Arts & Culture
Take Center Stage in Orleans

Poised at the “elbow” of Cape Cod and boasting a rich maritime heritage, Orleans offers everything people come to the Cape for — beautiful beaches, pristine waterways, picturesque historical sites and one-of-a-kind… everything. With a year-round population near 5,800, you might call us a small town. But we have a BIG focus on the arts. In fact, Orleans was one of the first Massachusetts communities to be officially designated a cultural district by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (out of a total 351 towns and cities in the Commonwealth).

The Orleans Cultural District promotes fine arts and culture and fosters the endeavors of artists and arts supporters through enhanced opportunity and innovative collaboration, embracing an environment supportive to the creative economy. 

With several long standing, nationally known fine art galleries in Town, and natural resources and land and seascape vistas aplenty, Orleans has long been a community rich in painting and three dimensional artistic endeavors. In addition to many artistic venues, Orleans is home to rich history and many musical and theatrical venues.

Pop Up Music Series at the Old Firehouse Gallery and Community Center. Photo by Paul Shorthose

Public art and music are important in Orleans Photo by Beth Avery

Historic mural in downtown Orleans.
Photo by Beth Avery

Holiday Lights in Orleans MA Cultural District Photo by Paul Shorthose

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Don’t miss this event! #wintersolstice #itinorleans #capecodwinter
Once again Santa arrived on a boat in Orleans to greet lots of children and even have breakfast with them! A wonderful town tradition. #itsinorleans #santa #capecodchristmas #orleansmassachusetts
#itsinorleans #orleansmassachusetts #christmastreelighting #capecodchristmas
We are so excited for this upcoming Orleans Cultural District Event! Don’t miss it! Solstice Sparkle December 21st from 11-4. #itsinorleans #artsfoundationofcapecod #wintersolstice #capecodwinter #townoforleans #orleansmassachusetts
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from all of us at the Orleans Cultural District.
Orleans is the place to be this holiday season! Shop local! #itsinorleans #christmas #holidayevents #capecodchristmas #shopsmall #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #orleansmassachusetts #holidayfun
Thank you, Rand Burkert for a perfect afternoon of music and community (and pea shoots from the Middle School greenhouse!) The Pop-Up Practices in the Park will be on hiatus until April. We want to thank Frank Poranski for filling yet another seaso

Orleans Public Art Walking Tour

Ripple Effect by Dave Holbrook on Main Street Orleans, MA