Author Events
August and Sept.: 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 as a co-author are “A Culinary History of Martha’s Vineyard” and “Black Ownership on Martha’s Vineyard: A History.” For his events, visit tomdresser.com.
August 10: Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival, Island Inn, Oak Bluffs
Celebrate well-established and aspiring Black authors and their literary works at this inaugural event. It includes panel discussions, author showcases, fireside chats, book signings, refreshments, and a festival tote bag to carry books. It will be held from 3 to 8 pm. For details and tickets, visit mvbbf.com.
August 18–19: Islanders Write, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
This MV Times writers’ festival kicks off on Sunday, August 18, at 7:30 pm with a panel discussion on Finding Truth in a Post Truth Era. Then on Monday, August 19, starting at 7:30 am, join award-winning writers and top publishing professionals for a day of panel discussions and workshops focused on the art, craft, and business of writing. There will also be an Edgartown Books pop-up to meet and greet Vineyard authors. To learn more and to pre-register for this free event, visit mvartsandideas.com/islanders-write.
Community Festivals
August 8–10, 17–19: Built on Stilts Festival, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy an inspirational dance and performance festival that features members of the Vineyard community and beyond. The shows can include live music, storytelling, theater, poetry readings, dance, comedy, circus acts, fitness demonstrations, and more. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Donations are welcomed. For details, visit builtonstilts.org.
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. The festivities begin at 7:30 pm. 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, photo contests, live music, pet shows, and much more. For the schedule, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.
August 16: Oak Bluffs Summer Fireworks Show, Ocean Park
Celebrate summer on Martha’s Vineyard with the annual fireworks show near Beach Road. The band concert in the Ocean Park gazebo will begin after 7:30 pm, and the fireworks will start when it becomes dark. Paid parking is available at Waban/Alley Park and Washington Park. Rain dates are Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18.
Sept. 6: First Friday Vineyard Haven, Owen Park
Have fun at an all-day community event held outdoors near the harbor. This monthly celebration features live music, food vendors, carriage rides, local artists, and a silent disco sponsored by PathwaysARTS. To learn more, visit firstfridayvh.com.
Sept. 21: Tivoli Day, Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Join the community in an annual celebration that’s been happening for over forty years at the end of summer. It’s an all-day block party complete with live music, street vendors, store sales, art exhibits, crafts, food, the Flying Horses Carousel, and more. For details, visit obamv.com/tivoli-day-save-the-date.
Exhibits & Gardens
Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club, 100th Anniversary
Enjoy programs and activities that cover a wide range of gardening topics and offer hands-on experience. The M.V. Garden Club, now in its centennial year, is an opportunity to meet other people with similar interests, to learn and share together, and to have fun. For the latest events and workshops, 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 “Sometimes My Blues Change Color,” from July 28 to Sept. 1, and “The Art of the Horse & Horse Farm,” from Sept. 8 to Oct. 6. 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, First Light Café, community events, and a Rose Styron Garden. Exhibits include “Clifford: Our Big Red Dog,” “Ferry Tales,” 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 wooden 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 tours, cooking classes, yoga, and farm-to-table dinners. For details, visit thetrustees.org/tfi or call 508-627-7007.
Films, Theater, & Comedy
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 specific events, one day, or multiple days. Learn more and purchase tickets at mvaaff.com.
August 12: M.V. Soulfest Comedy Showcase, MVRHS Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs
Prepare for side-splitting laughter and fun entertainment with a show hosted by Corey Manning, who will guide you through a night of comedy by Capone, Barbara Carlyle, and Lawrence Killebrew. For tickets to the show, which begins 5:30 pm, visit marthasvineyardsoulfest.com.
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. View the schedule at tbdimprov.com.
Drive-in Movies, Circuit Arts and YMCA, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in movie experience, including a concession stand with drinks, popcorn, and candy, and FM radio transmission for the sound. The feature films are shown on a large screen in the parking area behind the M.V. Ice Arena. Check the lineup at driveinmv.com.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Immerse yourself in critically acclaimed movies and other events from the M.V. Film Society. The lineup includes feature films, documentaries, comedy shows, live music, Exhibition on Screen, Met Opera Live, National Theatre Live, and more. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
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 film directed by Doug Liman, a coming-of-age comedy, and documentaries on Afghanistan, a Baltimore mayor, the Amazon Labor Union, and more. For details and tickets, visit circuitarts.org or call 508-560-2134.
Sept. 3–8: M.V. International Film Festival, Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Engage with some of the best films from around the world that have creative stories and interesting characters. This 19th annual festival includes special guests and a juried competition for short films. For the lineup and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
Local Markets
August 15, 22, 29: African Crafts Summer Porch Sale, Road to Great Neck, West Tisbury
Discover handmade baskets, jewelry, and cloth from artisans in Livingstone, Zambia, which support the income and educational sponsorship programs that the African Artists Community Development Project has been offering to families with disabled children. The hours for each day are 10 am to 2 pm. To learn more, visit aacdpafrica.org/blog-1.
