The phrase "Nantucket nightlife" verges on an oxymoron—and, during the off-season, it's virtually a nonentity. If it's glitz and nonstop action you're after, better stick to the mainland. On the other hand, if you like live music, you will never go lacking—at least in season.
For listings of events, see the Inquirer and Mirror (www.ack.net), the Nantucket Independent (www.nantucketindependent.com), and (in season) Yesterday's Island (www.yesterdaysisland.com); the latter two are distributed free. Posters around town announce coming attractions: check the board outside the Hub, a newsstand at the corner of Federal and Main streets.