Every day there’s something happening on Martha’s Vineyard. But if you’re looking to make the most out of your time here, you want to know the absolute must-see and must-do activities. We’ve gathered a list of some of the most popular annual events you won’t want to miss. And continue to check our comprehensive daily calendar of events for a full list of Island happenings.
MAY
Thursday, May 11–Sunday, May 14
MV Wine Fest, various locations in Edgartown
A four-day food and wine festival that celebrates local chefs and world-class wines.
Friday, May 12–Saturday, May 14
Pink & Green Weekend, Edgartown
A celebration of spring and Mother’s Day organized and sponsored by the Edgartown Board of Trade. Includes a festive decorating of the Edgartown Lighthouse, shopping and dining specials, and activities and entertainment for the whole family.
Thursday, May 25–Sunday May 28
3rd Nature as Inspiration Environmental Film Festival, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven
In collaboration with the Vineyard Conservation Society this four day festival combines environmental films, discussions, and an art exhibit by Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School students. A Q&A follows each film with experts, community members, and special guests.
Monday, May 29
Oak Bluffs Memorial Day 5K Road Race, Oak Bluffs
JUNE
Thursday, June 15, 6:30 pm
Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll, Daniel Fisher House Lawn, Edgartown
Annual fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. The most anticipated foodie event on Martha’s Vineyard, with more than 90 outstanding fine food and beverage participants. Tickets are typically only available to members of the Preservation Trust.
Saturday, June 17, 11 am–5 pm
26th annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival, Oak Bluffs Harbor
Island vendors, nonprofits, and artisans gather along the harbor to celebrate the arrival of summer. The kid-friendly festival offers live music, art, crafts, food, and summer-themed festivities for the whole family.
Thursday, June 22–Sunday, June 25
5th Annual Filmusic Festival, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven
A weekend of feature films and musical performances that celebrate the convergence of music, culture, and film.
JULY
Saturday, July 1, 5:30 pm
19th annual Evening of Discovery, to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven
Hosted at the former Marine Hospital and soon-to-be new home of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, this gala raises funds for the new construction and the important cultural and educational programs the museum provides.
Tuesday July 4, 5 pm
Fourth of July Parade, Main Street, Edgartown
An annual tradition, presented by the Edgartown Board of Trade.
Tuesday July 4, 9 pm
Fourth of July Fireworks, Main Street, Edgartown
Fireworks over the Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse Beach.
Monday, July 10, 6 pm–8 pm
Featherstone Center for the Arts Gala, Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs
Annual gala event and fundraiser.
Saturday, July 15–Sunday, July 16
Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast and Festival, Portuguese-American Club, Oak Bluffs
A rich cultural tradition on Martha’s Vineyard spanning two days, including a parade and community dinner. Saturday’s feast typically centers around traditional Portuguese foods, while the parade on Sunday includes traditional Azorean dress and music in celebration of the Holy Ghost crown and flag.
Sunday, July 30
39th annual Possible Dreams Auction to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Winnetu Resort, Katama, Edgartown
Star-studded auction event featuring unique, one-of-a-kind Martha’s Vineyard opportunities for auction and raffle, to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Monday, July 31–Friday, August 4
3rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard Documentary Week, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Established documentaries are screened and filmmakers have the opportunity to engage audience members in fervent discussion about social, humanitarian, and environmental themes. The ultimate goal of the festival is to raise awareness of issues, while engaging audiences in proactive and constructive dialogue.
AUGUST
Saturday, August 5–Sunday, August 6
Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival, various locations
The Martha’s Vineyard Author Series and Book Festival celebrate the Island’s rich literary history.
Monday, August 7, 10 am–3 pm
All Island Art Show, Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs
A longstanding tradition on Martha’s Vineyard, beginning in 1956. Artists from all over the Island, both professional and amateur, display their creative works and compete for awards. The show provides a festive atmosphere with an opportunity to purchase fine art and meet Island artists.
Tuesday, August 8–Sunday, August 12
15th annual Run & Shoot Filmworks Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs
This festival promotes and screens many outstanding feature, documentary, and short films produced by and starring African Americans.
