The highly anticipated 47th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival will be held from April 27-30, 2023.
Similar to other large holiday weekends on Nantucket, the Daffodil Festival is comprised of multiple events planned for a fun-filled, joyous weekend. The majority of these events are hosted by the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce. The Daffodil Festival is held the last full weekend in April over three days; it has changed dates in years past because of Easter or Passover. There are three main events: the antique car parade from town to ‘Sconset, family-friendly Daffy events held at Children’s Beach and the competitive flower show at Bartlett’s Farm.
Read on to plan your weekend, and as always, reach out to Fisher Real Estate if you would like to lease a Nantucket vacation rental for the long-weekend!
Nantucket Daffodil Festival 2023
Antique Car Parade
Downtown: Saturday, April 29 from 9am – 12pm
Sconset: 12pm – 3pm
An incredible array of cars, trucks, convertibles, fire engines, dune buggies, motorcycles travel from Main Street Downtown to Main Street Siasconet for an afternoon of tailgating with family and friends. Get to town early to get up-close and personal with these amazing vehicles and their owners who have put on an elaborate display!
Other Saturday Events
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Nantucket Daffodil Festival Hat Pageant
Show off your creativity with a festively decorated, Daffodil-themed hat (elegant or goofy… it’s all fabulous fun!) and join the Pageant! Open to men, women, & children. Ribbons awarded in adult & children’s categories. Start immediately after Children’s Parade. Children’s Beach bandstand, Harbor View Way. A Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce signature event.
Nantucket Daffodil Festival Children’s Bike Parade
Fun for children of all ages and their families! Decorate your bicycle, wagon, skateboard, baby carriage or other self-propelled vehicles with a Daffodil theme, or simply come decked out in your best Daffy gear! Ribbons awarded to all participants. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult, and all children on bicycles MUST wear a helmet. Staging begins at 10:30 AM at Children’s Beach bandstand, Harbor View Way. A Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce signature event.
Visit with Barnaby Bear at Children’s Beach
Meet Barnaby Bear this Daffodil Weekend! Join author Wendy Rouillard and her best pal, Barnaby Bear, as they meet and greet families at Children’s Beach. Surprise giveaways will be available!
NanPuppets at Children’s Beach
Grab your picnic lunches and head to Children’s Beach for an original performance of Lizza Obremski’s phenomenal Nanpuppets to delight all ages.
10th Annual Daffy Dog Parade
All friendly, leashed pooches are welcome to participate! (Daffy costumes & decorations are strongly encouraged.) 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes awarded; must be registered to win. Register ahead of time from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Federal & Main Street corner table. Proceeds benefit Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals (NiSHA). Parade will be held at Children’s Beach. A Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce signature event.
Daffodil Flower Show
Saturday and Sunday April 29 and 30th
The Daffodil Show (a free event) hosted by the Nantucket Garden Club will be held in the greenhouses at Bartlett’s Farm. This is a fun event to plan on doing on Sunday, but they are open on Saturday as well. This regional daffodil competition includes horticulture, flowers and photography. Which one is your favorite?
Other Activities Held on Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend
Flower Power Party
Friday, April 28, 6–8 pm, at the Whaling Museum
In collaboration with the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce’s 47th Annual Daffodil Festival weekend, The Flower Power Party transforms the Whaling Museum into a festive spring celebration. Enjoy a look at new additions around the museum, hors d’oeuvres by Island Kitchen, and music by island favorite Billy Voss.
Brant Point Lighthouse
All Weekend
Visit the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse to snap a photo opp with the daffodil wreath decorated by Hafsa & Co.
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
All Weekend
Swing by on your way home from the ‘Sconset tailgate picnic or make it a Friday or Sunday adventure! And enjoy the thousands of colorful blooms on the drive down Milestone Road.