Weekly Events

Day-by-Day Weekly Guide

Here's what typically happens each day of the week on Nantucket during the summer season. Off-season schedules are more limited, but many year-round events keep the island lively.

Monday

Mondays on Nantucket tend to be quieter after the weekend bustle. It's a perfect day for exploring museums, which are open and less crowded. Many restaurants that were slammed over the weekend offer a more relaxed dining experience.

• Museum visits: Whaling Museum, Nantucket Historical Association sites less crowded
• Yoga classes: Various studios offer morning sessions
• Library programs: Atheneum often hosts Monday afternoon activities
• Recovery day: Great for beach relaxation after a busy weekend

Tuesday

Tuesdays bring the mid-island farmers market during growing season, plus various kids' programs at local museums and organizations. It's a great day for families.

• Sustainable Nantucket Farmers Market: Cambridge Street (seasonal, typically 3:30-6:30 PM)
• Kids' museum programs: Many museums offer Tuesday children's activities
• Yoga and fitness: Morning and evening class options
• Trivia nights: Some bars host Tuesday trivia

Wednesday

Wednesday is often when summer concert series kick off for the week. It's also a popular evening for dining out as visitors settle into their vacation rhythm.

• Sunset concerts: Various locations host mid-week music (summer)
• Wine tastings: Some wine shops offer Wednesday evening tastings
• Gallery openings: Mid-week openings at local galleries
• Church suppers: Occasional community dinners at local churches

Thursday

Thursdays mark the unofficial start of the weekend on Nantucket. Live music picks up, restaurants get busier, and the weekend energy begins to build.

• Live music: Many venues start their weekend entertainment Thursday
• Cisco Brewers: Live music and food trucks (summer)
• Art walks: Galleries often stay open late
• Theater performances: Theatre Workshop productions often Thursday-Saturday
• Kids' movie nights: Dreamland Theater sometimes offers family films

Friday

Friday brings the weekend crowd and kicks off the busiest time on the island. Evening events abound, and the town comes alive with energy.

• Jetties Beach concerts: Friday evening sunset concerts (summer)
• Live music everywhere: Bars, restaurants, and outdoor venues
• Food trucks: Cisco Brewers and other locations at full swing
• Sunset sails: Charter boats offer Friday evening cruises
• Happy hours: Most bars offer Friday specials

Saturday

Saturday is the biggest day for weekly events. The farmers market is the main attraction, but live music, activities, and evening entertainment fill the entire day.

• Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market: Cambridge Street, 9 AM - 1 PM (peak season)
• Beach yoga: Morning sessions at various beaches
• Kids' programs: Museum activities, story times, craft sessions
• Afternoon concerts: Various locations throughout summer
• Live music: Full entertainment schedule at bars and venues
• Sunset watches: Organized and informal gatherings at west-facing beaches

Sunday

Sundays offer a more relaxed pace. Brunch is the main event, followed by beach time and low-key activities. Evening entertainment wraps up the weekend.

• Church services: Various denominations throughout the island
• Brunch scene: Most restaurants offer Sunday brunch specials
• Beach day: Perfect for relaxing before heading home
• Afternoon music: Cisco Brewers and other venues (summer)
• Farmers market: Some seasons include Sunday markets
• Evening dining: Many leave Sunday, so restaurants more accessible

Recurring Summer Events

These are the signature weekly happenings that define summer on Nantucket. Plan your visit to catch at least a few of these island traditions.

Farmers & Artisans Market

The Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market is the island's premier weekly gathering. Local farmers bring fresh produce, artisans display handcrafted goods, and food vendors offer everything from fresh-baked breads to prepared foods. It's as much a social event as a shopping experience.

• Location: Cambridge Street (near the hospital)
• Primary day: Saturday mornings, 9 AM - 1 PM
• Season: June through October
• What to find: Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, local honey, artisan crafts, prepared foods
• Tip: Arrive early for best selection; bring cash and your own bags

Sunset Concerts

Nothing says Nantucket summer like live music as the sun sets over the harbor or beach. Multiple venues host regular sunset concerts throughout the season.

