Island Events Calendar

Thursday, October 23rd:

- Children's Chess Club: From 3-4 p.m., come 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 ours. For grades 2-6. No registration required.

- Business After Hours With Hy-Line Cruises: Set sail into an evening of connection and camaraderie at Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours, generously hosted by Hy-Line Cruises, from 5-7 p.m. at 34 Straight Wharf. Known for being amazing sponsors and gracious hosts, Hy-Line Cruises invites you to enjoy an oceanside networking experience you won’t soon forget. Mingle with fellow Chamber members as the sun sets over the harbor, casting the perfect fall glow on a night of conversation, community, and opportunity. Learn more and register here.

- Burger Night At The Nantucket Hotel: In addition to their regular dinner menu, join The Nantucket Hotel Breeze Bar for Burger Night. Enjoy a special burger menu with gourmet toppings, crispy fries, and all your favorites — a fun, flavorful night out in a cozy island setting. From 5-8:30 p.m. Learn more about the Breeze Restaurant and Burger Night here.

- REdune Pop-Up Dinner: Former chef Joe Ranstatler and 8 Arms Chef Services Chef Chris Morris are preparing a dune inspired menu at The Hive. Begins at 6:00 p.m. Learn more and reserve 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.

Friday, October 24th:

- Harbor Health And Coffee: Join Dr. Rich Blundell for casual morning conversations centered around the Harbor Health buoy monitoring initiative. These bi-weekly gatherings offer a unique opportunity to explore the latest data from Nantucket's harbor monitoring system while connecting with community members interested in marine ecology. Each session features a brief presentation of current harbor conditions followed by open discussion about patterns, changes, and implications for our island ecosystem. Suitable for everyone from scientific minds to curious residents and visitors, Harbor Health Coffee provides both fascinating insights into our marine environment and practical understanding of how ecological monitoring informs community decisions. Coffee and light refreshments provided. This program is designed to be interesting for inquisitive adults. This program meets at the "Cuddy" 68 Washington Street, Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required for this program as space is limited. Takes place from 9-10 a.m.

- Ravenous Reptiles: Join MMA staff on a tour as they feed the hungry animals at the Natural Science Museum. Learn about the unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more at the MMA Natural Science Museum. You will get to learn about and interact with several of the MMA Natural Science Museum educational animals. This is a great way to learn about native and non-native species up-close, especially if you love animals. At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 4 and older. This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street from 12-12:45 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time. Learn more and register here.

- Nature Storytime: Enjoy this program designed for the young explorer in your family. During each session, a MMA educator will read a nature or science themed book, introduce you to one of the MMA's animal ambassadors, and will finish up with an activity related to the story. This is a recurring program, but the specific focus and materials provided will change each week. At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for children ages 3 and older. This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street from 3-3:45 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Maria Mitchell Association members are free. Learn more and register here.

- Trails & Treats At LLNF: Join the Linda Loring Nature Foundation from 3-5 p.m. for the 10th Anniversary of Trails and Treats. This event will feature nature and Halloween-themed activities along our trail, located at 110 Eel Point Rd. Free and open to all, but intended for families with children in grades pre-K through 5th. Parents and/or caregivers should plan to participate along with children, this is not a drop-off program. Costumes welcome but not required. More information here.

- Nantucket High School Pep Rally, Bonfire, & Pig Roast: There will be a pep rally, bonfire, and pig roast to benefit the Nantucket Booster Club. The pep rally will begin at 6 p.m. at the football field, the pig roast and bonfire will take place at 7 p.m. Pep rally and bonfire are free admission while pig roast meal tickets are $20. Homecoming t-shirts will also be available for $20. The booster shack will also open at 5:30 p.m. for burgers, hot dogs, and more concession items.

- Costa Rican Wildlife: From The Mountains To The Sea With Dr. Alan Poole: This talk will highlight some of the more alluring aspects of Costa Rica’s natural history, with a focus on birds — especially those of the high elevation cloud forest and the lowland Pacific coast. Because these regions are such ecologically different worlds, the combined variety of plants and animals found here is staggering. Dazzling birds, bizarre and beautiful plants, and a host of fascinating monkeys, frogs, and insects — all remind us of how extraordinary the American tropics are. Dr. Alan Poole, author of a recently published book (Cornell Univ. Press) on one of Costa Rica’s most colorful and sought-after birds — the Resplendent Quetzal — will guide us through the natural highlights of this world. A retired Cornell ornithologist, Alan has spent the past six winters in Costa Rica and knows the country well. This is free and open to the public from 6-7 p.m. in the Great Hall.

