| From early April to mid-May, over three million daffodils in a vibrant array of colors, shapes, and sizes bloom on Nantucket Island, a world-class resort just 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. This magnificent display marks the arrival of spring and serves as the centerpiece of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Daffodil Festival, celebrated during the last weekend of April each year. |
The festival originated with the late Jean MacAusland, a summer resident of Nantucket and former publisher of Gourmet magazine. Over time, her vision has blossomed into an exuberant celebration of winter’s end, bringing joy to both islanders and visitors. Throughout the island, daffodils adorn roadsides, gardens, and shop windows with cheerful shades of yellow, orange, white, and even pale pink.
The festival’s highlight, the Annual Antique Car Parade, takes place on Saturday. This delightful event showcases over 100 antique cars, each adorned with daffodils in creative arrangements.
Following the parade, which winds through the town and across the island to the picturesque village of Siasconset, participants and visitors gather for the Annual Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. Sprawling across lush village lawns, the picnic presents an eclectic mix of fare—from elaborate gourmet spreads served on fine china to casual box lunches and burgers.
Don’t miss the Nantucket Garden Club’s Annual Daffodil Show, the Children’s Daffodil Parade, the whimsical Daffy Hat Pageant, and the fun Daffodil Dog Parade—a newer addition that has quickly become a favorite.
Daffodils remain in bloom for about five weeks, from early April to mid-May, making springtime a particularly enchanting season. The island’s mild weather is great for outdoor activities like bicycling, hiking, fishing, seal cruises, photography, birdwatching, and nature study.
For those planning a visit, Nantucket is accessible by airplane or ferry, with one-hour high-speed ferry options available. Leave your car behind, as it’s all conveniently reachable by walking, bicycling, or taxi.
| For more information www.nantucketchamber.org. |
