Live Music

Nantucket's Music Scene

Nantucket's live music tradition runs deep. What started as informal jam sessions at local bars has evolved into a thriving scene that attracts talented musicians from across New England and beyond. The island's unique geography creates an intimate atmosphere where audiences and performers connect in ways that larger venues simply cannot replicate.

The music here reflects the island's character: laid-back but passionate, unpretentious yet professional. You're as likely to catch a nationally touring band at Cisco as you are to discover a talented local duo playing covers at a downtown pub. The summer months transform Nantucket into a music lover's paradise, with multiple shows happening every night of the week across the island's venues.

Main Music Venues

Each venue on Nantucket offers its own distinct atmosphere and musical style. Here's your guide to the island's best spots for live performances.

• 1

  Cisco Brewers

  5 Bartlett Farm Road

  The heart of Nantucket's outdoor music scene. This sprawling brewery campus comes alive daily during summer with live performances on the outdoor stage. The casual, festival-like atmosphere pairs perfectly with craft beers, wine, and spirits from the on-site producers. Music typically runs from early afternoon through early evening, making it ideal for families and those who prefer daytime entertainment. On busy summer weekends, the crowd can number in the hundreds, all swaying to everything from reggae to rock to folk.

  Style: Rock, folk, reggae, acoustic, cover bands
  When: Daily in summer, weekends in shoulder season
  Cover: Free (special events may charge)

• 2

  The Chicken Box

  14 Dave Street

  Nantucket's legendary dive bar and the undisputed champion of the island's late-night music scene. Known simply as "The Box" to locals, this no-frills venue has been hosting bands and filling its dance floor for decades. The sound system is surprisingly good, the energy is always high, and the crowd is a democratic mix of fishermen, summer visitors, and everyone in between. When the band kicks into gear after 10 PM, the place transforms into the closest thing Nantucket has to a proper rock club.

  Style: Rock, country, cover bands, dance music
  When: Thursday-Saturday nights (more during peak season)
  Cover: $10-20 for live music nights

• 3

  Ventuno

  21 Federal Street

  For a more sophisticated musical experience, Ventuno offers jazz and cocktails in an elegant Italian setting. The intimate space is perfect for enjoying skilled musicians while sipping aperitifs or after-dinner drinks. The jazz here tends toward the classic end of the spectrum, creating a romantic, grown-up atmosphere that stands in pleasant contrast to the island's more boisterous venues.

  Style: Jazz, standards, piano
  When: Select evenings, typically weekends
  Cover: Usually free

• 4

  Rose & Crown

  23 South Water Street

  This authentic English-style pub hosts regular live music with a distinctly Celtic flair. Irish music sessions, local rock bands, and acoustic performers all take the small stage here. The warm, convivial atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations with fellow music lovers, and the rooftop deck offers a break from the action on warm summer nights.

  Style: Irish/Celtic, rock, acoustic, local bands
  When: Weekend nights, occasional weekdays
  Cover: Usually free

• 5

  The Tap Room at Jared Coffin House

  29 Broad Street

  This historic inn's cozy basement bar offers intimate acoustic performances in a candlelit setting. The low ceilings and brick walls create excellent acoustics for solo performers and small ensembles. It's the perfect spot for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative musical experience while enjoying quality drinks.

  Style: Acoustic, folk, singer-songwriter
  When: Select evenings in season
  Cover: Free

• 6

  Faregrounds Restaurant

  27 Fairgrounds Road

  This local favorite restaurant features weekend bands on their outdoor patio during summer months. The setting is relaxed and family-friendly early in the evening, with the energy picking up as the night progresses. Great food combined with solid musical entertainment makes this a reliable option for a full evening out.

  Style: Rock, pop, cover bands
  When: Friday-Saturday nights in summer
  Cover: Free

Types of Music

Nantucket's music scene encompasses a wide range of genres, reflecting both the island's New England heritage and the diverse tastes of its summer population.

Rock & Cover Bands

The bread and butter of Nantucket nightlife. Skilled cover bands work the circuit between The Chicken Box, Cisco, and other venues, playing everything from classic rock to current hits. These bands know how to read a crowd and keep the dance floor packed. Original rock acts also make regular appearances, especially at The Box.

Folk & Acoustic

Singer-songwriters and acoustic duos thrive in Nantucket's more intimate venues. The Tap Room, Ventuno, and various restaurant bars host performers who let the music breathe, often incorporating original material alongside thoughtful covers. This genre pairs particularly well with the island's contemplative, artistic side.

Jazz & Standards

Ventuno leads the jazz scene, but you'll find piano players and small combos at several upscale venues around town. The Club Car's legendary piano bar, while not strictly jazz, offers a similar sophisticated musical atmosphere with its nightly performances of American songbook classics.

Celtic & Irish

Rose & Crown's Irish music sessions are a beloved island tradition. These informal gatherings bring together local musicians for traditional Celtic tunes, often encouraging audience participation. It's a genuine musical experience that connects to New England's deep Irish heritage.

Reggae & World Music

Cisco Brewers' afternoon shows frequently feature reggae bands, whose laid-back rhythms perfectly complement the venue's sunny, outdoor vibe. The brewery's eclectic booking policy means you might also encounter Afrobeat, Latin, or other world music influences.

