Boston Pops Return to Nantucket for Beloved Beach Concert

Since 1997, the Boston Pops Orchestra has performed a summer concert on Nantucket's Jetties Beach to raise money for a good cause, Nantucket Cottage Hospital. This year's fundraising event is planned for August 8, and tickets and space will be limited.

The nonprofit Nantucket Cottage Hospital opened in 1911 and expanded into a new facility in 1957, with more modern facilities added in 2019.

Academy Award-winning composer John Williams conducted the first Boston Pops concert for Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

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How the Concert Supports Nantucket Cottage Hospital

"In August 1997, the legendary John Williams hopped on the ferry to conduct the orchestra at Jetties Beach while thousands of islanders came together to raise a total of $585,000, which was used by the hospital to purchase cardiac equipment and defibrillators," according to the hospital's website.

"The next year, a then relatively unknown 38-year-old Keith Lockhart came to Nantucket to conduct the orchestra and continues to lead the 100+ ensemble today," the website says.

Planning Your Trip to Jetties Beach

Experiencing the concert in person will require some planning if you live off-island, as you can't drive there. Ferry, boat, or plane transportation must be arranged in advance, as well as lodging accommodations.

Reserved seating tickets are available now. General admission tickets will be available in the spring through the Nantucket Cottage Hospital website. Tickets will not be available at the gate.

Visit the hospital's website for ticket information.

Former WCVB-TV Channel 5 Natalie Jacobson hosted the first Pops concert on Jetties Beach in 1997 and has hosted many more since.

The Boston Pops concert on Jetties Beach has raised millions of dollars for Nantucket Cottage Hospital and has made many Pops fans happy in the process.