Author Events
June, July, August: Author, Island Historian, and Tour Guide Thomas Dresser
Join a local author for book readings, signings, history talks, and self-guided tours of Martha’s Vineyard this summer. Thomas Dresser’s latest books are “A Culinary History of Martha’s Vineyard” and “Black Ownership on Martha’s Vineyard: A History.” For his latest events, visit tomdresser.com.
July, August: Martha’s Vineyard Author Series, Chilmark Community Center
This annual festival features authors from around the country who come to the Island to participate in discussions about adult fiction and non-fiction in a variety of genres. Some of the authors this year include Frank Bruni, Amor Towles, Percival Everett, Joan Nathan, and Michele Norris. For the schedule, visit mvbookfestival.com.
August 7: When We Vote: Why it Matters, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and The GroundTruth Project are presenting a timely discussion on the power of voting. Panelists will talk about some of the acts across the country that are impacting the right to vote, some of the solutions being initiated for equal access to polls, and how to strengthen laws to reverse the trend. Register at nabjonline.org/event/whywevote.
August 18–19: Islanders Write, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
This writer’s festival, sponsored by MV Times, begins with a panel discussion on Sunday, August 18, at 7:30 pm. On Monday, August 19, a day of workshops starts with the popular “Wake Up and Write,” and others will explore topics from brainstorming to writing a college essay. Panel discussions will include writing essays and a personal narrative, as well as publishing. Edgartown Books will have a pop-up store hosting author signings. To learn more and to pre-register for this free event, visit mvartsandideas.com/islanders-write.
Community Festivals
June 6–9: M.V. Food and Wine Festival
Indulge in exquisite main meals, dessert, and wine offerings from Martha’s Vineyard restaurants that use fresh and local ingredients. There are also seminars, shows, demonstrations, and exclusive private dinners. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit mvfoodandwine.com.
June 7–9: Pride Weekend, Oak Bluffs
This 3rd annual, family friendly event includes a Pride Parade, a party in Ocean Park, live music, a brunch celebrating drag culture, and more. It enables LGBTQ+ individuals and others to gather together and to foster a sense of community. To learn more, visit obamv.com.
June 13, 15: Taste of the Vineyard, Daniel Fisher House & Gardens, Edgartown
Sample a variety of local foods at the Gourmet Stroll on June 13, featuring the Island’s finest restaurants and caterers. Then on June 15, enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent and live auction, and a catered dinner at the Patrons’ Party and Auction. Find all the details at vineyardtrust.org.
June 15: HarborFest, Oak Bluffs
Kick off the summer season with a fun-filled harborside festival in Oak Bluffs. Celebrate with live music, food, art, crafts, and shopping from local vendors. This annual one-day event is from 10 am to 6 pm along Lake Ave. For the latest information, check obamv.com.
June 21–23: Juneteenth Jubilee Festival, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs
All are welcome to the 4th annual festival celebrating freedom, joy, culture, and community. Enjoy music from singers Malik Yoba and sahn, hear from Leland Melvin about the NASA astronaut journey, explore the role of art in resistance and identity with Charly Palmer, and listen to Dr. Jessica Harris and Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes. Register at inkwellbeach.com/events.
June 23: Taste of Juneteenth, P.A. Club, Oak Bluffs
Join everyone for a celebration of Black culture, cuisine, and liberation at this third annual event by NAACP of M.V. Enjoy dishes by local Black and Indigenous culinary professionals that blend traditions and flavors from around the world. Tickets at bit.ly/tastejuneteenth.
July 4: Parade and Fireworks, Edgartown
Enjoy a Fourth of July celebration for the whole family at a downtown parade that begins at 5 pm. Then gather at the harbor or at the Edgartown Lighthouse by dusk to watch a spectacular fireworks show. For details, check visitedgartown.org.
July 22: Jewish Culture Festival, West Tisbury
Join everyone for a second annual event that includes music by Matisyahu, Klezwoods, and Prophets & Singers, a high-end culinary experience from a broad selection of gourmet kosher foods, and an art exhibit exploring Jewish identity, spirituality, and inspiration. Tickets are through Chabad on the Vineyard at jewishculturefest.com.
