Nantucket Maritime Festival

September 30, 2017

After last year’s cancellation, the Nantucket Maritime Festival is ready for action. The festival is held to give participants a sneak peek into the time honored maritime activities. Multiple non-profits band together to put on an afternoon of shucking contests, harpoon throwing, face painting and other activities for all ages. On September 30^th, the fun will begin at Children’s Beach. 

Fall Restaurant Week 

September 25 - October 1 

As the summer begins to wind down, multiple local restaurants create prix fixe menus of three to five courses for the Nantucket Fall Restaurant Week.  Enjoy eclectic local cuisine in some of the island's hottest spots.  Menus will range in price from $35-$45 to allow many to join in the indulgences of something new or an old favorite. Click here for participating restaurants. 

7th Annual Nantucket Maritime Festival

September 30, 10 AM - 4 PM

Nantucket's Maritime Festival at Children's Beach / Brant Point celebrates all things nautical and showcases the singular joy of living on an island. Indulge in traditional maritime activities and a wide range of free events appealing to all ages. From the build-your-own-boat contest to an oyster-shucking contest (watchers reap the benefits!), this family-friendly festival sponsored by the Egan Maritime Institute--in collaboration with many local non-profit organizations--is an island favorite.

Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s 14th Annual Cranberry Festival

Saturday, October 7, 11 AM – 4 PM

Venture out to the Milestone bogs to view the brilliant crimson berries being harvested, learn about the history of cranberry farming on Nantucket, participate in a smorgasbord of  family activities or just kick back and enjoy live music against the spectacular backdrop of  the autumn moors. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, and all ages are captivated by the sheep-shearing demonstration and herding of the wooly pack by a savvy border collie! It's also the perfect opportunity to purchase a pound--or two--of cranberries for the upcoming holidays!

2nd Annual NantucketGrown Food Festival

October 12-15

The second annual NantucketGrown Food Festival will feature a unique and exciting series of events hosted by Sustainable Nantucket in collaboration with island farmers, chefs, fishermen, brewers, beekeepers and artisinal food producers.  A showcase of food tastings, demos, culinary lessons, a "wild weed" cocktail party, "Farm Fresh Feast" and more in celebration of the Faraway Island's rich and diverse bounty.  

Festival of Wreaths 

November 22 & 24 – 26  

This beloved event, a veritable island tradition, marks the Nantucket Historical Association's kick-off to the holiday season, transforming the Whaling Museum into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through and marvel at the array of exquisite wreaths lovingly crafted by members of the Nantucket community--including local businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools. Materials run the gamut from traditional to unconventional, and each wreath is a true masterpiece. Visitors bid on their favorites in a silent auction to benefit the NHA's year-round outreach efforts.

44th Annual Christmas Stroll

December 1-3

Nantucket's Christmas Stroll Weekend is enchanting and magical--a glittering Advent calendar come to life--transforming the island into an awe-inspiring panorama of sight and sound.  Santa arrives via his nautical sleigh--with the help of the Coast Guard--and parades up Main Street to the Jared Coffin House, where he meets with children young and old to determine whether they've been naughty or nice. At the top of Main Street, the Magical Talking Tree mystifies children of all ages, and a Christmas Marketplace showcases the talents of local businesses--from foods and crafts to handmade wares and informational tables. Activities abound throughout Town, and there's even a Scavenger Hunt!  There's no time machine needed to transport yourself back to Christmases past in this Charles Dickens' backdrop come to life.  We invite you to celebrate with us
CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR THIS MAGICAL EVENT