Sunday, August 13–Monday, August 14
Islanders Write, presented by The MV Times, Grange Hall, West Tisbury
An evening panel discussion on Sunday night about “The Media as Enemy.” Monday offers a full day of panel discussions, workshops, author signings, and readings.
Wednesday, August 16, 8 pm
Illumination Night, Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs
See the Campground aglow for the Grand Illumination, a special highlight of the summer season. The cottages of the Campground are adorned with colorful Chinese and Japanese lanterns, and both a Community Sing and a band concert are held in the Tabernacle.
Thursday, August 17–Sunday, August 20
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury
The Ag Fair attracts thousands of visitors each year with family-friendly activities including rides, games, shucking contests, a skillet toss, horse pulls, woodsmen competition, and livestock shows. The fun begins Thursday and runs for four days from 10 am to 11 pm, on the fairgrounds in West Tisbury (Sunday, August 20, it’s 10 am to 7 pm). Sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society.
Friday, August 18, sunset
Fireworks at Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
Band concert at 8 pm, sensational fireworks display at dark. Arrive early to secure your spot on the lawn.
SEPTEMBER
Friday, Sept. 1–Sunday, Sept. 3
Martha’s Vineyard Jazz and Blues Summer Festival, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
A three-day festival celebrating jazz and blues on Martha’s Vineyard.
Saturday, Sept. 9, all day
Annual Wind & Kite Festival, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
All day festival with free kitemaking for children from 10:30 am–12 pm.
Tuesday, Sept. 5–Sunday, Sept. 10
12th Annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Capawok Theater and other locations, Vineyard Haven
A six day festival devoted to film and culture enthusiasts from across the globe. Guests from film, media, politics, and the art worlds converge to celebrate, discuss and debate issues presented in a selection of international films.
Sept. 10–Oct.14
Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, all across Martha’s Vineyard
A longstanding tradition for fishing lovers from all over. For more than seven decades, “the Derby” has produced great fishing, rich history, new friends, and lasting memories. Derby registration is open at Island tackle shops throughout the Derby.
Saturday, Sept. 16, 10am–6pm
Tivoli Day Festival, Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Live entertainment, food, art, music and great end-of-summer shopping sales on display outside.
ONGOING SUMMER EVENTS
Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series
Now in its second year the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series brings big-name entertainers to intimate venues on the Island, from May through August. This year’s lineup includes Aretha Franklin, Pink Martini and more.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival
For 17 years, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival has presented high-caliber films and unique events for the community. Typically hosting various events throughout the week from June to August.
The Yard
A renowned Martha’s Vineyard dance residency and festival. 2017 highlights include Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Malpaso Dance Company, and Ragamala Dance Company, among others. Season runs from June 8 to Sept. 9.
OCTOBER
Friday, Oct. 6–Sunday, Oct. 8
14th annual Art of Chocolate Festival, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
This tasty festival features a Friday-night preview party, where you can enjoy the dream-come-true experience of sampling everything chocolate your heart desires, and Saturday and Sunday afternoon pay-as-you-taste events.
Thursday, Oct. 19–Sunday, Oct. 22
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, various locations
Four days, three nights of unique-to-the-Island dining experiences. Rooted in the Island’s rich tradition of farming and fishing, this festival invites you to meet local culinary talent, and the farmers, fishermen, oyster producers, and artisans they work with.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 18–Dec. 18, 12–4 pm each day
Holiday Gift Show, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
This annual event brings together the work of more than 40 local artists offering affordable handmade gifts, including apparel, scarves, cards, jewelry, pottery, paintings, ornaments, and more. Open every day excluding Thanksgiving, with a preview party on Friday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 8 pm.
Nov. 29
Oak Bluffs Tree Lighting, Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs
This annual lighting of the Christmas tree.
DECEMBER
Dec. 7–10
Christmas in Edgartown, Edgartown
A winter weekend festival not to be missed, including family-friendly events that capture the magic of the holidays. In 2017 Hyline Cruises plan to run ferries from Hyannis to Edgartown especially for this event.
