Each spring, with the blooming of millions of daffodils, the island of Nantucket transforms into a kaleidoscope of yellow hues. The vibrant display signals the arrival of the island's much-anticipated Daffodil Festival. Scheduled for April 24-27, 2025, the 48th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival promises a weekend filled with floral beauty, festive events, and cherished traditions.
A Blossoming Tradition: The Origins of the Daffodil Festival
The roots of the Nantucket Daffodil Festival trace back to 1974, when Jean MacAusland, a summer resident, wife of the founder and former publisher of Gourmet Magazine, and then president of the Nantucket Garden Club spurred her fellow members into organizing the first Nantucket Daffodil Show (she would also later donate a million daffodil bulbs to the island community, the genesis of the fields of flowers you see today). The single-day show came together quickly and was held on May 2, 1975, with the week of April 28 to May 4 declared "Nantucket Daffodil Week."
That first springtime show evolved—or should we say, blossomed—into a fully fledged festival the following year, and each iteration has proven to be better and more inspired than the last. Three years after that first show, a parade featuring antique cars highlighted the festival. More events were added as the festival matured, including a hat pageant, a tailgate picnic, and numerous activities at Children's Beach.
The initiative has flourished from those early plantings, both in seeds and ideas. Today, in addition to the beloved daffodil show and festival, Nantucket is home to an estimated annual bloom of more than three million daffodils, painting the landscape in a breathtaking spectacle each spring.
That first springtime show evolved—or should we say, blossomed—into a fully fledged festival the following year, and each iteration has proven to be better and more inspired than the last. Three years after that first show, a parade featuring antique cars highlighted the festival. More events were added as the festival matured, including a hat pageant, a tailgate picnic, and numerous activities at Children's Beach.
The initiative has flourished from those early plantings, both in seeds and ideas. Today, in addition to the beloved daffodil show and festival, Nantucket is home to an estimated annual bloom of more than three million daffodils, painting the landscape in a breathtaking spectacle each spring.
Highlights of the 48th Annual Daffodil Festival
The 2025 festival is set to offer a variety of events that cater to all ages and interests, and attendees can anticipate the return of beloved traditions, including:
49th Annual Daffodil Flower Show
Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27
Bartlett's Farm
The centerpiece of every festival is the annual Nantucket Daffodil Show. Organized by the Nantucket Garden Club, this American Daffodil Society-sanctioned show features thousands of daffodil varieties in imaginative arrangements. The 49th annual showcase runs from April 26 to April 27 at Bartlett's Farm greenhouses and will feature a theme of "It's Daffy Time... Let's Dance!" A year older than its namesake festival, the show is a testament to the island's passion for horticulture and creativity in preserving and beautifying its majestic landscape.
Bartlett's Farm
The centerpiece of every festival is the annual Nantucket Daffodil Show. Organized by the Nantucket Garden Club, this American Daffodil Society-sanctioned show features thousands of daffodil varieties in imaginative arrangements. The 49th annual showcase runs from April 26 to April 27 at Bartlett's Farm greenhouses and will feature a theme of "It's Daffy Time... Let's Dance!" A year older than its namesake festival, the show is a testament to the island's passion for horticulture and creativity in preserving and beautifying its majestic landscape.
Flower Crown Party
Thursday, April 24
Nantucket Dreamland Studio Theater, Harborview Room
As the festival's opening event, the Daffodil Flower Crown Party at the Dreamland Studio Theater sets the stage for this year's festival. The event let's attendees learn the finer points of crafting the perfect daffodil-adorned crown just in time to wear during the weekend's festivities.
Nantucket Dreamland Studio Theater, Harborview Room
As the festival's opening event, the Daffodil Flower Crown Party at the Dreamland Studio Theater sets the stage for this year's festival. The event let's attendees learn the finer points of crafting the perfect daffodil-adorned crown just in time to wear during the weekend's festivities.
