Memorial Day Weekend on Nantucket

Ideas and inspiration for 2023

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good time, especially one that involves boats, beverages, the crisp blue Nantucket Sound, and some good sailing. My desire for sailing was cemented on a 24/7 trip from NYC down to Charleston, SC. Nothing like cutting through the waves and navigating the stars on a full moon night! While the Figawi Race and Memorial Day weekend aren’t quite the same, I look forward to a new and improved Memorial Day weekend experience for all. Figawi has taken a few years off, and it appears that the organizers and the Town of Nantucket have found a nice medium to have fun and not be a raucous weekend. In the spirit of launching a new experience on Nantucket for Memorial Day weekend, here are some cool ideas to ring in summah!

Memorial Day on Nantucket holds a special significance for the island community. Nantucket has a long and proud history of military service, and many islanders have served in every major conflict since the Revolutionary War. On Memorial Day, the island comes together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

The observance typically begins with a parade through the historic downtown district, featuring marching bands, military units, and veterans’ organizations. The parade ends at Prospect Hill Cemetery, where a ceremony is held to pay tribute to the fallen. Flowers and wreaths are laid at the cemetery’s memorials, and the names of the island’s fallen heroes are read aloud. The ceremony also includes speeches by local dignitaries, musical performances, and a firing squad salute. The day concludes with a community picnic and a sense of gratitude for those who have given their lives for the country. Memorial Day on Nantucket is a reminder of the island’s proud military history and the sacrifices made by its residents to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. 

Besides the parade, here are some things to do during your Memorial Day weekend on Nantucket:

Attend the Annual Figawi Race: The Figawi Race is a popular sailing race that takes place over Memorial Day weekend. You can watch the boats race from the shore or even participate in the race yourself if you can find a boat that needs some rail bait!

Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Stand-up Paddleboarding is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the island’s beautiful waters. You can rent a board and take a guided tour or explore the Creeks on your own.

Explore the Beaches: Nantucket is home to some beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Some popular options include Jetties Beach, Cisco Beach, and Surfside Beach.

Take a Bike Ride: Nantucket is a great place to explore by bike. You can rent bikes and ride along the island’s 30 miles of bike paths, which offer scenic views of the coastline and the island’s charming neighborhoods.

Try Surfing: Nantucket has some great surf spots for beginners and experienced surfers. You can rent a board and take a lesson from a local surf instructor.

Take a Hike: Nantucket has a number of hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the island’s beaches and landscapes. Some popular options include the Squam Farm and Sanford Farm trails.

Enjoy Local Cuisine: Nantucket is known for its delicious seafood and locally sourced cuisine. Be sure to sample some of the island’s famous dishes, like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried clams.

Get back on the water… take a Sunset Cruise: Nantucket’s beautiful sunsets are not to be missed. You can take a sunset cruise to see the island from a different perspective and watch the sun go down over the water.

These are just a few of the many healthy activities you can do on Nantucket for Memorial Day weekend. With its beautiful scenery and active lifestyle, Nantucket is a great place to stay active and enjoy the outdoors!

Brent Tartamella

A New England native, with roots and a career in hospitality and high-end private club management, Brent moved to Nantucket in 2004. Since his entrance into real estate in 2016 has been a successful agent since launch. Several years, Brent has been the top buyers representative with sales over $14mm. Follow @brenttucket for more stories information about Nantucket living.