The Onset Cape Verdean Festival will return this year on Saturday, August 12 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join over 10,000 visitors from around the country at Onset’s Lillian Gregerman Bandshell to listen to Cape Verdean music, eat food and purchase merchandise from over 80 vendors and an additional 20 food vendors.

Tiny Lopes, public relations officer for the Onset Cape Verdean Festival Association, Inc., said this festival is like a “family reunion.” 

Lopes said, “It’s one of the largest Cape Verdean Festivals in America. People come from all parts of the country to enjoy reconnecting with family and friends. 

He added that for over 20 years, “we have been able to do this event thanks to the support of local businesses, donations from family and friends and the cooperation of the Town of Wareham and Wareham Police Department.”

The National Anthem will be sung by Kathy Andrews and the Cape Verdean National Anthem will be performed by Candida Rose. Music will be provided by Xaxe & Da Boys Band, Milton Tavares & Friends … featuring Calu Bana and Fantcha.

Festival parking will be available at Lopes and Hines fields at $10 per car.

A free shuttle will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to drop off attendees at the venue and return them to their cars.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase and the drawing for cash prizes will be held at approximately 5:45 p.m. Winners do not need to be present.  

The festival’s extra proceeds will go to support the association’s scholarship program. 

For most of the last 20 years, the association has given eight $1,000 scholarships to graduating High School students that plan to attend college full time.

Everyone is encouraged to come early and get settled on the hill surrounding the Bandshell.