What's Going On Around Nantucket?
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Thursday, May 7th:
- Toddler Story Time: From 9:30-10 a.m. and for children ages up to three, join the Atheneum for some short stories, fingerplays, and songs designed to foster pre-literacy skills. Space is limited and tickets will be available at the Weezie Desk when the library opens.
- Preschool Story Time: From 10:30-11 a.m. and for children ages three years and older, join the Atheneum for a special 30 minute story time featuring new and classic stories, fingerplays, and songs.
- Naloxone (Narcan) Training: How To Respond To A Drug Overdose Presented By Community Solutions For Behavioral Health: From 4-5 p.m. at Zero Main Street on the second floor, emergency response with Narcan can and will save lives. Join Community Solutions for Behavioral Health for a one hour Naloxone (Narcan) training session. Learn more about how to recognize an overdose and respond with Naloxone (Narcan). Sadly, each year on Nantucket four to 10 deaths occur from drug overdose. Overdose deaths occur from licit and illicit drugs, with first time users and everyday users, to children, to seniors, to people of all races, incomes, jobs, and of any social status. How can you help? Learn how this basic harm reduction strategy can save lives. Attend this free one hour training session to receive a complimentary Naloxone (Narcan) Kit, learn about emergency response, and better understand overdose risk. This is free to attend, but you need to register.
- QPR (Suicide Prevention) Training With Community Solutions For Behavioral Health: Community Solutions for Behavioral Health in partnership with NICC presents QPR Suicide Prevention Training: Learn to Save a Life from 4:30-5:45 p.m. in the Nantucket Chamber conference room at Zero Main Street, Second Floor. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training empowers everyday people to recognize the warning signs of a mental health crisis and take action. Just like CPR, QPR is a simple, life-saving skill anyone can learn — no prior experience required. As a QPR Gatekeeper, you’ll be equipped to identify when someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, ask the right questions, offer hope, and connect them with the help they need. Whether you're a friend, family member, coworker, or community member, your awareness could make all the difference. You don’t have to be a professional to save a life — just someone who cares. Join us and become a Gatekeeper. The life you save could be someone you know and love. Register here.
- ELL Beginner & Intermediate English Courses: ELL Beginner’s & Intermediate English class for those seeking to improve their English language skills and seeking to learn basic conversation used in daily activities. The Literacy Volunteers of the Atheneum (LVA) offer a drop-in beginner class every Thursday evening at the library at 6 p.m. The class is free, conducted in English and pre-registration is not required. For more information contact Cheryl at ccreighton@nantucketatheneum.org, or 508-228-1110 x113.
- On Courage, Turmoil, And The Transformative Power Of Love With Marjan Kamali: From 7-8 p.m., join an exciting conversation with internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali as we delve into the timeless wonder of her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehranon. This will take place via digital live-stream in partnership with the Nantucket Atheneum. Register and ask questions of the author here.
Friday, May 8th:
- Shredder Event, Nantucket Lighthouse School: Nantucket Lighthouse School is partnering with Vital Shred to host its annual Community Shredder Event on Friday, May 8th. This event provides a secure and efficient way to dispose of confidential documents or inessential paperwork. Vital Shred’s mobile shredding truck is capable of processing a banker’s box of paper in seconds, including staples, and certificates of destruction are available upon request. $35 per copy paper box, $45 per banker’s box. The event is full, but you can sign up for the wait list here.
- Jailbreak Escape Room: From 3-7 m. at the Old Jail at 15R Vestal Street, escape from the NHA’s Old Jail. Assemble a team of clever comrades, put your problem-solving skills to the test, and attempt to decode the clues that will lead you to the keys to your freedom. The NHA’s first ever escape room will be an interactive experience in a cell of the Old Jail, where participants will work together to decode messages and unlock clues – only the brightest thinkers will make their escape, will you be one of them? Learn more and register here.
- Self-Defense Class: From 4-4:45 p.m., join Jules Embry-Pelrine of Nantucket Martial Arts Alliance for a free self defense class, designed for ages 8-12. Jules holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is a certified Krav Maga instructor. Please register ahead of time, but walk-ins are welcome. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Don’t forget your water bottle. Learn more about Jules and what he teaches here.