July 29–August 3: HBCU Legacy Week on the Vineyard, Oak Bluffs
Connect with fellow Historically Black Colleges and Universities alumni and their families and participate in fun and impactful events. Enjoy activities, meet new people, and help sustain the legacies of the schools. Tickets at legacyweekonthevineyard.com.
August 14: 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 15–18: Agricultural Fair, West Tisbury
Experience quintessential summer fun at the 162nd 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 schedule, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.
Exhibits & Gardens
Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club, 100th Anniversary
Enjoy a delightful “Blooming Art” show that pairs the work of Vineyard artists with the floral designs of M.V. Garden Club members who were inspired by the art. All of the artwork and flower arrangements are for sale. It takes place on June 14–16 in a beautiful setting at the Old Mill in West Tisbury, which is across from Mill Pond. Other activities this summer include an Edgartown Garden Stroll on July 25, and a Centennial Garden Party on August 1. For more information, visit marthasvineyardgardenclub.org.
Island Folk Pottery & Sculpture Trail, 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 dusk. Their pottery studio is open on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays, 2 to 5 pm. To learn more, visit islandfolkpottery.com or call 508-955-9944.
Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury
Discover unique trees, cones, berries, and blooms by taking a stroll through the beautiful historic grounds at Polly Hill Arboretum. Guided tours, scavenger hunts, 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. For details, visit pollyhillarboretum.org or call 508-693-9426.
Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
Spark your creativity at the beautiful Featherstone campus, which offers a variety of classes and workshops in ceramics, drawing, fiber arts, jewelry making, literary arts, mixed media, painting, and printmaking. There are also inspirational art exhibits, including “Garden Gate’s 25th Anniversary Show” from June 2 to 16, and “A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Stitched Fine Art” from June 23 to July 21. For details, visit featherstoneart.org or call 508-693-1850.
Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven
Explore the history, art, and culture of the Island at the expansive M.V. Museum, which includes a welcome center, gift shop, café, and community events. Exhibits include “Clifford: Our Big Red Dog,” “Eye on the Island: Portraits by Peter Simon,” and “Sailing to Freedom,” plus there are lots of ongoing exhibits, including an interactive one for children. To learn more, visit mvmuseum.org or call 508-627-4441.
Trustees’ Mytoi Japanese-style Garden, Chappaquiddick
Take a mindful stroll along winding footpaths that are nestled among a uniquely designed, secluded garden with a tranquil pond. It includes pine and birch trees, flowering bushes, a bridge, benches, and a rustic shelter for quiet contemplation. This magical sanctuary is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. To plan your visit, check thetrustees.org/place/mytoi.
Farm Activities
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, West Tisbury
Discover all kinds of workshops, classes, and events related to gardening, farming, and homesteading that are offered throughout the summer season. Most of them are held at the Agricultural Hall, but also at other sites around the Vineyard. For the schedule, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.
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.
Trustees’ FARM Institute, Edgartown
Find activities for the whole family at the Trustees’ 162-acre working farm in Katama, which has cows, goats, chickens, sheep, and other animals, plus a vegetable garden, pastures, a farm store, and a commercial kitchen. Programs include fun and educational cooking classes. For details, visit thetrustees.org/tfi or call 508-627-7007.
Films & Theater
May 31, June 1: M.V. Dance Film Festival, Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Join everyone for the first annual festival on the Island that features the artistry of dance films. The lineup includes “Call Me Dancer,” “Breaking Form,” dance shorts from around the world, live performances, and discussions. Tickets at circuitarts.org/dancefilmfestival or call 508-560-2134.
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven
Enjoy stage plays, live music, poetry, art exhibits, musicals, 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 details, visit mvplayhouse.org or call 508-696-6300.
TBD Improv, Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and West Tisbury
Experience a highly interactive, hilarious show in which the audience gives suggestions to Island-based performers, who create scenes right on the spot. The TBD Improv group will be at venues around the Island throughout the summer season. Check the schedule at tbdimprov.com.
Drive-in Movies, Circuit Arts and YMCA, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in movie experience, complete with live music and food trucks. Circuit Arts and YMCA of M.V. are showing feature films on a large screen in the parking area behind the M.V. Ice Arena. To view the movie schedule, visit driveinmv.com.
