Nantucket's 47th Daffodil Day Parade
04/18/2023
Daffodil Day Weekend History:
The longstanding Nantucket tradition, Daffodil Day Weekend, commemorates the turning of the seasons and the new year's first sight of what is to come. A few years after the Nantucket Garden Club started its annual daffodil show, community members decided to organize a classic car parade to follow, as well as a tailgate picnic. By 1981, the event grew to showcase more than 35 antique vehicles, and each year after that, Daffodil Day Weekend gained more supporters. This year, we are celebrating the 47th Anniversary of the Daffodil Day Parade.
Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce Signature Events:
Thursday, April 27th
Flower Crown Party at Nantucket Dreamland
Kick off the weekend, and complete your daffodil day outfit with the Flower Crown Party at the Dreamland Theater Harborview Room. This event runs from 5:30 - 7:30 pm and gives you a chance to learn how to make a lush flower crown with help from the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. With a variety of flowers including daffodils, florals, and greenery, this is a cannot miss event to complete your Daffodil Day outfit. Also included in this event are drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to win a Daffodil Day Swag Bag.
Friday, April 28th
The Flower Power Party with the Nantucket Historical Association
Dress in your best “blooming” outfit and head to The Flower Power Party with the Nantucket Historical Association, N Magazine, and the Nantucket Chamber. This event is a great way to get in the Daffodil Festival Weekend spirit, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, festive libations, a photo booth, and even a prize for the best-dressed attendee. For more information about this event, please visit Nantucket Chamber’s website here.
Saturday, April 29th
On the most action-packed day of the weekend, make sure to get around to as many events as possible.
Daffodil Flower Show
The 47th Daffodil Show hosted by the Nantucket Garden Club will be held in the greenhouses at Bartlett's Farm from 2-5 pm. The theme this year is "Seas of Daffodils," and this weekend event is not one to miss!
Antique Car Parade & Tailgate Picnic
For the main event of the weekend, visit downtown early to get a spot along Main Street to view the daffodil-decorated vintage cars along the street. Vote on your favorite cars by grabbing a ballot from the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce’s office at 0 Main Street.
At 12:00 noon, the parade will begin following this route: right on Centre Street, right on Broad Street, right on South Water Street, and back up Main Street. The cars will then continue left onto Orange Street and head out of town, past the rotary and down Milestone Road to ‘Sconset.
If you’d prefer to watch the parade along Milestone Road, cars are allowed to park along the right side of the road, and all picnics are in the running to win ribbons!
Hat Pageant
Show off your festivity and artistic skills at the 47th annual daffodil-themed hat pageant. Open to men, women, and children, this is a very fun part of the weekend with awards for adult and children categories. This event begins right after the Children’s Parade at Children’s Beach.
Children’s Bike Parade
A highlight of the weekend for many children, the Children’s Bike Parade features kids of all ages and their families, parading decorated bicycles, wagons, skateboards, baby carriages, and more with a Daffodil theme. A super fun event for all, each participant receives and ribbon for their participation. Children under the age of 10 are asked to be accompanied by an adult, and all children riding bicycles are required to wear a helmet (a perfect accessory to decorate with daffodils, anyway!) The event begins at 10:30 am at Children’s Beach.
Visit with Barnaby Bear at Children’s Beach
Meet Barnaby Bear along with author Wendy Rouillard for a meet and greet at Children’s Beach, featuring surprise giveaways.
NanPuppets at Children’s Beach
Settle down at Children’s Beach for an original performance of Lizza Obremski’s incredible Nanpuppets show to entertain all ages!
10th Annual Daffy Dog Parade
Before heading to ‘Sconset for your picnic tailgate, make sure to join in on NiSHA’s Daffy Dog Parade featuring Nantucket’s favorite furry friends all dressed up for the occasion. Register your dog for the event ahead of time from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Federal & Main Street corner table. All proceeds from this event benefit Nantucket Safe Harbor for Animals (NiSHA). The parade will be held at Children’s Beach, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded to our four-legged friends!
Sunday, April 30th
Daffodil Festival Bazaar on the Tavern Patio
Wrap up the Daffy Weekend festivities with a diverse market of artisanal fares on the Tavern & Gazebo’s patio, featuring all different types of vendors and plenty of fun!
Daffodil Flower Show
Don't miss your chance to catch the Nantucket Garden Club's Daffodil Flower Show held in the greenhouses at Bartlett's Farm. If you didn't make it on Saturday, be sure to stop by from 10 am to 4 pm. The theme this year is "Seas of Daffodils."
Great Point Properties Headline Event:
On Saturday, April 29th join us to celebrate the weekend in our 'Sconset office, located at 6 Main Street, as we watch the parade go by. We will be handing out special Great Point Properties x Daffy Day Weekend swag, so stop by, say hello, and check out what we've got. We hope to see you around!
