Island Events Calendar

If you have an event that we missed that should be included in this guide, please email David Creed at davidcreed@n-magazine.com, and we will add it.

Friday, August 21st:

Marine Ecology Field Trip with MMA: Every M, W, F from 8:30 to 10:00 am, meets at Hither Creek Beach Access (near 22 Massachusetts Ave. / 41.273923, -70.207293 / Beach Access #52). What sea creatures live around Nantucket? Find out as you help to collect, identify, and release fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine creatures with our huge seine net. Pre-registration is required as this program meets off-site.

Feeding Frenzy at the MMA Aquarium: Every Monday - Saturday from 9:00 to 9:45 am at 32 Washington St.. Join MMA Aquarists and staff as they feed the ever-hungry creatures at the Aquarium before it opens to the public. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children. Pre-registration is required, and registration closes 1 hour before the program start time. Click here for more information.

Ravenous Reptiles at the MMA Natural Science Museum: Every M, T, Thu, F, Sat from 9:00 to 9:45 am at 7 Milk St. 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, and several of the MMA Natural Science Museum's educational animals. his program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 4 and older. Pre-registration is recommended.

Bug Bonanza with MMA: Every M, W, F from 11:00 to 11:45 am, meets at Mill Hill Park. What insects and small creatures live in the grasses, flowers, and trees of Nantucket? Find out as you adventure with MMA Natural Science Museum staff to collect insects like a scientist and learn about the incredible traits and behaviors of all the creatures we catch and release. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Click here for more information.

Kids’ Bird Watching with MMA: Every Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 am, meets at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street. Participants will learn how to observe, listen for, and identify local bird species using sight and sound while exploring Nantucket’s coastal habitats. Adults are welcome to accompany their child at no additional cost, and chaperones are encouraged. Pre-registration is required, and the program closes at 3PM the day before. Click here for more information.

Dharma Yoga in the Hayloft: 10:15 to 11:15 am at Bartlett’s Farm. Join Joanne of Dharma Yoga for yoga and movement that strengthens and lengthens, enlivens and invigorates, soothes and calms. Allowing you to feel better and live more fully in your bodymind being. Registration is required and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, click here!

Wine and Rines: Every Friday from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Spring Fridays are back in full swing. Bartlett’s Farm’s weekly tasting is the perfect way to ease into the weekend. Join them for a relaxed, guided pairing of their favorite wines and cheeses. This event is always free, and no reservation required!

Pick Your Own Flowers at Bartlett’s Farm: From 8:30 to 10:00 am. Join a picturesque morning in the certified organic flower fields at Bartlett’s Farm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Farm as you pick flowers and capture unforgettable moments with your family. Their experienced team will provide you with clippers and guidance to help you create the perfect bouquet that matches your style. With no age restrictions, everyone is welcome to join in the fun, but please be mindful that summer temperatures and the elements may require some tolerance. For more information and tickets, click here!

The Blockade Runners: Mayflower II Shallop Tour: Take a free guided tour of the historic Mayflower II Shallop from 9 to 11 a.m. at Town Pier. Visitors can meet crew members, learn about the vessel's history, and enjoy hands-on activities and maritime trivia presented by the Nantucket Historical Association and Egan Maritime Institute. No registration is required.

TAXED: Paul Cuffe, Nantucket, and the Mayflower Shallop: The Whaling Museum will host a screening of CUFFE: TAXED at 5:30 p.m., highlighting the life of abolitionist, shipowner, and philanthropist Paul Cuffe. A panel discussion will follow, exploring Cuffe's ties to Nantucket, his maritime legacy, and his connection to the Mayflower Shallop. Admission is free with advance registration required.

Special Event: Ned Rorem in Paris – A Tribute in Film and Music: Dreamland Theater will present Ned Rorem in Paris: A Tribute in Film and Music at 7 p.m. The evening features a screening of Susan Sandler's documentary about Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ned Rorem, followed by a live chamber music performance by The Rossini Club celebrating his life and work. Tickets are available through Dreamland.

Hands-On-History at the Whaling Museum: The Whaling Museum offers family-friendly crafts and activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included with museum admission.

Fresh Pasta Class at Café 22: Café 22 hosts a fresh pasta class from 5:30 to 7 p.m., where participants will make pappardelle and spinach ricotta ravioli, enjoy small Italian bites and take home their handmade pasta. Tickets are $55 per person.

