Daffodil Festival Weekend – April 26th – April 28th, 2019
The Nantucket Daffodil Festival has grown into a full-scale celebration of winter´s thaw and this year everyone is ready for sunny days and spring flowers. From early-April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket Island. The central event of this fun-filled weekend is the Antique Car Parade, showcasing over 100 vintage cars all decked out with sunny yellow daffodils and other creative embellishments beginning Saturday at 9:30 a.m. At noon, the antique cars wind through town to the charming village of Siasconset for the Annual Daffodil Tailgate Picnic, attended by visitors and locals alike. Other activities during the day are the “Daffy” Dog Parade, the Children’s Daffodil Parade, the “Daffy” Hat Pageant, and the Nantucket Garden Club’s annual Daffodil Show. Families can enjoy a picnic and concert at Children’s Beach in the afternoon.
Nantucket Wine Festival – May 15th – May 19th, 2019
This exquisite annual event on the island of Nantucket brings people from across the globe to experience world class wines and award winning food. The Nantucket Wine Festival has become one of the most celebrated wine and food events in the country. The island becomes host to over 100 wineries of international acclaim with special events including celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, seminars, auction and new lunch symposia. This is a great opportunity to sip wine in grand homes and dine in Nantucket’s world-class restaurants! www.nantucketwinefestival.com
Figawi Regatta / Memorial Day Weekend – May 25th – May 27th, 2019
The official kick-off to Nantucket and Cape Cod’s Summer season, this internationally recognized, top sailing event hosts entries from several states and nearly 250 majestic boats. The Figawi race route runs from the Hyannis Jetty to the Nantucket Jetty.
Memorial Day – May 27th, 2019
Spring Restaurant Week – June 3rd – June 9th, 2019
Each Spring and Fall participating Nantucket restaurants will be offering three to five course dinners for a small fee. It is a celebration of the superlative culinary tradition. Experience exceptional food, wine and Nantucket’s hospitality in many of the island’s acclaimed culinary establishments. For more information visit: www.restaurantweek.com
Nantucket Book Festival – June 13th – June 16th, 2019
The Nantucket Book Festival celebrates its annual event with an outstanding line-up of award-winning authors as well as local and regional talent. www.nantucketbookfestival.org
Nantucket Film Festival – June 19th – June 24th, 2019
This major summer highlight features cutting edge films, unique signature programs, readings, and celebrity guests. With a unique focus on the screenwriter, the NFF has become one of the premiere destination film festivals in the world. www.nantucketfilmfestival.org
Independence Day Fireworks – July 4th, 2019
Jetties beach is the best place in Nantucket to view fireworks and celebrate the Independence Day. Each year hundreds of families and friends set up on the Jetties beach to watch the spectacular display of fireworks over the harbor. Fireworks are set off from a barge at 9:00 pm. If you would like to take part in the 4th of July festivities then plan your trip in advance by booking your Ferry Tickets and Accommodations today. For more information call Visitor Services at 508-228-0925.
Leading up to the fireworks, there are many patriotic activities to take part in throughout the day. A fun, annual event is the 4th of July parade through Main Street where families can enjoy a vintage fire truck that sprays water through the crowd.
To get to and from the fireworks you may want to ride the WAVE. Click here for Bus Fares and Pass Rates. For real time bus information from your mobile phone go to live.nrtawave.com.
Beginning at 6:00 p.m.. Buses will depart from Broad Street approximately every 15 minutes.
Fares – $2.00 each way for Jetties Beach Route. $1.00 each way for 65 and Older|Persons with Disabilities|Veterans|Active Military if you inform the driver. 6 years of age & under are Free if you inform the driver. The bus will drop off/pick up at Bathing Beach Road|Hulbert Avenue. After the event the buses will depart Bathing Beach Road|Hulbert Avenue and return to Broad Street approximately every 20 to 30 minutes until 11:00 p.m. Please keep in mind that as everyone leaves the beach at the same time there is heavy congestion in the area. We ask for your patience and cooperation as you wait for the buses to return.
