Spring on Nantucket wouldn’t be complete without one of the island’s most beloved traditions, Daffodil Weekend. In 2026, the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 50th Nantucket Daffodil Festival, taking place Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26, 2026. From antique cars and flower-filled hats to family events and island-wide festivities, it is one of the happiest weekends of the year.
Each year, locals and visitors welcome the season with a burst of yellow across Nantucket. Window boxes, storefronts, and cobblestone streets all seem to join in, while classic festival traditions bring the community together for a weekend that feels uniquely Nantucket.
Here are a few of the signature highlights that make Daffodil Weekend so special:
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Annual Daffodil Festival Bazaar takes place at the Dreamland Theater, Harborview Room, offering a fun shopping event as part of the weekend festivities.
Friday, April 24, 2026 | entries accepted 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The 50th Annual Daffodil Show begins at the Nantucket Inn, with flower show entries accepted Friday afternoon.
Friday, April 24, 2026
The NHA’s Flower Power party returns on Friday night as a festive kickoff to Daffodil Weekend at the Whaling Museum. A public listing confirms the date, though the time was not visible in the source I could access.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:30 AM
The Antique Car Parade festivities begin with decorated vintage cars staging on Main Street in town. At 12PM the Parade officially rolls through downtown before continuing out to ’Sconset for the beloved tailgate picnic.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM
The Daffodil Hat Pageant starts at the Children’s Beach Bandstand.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:35 AM staging begins
The Children’s Beach Bike Parade staging begins at the bandstand following the hat pageant.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 12:30 PM
The NiSHA Daffy Dog Parade begins at Children’s Beach.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The 50th Annual Daffodil Show opens to the public at the Nantucket Inn.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The 50th Annual Daffodil Show continues at the Nantucket Inn.
What makes Daffodil Weekend so memorable is not just the schedule, but the atmosphere. It is a celebration of spring, community, and the unmistakable charm of Nantucket after the quieter winter months. Whether you come for the parade, the flower show, the parties, or simply the energy in town, the weekend offers a perfect excuse to enjoy the island in bloom.
For anyone planning a spring visit, Daffodil Weekend is one of the best times of year to experience Nantucket. Restaurants, shops, and streets come alive, and the island’s sense of celebration is everywhere you turn.
To see the latest event details and schedule updates, visitors should check the official Nantucket Chamber festival page, since some timing and locations may still be updated as the weekend approaches.
If you’re visiting for the festival, let us help you find the perfect Nantucket rental for your stay. From charming escapes near town to spacious homes ideal for a weekend gathering, we have options to fit every kind of spring trip.
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