Teen Game Night: Teens can gather at the Nantucket Atheneum from 6 to 8 p.m. for Nintendo Switch games and other group activities.

Nantucket Performing Arts Center: Audra McDonald performs at the Nantucket Performing Arts Center from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, August 22nd:

Nantucket Yoga With a View: Monday - Saturday from 7:30 to 8:30 am at the Children’s Beach Bandstand. Join instructor Bettina Broer for a morning of guided yoga by the water. Adults are $30, and kids and teens are $25, no registration required!

NISHA Behind the Scenes Tours: 10:00 am at 25 Airport Road. Be among the first to step inside NiSHA's future Animal Rescue & Resource Center. Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the construction site and get a firsthand look at the progress being made toward our new home for animals and the community. Sign up here.

Cinema for the Very Young at Dreamland: Every Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 am. Join the Dreamland 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). 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. Tickets can be found here

Marine Storytime with MMA: Every Tue, Thu, and Sat from 9:15 to 10:00 am at 32 Washington St. Enjoy this program designed for the young aquatic in your family! During each session, an MMA educator will read a marine or science-themed book, introduce you to one of the MMA's animal friends, and will finish up with an activity related to the story. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.

Mini Movers with MMA: Runs 11:00 to 11:45 am at the MMA Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street. Young children and their caregivers are invited to dance, explore, and discover the animal kingdom through stories, music, crafts, and a visit with a live animal ambassador at the Natural Science Museum. At least one adult must sign up with children. Pre-registration is recommended.

Sustainable Nantucket's Farmers & Artisans Market: The Farmers & Artisans Market occurs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cambridge and North Water streets in downtown Nantucket. The market is weather-permitting. Come enjoy fresh produce and items from rotating vendors.

Nanpuppets at Something Natural: From 9:30 to 10:00 am. Join Nanpuppets for a performance at Something Natural, 50 Cliff Road! Nanpuppets is a puppetry company featuring hand puppets that are handmade and performed by Lizza Obremski. Enjoy our educational and fun show then get some sandwiches! $10 per person (kids and adults) - kids under 1 year old free. Please bring a blanket to sit on.

Dharma Yoga in the Hayloft: 8:30 to 9:30 am, and 10:00 to 11:00 am at Bartlett’s Farm. Join Joanne of Dharma Yoga for yoga and movement that strengthens and lengthens, enlivens and invigorates, soothes and calms. Allowing you to feel better and live more fully in your bodymind being. Registration is required and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, click here!

Yoga With a View: Monday - Saturday 7:30 to 8:30 am at the Children’s Beach Band Stand. Join Bettina Broer for an hour of morning yoga by the water, no registration necessary! $30 for adults, $25/20 for teens/kids.

Pick Your Own Veggies: Attention all Bartlett’s veggie-enthusiasts, this family-friendly tour is tailored for you! Step aboard their hay wagon as they take you on a 1.5 hour-long journey to the heart of our produce fields, where you can witness first-hand what’s fresh and in-season. You’ll have plenty of time to stop at multiple points of interest along the way, and they will provide you with a bag so you can fill it up with farm-fresh vegetables to take home. For more information and tickets, click here!

Farm Walking Tour: Book your tickets for a journey around Bartlett's Farm and see two hundred years of agricultural history here on Nantucket– a behind the scenes journey inside the heart of Nantucket’s oldest family farm. While Bartlett’s Farm has been tilling these fields since the early 1800s, their greenhouse operations represent the modern frontier of island agriculture. The tour is approximately 30 minutes, and tickets can be found here.

Grab & Go Bag: Tissue Paper and Felt Flower: Families can pick up a tissue paper and felt flower craft kit at the Nantucket Atheneum from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last.

Sunday, August 23rd:

Nantucket Bird Walk with Ginger Andrews: Every Sunday from 7:45 to 10:00 am, convenes at 4 Vestal St, parking recommended in the town lot. Explore Nantucket’s birdy landscapes and hidden nooks with local bird guide and Inquirer and Mirror columnist, Ginger Andrews. This program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather and a ticket exchange issued for an alternative date. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability. Click here for more information.

