2025 Fall Activities on Nantucket
Nantucket is undoubtably known for its summer season, but the island doesn’t hit pause after August—in fact, many would say this is when it’s at its best. September and October bring what locals lovingly call “Locals’ Summer,” with warm ocean water, sunny skies, and far fewer crowds. Most shops and restaurants remain open through Columbus Day (some well beyond), making it the perfect time to enjoy uncrowded beaches, outdoor adventures, and the island’s laid-back fall charm.
Accommodations are much easier to come by and if you’re considering a trip, call us today to find out which of our properties are available this fall in Nantucket.
Here are Fisher Real Estate’s top 18 fall activities to look forward to on Nantucket!
Fishing
Fall fishing season is one of our favorite times on Nantucket, and we’ve been counting down to the island’s fall tournaments all year. For the latest tips, catches, and conditions, check out the Bill Fisher Fishing Report to stay in the know throughout the season. Bill Fisher Fishing Report.
Halloween on Main Street
Halloween is hands-down the Fisher team’s favorite holiday, and this year we can’t wait to show you what we have planned! Following the spring Daffodil Parade and July 4th celebrations, the Nantucket Halloween Parade on Main Street remains a cherished tradition. Islanders gather for the parade, which kicks off at 4:30 PM on Thursday, October 31st, 2025. Arrive early for easy parking and enjoy seeing friends (and maybe strangers!) trick-or-treating at the Main Street shops. Photo Album: Halloween Over the Years
Whaling Museum & Historic Sites
The Whaling Museum is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. On October 13th, their schedule changes slightly and they are open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. The schedules for the historic sites vary – be sure to check out their website for information. Even if they are not open to the public, you can still explore the exterior of the properties. The Nantucket Historical Association historic properties include the Oldest House, Old Gaol, Greater Light, and the Fire Hose Cart House.
Scalloping
The “family” scalloping season begins on October 1st, 2025 and runs until March 31st, 2026. Recreational scallopers can take scallops Wednesday through Sunday. Get your permit at 4 Fairgrounds Road (the Public Safety Facility (PSF). Ready to get your feet wet? Read our informative blog post on the Fall Scalloping Season in Nantucket. Fisher Tip: Nantucket Bay scallops come in all sizes but keep in mind that to keep the scallops, they must have a well-defined raised annual growth line on the shell.
Fall Restaurant Week & Fall Dining
Popular restaurants that may have been a challenge to get into this summer are now easier to enjoy. We will be treated to the return of Fall Restaurant Week in 2025 from Monday, September 29th to Sunday, October 5th. Most restaurants participating in Restaurant Week on Nantucket offer a three-course prix fixe menu, but some offer options from their entire menu. See the Chamber’s website for the list of participating restaurants.
Cisco Brewers, Oktobeerfest & Levitate Flannel Jam
The summer crowd may clear out but the food trucks and charming bartenders remain all fall. We especially love autumn at the Brewery when the attire changes from board shorts to flannels and the drink specials change from frozen sangria to hot Cisco Cider and Pumple Drumkin. The Levitate Flannel Jam is a rockin’ party held on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Get your tickets here before they sell out.
Acktoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 4th, and have live music plus a keg-holding contest, Cisco steins, and pretzel specials!
Shopping
If you have had your eye on something in one of Nantucket’s stores this summer, the fall is a great time to go shopping. Take advantage of deep discounts everywhere from the t-shirt and souvenir shops to designer boutiques.
Head into town from Friday, October 10-13, 2025 to shop fall deals during the Chamber of Commerce event, Cobblestones and Catwalks. Consider this the precursor event for shopping on Stroll Festival weekend. Join them for our Third Annual Nantucket Fall Fashion Show at the Nantucket Hotel from 6-7:30pm.
Surfing
Local surfers like Sales & Rental Agent Danno Lynch love surfing in the fall. He says, “It’s great because the water is still warm, the crowds have thinned out and the hurricane season brings in large, clean waves. It’s pretty easy to find empty peaks and firing waves all to yourself!”
Sunsets and RAINBOWS During Fall in Nantucket
The sunsets and rainbows that fall bring are second to none. It’s no question that Madaket is one of our favorite Nantucket neighborhoods for sunset watching, and those magical rainbows can be caught from anywhere on island.
Pumpkin Carving
Because one of the best activities to do during fall in Nantucket is pumpkin carving, head over to Bartlett’s Farm! They can also provide you with the carving and painting tools, just purchase a pumpkin from the garden center. While you’re at it, you can pick up some decorative pumpkins for your doorstep!
Biking
There is nothing better than enjoying a bike ride around the island on a crisp fall day. Without the summer heat, it is much easier to take a leisurely ride out to ’Sconset, Madaket or Surfside on one of the island’s accessible bike paths. Find bicycle rentals on Broad Street, North Beach Street, Surfside Road and Old South Road, we have their contact information listed in the Fisher Nantucket Travel Guide©.
For those mountain biking enthusiasts, consider wheeling around the old Cranberry Bogs at the Batacular Bike Race (Single Lap and Double Lap options) on October 26th, 2025. Link to the Fisher blog.
Lighthouses
Sankaty Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse are incredibly beautiful in the fall, both the final destinations and the journey to get there. With golden foliage and light, it may be the best time to visit our historic beacons. Brant Point, of course, is beautiful year-round. Most importantly, don’t forget your camera!
Nantucket Half Marathon
The 14th Annual Nantucket Half Marathon and 10k will once again hang the finish line again on Columbus Day Weekend, Sunday, October 12th, 2025. This run is one of the most scenic half marathon courses on the East Coast! Visit their website here, or read Liza’s blog on running for some great info on running on Nantucket.
Nantucket Shorts Festival
We love the Shorts Festival at The Nantucket Dreamland and shows films ranging in length from 2 minutes to 10 minutes, all made by local amateur and professional filmmakers. This year the Nantucket Shorts Festival presented by NCTV will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at the Dreamland Theatre.
Race For Recovery
Race or walk, either in person or remote, for Addiction Solutions of Nantucket. Their mission is to raise funds for medically assisted treatment for opioids, alcohol, and other substances for Dr. Lepore’s Nantucket clinic. Be ready to run on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at 9am at Bartlett’s Farm. Sign up here.
Nantucket Island Fair
The Nantucket Island Fair returned in 2025 to the Tom Nevers field. Activities included live music, a cupcake eating contest, pumpkin toss, face painting, hot pepper eating contest, Gertrude’s Harvest, build your own scarecrow, and many more fun and games. Thanks to the volunteers for organizing this incredible community event!
Golfing
Agent Danno Lynch loves to golf on Nantucket in the fall. He says, “The light in the fall really makes for an extremely aesthetic golfing experience. The golf courses on island really pop and add incredible shadows.” Visit the public (and exceptional!) Miacomet Golf Club which is open year-round; they only close for inclement weather like frost or snow. Call them at 508-325-0333. Siasconset Golf Club, also known as “Skinner’s,” stays open through Columbus Day and weather permitting may stay open until the end of October. Call Skinner’s at 508-257-6596 for current hours (tee times are first come, first serve).
The Fisher Real Estate team treasures the fall season on the island and believes it is one of the most wonderful times of year to visit Nantucket. We hope to see you this season!
Link to Ferry Schedules and Late Fall Ferry Schedules