Local Markets
West Tisbury Farmers Market, Agricultural Hall
The Island’s oldest and largest farmers market features locally grown, seasonal produce, as well as homemade bread, savory condiments, fresh honey, homemade jams, beautiful flowers, artisan chocolates, sweet desserts, and unique gifts. Before visiting this popular market on a Wednesday or Saturday, check the vendors at wtfmarket.org, and consider preordering online.
Oak Bluffs Open Market, Washington Park
Shop for Island-grown produce, original artwork, handmade jewelry, fine crafts, summer flowers, specialty foods, and vintage finds in an open market near Oak Bluffs harbor. It is like a farmers market, antique show, artisan fair, and a body/mind/spirit expo all in one, plus live music. For the schedule, visit facebook.com/oakbluffsopenmarket.
Vineyard Artisans Festival, Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Meet more than 70 local artisans, buy directly from them, and see demonstrations of fine art and crafts. Discover furniture, pottery, stained glass, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, quilts, handmade books, and much more. This annual tradition is open every Sunday through Sept. 24, every Thursday through August 24, and Labor Day weekend. For details, visit vineyardartisans.com.
Chilmark Flea Market
Visit the oldest outdoor flea market on the Island, offering antiques, imports, vintage finds, and high-quality handmade items from Vineyard artists and craftsmen. Discover jewelry, clothing, art, food, and much more, all in a beautiful outdoor setting at 142 North Road. It is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, with free entry and parking. For updates, check facebook.com/chilmarkflea.
World Market, Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Discover culturally rich, handmade products, including artwork, textiles, bags, dolls, jewelry, sculptures, baskets, olive products, and more. It is from seven organizations that are working together to increase awareness of global women’s empowerment initiatives. The market is open every Monday from 10 am to 3 pm. To learn more, visit worldmarketmondays.org.
Music Concerts
M.V. Summer Concert Series, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
The Island’s premier concert event includes over 30 bands and entertainers in intimate settings. Hear music from Livingston Taylor, Galactic, Dave Mason, The Wallflowers, John Hiatt, and many more. The venues are The Loft and the Performing Arts Center, both in Oak Bluffs, and the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvconcertseries.com.
Sundays in the Park Concerts, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
Come join a seaside celebration of music and the summer season. A concert will take place in the bandstand at Ocean Park every Sunday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Alternate Sundays will showcase music by the Vineyard Haven Band. These performances are made possible by the Oak Bluffs Parks & Recreation Department. For questions, call 508-939-1076.
Outdoor Concerts, Featherstone, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy musical performances on the beautiful lawn surrounding the Art Barn’s deck. All tickets for the performances will be sold online starting at 12 pm the week prior to a concert. The lineup includes Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Jon Zeeman, Grateful Dread, and much more. For the schedule covering every Monday and Friday, visit featherstoneart.org/music.html.
Music in the Square, Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown
Shimmy over to the courtyard at Eisenhauer Gallery as they welcome back beloved bands for Music in the Square. The concerts take place every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. The bands include Mike Benjamin and the Keepers, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, and more. For the full schedule, visit eisenhauergallery.com.
August 25–27: Beach Road Weekend Concerts, Veterans Memorial Park, Vineyard Haven
Celebrate at a music festival in a beautiful park that is in walking distance from the Vineyard Haven harbor. The concert lineup includes Ben Iver, Leon Bridges, Dispatch, Gregory Porter, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and many more. To view guidelines and purchase tickets, visit beachroadweekend.com.
Author Events
August 20–21, Islanders Write, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
Hear journalists and political columnists talk about covering a country that is more divided than ever during an election year at the Islanders Write kick-off event on Sunday evening. Monday is a day of panel discussions—with authors, editors, and publishing professionals—focused on the art, craft, and business of writing, plus author signings, a pop-up from Edgartown Books, dedicated writing spaces, and refreshments from Scottish Bakehouse. This event is sponsored by MV Times’ Arts & Ideas magazine and is free to attend. No pre-registration necessary. For details, visit mvartsandideas.com/islanders-write.
Theater and Comedy
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven
Enjoy stage plays, musical revues, poetry, art exhibits, and much more at the Island’s only professional year-round theater. M.V. Playhouse is located on Church Street, just around the corner from Main Street. There are also outdoor productions at the Tisbury Amphitheater in a beautiful wooded setting near Lake Tashmoo. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvplayhouse.org or call 508-696-6300.
Comedy Shows, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Experience the joy of laughter with stand-up comedy from a father-son duo, Marty and Charlie Nadler, with special guest Laura Michelle, plus comic hypnotist Frank Santos Jr., the ultimate Robin Williams tribute from Roger Kabler, and an audience-interactive performance by mentalist Jon Stetson. For the lineup and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
Films
Drive-In Movies, Circuit Arts and YMCA, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in movie experience, including food trucks. Feature films will be shown on a large screen in the parking area behind the M.V. Ice Arena. The audio can be heard through an FM radio station. To view the movie lineup and purchase tickets, visit driveinmv.com or call 508-560-2134.