Daffodil Festival Bazaar
Friday, April 25
Sherburne Hall
A marketplace featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and vendors offering a vast array of daffodil-themed merchandise, souvenirs, and treats, providing attendees with unique keepsakes and culinary delights. You can visit the bazaar on the second floor of historic Sherburne Hall on Friday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Sherburne Hall
A marketplace featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and vendors offering a vast array of daffodil-themed merchandise, souvenirs, and treats, providing attendees with unique keepsakes and culinary delights. You can visit the bazaar on the second floor of historic Sherburne Hall on Friday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Antique Car Parade and Tailgate Picnic
Saturday, April 26
Main Street
A procession of vintage vehicles adorned with creative daffodil-themed decorations will make its way through Nantucket's historic streets, culminating in a festive tailgate picnic in the quaint village of Siasconset ('Sconset). This event captures the essence of the festival, blending automotive nostalgia with the island's natural beauty.
Main Street
A procession of vintage vehicles adorned with creative daffodil-themed decorations will make its way through Nantucket's historic streets, culminating in a festive tailgate picnic in the quaint village of Siasconset ('Sconset). This event captures the essence of the festival, blending automotive nostalgia with the island's natural beauty.
Children's Beach Activities
Saturday, April 26
Children's Beach Bandstand
Families can look forward to a range of activities at Children's Beach, including the Daffy Hat Pageant and the Children's Beach Bike Parade, where participants showcase their daffodil-inspired hats and decorated bicycles, strollers, and wagons.
Also at Children's Beach is the Daffy Dog Parade. Hosted by the Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals (NiSHA), this parade invites pet owners to dress their furry friends in daffodil-themed attire, adding a playful touch to the festivities.
Children's Beach Bandstand
Families can look forward to a range of activities at Children's Beach, including the Daffy Hat Pageant and the Children's Beach Bike Parade, where participants showcase their daffodil-inspired hats and decorated bicycles, strollers, and wagons.
Also at Children's Beach is the Daffy Dog Parade. Hosted by the Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals (NiSHA), this parade invites pet owners to dress their furry friends in daffodil-themed attire, adding a playful touch to the festivities.
Planning Your Visit
For those planning to attend the 48th annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
Transportation
The island is accessible by ferry from Hyannis or by flights from Cape Cod, Boston, New York, and Providence. Additionally, you can take flights through Hyannis - Cape Air and Gull Air. Early reservations are recommended to secure your preferred travel times.
Attire
Whether a subtle accessory or a bold ensemble, embrace the festival spirit by incorporating daffodil colors—yellow and green—into your attire. Dressing in theme adds to the collective celebration, and hats and crowns adorned with your favorite variety of daffodils will always prove a winning addition to any festival outfit.
Participation
Many events, such as the hat and bike parades, encourage public participation. Consider joining in the fun by crafting your own daffodil-inspired creations.
Embrace the Island's Springtime Splendor
Beyond the scheduled events, the Daffodil Festival offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in Nantucket's springtime allure. The weekend is the perfect time to explore the island's scenic byways and walking trails, where daffodils line the paths and fields, indulge in Nantucket's culinary offerings, including daffodil-themed treats crafted by local bakeries and cafes, and soak in the island's art and cultural heritage by visiting local galleries and museums.
Where to Stay During Nantucket's Daffodil Festival
If you're traveling from afar to witness Nantucket bathed in a sea of yellow blooms, the island is also home to a range of luxurious lodging options. Among the most popular is Nantucket's majestic collection of vacation rentals—from quaint, cozy cottages to stunning waterfront compounds to charming historic homes.
Discover More of Nantucket Island
The Nantucket Daffodil Festival stands as a vibrant symbol of renewal and community. As the island awakens from its winter slumber, the blooming daffodils usher in a season of warmth and togetherness. The 2025 festival, marking its 48th year, invites everyone to celebrate this enduring tradition.
If you're ready to explore more of the island beyond the holiday cheer, including vacation rentals or the purchase or sale of Nantucket real estate, call or email me, Bernadette Meyer, today and allow my extensive knowledge and expertise to help you navigate this extraordinary luxury real estate market.
If you're ready to explore more of the island beyond the holiday cheer, including vacation rentals or the purchase or sale of Nantucket real estate, call or email me, Bernadette Meyer, today and allow my extensive knowledge and expertise to help you navigate this extraordinary luxury real estate market.
