Daffodil Weekend Is Here — And You Know What That Means

April 22, 2026 · ACK Deals

The 50th Daffodil Festival starts Thursday, and if you've been on Nantucket for more than five minutes this month, you've felt the energy building. The vintage cars are getting their final polish, kids are raiding craft supplies for hat decorating, and everyone's checking ferry schedules like their life depends on it.

Here's your local intel: get to Main Street by 9:30 AM Saturday if you want to see those 100 decorated cars lined up before the chaos begins. The parade kicks off at noon, but honestly, watching the staging is half the fun. The drivers are usually pretty chatty, and you'll catch stories you won't hear anywhere else.

If you're bringing little ones, the Children's Beach Band Stand events from 10-11 AM are worth the walk. The hat contest gets wonderfully ridiculous, and the decorated bike parade right after is pure joy. Pro tip from someone who's been here through 30 of these festivals: bring a wagon. Those kids will be tired by lunch.

The ferries are running expanded schedules all weekend — Hy-Line's got boats starting at 6:10 AM, and the Steamship Authority is running extra traditional ferry service too. Whether you're hosting visiting family or just need to stock up before the weekend rush, now's the time.

Speaking of stocking up, our local ACK Deals vendors have everything you need to make this weekend special — from last-minute daffodil decorations to picnic supplies for the festivities.

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