June: SPECTRUM Film Festival, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
This innovative festival offers a variety of films that give a global perspective on LGBTQ+ stories and issues. It also includes guest speakers, discussions, and a special event for youth. For the program schedule, check mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
June 27–30: Filmusic Festival, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Watch feature films and musical performances come together in a celebration of culture, movies, and music. This 12th annual festival is presented by the M.V. Film Society. For the lineup and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
July 29 – August 2: M.V. Documentary Week, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Enjoy captivating and inspirational films with impactful narration and lasting imagery. For the schedule and tickets for this 10th annual showcase, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
August 2–10: M.V. African American Film Festival, Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs
This 22nd annual event by Run&Shoot Filmworks is an Academy Awards Qualifying Festival in the category of short film. It also includes guest speakers and panel discussions. Passes are available for one or multiple days. Learn more and purchase tickets at mvaaff.com.
Local Markets
Sundays: 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.
Sundays and Thursdays: 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 starting June 9, and every Thursday starting July 4. For details, visit vineyardartisans.com.
Wednesdays and Saturdays: 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. View the list of vendors at wtfmarket.org.
Starting June 18, Tuesdays: Edgartown Village Market, Daniel Fisher House
Find Island-grown produce, flowers, provisions, and one-of-a-kind goods in an open-air setting. This Main Street market is accessible to bikers and pedestrians, and it gives shoppers a chance to meet with local growers and makers. To learn more, visit edgartownvillagemarket.com.
Starting June 22, Wednesdays and Saturdays: 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 setting at 142 North Road. It is open from 9 am to 2 pm, with free entry and parking. For updates, check facebook.com/chilmarkflea.
August 3: 41st Annual Crafts and Artisans Fair, Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs
Discover unique handmade items at a community market held at the M.V. Camp Meeting Association’s historic landmark. The local items may include wind chimes, shell wreaths and art, hand knitted and crocheted pieces, jewelry, woodwork, photography, notecards, screen printing, floral arrangements, home decor, jams, breads, and more. For details, visit mvcma.org.
Music Concerts
Sundays in the Park Concerts, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
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. Some of the performances showcase the Vineyard Haven Band. These community events are made possible by the Oak Bluffs Parks & Recreation Department.
Starting June 6: M.V. Summer Concert Series, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
The Island’s premier concert event features many bands and entertainers in intimate settings throughout the summer. The venues may include the Old Whaling Church, The Loft, and the MVRHS Performing Arts Center. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvconcertseries.com.
June 19: An Evening with Demola the Violinist, M.V. Museum, Vineyard Haven
Go on a captivating musical journey at an all-ages concert by Demola, who blends classical mastery with contemporary flair. It is part of an 8th annual fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Tickets at mvmuseum.org/demola.
Starting June 20, Thursdays: Music in the Square, Eisenhauer Gallery, Edgartown
Shimmy over to the courtyard at Eisenhauer Gallery as they welcome back beloved bands for the season. The concerts take place every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. The performers include the Mike Benjamin Band, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Awen Family Band, Blueswitch Blues Band, and more. For details, visit eisenhauergallery.com.
Starting June 28, Mondays and Fridays: 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 many more. For the schedule, visit featherstoneart.org/music.html.
Recreation
June 1: M.V. Land Bank’s Annual Cross-Island Hike
Experience the beauty of the Vineyard on a guided hike across multiple towns along trail systems, short sections of paved or dirt roads, and shorelines. It is usually less than 20 miles and about 7 hours, but participants can opt to walk a portion of the route. For more details and the itinerary, visit mvlandbank.com.
Island trails, ponds, and beaches, sunrise to sunset
Hike on woodland trails, bike on paved paths, kayak across ponds, walk on the beach, or enjoy other recreational activities on the protected properties maintained by the M.V. Land Bank, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, The Trustees of Reservations, Mass Audubon, the Nature Conservancy, and the state of Massachusetts. Many places have scenic overlooks, tranquil shores, footbridges, and tumbling streams. To view an Island-wide map, visit bit.ly/mvtrails.
For more events and activities on Martha’s Vineyard, check vineyardvisitor.com.
