Daffodil Festival

History and Significance

The Nantucket Daffodil Festival began in 1974 as a way to celebrate the arrival of spring and attract visitors during the island's shoulder season. What started as a simple celebration has grown into one of Nantucket's most beloved traditions, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

Today, over 3 million daffodils bloom across the island during Daffodil Weekend, transforming Nantucket into a sea of yellow and white. The bulbs have been planted over decades by residents, garden clubs, and the Nantucket Garden Club, which continues to add thousands of new bulbs each fall. The flowers line Main Street, circle rotaries, blanket traffic islands, and carpet private gardens throughout town and the surrounding countryside.

The festival represents the official start of spring on Nantucket and marks the beginning of the tourist season. For year-round residents, it's a celebration of surviving another winter and welcoming back the warmth. For visitors, it's a chance to see the island at one of its most beautiful moments, before the summer crowds arrive.

When It Happens

The Daffodil Festival takes place on the last full weekend of April each year. While the exact dates vary, the festivities always center around the Saturday of that weekend, with related events extending from Friday through Sunday.

The timing is carefully chosen to coincide with peak daffodil bloom, though Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. In early springs, the flowers may be past their prime; in late springs, some varieties may not have opened yet. Regardless of the bloom status, the festival goes on with full enthusiasm.

Main Events

Antique Car Parade

The centerpiece of Daffodil Festival is the spectacular Antique Car Parade on Saturday morning. Over 100 antique and vintage automobiles, decorated with elaborate daffodil arrangements, parade through downtown Nantucket. Cars range from early 1900s brass-era vehicles to classic mid-century convertibles, all polished to perfection and adorned with creative floral displays.

The parade begins at Main Street around 11:00 AM, proceeding through the cobblestone downtown before making its way to Siasconset (locally called 'Sconset) via Milestone Road. The route is approximately 7 miles, giving spectators plenty of viewing opportunities along the way.

Car owners compete for awards in various categories, including Most Creative Decoration, Best Antique Vehicle, and Most Daffodils Used. Many participants plan their decorations for months in advance, resulting in truly spectacular floral displays.

Tailgate Picnic at Sconset

After the parade, participants and spectators gather on the grassy areas around the Sconset Rotary for the famous Tailgate Picnic. This is where the festival truly becomes a celebration, with hundreds of elaborately decorated tailgates competing for prizes.

Participants go all out with their setups, featuring fine china, crystal champagne flutes, gourmet spreads, and creative themes. Past themes have included everything from elegant Gatsby-inspired affairs to whimsical garden parties. Judges award prizes for Most Creative, Best Food Display, Best Costume Coordination, and the coveted Best in Show.

The tailgate picnic typically runs from about 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Even if you're not participating with a decorated tailgate, you're welcome to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the creativity around you.

Daffodil Flower Show

Held at Bartlett's Ocean View Farm, the Daffodil Flower Show is a more formal celebration of the island's signature bloom. Amateur and professional gardeners compete in dozens of categories, from single specimen blooms to elaborate arrangements. The show offers a wonderful opportunity to see the incredible variety of daffodil species and cultivars that grow on Nantucket.

The show typically runs Saturday and Sunday, with judging on Saturday morning and public viewing throughout both days. Admission is usually free, though donations to the Nantucket Garden Club are appreciated.

Garden Tours

Several private gardens open their gates to the public during Daffodil Weekend, offering rare glimpses of Nantucket's most spectacular spring displays. Tours are typically organized by the Nantucket Garden Club and require advance ticket purchase. These sell out quickly, so plan ahead if garden touring is a priority.

Window Box Competition

Downtown shops and restaurants compete for the best daffodil-themed window displays and flower boxes. Strolling down Main Street and Centre Street during Daffodil Weekend is a feast for the eyes, with each storefront trying to outdo its neighbors in floral creativity. Winners are announced Saturday afternoon.

