April 2022: Daffy
One of the year’s most anticipated events, The Daffodil Festival (insert dates)—or ‘Daffy’ as locals lovingly call it—kicks off spring with a series of colorful events (and plenty of floral decoration). Back in person after two years of virtual celebration, the 46th Annual Daffodil Festival features a can’t-miss classic and antique car parade followed by a tailgating picnic in ‘Sconset, a daffodil show in the greenhouses at Bartlett’s Farm, and family-friendly activities, including a hat and dog parade, at Children’s Beach.
May 2022: Memorial Day
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer, and nothing on Nantucket says that more than Figawi Race Weekend (March 28-30, 2022). The two-day event sees over 200 boats from across the country racing from the Hyannis Harbor to Nantucket Boat Basin. If you’re not taking part in the revelry, celebrate summer at one of Nantucket’s beautiful beaches or Cisco Brewers for local brews, food trucks, and live music.
June 2022: Nantucket Book Festival & Nantucket Film Festival
Meet your favorite author at the annual Nantucket Book Festival, taking place June 16-19, 2022. Listen to the real stories that inspired your favorite page-turners, and be sure to bring your copy to get signed. One of the nation’s premier film events, Nantucket Film Festival (June 22-26, 2022) is a can’t miss for movie buffs. Tickets and passes sell out quickly for this one, so you’ll want to get them quick!
July 2022: 4th of July & Nantucket Garden Festival
From barbecues and fireworks to beaches and boating, no one does Independence Day quite like Nantucket. Traditional celebrations include a Downtown Independence Day Festival, Main Street Water Fight, and fireworks over Jetties Beach. If you’re planning an extended summer stay, don’t miss the Nantucket Garden Festival (July 12-14), which highlights the unique garden ecosystems on the island with workshops, lectures, garden tours, and activities for the whole family.
August 2022: Nantucket Race Week
Celebrate our Atlantic island in true, sailor’s fashion at the annual Nantucket Race Week. From August 13-24, the Gray Lady sees an influx of sailors for nine days of races, regattas, award ceremonies, and parties. If you’ve been looking for a reason to pull out your Nantucket reds, here’s your chance.
September 2022: Labor Day
Labor Day may mark the unofficial end to summer, but not on Nantucket. The weather is still warm enough for most outdoor activities and the crowds are usually much thinner than during the summer months. Take the opportunity to hit the water at the island’s best beaches, play a round at Miacomet Golf Course, or explore Nantucket’s amazing restaurant and dining scene.
October 2022: Cranberry Festival & Family Oyster Season
Picture yourself in a cranberry bog, clad in waders, surrounded by nature’s majestic beauty, lending a hand in a traditional wet harvest. That’s the experience at Nantucket’s Cranberry Festival, which celebrates the original superfruit and its heritage on the island. The event is ideal fall fun and includes cranberry harvesting, live music, a kids’ section, hayrides, tractor displays, and so much more!
November 2022: Thanksgiving Day
Every year on Thanksgiving morning, crowds of participants brave the icy waters of the Atlantic in support of the Cold Turkey Plunge to raise money for Nantucket Atheneum’s Weezie Library for Children.
December 2022: Christmas Stroll
Started in 1973 to prevent islanders from escaping to Cape Cod to do their holiday shopping, Christmas Stroll (December 2-4, 2022) takes place the first weekend in December and features Christmas shopping specials, live entertainment, craft shows, and decorations galore. The world-renowned event kicks off with a visit from Santa via his nautical “sleigh.” If you love getting in the holiday spirit, this is one event you shouldn’t miss.