Summer vs. Off-Season

Peak Summer (June-August)

This is when Nantucket's music scene reaches full volume. Cisco Brewers hosts acts daily, The Chicken Box books bands multiple nights per week, and virtually every bar with a stage puts on entertainment. National touring acts make stops on the island, and the overall quality and quantity of music peaks. The trade-off is crowds: popular shows can get packed, and lines form outside The Box on Saturday nights.

Shoulder Seasons (May, September-October)

Excellent time for live music with fewer crowds. Cisco scales back to weekends but still brings quality acts. Downtown venues maintain regular entertainment, and the atmosphere feels more local, less touristy. Weather can still be pleasant for outdoor shows.

Off-Season (November-April)

The music scene gets quieter but doesn't disappear entirely. Some venues close or reduce hours significantly, but dedicated spots like The Chicken Box continue hosting occasional shows. Local musicians play more frequently during this period, and the intimate crowds create special, memorable experiences. It's a great time to connect with the year-round musical community.

Best Nights for Live Music

While summer brings music every night, certain days consistently offer the best options:

• Friday Night: The biggest night island-wide. Every major venue has entertainment, and the energy is electric. The Chicken Box typically books their strongest acts for Friday.
• Saturday Night: Equal to Friday in terms of options. Cisco's afternoon shows often feature their best bands, and the party continues downtown after sunset.
• Sunday Afternoon: Cisco Brewers' Sunday sessions are legendary. Families, couples, and friends gather for a laid-back musical sendoff to the weekend.
• Thursday Night: The unofficial start of the weekend. The Chicken Box often has bands, and downtown venues warm up for the coming rush.
• Wednesday Night: Local's night at many venues. Smaller crowds, often excellent local performers, and a more relaxed vibe.

Annual Music Events

Beyond the regular venue schedule, several annual events highlight Nantucket's musical side:

• Boston Pops on Nantucket: The prestigious Boston Pops orchestra performs a summer concert, typically in August. This ticketed outdoor event is a highlight of the cultural calendar.
• Nantucket Music Festival: Various iterations of organized music festivals have graced the island over the years. Check current listings for this season's offerings.
• Fourth of July: Live music accompanies the island's Independence Day celebrations, with performances throughout town and at Cisco.
• Christmas Stroll: Carolers, brass bands, and holiday musicians fill downtown during this beloved December tradition.
• Daffodil Festival: Spring's signature event includes musical entertainment as part of the weekend's festivities.
• Wine Festival: Several Wine Festival events incorporate live music alongside tastings and dinners.

Local Musicians to Watch

Nantucket has a dedicated community of talented local musicians who perform regularly throughout the season. While the lineup changes year to year, certain names consistently appear on marquees around the island. Ask locals or venue staff about current favorites, as discovering a talented island musician is one of the joys of the Nantucket music scene.

Many visiting musicians fall in love with the island and return year after year, becoming honorary locals in the process. These repeat performers often have devoted followings, and their shows at Cisco or downtown venues draw crowds who've been tracking their careers for seasons.

Family-Friendly Options

Nantucket offers excellent live music experiences for families with children:

• Cisco Brewers Afternoon Shows: The daytime timing and outdoor setting make this ideal for families. Kids can run on the lawn while parents enjoy the music with a drink in hand. Food trucks provide kid-friendly options.
• Faregrounds Early Evening: Catch the first sets before things get too late or loud.
• Outdoor Festival Events: Holiday celebrations and community events often feature family-appropriate musical entertainment in public spaces.
• Summer Band Concerts: Check for occasional outdoor concerts in town that welcome all ages.

Most venues with live music transition to 21+ environments as the evening progresses, so plan accordingly if attending with children.

Late Night Options

For those who want to keep the party going, Nantucket's late-night scene centers on a few key venues:

• The Chicken Box: The undisputed champion of late-night Nantucket. Bands typically play until midnight or later, and the dance floor doesn't really get going until after 10 PM. This is where you'll find the most energetic late-night crowd.
• Rose & Crown: Stays open late with music continuing toward last call on weekend nights.
• The Muse: Another late-night option with occasional live music and DJ sets.

Remember: Massachusetts law requires last call at 12:30 AM with venues closing by 1 AM. Plan your late nights accordingly, and arrange transportation in advance as taxis become scarce after midnight.

How to Find What's Playing

Staying current with Nantucket's live music schedule requires a multi-source approach:

• Social Media: Follow venues on Instagram and Facebook. Cisco Brewers, The Chicken Box, and others post weekly schedules and last-minute additions.
• Yesterday's Island: This free weekly newspaper includes comprehensive entertainment listings.
• N Magazine: Seasonal publication with event calendars and venue features.
• The Inquirer and Mirror: Nantucket's newspaper of record includes entertainment coverage.
• Venue Websites: Check directly for the most accurate, up-to-date schedules.
• Chalkboards & Posters: Old-school works on Nantucket. Look for venue chalkboards and posters around town announcing upcoming shows.
• Ask Locals: Bartenders, shop owners, and hotel staff often know what's happening and can point you toward the best shows.