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The last weekend of April, the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce holds their annual Daffodil Festival – a weekend of events to celebrate springtime awakening on Nantucket Island. The first occasion, a very simple affair in the 1970s, included an antique car parade in which islanders showed off their classic cars, followed by a community tailgate picnic in ‘Sconset.

Now, decades later, the Daffodil Festival on Nantucket includes art shows, tours, parades (including the antique car parade and tailgate picnic), exhibitions, contests, lectures, and, of course, the annual Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show. There are activities for all ages, and faithful festival-goers dress up for the occasion and participate enthusiastically! The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce organizes a Daffy Hat Contest, a Children’s Parade featuring decorated bikes, strollers, wagons, and other self-propelled vehicles, the Antique Car Parade, a window decorating contest, the famous Sconset Tailgate Picnic, a Family Picnic at Children’s Beach, and more! The Pine Woods Morris Dancers often perform throughout the day at various locations.

The tailgate picnic in Siasconset that follows the Antique Car Parade is a favorite among everyone who attends this Nantucket festival. Picnics can be elaborately staged or simple and casual. Click here for a couple of recipes that you might want to try for your Daffodil Festival tailgate picnic.

Additional special Daffodil Festival weekend events for 2020 include Daffodil Festival brunches, parades, and more spring fun. Check our up-to-date Calendar of Events for a listing of more activities as information becomes available.