As it slowly starts to warm up, all forms of life and nature creep out of hibernation. The sun stays up longer, and people trade in their winter coats for raincoats and a couple layers. More shops will begin to open up, the flowers will bloom again, and the island of Nantucket comes back to life.
What better way to kick it off than at the 49th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival?
Join the island for a weekend of parties, parades and of course, daffodils. Hosted April 24-27, the festival has something for everyone, including a flower power party, the daffodil parade and an antique car show.
Here’s what to know and how to plan for the weekend.
Kicking off the Nantucket Daffodil Festival
The first event of the weekend is the Daffodil Flower Crown Party. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join in at the Nantucket Dreamland Studio Theater and Harborview Room to learn how to make a flower crown that can be worn all weekend. The cost of a ticket includes all the flower crown materials, hors d’oeuvres and mocktails. Tickets are $75 for members and $90 for non-members. There is also a cash bar and a prize for “Best Flower Crown.”
The Daffodil Bazaar
The Daffodil Bazaar will have all kinds of artisanal goods and merchandise to put the family right into the spring spirit. The market includes small businesses and non-profits and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 25 at Preservation Hall at 11 Centre St., second floor.
Flower Power Party
If you’re looking for something fun to do on Friday night, the Nantucket Historical Association has just the thing. Enjoy some dancing at the Flower Power party. Between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 25, the association transforms part of the museum into a night filled with flower power, music, dancing and food.
“It makes the island come alive,” said Robin London, events manager for the Nantucket Historical Association.
Since the beginning, attendees have come dressed up as daffodils or any flower, really. But some also show up in ’60s-inspired flower power costumes. However you choose to show up, the night will be blooming.
This event is for those 21 years or older. Tickets are $175 for members and $250 for non-members.
The main event: The Nantucket Daffodil Show
The Nantucket Garden Club’s Daffodil Show is held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 26 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 27 at the Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm. There will be free shuttles from Washington Street to the farm on Saturday only.
According to the Nantucket Garden Club’s program, Jean MacAusland, the former president, donated a million daffodil bulbs to be planted all around the Island in the 1970s. MacAusland “had a vision of golden daffodils dancing in Nantucket’s breezes, lifting everyone’s spirit,” according to the program.
Antique Car Parade and Tailgate Picnic
On Saturday (April 26), Main Street will be lined with antique and vintage cars decorated with daffodils. Cars will be staged along the street at 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., but the parade won’t start until 12 p.m. Bring the family along to enjoy the parade and even vote on the best car. Don’t forget to bring a picnic! For more information about the parade route, visit the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce website.
Extra fun for the kids
There are plenty events happening on Saturday for families and children at the Children’s Beach Bandstand. At 10 a.m. join in at the Daffodil Hat Pageant. The pageant is open to adults and children. Daffodil hats of all kinds are accepted and ribbons will be awarded.
At 10:35 a.m., children and families are invited to join in on a bike parade. Bikes, wagons, skateboards and strollers are all accepted, but make sure whatever it is, it’s fitting the theme of daffodils. Children riding bikes must wear helmets, and adults should accompany those under the age of 10.
Lastly, at 12:30 p.m. let the dogs join in on the fun! The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and the Nantucket Safe Harbor for Animals is hosting a Daffodil Dog Parade for our furry friends. Sign up will be on Main Street during the Antique Car Show or at 12:15 p.m. at the Children’s Beach.
On April 26, all events are free and open to the public.
Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at [email protected].
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