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Memorial Day on Nantucket

Memorial Day on Nantucket

05/21/2025

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, Nantucket! MDW on island is a hidden gem, because almost all of the seasonal shops and restaurants are back open, but with fewer crowds (and a higher possibility of scoring a reservation).

Whether you're visiting for the weekend or here all year, we rounded up our top long-weekend picks.

How to Spend MDW on Nantucket

  • Coffee & Breakfast: Grab a pastry at Born & Bread or coffee from Lemon Press (ask to sit upstairs where you can catch great views of bustling Main Street!). It's also a great time to beat the crowds and head to a full sit-down breakfast at Black Eyed Susan's, which is walk-in only, and has the best blueberry pancakes on the island.

  • Bike rentals: Skip the car - Nantucket is very bikeable! Head out of Town and toward Cisco Beach via the Hummock Pond bike path. Stop by Cisco Brewers for an early lunch, live music, and local beer. They just launched their new rose, and you can be one of the first on island to try it. Learn more in our blog post, Getting Around Nantucket.

  • Dine Waterfront: So many of our island favorites are open with incredible views! Check out Sandbar (casual beach bar), Cru (upscale harborfront), Bar Yoshi (wharf views), and The Galley (upscale beachfront) for dinner and drinks. Browse our Island Directory for more ideas.

  • Live Music: End your night on a high note this time of year with live music at The Gaslight, The Chicken Box, The Rose & Crown (karaoke), or Cisco Brewers (live music until 7pm).

Special MDW Events

  • 54th Annual Figawi Race: Every Memorial Day Weekend, Nantucket Harbor is the end point of the Figawi Sailing Race. The weekend is filled with festive, Figawi-realted invents including shopping, sponsor exhibitor tents and the Figawi Sailor's Party at the Nantucket Boat Basin Docks. Learn more here.

  • Visit the Sustainable Nantucket Farmers Market: Our favorite market is back starting May 24, every Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm in Town. Since 2006, the Farmers & Artisans Market has been a must-visit destination for both residents and visitors—a vibrant gathering place where Nantucket’s growers, makers, and food producers showcase the best of their bounty and creativity. Supporting over 80 local vendors over the market season, everything at the market is grown or crafted right here on the island, offering a true taste of Nantucket’s unique character.

  • The Nantucket Ghost Walk: Learn about Nantucket's spooky history and enjoy a post-dinner evening stroll down the streets of historic Town to five haunted locations. Learn more here.

  • Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum: Reopens for the season on Monday, May 26! Located at 158 Polpis Road, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the Island’s shipwreck & lifesaving history. Learn more here.

  • NEW Moon Fest: Nantucket Empowering Women's signature event takes place on Saturday, May 24 at the Sconset Casino. Learn more here.