Top 10 Massachusetts Events | Spring and Summer Fun

Looking for fun things to do in Massachusetts this summer? Our list of the top 10 Massachusetts events for spring and summer 2016 is here to help!

From books and antiques to music and hydrangeas, our list of the Top 10 Massachusetts events of 2016 has something for everyone. Read on to see our picks, then share any we missed in the comments!

MAY 1–31: CAPE COD, 23rd Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days. This month-long event includes guided kayak excursions, lighthouse tours, walking tours, nautical-art exhibits, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History’s 19th Annual Maritime History Symposium, and other nautically themed activities. capecodmaritimedays.com

MAY 10–15, JULY 12–17, SEPT. 6–11: BRIMFIELD, Brimfield Antique Show. The largest outdoor antiques event in the country attracts more than 6,000 dealers to the fields along Route 20. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here—but bring your walking shoes. brimfieldshow.com 

MAY 18–22: NANTUCKET, Wine Festival. With more than 50 tours, chef demonstrations, seminars, dinners, and food tastings scheduled over five days, the island of Nantucket becomes a wine and food enthusiast’s paradise. 617-527-9473; nantucketwinefestival.com

MAY 28–29: CUMMINGTON, 42nd Annual Sheep & Woolcraft Fair. From competitions and sheepdog trials to rug-hooking demontrations, spinning contests, and children’s workshops, the fairgrounds is given over for two days to all things sheep and wool.masheepwool.org

JUNE 2–5: GREAT BARRINGTON/PITTSFIELD, Berkshire International Film Festival. With more than 70 films and related events featured at Triplex Cinema, Beacon Cinema, historic Mahaiwe Theatre, and other area venues, BIFF provides entertainment, education, and inspiration for filmmakers and film lovers alike. 413-528-8030; biffma.org

JUNE 17–19: NANTUCKET, Nantucket Book Festival. The island’s historic heart gives itself over to all things literary, including author presentations by Diane Ackerman, Mark Doty, Nathaniel Philbrick, Geraldine Brooks, Alice Hoffman, 2015 Man Booker Prize winner Marlon James, and others. nantucketbookfestival.org

JUNE 18–AUG. 28: BECKET, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Called “the dance center of America” by the New York Times, this much-anticipated summer tradition is America’s longest-running dance festival, featuring more than 50 companies and more than 200 performances, talks, exhibits, films, classes, tours, and community events. 413-243-9919; jacobspillow.org

JUNE 25–26: SALISBURY, The Vintage Bazaar. More than 175 dealers offer antiques, nostalgia, architectural salvage, rusty junk, repurposed goods, and more at Pettengill Farm, where you’ll also find plenty of food, live music, and free family-friendly activities. 978-518-0128; mybazaarlife.com

JUNE 25–SEPT. 3: LENOX, Tanglewood Concerts. There’ll be something for everyone at Tanglewood this year, as the beautiful Berkshires summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra welcomes a varied lineup of performers in several genres, including Garrison Keillor, James Taylor, Seth MacFarlane, and Chick Corea—plus a live performance of the NPR quiz show Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! 888-266-1200; bso.org

JULY 8–17: CAPE COD, Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. This annual celebration of the region’s signature blue, pink, and creamy-white flowers is built around exclusive tours of private gardens. See the website for details on participants and scheduling. 508-362-3225; capecodchamber.org/hydrangea-fest

Heading to this year’s Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival? So are we! As an event sponsor, Yankee will be on-site to help kick off this year’s festivities. Stay tuned for more info!