written by Elizabeth Bowman
1. RAFAEL OSONA’S ANNUAL AMERICANA, FINE ART AND MARINE SALE
GALLERY PREVIEW: AUGUST 2-5, 10 AM – 5 PM
ONLINE AUCTION: AUGUST 6, 9:30 AM
American Legion Hall
The forty-third annual event showcases rare, quality antique pieces, historical paintings and contemporary artworks. Rafael Osona’s auctions headline with fine art, Nantucket baskets, maritime scrimshaw, jewelry, home furnishings and more. He brings a wealth of knowledge about antiques, particularly maritime and Nantucket collections. Come on down to the American Legion Hall to view the gallery leading up to the online auction.
2. NANTUCKET GARDEN CLUB HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR
AUGUST 3, 11 AM – 4 PM
Upper Main Street
The hidden gardens and summer flowers of Main Street get their spotlight during this much-anticipated day of strolling and viewing. The sixty-sixth annual event offers the chance to be outside, enjoy nature and learn something new about gardening. Five homes and three gardens will be featured on the tour in addition to the historic Hadwen House, where tea will be served alongside a boutique presentation. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the event, visit nantucketgardenclub.org.
3. NANTUCKET BY DESIGN
AUGUST 3-6
Come support the Nantucket Historical Association and celebrate the ways that the island continues to influence American culture and home design. Featuring keynote speakers, a design panel, interactive discussions and a presentation by the Nantucket Summer Antiques Show, the multiday event will help you find new style inspiration. To view the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit nha.org.
4. MARIA MITCHELL STARGAZER GALA
AUGUST 4, 7 TO 10 PM
This annual fundraising event supports the Maria Mitchell Association on Nantucket, which provides education and engagement in astronomy and natural science through its observatories, museum and aquarium. The night promises a good time with music, dancing, dinner catered by Island Kitchen, games and, of course, stargazing. For more information and to purchase tickets or a sponsorship package, visit mariamitchell.org.
5. NISHA THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
AUGUST 5
Bartlett’s Farm
Come celebrate the tenth anniversary of Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals with a night of food, drinks, auctions and animal lovers. The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be the much-anticipated doggie fashion show, complete with a runway and all. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nishanimals.org/events.
6. NANTUCKET PRESERVATION TRUST AUGUST FÊTE
AUGUST 11
The annual August Fête returns to its in-person glory to honor the architectural history of Nantucket and to raise awareness of preservation efforts. It will be a night filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a raw bar and music complementing a beautiful pond view. To purchase tickets from the Nantucket Preservation Trust, visit Nantucketpreservation.org.
7. POPS ON NANTUCKET
AUGUST 13
Jetties Beach
This beloved concert returns to the island after a two-year hiatus to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary, promising music, dancing, fireworks and celebration! The event benefits the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, which serves both year-round residents and summer travelers. In addition to performances by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, this year’s concert features vocalist Marc Martel’s covers of Queen’s rock music. Bring your beach chair and your dancing shoes! For tickets and more information, visit nantuckethospital.org.
8. NANTUCKET RACE WEEK
AUGUST 13-21
The Rainbow Fleet returns! The annual race week features days on end of regattas in and around Nantucket Harbor. This timeless tradition celebrates all things nautical and benefits Nantucket Community Sailing. To view the week’s event schedule and to get tickets for the regattas at private venues, visit
nantucketraceweek.org/page/nrw.
9. TIM RUSSERT SUMMER GROOVE
AUGUST 20
Nantucket Boys & Girls Club
This summer marks the twentieth anniversary of the nighttime fundraiser supporting the efforts of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club for the island’s youth. Renamed in 2009 after Tim Russert’s passing, the Summer Groove celebrates his devotion to his community with music and good company. For more information, to make a donation or to purchase tickets, visit
nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org/events/tim-russert-summer-groove.
10. DREAMLAND CONVERSATIONS: AMANDA KNOX
AUGUST 20, 6 PM
Dreamland Main Theater
Amanda Knox is an author, activist and journalist who shares her story of being wrongfully convicted of the murder of her roommate while she was an exchange student in Italy in 2007, spending nearly four years in an Italian prison before finally being acquitted. The evening will host a moderated discussion with Amanda, a question-and-answer session and a book signing of her memoir Waiting to Be Heard. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nantucketdreamland.org.