.

Volunteer Ambassador Orientation — CIVOC Tue, May 12 · 1:30–3 PM · Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center, Hyannis · Free Learn about CIVOC's Volunteer Ambassador program and how to help connect veterans with local resources.

CCCAN Spring Variety Show Tue, May 12 · 6 PM · Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit · Free Community variety show with stories, performances, and local talent.

Barnstable Harbor's Skies, Seas and Winds Tue, May 12 · 7 PM · Barnstable Comedy Club, Barnstable · Free A local program exploring Barnstable Harbor's weather, water, and coastal rhythms.

Shop Night at Marathon Sports (Habitat for Humanity) Tue, May 12 · 5–7:30 PM · Marathon Sports, South Yarmouth · Free Shop with discounts and connect with Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod during a fundraiser night.

Memory Techniques with Barnstable Council on Aging Tue, May 12 · 10 AM–12 PM · Cotuit Library, Cotuit · Free Practical memory tips and everyday strategies from Barnstable Council on Aging.

Virtual Author Talk: Dr. Vivienne Ming Tue, May 12 · 2–3 PM · Cotuit Library (virtual), Cotuit · Free Dr. Vivienne Ming on AI, humanity, and building better people in an automated world.

Knitting at Whelden Mon, May 11 · 2–4 PM · Whelden Memorial Library, West Barnstable · Free Bring a project and settle in with fellow crafters. Also Mon May 18.

Writer's Group at Whelden Mon, May 11 · 4:30–6:30 PM · Whelden Memorial Library, West Barnstable · Free Share work, write together, and stay creatively accountable.

True Crime Club Tue, May 12 · 5–6 PM · Marstons Mills Library, Marstons Mills · Free Discussion group for true-crime readers and podcast fans.

Poetry Workshop with Walter Ralston Tue, May 12 · 1 PM · Centerville Public Library, Centerville · Free Poet Walter Ralston leads a workshop and presentation for writers and readers.

Business After Hours at Contemporary Dermatology Tue, May 12 · 5:30–7 PM · Contemporary Dermatology, Hyannis · From $10 Chamber networking evening with light refreshments.

Office Hours with Town Councilor Seth Burdick Wed, May 13 · 4–5 PM · Cotuit Library, Cotuit · Free Bring local questions or concerns to town councilor office hours.

Virtual iPhone Macro Photography Talk Thu, May 14 · 7–8 PM · Cotuit Library (virtual), Cotuit · Free Using iPhone macro photography to notice and capture small details more creatively.

Dennis Center for Active Living (DCAL) — South Dennis runs full weekday programming: yoga, Zumba Gold, bridge, cribbage, Golden Age Program, Stitch & Chatter, Seniors Connect, and more. See full schedule →

Cape Cod Beer Taproom — Open daily. Red River BBQ on-site Fri May 8 (4–7 PM) and Sat May 9 (3–7 PM).

Veterans Food Distribution — Hyannis Food Distribution Center every Thu (May 7, 14, 21) · 9 AM–6 PM · Proof of veteran status required.

We read every submission. The best ones end up in the main newsletter's Top 5.

What makes it in: Events in Barnstable, Dennis, Yarmouth, Hyannis, or surrounding villages. Free or paid. Arts, music, food, nature, community, family — all of it. Open to the public and worth showing up for.

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Deadline: Submissions received by Sunday night go into the following week's issue.

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