Why You'd Visit Kate Gould Park on Chatham's Main Street

On the surface, Chatham, MA's Kate Gould Park doesn't look like much; it's a small green space in the downtown area without a whole lot to it.

There aren't any picnic tables, so it isn't a great place to head for lunch, and it doesn't have a playground, making it a less than ideal park to visit with your kids. It doesn't even have benches, so you'll have to bring your own seating if you plan to stay for a while.

So why would you ever head to Kate Gould Park?

Well, the reality is that the park, despite its lack of amenities, is a gathering spot for locals because of its outstanding downtown location. The park is seconds from popular restaurants like Chatham Squire, the Wild Goose Tavern, and Bluefins Sushi, making it easily accessible after a meal in the evenings.

And that location is perhaps why Kate Gould Park is one of Chatham's busiest event venues, featuring concerts, art shows, and festivals throughout the year.

Once you buy a home in Chatham, you'll spend a lot of time on Main Street, and while you're out and about, Gould Park will surely end up on your radar because you can't miss the bustle when there's an event taking place.

Concerts By the Chatham Band

The main draw to Kate Gould Park is the Chatham Band, a group with a history dating back to 1932 that has played concerts in the park every year since 1945. Locals love the Chatham Band because of its interactive performances that are fun for the entire family. 

The great thing about these concerts is that you don't have to check the time or date because they play every Friday night at 8:00 PM between early July and the beginning of September. All the concerts are free, although you can donate money through the band's website.

The bandstand itself, called the Whit Tileston Chatham Bandstand, is small and doesn't look like it has any business being a focal point of life in this Cape Cod town. Chatham's residents all know what you're talking about when you mention "the bandstand," however, and it certainly does the job for this band.

If you plan to take in a Chatham Band concert, you'll want to arrive early to stake out a good spot. The park doesn't have any seating, so you'll want to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs to make your experience that much more enjoyable.

Chatham Art in the Park

Concerts aren't the only thing bringing people to Kate Gould Park, as the annual Chatham Art in the Park also draws a crowd.

Although Art in the Park sounds like it might be a short-term event, it actually runs for most of the summer. Generally, you'll start seeing displays by local artists appear in early July, and they'll still be there until the end of August.

There's a different theme to Art in the Park every year, and artists will create their displays with this theme in mind. Past topics include Sharks in the Park and Whales in the Park, keeping with the maritime atmosphere that's prevalent throughout Chatham.

The great thing about Art in the Park is that it isn't just a display, as there's an auction where you can bid on these items. The art festival is a great way to grab some local works to display in your home while supporting artists who live near you.

You might also notice signs for a scavenger hunt when visiting the park. Many local retailers participate in this scavenger hunt, which runs from the beginning of summer through Labor Day. There's a theme for the search every year, and you'll receive a prize if you complete it.

Oktoberfest in Chatham

Just because summer is over doesn't mean Kate Gould Park shuts down for the slow season. Chatham's Oktoberfest is one of the town's most anticipated events and something that thousands of locals visit every year.

Oktoberfest in Chatham has a little bit of everything, featuring a beer garden, live music, games, and, of course, bratwurst. Life-sized pumpkin people also fill the park for a total of ten days before and after the festival, all of which are designed and put together by local retailers.

Speaking of retailers, there are all kinds of food vendors at the park, too, so you can try a variety of local restaurants in a single location.

This Oktoberfest might not rival the ones in Germany, but it's one of the best that Cape Cod has to offer.

Getting There and Parking

Making your way to Kate Gould Park is as simple as heading to Main Street. The park sits just off the main drag, as it's technically on Chatham Bars Road, and is steps from many of the town's top restaurants.

Parking is where things get a little tricky, especially on Friday nights. There is a lot right outside the park, but it's pretty small and fills quickly. There's also some street parking on Main Street, but, once again, it's limited. Downtown Chatham can get busy in the summer, so you might end up having to park at the Town Hall Lot, which is about an eight-minute walk away.

The park doesn't have any notable amenities, although there are indoor washrooms to use.

Overall, Gould Park provides a perfect small-town feel for Chatham homeowners and is a location that you'll undoubtedly spend some time at once you become a Cape Cod resident.