- Nantucket Ghost Walk/Town Route: Join a 3/4 mile, 75-80 minute easy evening stroll down the eerie streets and lanes of historic Nantucket Town to five of the most famous haunted locations, featuring the island's most haunted house. Tour starts at 8 p.m. at Centre and Main, top of Main Street, in front of the brick bank building. Arrive 10 minutes early. The fee is $25 for adults (ages 20 to 64), $20 for seniors (65 and over), $15 for teenagers, $10 for kids ages 6-12. It is cash only and no reservations are necessary.

- Stargazing At Loines Observatory: Join the MMA's professional astronomers for Stargazing Open Nights at Loines Observatory from 8-9 p.m. Get a chance to view an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky. MMA staff will guide you in viewing astronomical objects through their historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and their modern 24-inch research telescope. Get a chance to view the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even other galaxies. Learn about the cutting-edge research being conducted by Maria Mitchell Observatory astronomers and interns and get all your astronomy questions answered. Learn more and register here.

Saturday, October 25th:

- Community Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic: The Town of Nantucket’s Health and Human Services Department will host a walk-in vaccination clinic for community members of all ages from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Nantucket Elementary School Cafeteria (off Backus Road). Flu vaccines are available for all ages while COVID-19 vaccines are available for adults 18 or older (Moderna only). No appointments are necessary. Walk-ins only, but please bring your insurance information.

- Grab & Go Bag: Spider Webs: Make a spider web with this week's Grab & Go Activity. This is an easy to make activity just in time for Halloween. Available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. but only while supplies lasts.

- Galaxy Pumpkins: Weekend Crafting With The MMA: Unleash your creativity at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum. Join MMA staff for nature-inspired crafting, where young makers and their families can explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on projects. From building mini habitats to creating art inspired by local wildlife, each session sparks curiosity, imagination, and learning. Whether you’re painting, assembling, or experimenting with natural materials, Weekend Crafting is a perfect way to engage with science, art, and nature all at once. Come curious, leave with a masterpiece! At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for children ages 3 and older. This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time.

- NEW Moon Fest - Moonlight Series: NEW Moon Fest - Nantucket Empowering Women expands this fall. From screen to sanctuary, a consciously curated weekend for women and girls of Nantucket. On Saturday evening October 25th, step into the Moonlight Series, a speakeasy vibe that holds an intimate dinner and film screening that sparks conversation and connection. On Sunday afternoon, October 26th, from 2-5 p.m., return for a three-hour Voice Retreat with Dr. Laura Sangeeta Biagi, where breath, body, and sound guide us into deeper belonging. Together, these two experiences create a powerful weekend of storytelling, reflection, and collective empowerment. Nantucket Empowering Women's Moonlight Series is an offering designed to nourish the spirit and raise consciousness and connection among women and girls in our community. Learn more and purchase tickets on their website.

- Scalloping Field Trip: Join the Maria Mitchell Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, on a scalloping adventure from 4-5:30 p.m. As the group collects and observes bay scallops – everyone will learn all about their biology and the challenges they face. Waders and hand nets will be provided. This trip requires a valid shellfish permit in order to take home bay scallops. For more information on obtaining an individual shellfish permit, visit the Town of Nantucket website here. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 and older and meets at one of multiple locations in Nantucket Harbor to account for changing scallop availability. Registrants will be notified of the exact location via email before the day of the program. The location may change closer to the program date in accordance to scallop trends - participants will be notified of location changes. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required as this program meets off site. Registration closes two hours before the start time of the program. Personal transport to and from the meeting location is required to participate. You can register here.

