The annual Daffodil Festival isn't taking place on Nantucket this spring, but it's still possible to ring in the season with some of the same activities. The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce organizes the festival each year, and in light of the ongoing pandemic in 2021, the organization decided to host virtual experiences for the main events, such as the Virtual Daffodil Flower Show, Car Parade, and Bike Parade. And while there will not be a picnic following the car parade this year, there's no reason you can't have your own in one of Nantucket's many parks.
The next Daffodil Festival will take place April 22-24, 2022.
Support Local Nantucket Businesses
Taking place April 16 to May 16, the Blooming ACK Business Event will spotlight local Nantucket businesses that are open during the spring. The "Help Our Businesses Bloom" initiative was created to help local shops, restaurants, and businesses recover from the loss caused by the pandemic. Local businesses will offer a shopping and dining bingo, similar to the Cobblestones & Cranberries event, where anyone who spends $5 at a shop will receive a stamp for a chance to win prizes.
Carrying On the Siasconset Picnic Tradition
Each year Daffodil Festival goers gather for the 'Sconset tailgate picnic, which is a favorite event that follows the parade. In 2021, the car parade and bike parade are going virtual, but that doesn't mean you still can't have a picnic in celebration of the spring season upon us. Pack a lunch for the whole family or pick up food for everyone at one of the best Nantucket restaurants and enjoy your meal outdoors at one of the many parks on the island.
Here are a few of the best parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy your picnic lunch, Daffodil Festival style.
Children's Beach
Located downtown, Children's Beach is a popular beach and park along the Nantucket Sound. Due to its location, the waters tend to be calm here making it perfect for families and young kids. There is a park, restrooms, and a restaurant with picnic tables located on-site, as well as parking available for visitors.
Pocket Park at Francis Union
Pocket Park at Francis Union is a small grassy area a short walk from downtown Nantucket and the water in the distance. This neighborhood park has a few benches and an open space perfect for picnicking if you're in the area. Located near the corner of Francis and Union, Pocket Park has no parking available but is conveniently located for easy access.
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Trails
There is a network of trail systems throughout Nantucket managed by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. Enjoy a day out on the trails followed by an outdoor lunch along the trail or at the picnic areas available at many of the trailheads. Visit the Nantucket Conservation Foundation website for more details about the specific trails, trail maps, and available amenities.
Nantucket's Lighthouse Parks
There are three lighthouses in Nantucket all situated amid beautiful landscapes that are perfect for a picnic lunch. Great Point Lighthouse is in the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and sits along 7 miles of shoreline that is serene and secluded. Located closer to town, the Brant Point Lighthouse is the perfect place to watch the boats enter the Nantucket Harbor.
The Park at the Nantucket Atheneum
The Nantucket Atheneum is a public library in a historic building. Boasting striking columns, this iconic structure is located right downtown on India St. It has a quaint park with small grassy areas, benches, and shady areas right next door.
Nantucket Beaches
Why not have your picnic at the beach? Nantucket beaches offer the perfect setting for an afternoon lunch. The kids can run around in the sand as you listen to the crashing waves and soak up the sun. A few of our favorite beaches on Nantucket include Cisco Beach, Jetties Beach, Brant Point Beach, and Fisherman's Beach, among many others.