This summer, Cape Cod will once again transform into a haven of color and creativity as the 12th Annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival returns from July 10 through July 19, 2026! This highly anticipated summer garden celebration showcases the region’s signature bloom—the beloved hydrangea—through an expansive lineup of garden tours, workshops, art events, and expert talks.
From Falmouth to Provincetown, garden enthusiasts, artists, and curious visitors alike are invited to discover the Cape’s natural beauty while supporting local nonprofits. Each private garden tour benefits a different local charitable organization, making every visit both beautiful and meaningful. Here's a mini-guide to the festival highlights.
Explore More Than 80 Private Gardens
One of the festival’s most anticipated attractions is the opportunity to tour more than 80 private gardens stretching from Falmouth to Provincetown. Each garden showcases its own unique character, design, and horticultural inspiration while supporting local nonprofit organizations through ticket sales.
Garden tours are held on designated days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with admission just $5 per person per garden. Visitors will also have the chance to watch talented plein air artists painting live in select gardens throughout the festival.
Kick Off the Celebration
The festivities begin on Thursday, July 9 with the Hydrangea Fest Kickoff Party at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich from 6–7:30 p.m. Garden enthusiasts, sponsors, nonprofit partners, and festival organizers will gather to celebrate the start of another spectacular season of blooms.
Discover World-Class Hydrangea Displays
From July 10–19, visitors can explore the renowned hydrangea collections at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include the expanded North American Hydrangea Test Garden and the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society Display Garden, showcasing a stunning variety of hydrangeas and innovative growing techniques.
Learn, Create, and Grow
The festival features a wide range of hands-on workshops designed to inspire creativity and deepen gardening knowledge.
Highlights include:
- Watercolor Workshops with Jenny Faw – July 11, Eastham
- Hydrangea Vase Mixed Media Workshop – July 11, Sandwich Arts Alliance
- Growing and Propagating Hydrangeas with Master Gardener Yasmine McNellis – July 13, Eastham
- Cape Cod Hydrangea Seaglass Workshop – July 13, Beacon Gardens, Osterville
- Cape Cod Hydrangea Seaglass Workshop – July 14, Sandwich Arts Alliance
- Photographing Flowers with Maryellen Stone – July 14, Eastham
- Container Gardening Workshops with Brigitte Hartmann – July 15–16, Eastham
Hear from Gardening Experts
Whether you are an experienced gardener or just beginning your hydrangea journey, the festival's educational programs offer valuable insights from leading horticultural experts.
Featured presentations include:
- Hydrangea Happiness Talk & Book Signing with C.L. Fornari – July 10, Hyannis Country Garden
- New & Noteworthy Hydrangeas with Matt Phillips – July 11, Beacon Gardens, Osterville
- Hydrangeas & Friends with Natalie Carmolli – July 14, Beacon Gardens, Osterville
- Hydrangea How-To with Natalie Carmolli – July 15, Highfield Hall & Gardens, Falmouth
- An Evening with the Garden Experts – July 15, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich
- Summer on the Cape, In Your Garden with Natalie Carmolli from Proven Winners – July 16, Hyannis Country Garden
- Meet the Hydrangea Whisperer of Chatham Bars Inn – July 16, Beacon Gardens, Osterville
- Hydrangeas in Harmony – July 17, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich
Celebrate with Special Events and Soirées
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival extends beyond the garden gate with a variety of social events, artistic gatherings, and community celebrations.
Festival favorites include:
- Hydrangea Art Soirée – July 11, Cape Cod Art Center, Barnstable
- Hydrangea-Inspired Garden Luncheon – July 15, Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa, Sandwich
- The Endless Summer Soirée – July 15, The West End, Hyannis
- Paws & Petals Yappy Hour – July 16, Agway of Cape Cod, South Dennis
- Blooming Artisan Fair – July 18, Across from Sandwich Town Hall, Sandwich
Explore Special Pop-Ups and Unique Experiences
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of special garden and gallery events throughout the festival, including gardening consultations, artisan pop-up shops, aromatherapy experiences, educational tours, and artist meet-and-greets.
Featured events include:
- Gardening Consultations – July 11–18, Soares Flower Garden Nursery, East Falmouth
- Pop-Up Event with Pam Barrett of Sea Petals – July 11, Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts, Osterville
- Coastal Calm: A Pop-Up with Aromatherapy by Jenia – July 16–17, Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts, Osterville
- Barnstable County Clean Water Center Tour – July 17, Bourne
- An Afternoon with Marie Brezinski – July 18, Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts, Osterville
Plan Your Hydrangea-Filled Adventure
Whether you spend a single afternoon exploring a private garden or enjoy all ten days of festivities, the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival offers a memorable way to experience the beauty, creativity, and community spirit that make Cape Cod so special. Mark your calendar for July 10–19, and discover why hydrangea season is one of the most beloved times of year on Cape Cod. For a complete schedule of events, garden tours, and ticket information, visit CapeCodHydrangeaFest.com and start planning your hydrangea-filled adventure today.
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Alfieri Tree Care, Beacon Gardens, Bloomables®, Endless Summer® Hydrangeas, Hydrangea Gallery & Gifts, Hyannis Country Garden, Monrovia and Proven Winners ColorChoice,