We are delighted to share with you a few of our favorite spring and summer events that showcase the region’s culinary delights and prolific arts community. And stay tuned for Cape Cod Celebrates Its Bountiful Harvest, Part II: Fall in an upcoming blog post.

Herb Festival, May 14-16, 2010

Held at the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich, this festival focuses on the use of herbs through exhibits, lectures, demonstrations, and an extensive plant sale of herbs, perennials, wildflowers, everlastings and annuals. A delightful herb luncheon is served on Friday (reservations are required).

Nantucket Wine Festival, May 19-23, 2010

Over the past 13 years the Nantucket Wine Festival has blossomed into one of the nation’s most celebrated wine and food events. This year’s festival will be staged entirely in the heart of downtown Nantucket. Events include wine luncheons, dinners, receptions, seminars, auctions, and the Grand Tasting.

Cape Cod Maritime Days, month of May

Cape Cod Maritime Days is a celebration of the Cape’s rich maritime history comprised of lighthouse and walking tours, nautical art exhibits and maritime lectures, boat-building exhibits, and kayak excursions. The month-long celebration also features the Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium and Annual Cape Cod Maritime Festival.

Cape Cod Life Food & Wine Festival, late May/earlyJune 2010

Cape Cod Life Publications celebrates Cape Cod’s distinguished culinary world with its annual Food & Wine Festival in late May/early June. The week-long festival showcases the region’s finest chefs and restaurants through a series of wine dinners and “cultural” happy hours. More than forty restaurants from Provincetown to Bourne will hold dinners each evening highlighting their chef’s best. Joining the restaurants will be local and international winemakers who will offer pairings of spectacular wines from around the world.

Cape Cod Chowderfest, June 2010

A Cape Cod tradition, the annual Chowder Fest is held at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis. Sample chowder from many of the Cape’s best restaurants, all competing for the coveted “WCOD Chowder Bowl.” Spend the afternoon savoring the quintessential seaside flavor of Cape Cod, while being serenaded by some of the best bands in the region.

Cape Cod Quahog Day, June 2010

The centerpiece of this fun and offbeat event, marking the first day of Summer, is the prognostication from the Secretary General of Quahog Republic on how many weeks of beach weather lie ahead.