July 31 to August 4: M.V. Documentary Week, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Watch captivating and inspirational films with impactful narration and lasting imagery. The lineup for this ninth annual showcase includes documentaries about artist Lew French, musician Little Richard, and Cirque du Soleil. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
Documentary Films, Circuit Arts at Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Experience curated cinema accompanied with discussions by film directors at Circuit Arts’ up-Island theater. The schedule this summer includes a movie about a cult at Sarah Lawrence College, a tribute to French volcanologists, a documentary on the Venezuelan migrants flown to the Island, a film about Lady Bird Johnson, and more. For the full schedule and to reserve tickets, visit circuitarts.org or call 508-560-2134.
Sept. 5 to 10: M.V. International Film Festival, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Become enthralled in some of the best films from around the world with creative stories and interesting characters in an annual festival that will also have special guests and a juried competition for short films. For the lineup of movies and to purchase tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
Recreation and Tours
Magical Sculpture Trail, Island Folk Pottery, Chilmark
Walk along a quarter-mile enchanting trail through the woods and discover whimsical sculptures on the way to an Island Folk Pottery shop. Created by artists Bill O’Callaghan and Heather Goff, the path is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Their pottery studio is open Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and Sundays, 2 to 5 pm. To learn more, visit islandfolkpottery.com.
Island Alpaca, Oak Bluffs
Spend some time with adorable and gentle alpacas and learn more about these curious creatures, including where they come from, their interesting behaviors, and why they are important. To find out what this unique farm has to offer, such as fun classes, events, and a gift shop, visit islandalpaca.com or call 508-693-5554.
Island trails and beaches, sunrise to sunset
Enjoy hiking or biking on trails, kayaking on ponds, walking on the beach, and other recreational activities on the protected properties maintained by the M.V. Land Bank, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, The Trustees, and the state of Massachusetts. Many places have scenic overlooks, tranquil ponds, footbridges, and tumbling streams. View an Island-wide map at vineyardvisitor.com.
Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury
Discover unique trees, cones, berries, and blooms in the summer season by taking a stroll through the beautiful historic grounds at Polly Hill Arboretum. Guided tours, scavenger hunts, plant sales, and other activities are often available, and pamphlets can be picked up near the visitor center, which is on a bus route off State Road. To learn more, check pollyhillarboretum.org or call 508-693-9426.
August 10, Edgartown Garden Stroll, Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club
Stroll among lush, beautifully landscaped, flowering plants and trees that are thriving in a picturesque seaside town. The gates to five secret gardens and one historic public garden will be open for visitors to enjoy at their own pace from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information and tickets, visit marthasvineyardgardenclub.org or call 609-273-4675.
Fairs and Festivals
July 8: Berry Festival, First Congregational Church, West Tisbury
Treat the whole family to delicious berry shortcakes, smoothies, parfaits, pies, and much more at an annual festival all about berries. There will also be raffle tickets for restaurants and other local businesses. It takes place from 12 to 4 pm, with free admission. For more information, visit wtcongregationalchurch.org or call 508-693-2842.
July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23, Cinema Circus at Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Enjoy a family-friendly event that gives people of all ages the chance to experience circus activities, participate in a live variety show, and watch short films. It takes place on four Wednesdays during the summer, from 4 to 6 pm. No tickets are required. To learn more, visit cinemacircusmv.org or call 508-560-2134.
July 15: Catboat Parade, Race, and Exhibit, Edgartown Harbor
Watch a glorious Catboat Parade of Sail along the beautiful harbor starting at noon. It can be viewed from Memorial Wharf, Chappy Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Fuller Street Beach. Afterward, the Manuel Swartz Roberts Cup Race begins. The Old Sculpin Gallery at 58 Dock St. also has a week-long exhibit about a catboat builder. For details, visit oldsculpingallery.org or call 508-627-4881.
August 8: Jewish Culture Festival, Chilmark
Experience an inaugural festival that showcases the best of Jewish food, art, and music. This event by Chabad on the Vineyard includes food by chef Hudi Riven, kosher wine tasting, a cooking demonstration and a panel discussion from the Jewish Food Society, music by Klezwoods, an interactive art sculpture, and much more. For details and tickets, visit vineyardchabad.org.
August 16: Grand Illumination, Oak Bluffs
Take part in an annual tradition for Island residents and visitors since 1869. In the Tabernacle, enjoy music by the Vineyard Haven Band and a community sing-along, then take a stroll among the colorful cottages on the Campground, which are creatively decorated with illuminated lanterns. For details, visit mvcma.org/grand-illumination.
August 17–20: Agricultural Fair, West Tisbury
Experience quintessential summer fun at the 161st annual fair from the M.V. Agricultural Society. Enjoy fun games, thrilling rides, tasty food, livestock shows, dog shows, photo contests, live music, and much more. For the latest details and a program schedule, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/the-fair.
Sept. 9: M.V. Wind Festival, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy spending time with friends and family in beautiful Ocean Park on Martha’s Vineyard. Activities include kite making for children, adult kite-making kits, and kite flying for young and old. There will be live music, plus prizes for all ages. You can also toss frisbees, blow bubbles, and purchase T-shirts and posters. For more information, visit mvwindfestival.com or call 508-693-5444.
