If you are a newcomer to Martha’s Vineyard – welcome to these beautiful shores! You will soon discover what veteran visitors and permanent residents have always known: that this island is a great summertime destination.

Yes, it boasts pristine sandy beaches and turquoise waters, warm, sunny days and pleasantly breezy evenings. But there’s more: whether you are looking for active lifestyle, great food, music and art, or just tranquility and relaxation, Martha’s Vineyard has it all!

There is no way to list ALL the events that place on the island from the Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can find more information here.

We’d like to focus on some of the island’s most interesting outdoor events, such as water and seashore activities, walking, outdoor markets, festivals and celebrations, and live music.

Let’s start!

Water and seashore activities:

Spectacular Sunset Kayak Tours on Sengekontacket Pond, on single and double kayaks start on June 1 and continue on Wednesdays through September 28, at 100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown.

From June 3 until October 7, join the Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour. Enjoy an over-sand vehicle tour to the remote Cape Pogue Lighthouse, climb the spiral staircase of the century-old wooden lighthouse and discover intriguing stories of the light keepers who watched over these ocean waters. Times for tours are 9:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. daily from Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge Dike Road, Chappaquiddick. Pre-registration strongly recommended. Complimentary pick-up/drop-off at Chappy Ferry available for tours registered in advance.

What would a visit to Martha’s Vineyard be without a Seashore Discovery walk? From June 13 to September 2 at 10 am, start at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary 100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown, and meet amazing creatures of the sea. Take a short walk through the forest to a protected beach, where you will explore shallow waters with dip nets and use a large seine net to catch fish, crabs and other pond wildlife. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Walking:

Annual Cross-Island Hike takes place on Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 a.m. This event exposes hikers to the network of trails that connect the island’s many conservation lands and public properties. This year it will start at the Pecoy Point Preserve in Oak Bluffs and – via Chappaquiddick Island – end 21 miles later at the left fork of South Beach in Edgartown.

Saturday Stroll on Main Street. From June 4 until October 8, visit Main Street in Vineyard Haven for live entertainment, unique shopping experiences at independently owned shops, trunk shows, visiting artists, and food & beverages galore!

From June 7 through September 27, join the Looking Together Tour at Polly Hill Arboretum, 809 State Road, West Tisbury. During these guided walks, you will learn about the Arboretum, a 70-acre public garden with trees and plants from around the world.

Outdoor markets:

West Tisbury Farmers’ Market, from June 4 through October 8, from 9 a.m until noon. This outdoor market, which has been a local fixture since 1974, features locally grown produce, meat and products.

Chilmark Flea Market, 142 North Road, Chillmark. The oldest outdoor venue on the island, this market offers high-quality handmade items from Vineyard artists and craftsmen, antiques, imports, and vintage finds. From June 24 to September 3.

A Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., is a kick-off to the Vineyard’s summer social season. It offers the island’s best food, wine and hand-crafted beers from over 85 fine food and beverage participants. Jerry Bennett and the Sultan’s 12 -piece band provide entertainment. Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown.

Festivals and celebrations:

Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival

From June 12 through September 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grange Hall, 1067 State Road, West Tisbury. A Vineyard summer tradition and the only weekly juried art show where the public can meet over 70 artisans and buy directly from them. Many demonstrations, weaving, fine furniture, pottery, stained glass, oil paintings, pastels, mixed media, sculpture, wampum jewelry, quilts, clothing, sea glass windows, handmade books and much more.

Annual Museum Summer Opening Party

Friday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m. at Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 59 School Street, Edgartown. The annual Museum Summer Opening Party will take place on the lawn of the Edgartown campus. Enjoy food and drink under the tent, and help unveil Re:Make, an exhibition of 18th and 19th century fashion paired with modern fashion, as well as Island Spirits an exhibit on 1920s prohibition. The 18th century Cooke House will also open for the season.

Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival will be held on June 18, starting at 11 a.m. at Oak Bluffs Harbor. Live music, local artists, craftsmen and antique dealers, as well as non-profit organizations offering a tempting array of baked goods, raffles and information about their causes, will be on hand.

Summer Solstice Celebration on Monday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come celebrate the longest day of the year with stories, campfire, music, and tasty treats in the old stone amphitheater. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, 100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown.

Celebrate our nation’s independence with the 4th of July Parade on July 4 at 5:00 p.m. through the center of Edgartown. It features floats, bands, classic cars and more. Arrive early to find a viewing spot. Limited parking.

All Island Art Show is a longstanding tradition, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Come explore the annual exhibit featuring original works displayed at the Camp Ground. August 1, Trinity Park Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs.

Live music:

On Mondays during June and August, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., there are a variety of live performances at the Featherstone Center’s for the Arts outdoor stage.

Also at the Featherstone,Thursdays are jazz days when you can hear some wonderful jazz combos. From June 30 to August 18.

Friday Night Sunset Concert Series, featuring local and off-island musicians start on July 1 at 6:30 p.m. on the Tabernacle’s lawn, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs.

And speaking of music, we at Martha’s Vineyard Live Music (MVLM) participate in and support all that our local community has to offer. Our musicians perform at a variety of events, so don’t be shy about contacting us!

Whichever of the listed activities strikes your fancy – enjoy! And have a wonderful summer on Martha’s Vineyard!