- Book Launch: Brian Hull's "Emelyn Morley And The House Of Galecliff": This book launch is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Atheneum. Free admission. Description: Southern England, 1735. Emelyn Morley, the Belle of Brighton, is expected to save her family’s fortune by marrying for wealth before love, but her reluctant journey with the formidable Lord Captain Van Croft to the cliffside estate of Galecliff entangles her in peril, passion and prophecy. As shadows gather over the haunted city of Saunmoor, and vampire hunters close in on Hastelbrook, Emelyn confronts dark forces, tangled loyalties, and the haunting pull of two men—one impossible, the other unforgettable—while the secrets of the legendary vault beneath her home edge closer to revelation. B. Lawson Hull is a Nantucket author of gothic, historical, and science fiction. With a lifelong fascination for history, fantasy, and adventure, he studied creative writing, acting, and literature before earning a degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a focus on the Renaissance and Enlightenment. His Saunmoor book series blends literary historical fiction with the supernatural—weaving drama, darkness, and romance into a rich and intriguing world. Emelyn Morley and the House of Galecliff is the second novel in the series, and the third in the developing canon of Saunmoor, which includes Emelyn Morley and the Waking Dark, and The Vampire Tales.

Spooky Saturday's With Ty Fly: Local musician Ty Fly is bringing 'Spooky Saturdays' to The Muse with his band, playing funky dancey rock-n-roll for a great cause, raising funds for A Safe Place. The Safe Place's non-profit mission is to work to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault in the Nantucket community while empowering every woman, man and child to live a life free from violence. The evenings will feature a raffle where you can win fun prizes from ACK Natural, including a Pax Vaporizer, a Vaporizer in the shape of a wizard pipe, t-shirts, hats, a $100 gift card to the store, as well as a behind the scenes tour of ACK Natural's facilities. Raffle proceeds will go to support A Safe Place. Entry is $5, raffle tickets are $10.

Sunday, October 26th:

- Sunday Brunch With Complimentary Kids Club: Let the Nantucket Hotel treat the kids while you savor a relaxing brunch. Children ages 3+ (and potty trained) will enjoy: Games and supervised fun, a special kid-friendly brunch menu, and fire truck rides. From 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

- Batacular Bike Race At The NCF Fall Festival: Experience the beauty of the Nantucket’s open spaces by riding through NCF’s Middle Moors trails. Choose your challenge: a single loop of 8.4 miles or a double loop of 16.8 miles. Your participation supports NCF’s vital work protecting Nantucket’s natural resources through ecological research, public access to 9,000 acres of land, and environmental education. This race is at 9:15 a.m. Learn more here about the bike race and fall festival.

- Ravenous Reptiles: Join MMA staff on a tour as they feed the hungry animals at the Natural Science Museum. Learn about the unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more at the MMA Natural Science Museum. You will get to learn about and interact with several of the MMA Natural Science Museum educational animals. This is a great way to learn about native and non-native species up-close, especially if you love animals. At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 4 and older. This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street from 12-12:45 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time. Learn more and register here.

- Scalloping Field Trip: Join the Maria Mitchell Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, on a scalloping adventure from 4-5:30 p.m. As the group collects and observes bay scallops – everyone will learn all about their biology and the challenges they face. Waders and hand nets will be provided. This trip requires a valid shellfish permit in order to take home bay scallops. For more information on obtaining an individual shellfish permit, visit the Town of Nantucket website here. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 and older and meets at one of multiple locations in Nantucket Harbor to account for changing scallop availability. Registrants will be notified of the exact location via email before the day of the program. The location may change closer to the program date in accordance to scallop trends - participants will be notified of location changes. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required as this program meets off site. Registration closes two hours before the start time of the program. Personal transport to and from the meeting location is required to participate. You can register here.

- Sunday Scaries: Horror Double Features “My Bloody Valentine” & “Friday the 13th”: The Atheneum invites you to explore the genre of horror with them for one more Sunday night for a final double feature that will showcase two films from the Slasher genre: “My bloody valentine” (1981) & “Friday the 13th” (1980). Refreshments will be provided. My Bloody Valentine (1981): "The town of Valentine bluffs prepares for its annual valentines day celebration, but murders are starting to pop up around town. Could it be Harry Warden, the deranged miner? (CW: Nudity, Gore, Sexual Themes)." Friday the 13th: "Camp Crystal Lake, a formerly closed summer camp, anticipates a grand reopening under new management. However, on friday the 13th, someone is hunting down the camp counselors, one by one. (CW: Sexual themes, Nudity, Gore)." This event is from 5:30-9 p.m. Learn more here.

Do you have an event coming up this week that should be included on this page? Email davidcreed@n-magazine.com