• Jetties Beach: Friday evening concerts with stunning sunset backdrop
• Cisco Brewers: Daily live music in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere
• Various downtown locations: Pop-up concerts and street performers
• Tip: Bring a blanket, picnic supplies, and arrive early for the best spots

Kids' Programs at Museums

Nantucket's museums offer excellent weekly programming for children, making it easy to combine education with vacation fun.

• Whaling Museum: Weekly kids' activities and scavenger hunts
• Maria Mitchell Association: Nature programs, stargazing, aquarium visits
• Nantucket Historical Association: Historic site tours geared toward kids
• Atheneum Library: Story times and summer reading programs
• Tip: Check websites for current schedules; some programs require registration

Yoga on the Beach

Multiple instructors offer beach yoga sessions throughout the summer. It's a quintessential Nantucket experience - sun salutations with actual sun rising over the Atlantic.

• Locations: Jetties Beach, Steps Beach, Children's Beach
• Timing: Early morning sessions most common
• Level: Usually all-levels welcome
• What to bring: Your own mat, water, sunscreen
• Tip: Follow local yoga studios on social media for schedules and weather updates

Movie Nights

The Dreamland Theater and occasional outdoor screenings provide regular movie entertainment throughout the summer.

• Dreamland Theater: First-run films and special screenings
• Outdoor movies: Occasional screenings at various locations
• Family films: Kid-friendly options, often on weekday afternoons
• Special screenings: Classic films, documentaries, and themed nights

Year-Round Happenings

Even in the quieter off-season months, Nantucket maintains a calendar of regular events that bring the community together.

Church Events

Nantucket's historic churches are community anchors, hosting regular services and special events throughout the year.

• Sunday services: Multiple denominations hold regular worship
• Community suppers: Occasional dinners open to all
• Concert series: Sacred and classical music performances
• Holiday programs: Special services and events during major holidays
• Key churches: First Congregational, St. Mary's, St. Paul's, Unitarian Universalist

Library Programs

The Nantucket Atheneum is one of the oldest libraries in the country and a vital community hub with year-round programming.

• Author talks: Regular visits from notable writers
• Children's story time: Weekly sessions for young readers
• Book clubs: Adult reading groups meeting regularly
• Lectures and discussions: Topics ranging from local history to current events
• Free WiFi and workspace: Always available during library hours

Community Gatherings

Various organizations host regular meetups, clubs, and activities that welcome visitors.

• Rotary and service clubs: Regular meetings, sometimes open to visitors
• Garden clubs: Meetings and tours during growing season
• Running groups: Informal morning runs from various meeting points
• Book groups: Multiple groups meeting at different times
• Arts organizations: Classes and gatherings at the Artists Association

How to Find Current Schedules

Weekly events can change seasonally and sometimes week to week. Here's how to find the most up-to-date information.

Best Resources

• The Inquirer and Mirror: Nantucket's local newspaper publishes weekly event listings
• Nantucket Chamber of Commerce: Official event calendar online
• Yesterday's Island: Free weekly publication with comprehensive listings
• Social media: Follow venues, restaurants, and organizations for real-time updates
• Hotel concierges: Often have current weekly event sheets
• Visitor Services: Stop by the booth on Federal Street for printed guides

Social Media Tips

• Follow Cisco Brewers for live music schedules
• Local yoga instructors post beach yoga schedules on Instagram
• Sustainable Nantucket announces market updates on Facebook
• The Dreamland Theater posts film schedules online
• Search #nantucket on Instagram for real-time local happenings

Seasonal Variations

The weekly event calendar changes dramatically with the seasons. Here's what to expect throughout the year.

Peak Summer (June - August)

Maximum events and activities. Everything listed above is in full swing, plus spontaneous pop-ups and special occasions. Book ahead for popular events and expect crowds.

Shoulder Season (May, September - October)

Many weekly events continue but on a reduced schedule. Farmers market runs through October. Weather permitting, beach yoga and outdoor concerts may continue. Fewer crowds make it easier to enjoy everything.

Off-Season (November - April)

Weekly events scale back significantly. Library programs, church events, and community gatherings continue year-round. Indoor entertainment at bars and the theater carries on. The farmers market closes for winter. Off-season has its own charm with a quieter, more local feel.

Holiday Periods

Christmas Stroll weekend (early December) and holiday weeks bring special event schedules that differ from the normal weekly pattern. Check specific holiday event guides for these periods.