- Teen Game Night: Go play games at the library. Teens and tweens are invited to play a selection of Nintendo Switch games like Just Dance and Mario Party and many more. The games will rotate and are first-come, first-served. This will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Atheneum's gallery.
- Look Up At Loines Observatory: Join the MMA's astronomers for an inspiring guided tour of the Nantucket night sky. Using the Maria Mitchell Association’s powerful telescopes, you’ll have the chance to observe the Moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and even distant galaxies. Along the way, learn about constellations, the phases of the Moon, planetary motion, and the science behind eclipses. This interactive, community-focused stargazing program is ideal for students, educators, and families—especially young adults and K–12 learners curious about astronomy and the wonders above Nantucket. From 8:30-9:30 p.m. Register here.
Saturday, May 9th:
- VFW Spring Flea Market: Beginning at 8 a.m. at the VFW (22 New South Road), there will be a flea market with over 20 vendors - the perfect spot for some Mother's Day shopping. Books, dolls, furniture, art, camping gear, etc.
- Hazardous Waste Collection Event: From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the DPW offices at 188 Madaket Road, do you have old batteries, motor oil, aerosol cans, or other hazardous waste? Safely dispose of them at the Town of Nantucket's Hazardous Waste Collection Event. Help keep Nantucket clean by properly disposing of hazardous waste. Check the full list of accepted items here.
- Grab & Go Bag: Mother's Day Pop-Up Card: Beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Weezie Library, this week they are making a pop-up flower card for Mother's Day. Available while supplies last.
- Four Centuries Domestic Architecture Tour: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., a unique and extremely popular collaborative walking tour with the MMA's Deputy Director & Curator of the Mitchell House, the Nantucket Preservation Trust, and the Nantucket Historical Association that looks at the changes in domestic life over four centuries and how it shaped homes, buildings, neighborhoods, and land use. This program meets at the Oldest House, 16 Sunset Hill Lane.
- Cinema For The Very Young: Every Tuesday and Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Dreamland, join the theater with your little ones for a sensory-friendly Rated G or All Ages screening of a film/series (titles will not be announced in advance). Tickets are free and available online or at the box office. All children in attendance must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver throughout the 90 minute program. Lights will be left on at medium strength and the volume of the screening turned down to a moderate level to accommodate and encourage socialization. Learn more and get tickets here.
- Family Connections Tour: From 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Whaling Museum, bring the whole family to experience their featured exhibit, The Wider World and Scrimshaw. Their museum guides will bring gallery topics to life with visual and tactile elements, connecting Nantucket and the World, Scrimshaw, and Wider World galleries to share about the influence of Nantucket whalers, whale ecology, the art of scrimshaw, souvenir collecting, and more. Learn more and register here.
- Club For Russian-Speaking Kids And Parents: From 11-12 p.m. at the Atheneum in the gallery, they're excited to invite you and your little ones to their club for Russian-speaking kids and parents in the cozy atmosphere of the Nantucket Atheneum Library. You will explore the joy of learning and playing in Russian with reading captivating books; fun games for kids of all ages; watching favorite movies and cartoons; singing cheerful songs and dancing; and creative and educational activities for the whole family. This club is perfect for children of all ages (0+), so bring the whole family along for a morning full of fun and connection.
- Children's Chess Club: From 1-2 p.m. at the Atheneum, go enjoy the royal game of chess at your library. Young chess players of all abilities are encouraged to come check out the Nantucket Atheneum’s new Chess Club. Volunteers of the Teen Advisory Board will be hosting, so come learn the basics or challenge your friends to a game. Bring your own board or play with one of theirs. For grades 2-6. No registration required.