What to Wear

Yellow is the official color of Daffodil Festival, and wearing it is practically mandatory! From head-to-toe sunshine yellow to subtle accessories, you'll want to join in the spirit. Many attendees go all out with daffodil-printed dresses, yellow suits, coordinated family outfits, and creative floral accessories.

Beyond the color, dress for typical late April New England weather:

• Layers are essential - mornings can be cool (45-55F) while afternoons warm up (60-70F)
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and grassy areas
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for the parade viewing
• A light jacket or sweater for breezy conditions
• Consider rain gear - April showers are common

How to Participate

There are several ways to become part of the Daffodil Festival celebration:

Enter the Car Parade

If you have an antique or vintage vehicle (generally pre-1990), you can register to participate in the parade. Registration typically opens in February and fills quickly. Participants are responsible for decorating their own vehicles with daffodils - plan to purchase flowers from local shops or bring them from off-island.

Host a Tailgate

Anyone can participate in the tailgate picnic at Sconset. Register in advance if you want to compete for prizes, or simply show up with your own picnic setup. The key is creativity and enthusiasm!

Enter the Flower Show

Gardeners can enter specimens and arrangements in the Daffodil Flower Show. Contact the Nantucket Garden Club for entry forms and categories.

Volunteer

The festival runs on volunteer power. Contact the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce or Nantucket Garden Club to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Where to Watch the Parade

The parade route offers many excellent viewing spots:

Main Street, Downtown

The most popular viewing area is along Main Street in downtown Nantucket. Arrive early (by 10:00 AM) to secure a good spot near the cobblestones. This location offers the best photo opportunities with historic buildings as a backdrop.

Upper Main Street

Slightly less crowded than downtown, the stretch of Main Street near the Civil War Monument offers excellent viewing with easier parking access.

Milestone Road

For a more relaxed experience, position yourself along Milestone Road as the parade makes its way to Sconset. Less crowded and easier parking, though less atmospheric than downtown.

Sconset Rotary

Watch the parade arrive at its destination before the tailgate festivities begin. This is a great option if you also want to enjoy the picnic competition.

Best Viewing Tips

• Arrive at least one hour before the parade for prime downtown viewing spots
• Bring folding chairs or a blanket - you'll be waiting a while
• The east side of Main Street offers better morning light for photos
• Consider watching from a restaurant with outdoor seating - reserve weeks ahead
• Kids do well at the Rotary end where they can run around after the parade
• For the full experience, watch the start downtown then drive to Sconset for the tailgate

Dining During the Festival

Daffodil Weekend is one of the busiest dining weekends of the spring season. Most restaurants offer special menus and extended hours, but reservations are absolutely essential.

Book your dinner reservations 2-4 weeks in advance for popular spots. Brunch and lunch are slightly easier but still warrant advance planning. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating that's perfect for people-watching during the festival.

For the tailgate picnic, consider ordering picnic provisions from local shops:

• Something Natural - Excellent sandwiches and baked goods
• Provisions - Gourmet deli items and prepared foods
• Nantucket Bake Shop - Pastries and sweets
• Bartlett's Farm - Fresh produce and prepared foods
• Murray's Toggery - Surprisingly good picnic supplies

Accommodation Tips

Daffodil Weekend is one of the most popular times to visit Nantucket, and accommodations book up quickly. Here's how to secure your stay:

• Book 6+ months ahead - The most popular inns and hotels fill up by November for the following April
• Consider mid-week arrival - Extend your stay with a Thursday arrival to enjoy pre-festival events
• Look beyond downtown - Properties in Sconset, Surfside, and Mid-Island often have better availability
• Check vacation rentals - VRBO and Airbnb options can offer more flexibility
• Join waitlists - Cancellations do happen; get on the list
• Day trip option - If accommodation is impossible, consider a day trip from Hyannis (book ferry early!)

Expect premium pricing during Daffodil Weekend, with many properties requiring 2-3 night minimums. Some inns offer special Daffodil packages that include picnic baskets, flower arrangements, and other themed amenities.