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Chatham Art in the Park 2025: Whales, Sharks, and OARS in the Stores

Summer in Chatham is all about sunshine, salty breezes, and community fun—and nothing captures that spirit better than Chatham Art in the Park. Each year, local artists transform everyday objects into extraordinary works of art, turning our town into an open-air gallery that delights visitors and locals alike.

For 2025, the tradition continues with a splash of color and a dash of adventure. From June 18 through August 15, the front lawn of Kate Gould Park will come alive with painted whales and sharks, each one designed and hand-painted by talented local artists. This outdoor exhibit has become a must-see stop on any summer stroll through downtown Chatham.

Whales and Sharks Take Center Stage

If you’ve wandered through Chatham in past summers, you know how exciting it is to spot the whimsical sculptures displayed on the lawn of Kate Gould Park. This year, whales and sharks are the stars of the show. These stunning pieces showcase the creativity of our community, celebrating the rich marine life that makes Cape Cod so unique.

The exhibit opens on June 18, 2025, and runs until August 15, 2025. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the park, admire the artwork up close, and snap a few photos—each piece tells a different story, from bold patterns to seaside scenes painted across the sculpted surfaces.

OARS in the Stores: A Scavenger Hunt for Everyone

The fun doesn’t stop at the park. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend and running through Labor Day, the popular OARS in the Stores scavenger hunt invites summer visitors to explore downtown Chatham in a whole new way.

Brightly decorated oars are hidden throughout local shops, creating an interactive adventure for families, kids, and anyone with a curious eye. The goal? Spot them all!

To join in, just head to the Downtown Visitor Information Booth at 533 Main Street, which serves as OARS in the Stores headquarters. There you can pick up a scavenger hunt booklet that lists all the participating merchants. Each time you find an oar, you’ll check it off your list.

When you’ve found them all, bring your completed booklet back to the booth, and you’ll receive a prize—no matter your age. It’s a simple, fun way to discover new favorite stores, explore Main Street, and bring home a little extra Chatham magic.

Why These Events Matter

Both Chatham Art in the Park and OARS in the Stores are more than just summer traditions—they’re community-driven projects that make our town a lively, welcoming place to live and visit.

Over the years, proceeds from the Art in the Park auctions and the OARS events have supported the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association. Those funds are reinvested back into the community to help make Chatham an even better place to do business, vacation, and enjoy everything this seaside town has to offer.

From beautifying public spaces to supporting local businesses, these events ensure that the energy you feel when you visit Chatham carries on long after the summer season ends.

Plan Your Summer in Chatham

Here’s how to make the most of these 2025 summer events:

  • Start Memorial Day Weekend – Pick up your scavenger hunt booklet and begin searching for oars throughout downtown shops.

  • Visit Kate Gould Park – From June 18 to August 15, stroll among the painted whales and sharks, take photos, and vote for your favorites if voting is available.

  • Complete Your Booklet – Once you’ve found every oar, return to 533 Main Street to claim your prize.

  • Enjoy Chatham’s Restaurants and Shops – Along the way, discover new cafés, galleries, and boutiques you might have missed otherwise.

A Tradition That Keeps Growing

Both of these events have become beloved summer highlights, drawing visitors from all over Cape Cod. The Chatham Art in the Park sculptures often become collectors’ pieces at auction, while OARS in the Stores has become a favorite family activity that turns shopping into a treasure hunt.

Each year, the themes change—so even longtime visitors find something new to explore. In 2025, with whales and sharks as the stars of Art in the Park and colorful oars hidden all over town, these programs promise to make this summer one of the best yet.

Mark Your Calendar

  • OARS in the Stores: May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend) – September 1, 2025 (Labor Day)

  • Chatham Art in the Park (Whales & Sharks): June 18 – August 15, 2025

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