Dreamland Drive-In- The Odyssey: Every Tuesday at 1:30 pm. The Golden Age Film Series is free for members, free for seniors and only $13 for the general public. Funding for free senior admission provided by The Nantucket Fund at the Community Foundation for Nantucket and The Remain Fund at the Community Foundation for Nantucket. Tickets can be found here.

Monday, August 24th:

En Plein Air with Nikoline Bohr: Step outside and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nantucket with En Plein Air, an outdoor painting and drawing class designed to help you capture the island's stunning landscapes in vibrant color. Led by Nikoline Bohr, this class will guide you through the techniques of plein air painting—creating art directly from nature. This program meets at the MMA Outdoor Classroom at 33 Washington St. Pre-registration is required and registration closes at 3pm the day before the program. Click here for more information.

Dharma Yoga in the Hayloft: 8:45 to 9:45 am, and 10:15 to 11:15 am at Bartlett’s Farm. Join Joanne of Dharma Yoga for yoga and movement that strengthens and lengthens, enlivens and invigorates, soothes and calms. Allowing you to feel better and live more fully in your bodymind being. Registration is required and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, click here!

Pick Your Own Flowers at Bartlett’s Farm: Join a picturesque morning in the certified organic flower fields at Bartlett’s Farm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Farm as you pick flowers and capture unforgettable moments with your family. Their experienced team will provide you with clippers and guidance to help you create the perfect bouquet that matches your style. With no age restrictions, everyone is welcome to join in the fun, but please be mindful that summer temperatures and the elements may require some tolerance. For more information and tickets, click here!

Nantucket Atheneum’s Geschke Series- Dr. Richard Haass: From 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Atheneum. As the World Churns. Dr. Richard Haass is an American diplomat and foreign policy expert who served as the president of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) from 2003 to 2023, where he is now president emeritus. Throughout his distinguished career in government, he held several senior positions, including Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. Department of State and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs on the National Security Council. A prolific author, Haass has written or edited 14 books on American foreign policy and international relations, including the 2023 bestseller The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, which addresses domestic political challenges. He is currently a senior counselor at Centerview Partners and a frequent commentator on global affairs for NBC and MSNOW. Click here for tickets and more information.

Artists Association of Nantucket Art Talks- Joe Milligan: The Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery 8 Federal Street, 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Join each week for Art Talks with AAN’s Featured Artists in Residence, an opportunity to meet the talented artists living and working at the Visual Arts Center throughout the season

Nantucket Yoga With a View: Monday - Saturday from 7:30 to 8:30 am at the Children’s Beach Bandstand. Join instructor Bettina Broer for a morning of guided yoga by the water. Adults are $30, and kids and teens are $25, no registration required!

Tuesday, August 25th:

Golden Age Films at Dreamland - Notorious: Every Tuesday at 1:30 pm. The Golden Age Film Series is free for members, free for seniors and only $13 for the general public. Funding for free senior admission provided by The Nantucket Fund at the Community Foundation for Nantucket and The Remain Fund at the Community Foundation for Nantucket. Tickets can be found here.

Kids’ Metal Detecting 101: Every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 am, and 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, meeting at MMA Aquarium, 32 Washington St. Join expert metal detectorist, Nikoline Bohr, for an exciting, hands-on adventure. This one-hour beachside program invites young explorers to learn the basics of metal detecting in a fun and engaging way. Please be mindful when selecting your registration dates as registration closes 24 hours prior to each program start.

Adult Metal Detecting: Every Tuesday from 2:00 to 3:00 pm meeting at 32 Washington St. Join expert metal detectorist Nikoline Bohr for an exciting afternoon on the beautiful shores of Nantucket! Participants will learn the fundamentals of operating a metal detector, from basic techniques to uncovering hidden treasures buried beneath the sand. This program will go rain or shine. Pre-registration is required and registration closes at 12pm on the day of the program.

Nature Storytime with MMA: From 10:00 to 10:45 am. An MMA educator will read a nature or science-themed book, introduce you to one of the MMA's animal friends, and will finish up with an activity related to the story. This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.

Women’s Drop-In Soccer: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Nobadeer Turf Field, 7 Nobadeer Farm Road. This is a great opportunity for women ages 15 through college to come together and play some recreational soccer! Whether you are a college or high school student, this FREE opportunity is open to all– no registration required. This drop-in is facilitated by Nantucket High School Girls’ Soccer Coach Doug Lebrecht. For any questions, contact Doug at 508-332-0055.