- Meet The Candidates: The Nantucket Civic League will hold its virtual “Meet the Candidates” forum on Saturday from 1:30-4 p.m. Members of the public are invited to register to attend and participate virtually (submit written questions, to be answered by candidates). Alternatively, anyone can watch this forum live on NCTV8; or anytime thereafter “on demand” as a YouTube video. “The Nantucket Civic League holds this signature Meet the Candidates Forum so that Nantucket voters can understand candidates’ reasons for running and their positions on important issues,” according to Civic League Co-President F. Scott Wilson. He will be the Forum Moderator. Register here to participate virtually. Only registered attendees may submit questions (typed in via the on-screen chat function). View the forum live or “on demand” thereafter at here.
- Nanpuppets At The Gaslight Followed By Live Music: Join the Gaslight for a Nanpuppets show followed by live music at The Gaslight. $10 per person. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Nanpuppets perform at 3 p.m.,and then enjoy live music until dinner. All ages welcome. The bar will be open and dinner service starts at 5 p.m.
Special Screening: The 2026 International Fly-Fishing Film Festival: Join the Dreamland in the Main Theater for their third annual presentation of the world’s most stunning fly-fishing short films in the 2026 International Fly-Fishing Film Festival. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and viewing starts at 7 p.m. with a wide selection of concessions and refreshments available throughout the evening at the concessions counter. The International Fly-Fishing Film festival is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, consisting of films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe and showcases the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It is the gathering place of the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, fly-fishing stories and stoke. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Sunday, May 10th:
If you have any events you would like included in this guide for Sunday, please email David Creed at davidcreed@n-magazine.com and we will add them.
Monday May 11th:
- Mommy (Or Daddy) And Me Yoga: From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Atheneum, join certified yoga instructor Jill Baez for some fun yoga with your little one. Start the day playfully connecting to our bodies and our little ones. Move, stretch, and breathe together. Begin to explore the connection between our bodies and the present moment. Space is limited to one caregiver per child.
- Thought For Food: Community Presentation With Sam Landercasper: From 2-3 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Atheneum, join Nourish Nantucket for its community presentation series entitled “Thought for Food.” Each program will provide an update on Nourish Nantucket's work to alleviate food insecurity with its network of partners and a short presentation from a guest speaker in the food sector. In May, they invited Sam Landercasper of BEAM Partners. Sam will present the results of a food insecurity study that he completed as part of a grant from Remain Nantucket. Sam Landercasper is the Founder and Principal of BEAM Partners, a consulting practice that supports nonprofits and public agencies in building stronger, more equitable systems of food security and financial stability. Drawing on over ten years of experience in human services leadership, Sam helps organizations translate their vision into action through strategic planning, systems development, and collaborative project management. He works nationally with nonprofits, philanthropies, and local government partners to develop strategies that enhance measurable outcomes for individuals and communities. Learn more and reserve a spot here.
- Introduction To Amateur Radio: From 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Atheneum in its Learning Lab, what is amateur radio? How does it work? How can I see if it's for me? How can I become a "ham" myself? Members of the local amateur radio club will hold a series of informal seminars at the Atheneum. Their aim is to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the hobby of amateur radio. They will demonstrate how to make contact with people on the Cape, across New England, and even around the world with nothing more than a small electronics box and some wire over a tree branch, no subscription required. You will learn how important ham radio is for emergency communications when the power is out, the telephone poles are down, and the cell phone towers aren't working. You will have the opportunity to chat with ham radio operators hundreds or even thousands of miles away. They will show you how can send email without the internet, talk to astronauts on the International Space Station, and bounce radio signals off the moon. No special knowledge or skill required. If you are interested in becoming an amateur radio operator yourself, they will guide you through the whole process: learning the basics, getting your license, and getting your first radio station (it's a lot less expensive than you might think). This is a free event and open to the public.
- ELL Group Conversation - Intermediate: Practice conversational English in a friendly group setting from 7-8 p.m. Conversation will center around everyday life, American culture, current events around the U.S. and the world, and other topics that may inspire us. Sessions are free, open to adult English language learners, and led by a literacy volunteer. To register contact Cheryl at ccreighton@nantucketatheneum.org, or 508-332-0605.
If you have any events you would like included in this guide, please email David Creed at davidcreed@n-magazine.com and we will add them.