Sundays in August and Sept.: 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’s like a farmers market, antique show, artisan fair, and a body/mind/spirit expo all in one, plus live music. The hours are 9 am to 1 pm in August and 10 am to 2 pm in Sept. For updates, visit facebook.com/oakbluffsopenmarket.
Sundays and Thursdays: Vineyard Artisans Festival, Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Meet local artisans, see demonstrations of fine art and crafts, and discover furniture, pottery, stained glass, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, quilts, handmade books, and much more. The hours are 10 am to 2 pm. The festival is also open for Labor Day weekend at the Agricultural Hall. For details, visit vineyardartisans.com.
Tuesdays in August: Edgartown Village Market, Daniel Fisher House
Meet local growers and makers and shop for Island-grown produce, flowers, and one-of-a-kind goods in an open-air setting at a Main Street market. It’s open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the grounds are accessible to bikers and pedestrians. To learn more, visit edgartownvillagemarket.com.
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’s open 9 am to 2 pm through Sept. 7, with free entry and parking. For updates, check facebook.com/chilmarkflea.
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. It’s open from 9 am to 12 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays in August and on Saturdays in Sept. View the list of vendors at wtfmarket.org.
Music Concerts
August 11: Jazz on the Vineyard, Tashmoo Spring Building, Vineyard Haven
This 13th annual music fundraiser features Grammy award-winning artist Samara Joy. The concert benefits SATO, an organization working to close the achievement gap for minority students. Tickets at jazzonthevineyard.org.
August 13: M.V. Soulfest Concert, MVRHS Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs
Experience a night of soul, jazz, and R&B by vocalists Raheem Devaughn, Kevin Ross, and Angelena Hightower, as well as saxophonist Mike Rollins with an ensemble of musicians. For more information and tickets, visit marthasvineyardsoulfest.com.
August 15: Live in Concert: Livingston Taylor, M.V. Film Center, Vineyard Haven
Enjoy a special performance by the legendary singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor, who comes from a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh. Grammy-nominated Matt Cusson opens the evening. Tickets at mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
August 30, 31, Sept. 1: M.V. Jazz and Blues Summerfest, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
This year’s concerts at the Old Whaling Church feature SAGE, Sammulous, and Uptown Royalty NYC on Friday, August 30, and The Lulada Club and Winard Harper & Jeli Posse on Sunday, Sept. 1. There is also a free concert at Oak Bluffs library on Saturday, August 31. For the Edgartown shows, tickets are at mvjazzbluessummerfest.com.
Sundays in the Park Concerts, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
A concert will take place in the bandstand at Ocean Park every Sunday in August from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for a seaside celebration of music and summer. Some of the performances showcase the Vineyard Haven Band. These community events are made possible by the Oak Bluffs Parks & Recreation Department.
Mondays and Fridays in August: 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, Mike Benjamin Band, Jon Zeeman, and Joanne Cassidy. For the schedule, visit featherstoneart.org/music.html.
Tuesdays: MVYRadio Summer Concert Series, Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Edgartown
Gather for live music performances every Tuesday in August at 6 pm at a resort that’s just steps away from South Beach. The lineup includes Vanna Pacella, Victoria Cardona, John McNamara, Melo Green, Monica Rizzio, Aldous Collins, Dalton & The Sheriffs, and Natalia Bonfini. Learn more at mvyradio.org/events.
Wednesdays in August: Community Sing at the Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs
Have fun singing songs in the largest, covered, outdoor performance space on the Island. There is a new theme every week, such as the Beatles, Broadway show tunes, songbook favorites, and more. Sing along every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Visit mvcma.org/calendar.
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 until Sept. 5 and from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Sept. 12. The performers include the Mike Benjamin Band, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Awen Family Band, and more. For details, visit eisenhauergallery.com.
Fridays in August: Sunset Concert Series, Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs
Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and blankets to enjoy a fun evening with live music. The bands and musicians include Dukes of Circuit Avenue, Russell Hall, and Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Each concert begins at 6 pm, so arrive early to get settled. Check the schedule at mvcma.org/mvcmaevents.
Recreation
August 25: Annual Oar & Paddle Regatta, Island Spirit Kayak, Oak Bluffs
Paddlers and swimmers of all ages are welcome to come together to race 2.4 miles across Sengekontacket Pond to raise funds for the Friends of Sengekontacket, who work to keep the pond protected. There are a variety of racing categories in this family event, and even dogs can join the fun. For details and to register, visit islandspiritkayak.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 and the online calendar at mvtimes.com/things-to-do-4-2.