Nantucket Yoga Festival – July 12th – July 14th, 2019
Is a community orientated celebration that will bring together the very best world class yoga instructors, wellness experts and healthy living guides. www.nantucketyogafestival.com
Nantucket Comedy Festival – July 11th – July 13th, 2019
The Nantucket Comedy Festival is a non-profit organization supporting the Stand Up & Learn kids and teens educational program. Top comedians from all over the country will descend on Nantucket bringing audiences loads of fun and laughter while supporting a great cause. Please join us at the Nantucket Dreamland July 16th – 19th, 2014. www.nantucketcomedyfestival.org
Nantucket Garden Festival – July 16th – July 18th, 2019
The 10th Annual Nantucket Garden Festival highlights the unique and beautiful garden ecosystems on Nantucket and focuses on the importance of sustainability, conservation and gardening ethics for the long-term health of the island. Scheduled for July 17th-19th, the festival celebrates gardening through creative workshops, exquisite garden tours, children’s workshops, family activities and an opening night party. View the 2018 Festival Program. Registration opens Monday, May 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. www.ackgardenfestival.org
Nantucket Triathlon – July 20th, 2019 www.acktri.com
Nantucket Dance Festival – July 22nd – July 27th, 2019
The Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival is a major fundraising event for the Atheneum, which must raise 60 percent of its budget through special events and and private donations. www.nantucketatheneum.org
Nantucket By Design Week – August 1st – August 3rd, 2019
At the height of Nantucket’s summer season, the NHA celebrates the very best in creative and inspirational design with engaging lectures, lively panel discussions, and both intimate and grand gatherings. This year Nantucket Historical Association presents its major summer fundraiser with Phoebe Tudor as the Design Chair. Phoebe Tudor earned her B.A. in Art History from the University of Virginia and an MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. She is the founding Chairman of the Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners which spearheaded the effort to renovate Houston’s (TEXAS) oldest library. www.nha.org
Nantucket Summer Antiques Show – August 2nd – August 5th, 2019
Managed by the prestigious Antiques Council, this annual show is one of the most highly regarded antiques events on the East Coast, attracting collectors and enthusiasts to the island. It has become the highlight of Nantucket’s summer season. www.nantucketsummerantiquesshow.com
Boston Pops on Jetties Beach – August 10th, 2019
The Pops on Nantucket is an August tradition, fine food, outstanding music, the gorgeous setting of an August evening on Jetties Beach. This event directly benefits Nantucket Cottage Hospital. There is a celebrity host and the alluring sounds of America’s orchestra, the Boston Pops. www.nantuckethospital.org
Nantucket Race Week – August 10th – August 18th, 2019
Nantucket Race Week is eight days of regattas, awards ceremonies, and parties. Race Week is hosted by Nantucket Yacht Club and Great Harbor Yacht Club to benefit Nantucket Community Sailing, and is the primary fund-raising event of the year for Nantucket Community Sailing. Nantucket Race Week is proud to be a Clean Regatta as certified by Sailors for the Sea. www.nantucketraceweek.org
Opera House Cup – August 18th, 2019
The Opera House Cup Regatta is a cherished tradition, held on the third Sunday of August on Nantucket. It was the first all-wooden, single-hulled classic boat regatta on the East Coast, and attracts some of the finest sailboats in the world. The Opera House Cup Regatta is a Clean Regatta as certified by Sailors for the Sea. www.operahousecup.org
Annual Sandcastle & Sculpture Day (Jetties Beach) – (date to be determined)
Awards are based on CREATIVITY, CONCEPT and DESIGN. Judges are island professional artists, visiting artists and educators, lecturers, staff and faculty from Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts. There is also a PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD! Cast your People’s Choice. www.nisda.org
Tim Russert Summer Groove – (date to be determined)
For the past 14 years the event has evolved to become a highlight of the summer social calendar by featuring a fabulous evening of fine food and drinks and a festive dance party. The event will begin with a cocktail hour including specialty cocktails, passed appetizers and more. The entertainment, music by Encore, will follow a sit down dinner. www.nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org
Labor Day – September 2nd, 2019
Fall Restaurant Week – September 30th – October 6th, 2019
Enjoy a week of culinary extravaganza showcasing Nantucket’s superb restaurants with special menus and price points. Other special events, seminars, and tastings mark this decadent week. www.nantucketrestaurantweek.com
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Cranberry Festival – October 12th, 2019
This event starts Fall on Nantucket. Visitors to the Festival grounds may watch the berries being harvested, learn about the history of cranberry farming on Nantucket, watch farming exhibitions, and participate in all things cranberry. www.nantucketconservation.org
Columbus Day – October 14th, 2019
Annual Halloween Parade – October 2019 (date to be determined)
The annual Halloween parade up Main Street and down Center Street takes place in the early evening, on Halloween day. Costumes and candy galore are the hallmark of this event as parents and children alike play dress up, and local businesses distribute masses of candy.
Cold Turkey Plunge – November 2019 (date to be determined)
Nantucket Festival of Wreaths – November 2019 (date to be determined) – (Closed on Thanksgiving Day)
Silent Auction! Take a chance to win one of the eighty beautifully crafted wreaths created by members of the Nantucket community and on display in the McCausland Gallery.
Nantucket Christmas Stroll – December 6th – December 8th, 2019
New England’s finest traditions come alive for the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend. The Stroll is a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to the island via a Coast Guard vessel and ride up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the Town Crier. Carolers in Victorian costumes, bell ringers, student choirs and other musicians perform on the Main Street stage as well as stroll through town performing.
Festival of Trees – December 1st – December 31st, 2019 – (Closed Christmas Day)
This island tradition features brilliantly decorated trees designed by community members, local merchants, nonprofit organizations, artists, artisans, and school children.
Holiday Red Ticket Drawing – December 2019 (date to be determined)