Nantucket Events

Daffodil Weekend - April 27th - April 29th, 2012
From early-April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket Island. This blossoming, and the advent of spring itself, is the focal point of the Annual Daffodil Festival. There are many festivities over the weekend from an Antique Car Parade, featuring over 100 daffodil-bedecked antique cars to the Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. Other highlights include the Nantucket Garden Club's Daffodil Show, The Annual Daffy Dog Parade, Children's Daffodil Parade and The Daffy Hat Pageant.
http://www.nantucketchamber.org/enjoy/daffodil_festival_weekend.aspx

Nantucket Wine Festival - May 16th - May 20th, 2012
This festival is a multi-faceted exploration of food and wine. For over twelve years, Nantucket 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!
http://www.nantucketwinefestival.com

Figawi Regatta / Memorial Day Weekend - May 26th - May 28th, 2012
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.

Spring Restaurant Week June 4th - June 10th, 2012
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.

16th Annual Nantucket Film Festival - June 20th - June 24th, 2012
This major summer highlight in its 16th year 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.
http://www.nantucketfilmfestival.org/

4th of July Weekend - July 4th, 2012
Jetties beach is the best place in Nantucket to view fireworks and celebrate the Independence Day. Leading up to the fireworks at night, there are many patriotic activities to take part in throughout the day. A fun, annual event is the 4th of July parade through Main St. This is good wet water fighting family fun!

Boston Pops on Nantucket - August 11th, 2012
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.
http://www.nantuckethospital.org/Events/Pops.html

Sandcastle & Sculpture Day August 18th, 2012
Get out your buckets and pails. Over 50 sculptures will emerge from the sand for this August tradition. The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts (NISDA) hosts this late-summer ritual. Families and teams return year after year to vie for top honors. Pre-registration is necessary. A visit to Jetties Beach to watch the sculpting in action or view the finished sculptures at sunset is well worth the trip!

40th Annual Opera House Cup Regatta: August 19th 2012
The Opera House Cup Regatta is a cherished tradition, held on the third Sunday of August on Nantucket. The 39th Annual Opera House Cup Regatta will be Sunday, August 21, 2011. The Opera House Cup Regatta was the first all-wooden, single-hulled classic boat regatta on the East Coast, and it attracts some of the finest sailboats in the country. The Opera House Cup Regatta is a Clean Regatta as certified by Sailors for the Sea.
http://www.operahousecup.org/page/ohc

Fall Restaurant Week September 24th - September 30th, 2012
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.

Nantucket Conservation Foundation Cranberry Festival - October 6th, 2012
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.

Cold Turkey Plunge / Thanksgiving - November 22nd, 2012
This annual Nantucket Atheneum Library fundraiser features hundreds of spectators and truly crazed swimmers who brave the chilly waters at Children's Beach, on Thanksgiving morning, to benefit the Weezie Library for Children. This is a family event for a good cause!

Nantucket Christmas Stroll - November 30th - December 2nd 2012
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.