Author Events
August 1–3: 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. For more information and to view the lineup of authors this year, visit mvbookfestival.com.
August 9: Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival, Island Inn, Oak Bluffs
Celebrate well-established and aspiring Black authors and their literary works at this 2nd annual event. It includes panel discussions, author showcases, fireside chats, book signings, refreshments, and more. It will be held from 1 to 7 pm. For details and tickets, visit mvbbf.com.
August 17–18: Islanders Write, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
This MV Times writers’ festival kicks off on Sunday, August 17, at 7:30 pm with a panel discussion on politics and the press. Then on Monday August 18, join award-winning writers with ties to Martha’s Vineyard and top publishing professionals for a day filled with 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 about this free event, visit islanderswrite.com.
Community Festivals
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 4, August 1, Sept. 5: 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.
July 27–August 2: 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 5: Jewish Culture Festival, West Tisbury
Join everyone for a third annual event that includes comedy from Elon Gold, live music, a high-end culinary experience from a broad selection of gourmet food, an art exhibit exploring Jewish identity, spirituality, and inspiration, and more. The festivities take place from 4 to 8 pm. Tickets are through Chabad on the Vineyard at jewishculturefest.com.
August 7–9, August 16–18: 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. Donations are welcomed. For details, visit builtonstilts.org.
August 20: 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 pm. For details, visit mvcma.org/grand-illumination.
August 21–24: Agricultural Fair, West Tisbury
Experience quintessential summer fun at the 163rd 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 22: Oak Bluffs Summer Fireworks Show, Ocean Park
Celebrate summer on Martha’s Vineyard with the annual fireworks show near Beach Road. It will begin after 9 pm when it becomes dark. Paid parking is available at Waban/Alley Park and Washington Park. The rain date is August 23. Find more information at oakbluffsma.gov/485/oak-bluffs-fireworks.
Sept. 7: Potters Bowl, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs
Beautiful handmade bowls created during the past year are donated for this special fundraising event. Select a handcrafted bowl of your choice and be served locally made soup from Island restaurants and caterers. It begins at 4 pm, with a rain date of Sept. 14. To learn more, visit featherstoneart.org or call 508-693-1850.
Exhibits & Gardens
Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club, West Tisbury
Enjoy programs and activities that cover a wide range of gardening topics and offer hands-on experience. The M.V. Garden Club provides 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 “Currents in Contemporary Ceramic Art,” which runs until July 20, “Interiority,” July 27 – August 17, and “The Phil & Eileen Brown New Yorker Cartoon Collection and Beyond,” August 24 – Sept. 14. 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 “Vanity: The Last Working Catboat,” “‘Jaws’ at 50: A Deeper Dive,” and “Mermaid Farm: Beauty & Struggle,” 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 the schedule, visit thetrustees.org/tfi or call 508-627-7007.
Films & Theater
Circuit Arts, West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs
Experience a vibrant mix of arts programming at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury and venues across the Island. Circuit Arts presents pay-what-you-can film screenings, live theater, dance, comedy, and more. Tickets and event details are available at circuitarts.org. They also program and operate the Vineyard’s Drive-In at the YMCA in Oak Bluffs, which is in partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA. Learn more at driveinmv.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. Check the schedule at tbdimprov.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. Plus there’s the M.V. Documentary Week from July 28 – August 1, and the M.V. International Film Festival from Sept. 2–7. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
August 1–9: M.V. African American Film Festival, Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs
This 23rd 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 day 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. July and August, 9 am to 1 pm. Sept., 10 am to 2 pm. For updates, visit facebook.com/oakbluffsopenmarket.
Sundays and Thursdays: Vineyard Artisans Festival, Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Meet local artisans, buy directly from them, and see demonstrations of fine art and crafts. The handmade items to discover include furniture, pottery, stained glass, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, quilts, handmade books, and much more. The market is open from 10 am to 2 pm. For details, visit vineyardartisans.com.
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. It is open from 10 am to 2 pm. To learn more, visit edgartownvillagemarket.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. It is open from 9 am to 12 pm. View the list of vendors at wtfmarket.org.
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.
July 19: Annual Native Artisan Market and Festival, Aquinnah
Shop directly from Native artisans, listen to live music, watch artist demonstrations, and make a craft of your own. The market will run from 11 am to 4 pm at the Aquinnah Cultural Center, located in the Aquinnah Circle. The rain date is Sunday, July 20. For more information, visit aquinnah.org.
August 2: 42nd 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, knitted and crocheted pieces, jewelry, woodwork, photography, notecards, screen prints, floral arrangements, home decor, jams, breads, and more. The fair will be open from 9 am to 2 pm. For details, visit mvcma.org.
Music Concerts
Sundays in the Park Concerts, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
Enjoy a seaside celebration of live music and the summer season. A concert will take place in the bandstand at Ocean Park every Sunday in the early evening. Some of the performances showcase the Vineyard Haven Band. These community events are made possible by the Oak Bluffs Parks & Recreation Department. Check the schedule at oakbluffsma.gov/181/Parks-Commission.
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.
Tuesdays: MVYRadio Summer Concert Series, Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Edgartown
At a resort that’s just steps away from South Beach, gather for live music performances every Tuesday in July and August at 6 pm. The lineup includes Laura Calista, Allie Chip, Sweet Petunia, Rebecca Correia & Keb Hutchings-McMahon, Richard James, Kimaya Diggs, Tyler Harmon, and Lyle Brewer. Learn more at mvyradio.org/events.
Wednesdays in July and 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 beloved bands are welcomed back 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.
Fridays in July and August: Sunset Concert Series, Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs
Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and blankets to enjoy a fun evening with live music. Each concert begins at 6 pm, so arrive early to get settled. Check the schedule of local bands and musicians on the calendar at mvcma.org/mvcmaevents.
July 6 and August 14: 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. The concert begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets at mvfilmsociety.com or call 508-696-9369.
August 11: Martha’s Vineyard Gospel Festival, Old Whaling Church, Edgartown
Join everyone for an inaugural concert to benefit food insecure and homeless neighbors. Featuring music by Grammy Award-winning artist Tamela Mann, along with other nationally and locally renowned gospel artists. The show is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
August 16-17: M.V. Soulfest Concert, MVRHS Performing Arts Center, Oak Bluffs
Experience two nights of soul, jazz, and R&B music at the annual Soulfest. The featured artists are Kevin Ross, Noel Gourdin, and Mike Rollins & Friends on August 16, and Andre Ward, Dreion, Phaedra, DJ Alcide, and D-Sticks on August 17. Each concert is from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. For tickets, visit marthasvineyardsoulfest.com.
August 17: Jazz on the Vineyard, Oak Bluffs
This 14th annual concert fundraiser benefits SATO, an organization working to close the achievement gap for minority students. It will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets at jazzonthevineyard.org.
August 29 – Sept. 1: M.V. Jazz and Blues Summerfest, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
This year’s opening night concert at Union Chapel features Alyson Williams, SAGE, and Sammulous. On Saturday, there is a Porch Performance at Edgartown Commons, and Jazz in the Garden & Gallery at Knowhere Art Gallery in Oak Bluffs. On Sunday, a Symphony & Soul Concert will take place at Union Chapel. For the schedule and tickets, visit mvjazzbluessummerfest.com.
Recreation
August 31: 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, and 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 the Vineyard Visitor website at vineyardvisitor.com and the event calendar at mvtimes.com/things-to-do-4-2.
