Nantucket Annual Events

Nantucket is alive with celebrations year-round. From the iconic Daffodil Festival in April to the magical Christmas Stroll in December, the island offers a rich calendar of events that draw visitors from around the world. Whether you're planning a summer getaway or a cozy off-season retreat, this comprehensive guide will help you discover what's happening on Nantucket throughout the year.

New Year's Celebrations

Ring in the new year with intimate gatherings at local restaurants and bars. January marks the beginning of the quiet season, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and lower prices.

Restaurant Week

Many island restaurants participate in Nantucket Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe menus at reduced prices. It's an excellent opportunity to try upscale dining at accessible prices.

What to expect: Peaceful streets, deeply discounted accommodations, and a chance to experience Nantucket like a local. Many businesses close for annual maintenance, so check ahead.

Valentine's Weekend

Romantic getaways abound during Valentine's week. Local restaurants offer special menus, and inns create couples' packages with spa treatments and champagne.

Off-Season Art & Culture

The Nantucket Atheneum hosts lectures and film screenings. Gallery openings continue through winter, offering intimate viewing experiences without summer crowds.

What to expect: Crisp winter walks, cozy fireside evenings, and the opportunity to connect with year-round residents who bring warmth to the quiet season.

Spring Awakening

March signals the slow transition toward spring. Early bulbs begin to emerge, and returning migratory birds delight birdwatchers at the Maria Mitchell Association properties.

St. Patrick's Day

Local pubs celebrate with traditional Irish fare, live music, and a festive atmosphere. The Brotherhood of Thieves and other downtown establishments host popular events.

What to expect: Still off-season pricing, but businesses begin extending hours. An excellent time for early bird travelers seeking tranquility before the crowds arrive.

Daffodil Festival (Last Weekend)

The crown jewel of spring on Nantucket, the Daffodil Festival transforms the island into a sea of yellow. Over three million daffodils bloom across the island, planted through decades of community effort.

Highlights include:

• Antique Car Parade: Vintage vehicles festooned with daffodils parade through town to 'Sconset
• Tailgate Picnic: Elaborate themed picnics at Sconset with creative displays and costumes
• Garden Tours: Private gardens open to the public
• Window Box Competition: Downtown shops compete for the most creative displays

Booking tip: Reserve accommodations 3-6 months in advance. This is one of the island's most popular weekends.

Nantucket Wine Festival (Mid-May)

One of the premier wine events on the East Coast, the Nantucket Wine Festival brings together renowned winemakers, celebrity chefs, and wine enthusiasts for four days of tastings, dinners, and seminars.

Events include:

• Grand tastings with hundreds of wines
• Intimate winemaker dinners at top restaurants
• Educational seminars and blind tastings
• Harbor Gala under the stars

Memorial Day Weekend

The unofficial start of summer brings the first major influx of visitors. Beaches open with lifeguards, restaurants extend hours, and the island begins to buzz with energy.

What to expect: A perfect sweet spot with improving weather, pre-peak pricing, and the island in full bloom.

Nantucket Film Festival (Mid-June)

The Nantucket Film Festival attracts filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinema lovers for a celebration of the art of screenwriting. Founded in 1996, it features:

• Feature film premieres and documentaries
• Screenplay readings with celebrity casts
• Late night storytelling events
• Industry panels and workshops

Summer Solstice

The longest day of the year is celebrated with outdoor events, extended beach hours, and the magical light that has inspired artists for centuries.

Figawi Race Weekend (Late May/Early June)

One of the largest sailing regattas on the East Coast, Figawi brings hundreds of boats racing from Hyannis to Nantucket, followed by legendary post-race parties.

What to expect: Summer officially begins. Book early for Film Festival weekend as accommodations fill quickly.

Independence Day Celebrations

Fourth of July on Nantucket is a quintessential American celebration:

• Main Street Parade: A beloved tradition featuring floats, bands, and community groups
• Firecracker 5K: Early morning road race through town
• Water fights on Main Street: Fire departments battle with hoses
• Fireworks: Spectacular display over the harbor (usually July 4th or nearby date)

Peak Summer Season

July is peak season with the highest prices and largest crowds. Beaches are in full swing, restaurants require reservations weeks in advance, and the island pulses with summer energy.

Concerts & Live Music

Cisco Brewers hosts daily live music, and the Chicken Box becomes the island's nightlife hub with national touring acts.

What to expect: The busiest time of year. Reserve dining, accommodations, and activities well in advance.

Boston Pops on Nantucket

The legendary Boston Pops perform a waterfront concert at Jetties Beach, one of the most anticipated events of summer. Pack a picnic and enjoy world-class music under the stars.

Peak Beach Season

August offers the warmest ocean temperatures (65-70F), making it ideal for swimming. All beaches are fully operational with lifeguards and concessions.

Annual House Tour

The NHA's annual house tour opens private homes showcasing the island's architectural heritage.

Sandcastle Competition

Families and artists compete to create elaborate sand sculptures at Jetties Beach, a beloved tradition that brings out incredible creativity.

What to expect: Continued peak season with warm weather. Late August brings back-to-school travelers and the first hints of autumn.

Shoulder Season Begins

September is considered by many locals to be the best month on Nantucket. Summer crowds thin, but weather remains beautiful with warm days and comfortable evenings.

Harvest Events

Farm-to-table dinners, harvest celebrations, and the beginning of scallop season (October 1) create a foodie's paradise.

Nantucket Island Fair

The annual fair at Tom Nevers features livestock shows, carnival rides, local crafts, and traditional county fair entertainment.

What to expect: Arguably the best time to visit. Great weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, and the ocean still warm enough for swimming.

Cranberry Festival (Second Weekend)

Celebrate Nantucket's cranberry heritage at the annual Cranberry Festival:

• Bog tours and cranberry harvesting demonstrations
• Cranberry recipe contests and cooking demonstrations
• Arts and crafts vendors
• Live music and family activities

Scallop Season Opens

October 1 marks the opening of bay scallop season. Nantucket Bay Scallops are prized worldwide, and you'll find them on every menu through March.

Fall Foliage

While more subtle than mainland New England, Nantucket's autumn colors are beautiful, especially around the moors and Polpis Road.

What to expect: Excellent off-peak pricing, beautiful fall weather, and the freshest scallops you'll ever taste.

Thanksgiving on Nantucket

Thanksgiving weekend is surprisingly popular, combining holiday traditions with the start of Nantucket Noel festivities:

• Turkey Trot road race on Thanksgiving morning
• Restaurant prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinners
• Tree lighting ceremony (Friday after Thanksgiving)
• Holiday shopping at local boutiques

Nantucket Noel Begins

The day after Thanksgiving launches the month-long Nantucket Noel celebration, with the town transformed into a holiday wonderland of lights, decorations, and festivities.

What to expect: A magical transition into the holiday season. Book early for Thanksgiving weekend.

Christmas Stroll (First Weekend)

The Nantucket Christmas Stroll is the island's most beloved tradition, drawing thousands of visitors for a weekend of holiday magic:

• Tree lighting: Town Christmas tree lighting ceremony
• Santa arrival: Santa arrives by Coast Guard boat to greet children
• Caroling: Community caroling throughout town
• Shopping: Extended hours at decorated shops
• Historic home tours: Victorian homes open for tours
• Holiday parties: Festive gatherings island-wide

Nantucket Noel Continues

Throughout December, the island sparkles with lights, wreaths, and holiday cheer. Events include:

• Holiday house tours
• Community theater productions
• Festive dining experiences
• New Year's Eve celebrations

Booking tip: Christmas Stroll weekend is the most difficult time to find accommodations. Book 6-12 months in advance.