Nanpuppets at Cisco Brewers: From 11:30 am to 12:00 pm. Join Nanpuppets for a performance at Cisco Brewers! Nanpuppets is a puppetry company featuring hand puppets that are handmade and performed by Lizza Obremski. Donations appreciated.

Nantucket by Water Shanty Singers Cruise: Offered every Tuesday evening through September 8th, Straight Wharf, Slip #1011. Join in on the fun as Nantucket By Water welcomes local island musicians aboard for a sunset cruise filled with sea shanties, infectious energy, and unrivaled joy for a 1.5-hour boat ride. For more information and booking, click here.

Dharma Yoga in the Hayloft: 8:30 to 9:30 am at Bartlett’s Farm. Join Joanne of Dharma Yoga for yoga and movement that strengthens and lengthens, enlivens and invigorates, soothes and calms. Allowing you to feel better and live more fully in your bodymind being. Registration is required and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, click here! https://dharmayoganantucket.com/

Artists’ Association Spotlight Series- Cathy Aguiar, Kelly Broderick, and Rika Petrova-Powers, a selection of works by the three artists. Champion Gallery, at the Visual Arts Center, 24 Amelia Drive, Free to attend through August 31st!

Nantucket Yoga With a View: Monday - Saturday from 7:30 to 8:30 am at the Children’s Beach Bandstand. Join instructor Bettina Broer for a morning of guided yoga by the water. Adults are $30, and kids and teens are $25, no registration required!

Wednesday, August 26th:

Book Signing with Elin Hilderbrand: Every Wednesday, the line begins at 10:00 am. Come to Mitchell’s Book Corner for Elin’s iconic weekly Wednesday signings this summer. No pre-purchase is required for Elin’s signings. The first 100 people in line will get a ticket. Only books purchased at Mitchell’s and Bookworks can be autographed!

Thursday, August 27th:

Evening Art- Paint with Nikoline Bohr: From 5:00 to 7:00 pm and meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk St. Led by artist Nikoline Bohr, create a personalized work of art while learning foundational painting techniques through step-by-step instruction and live demonstration. Subjects are inspired by Nantucket’s history, locations, and environments. Leave with a finished piece of art to take home and enjoy. This is designed to be interesting for adults. Pre-registration is required, and registration closes at 3 PM the day before the program.

Owl Prowl with the Maria Mitchell Association: Every Thursday from 8:00 to 9:30 pm. Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, as you listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds. You will watch for owls as they begin their nightly activity. This program meets at the MMA Administrative Office at 4 Vestal Street. Pre-registration is required and can be found here.

Thursday Night Fete: 6:00 to 8:00 pm at 23 Wauwinet. Spend your Thursday evenings at NISDA's Seaview Farm in Wauwinet enjoying an Open Mic Fete, delicious eats from Neomi’s Dumplings, and time with friends and neighbors under the summer sky. Bring your family, grab a lawn chair or picnic table, or bring a blanket and settle in for the evening. Guests are also invited to take part in NISDA’s Empty Bowls Community Clay Project in the Long Shed Clay Studio, creating handmade bowls to support the NFFRA Food Pantry Fundraiser. No clay experience necessary. Free and open to all!

Friday, August 28th:

Saturday, August 29th:

Nantucket Opera Festival Inaugural Performance: 7:00 pm at the Atheneum Great Hall. Join the launching of an exciting new artistic development program for emerging opera stars by the New Opera Company of Boston!

Nantucket Clean Team: Every Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Nantucket Clean Team’s mission is to keep our fragile, beautiful island as free of litter and debris as possible through weekly clean-up outings beginning in late April through the last Saturday in October. They look to recruit year-round residents and seasonal visitors to join them on appointed days and times, and to become “adjunk” members, cleaning when and where they are able. Follow @ackcleanteam on Instagram for weekly meeting locations, usually posted a day or two before!

Nanpuppets at Something Natural: From 9:30 to 10:00 am. Join Nanpuppets for a performance at Something Natural, 50 Cliff Road! Nanpuppets is a puppetry company featuring hand puppets that are handmade and performed by Lizza Obremski. Enjoy our educational and fun show then get some sandwiches! $10 per person (kids and adults) - kids under 1 year old free. Please bring a blanket to sit on.