Labor Day Weekend on Nantucket

Labor Day weekend on Nantucket is all about relaxing and enjoying local festivals, community activities and iconic island hotspots. While there aren’t any big parades or celebrations, Nantucket still offers seasonal events and summertime favorites like beaches and alfresco dining.

We asked our William Raveis Nantucket experts to help plan the perfect Labor Day weekend on the island and here’s what they came up with:

Friday afternoon arrival: Start your weekend off exploring downtown Nantucket and the harbor, visiting the whaling museum or the eclectic shops and boutiques. See our shopping guide for some inspiration.

Friday evening: Stay in Town for dinner on the waterfront at the popular Cru or the trendy Nautilus.

Saturday: Grab a bite to eat at Lemonpress or Something Natural and then stroll the

Sustainable Nantucket Market, which is open Saturdays from May to October.

Spend the day at one of the island’s plethora of beaches. Hit up Cisco or Surfside to catch some waves or head to the calmer waters near the harbor at 40th Pole Beach or Children’s Beach.

For a late lunch, head to Cisco Brewers for some live music and local beer.

Plan a dinner in Town at one of Nantucket's many fine-dining establishments, including Company of the Cauldron or Oran Mor. See our dining guide for other options.

Sunday:

Explore the natural side of the island with one of the lighthouse tours or by renting bicycles and riding along the nature paths. See our guide for cyclists for more.

Try Sayle’s Seafood for a casual lunch outside.

Don’t miss happy hour at the famed Galley Beach, or hit up the Gazebo for a mudslide and a more casual vibe. Walk the waterfront at sunset on Madaket Beach.

Monday (Labor Day):

Brunch in Sconset at the Beachside Bistro or Claudette’s and then a stroll around the neighborhood to see the quintessential Nantucket homes.

Head back towards Town early to visit a few more shops or take a final sail before heading out on one of the ferries.

According to locals, Labor Day weekend is moderately crowded on Nantucket. While not as popular as July 4th, it ranks up there as one of the busier weekends. Expect long ferry lines and full boats on both arrival (Friday) and departure (Monday) days.