Summer is here and that means Martha’s Vineyard is coming alive with music, arts, great food, nature, water sports, fairs, and, of course, sandy beaches and warm ocean breezes.
From Memorial Day at the end of May to Labor Day in September, the island offers so many exciting activities for its visitors and residents to enjoy. Whatever you like to do, chances are you can do them right here on the Island.
Since it is impossible to list all the activities (there are just so many!), we will focus on outdoor fairs, festivals, and nature treks that entire families can enjoy. All the other activities are listed here vineyardvisitor.com, mvol.com, and vineyardgazette.com.
So let the fun begin…
JUNE
June 1: Windemere’s Live & Silent Auction
The silent auction benefits Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Grange Hall, 1067 State Road, West Tisbury, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
June 2: Annual Cross-Island Hike
We hope your shoes were made for walking so you can celebrate National Trails Day – the first Saturday of June – by hiking the 17.2 miles from Menemsha Beach in Chilmark to the Blackwater Pond Reservation in West Tisbury. The event begins at 8:15 a.m.
Also on June 2 and each weekend throughout the summer, you can visit Edgartown Lighthouse, which underwent major renovations in 2007, including the installation of a staircase to the lantern room. A lighthouse keeper will be available to answer questions.
June 4: Farm Tours
Adults and kids alike will enjoy a walking tour of Grey Barn and Farm. It’s a really mooo-ving experience! From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 15: Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll
Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll is a fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. It features dozens of excellent food and drink stands, so it is certainly a fun (and not just worthy) event. Daniel Fisher House Lawn, Edgartown, 6:30 p.m.
June 17: 26th Annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival
A not-to-be-missed event, where local vendors, nonprofits, and artisans gather along the harbor to celebrate the arrival of summer. The kid-friendly festival offers live music, art, crafts, food, and summer-themed festivities for the whole family.
June 23: Strawberry Festival
There will be no shortage of strawberry shortcakes, ice cream, smoothies, jams, and other treats at this flavorful festival that kids, and many adults, will enjoy. Starting at noon at First Congressional Church of West Tisbury, 1051 State Rd.
JULY
July 1: 19th Annual Evening of Discovery
The Annual Evening of Discovery benefits the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Vineyard Haven, 5:30 p.m.
July 4: Independence Day celebrations
Fourth of July Parade. An annual tradition that will take place on Main Street, Edgartown, starting at 5 p.m. It will be followed at 9 p.m. by Fourth of July Fireworks over the Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse Beach.
July 8: Tisbury Annual Street Fair
Held to celebrate the town’s founding in 1671, this event is a barrel of fun for all ages: live music, food, various local vendors, face painting, rock climbing, and other activities. Main Street in Vineyard Haven.
July 10: Featherstone Center for the Arts Gala
The Arts Gala raises funds for this community center. Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
July 15 and 16: Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast and Festival
This cultural event features typical Portuguese foods and a colorful parade where participants wear Azorean costumes and play traditional music. At Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs.
July 30: Possible Dream Auction
Funds raised through this auction and raffle will benefit the Island’s community programs and services.
AUGUST
August 5 and 6: Martha’s Vineyard Author Series and Book Festival
This annual event, which celebrates the Island’s rich literary history, is a must for all book lovers. Chilmark Community Center, 520 S. Road, 7:30 p.m.
August 7: All Island Art Show
A longstanding Martha’s Vineyard tradition, the All Island Art Show brings together professional and amateur Island artists and their works. Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
August 16: Illumination Night
This special highlight of the summer season. is worth seeing! You will “oooh” and “aaah” at the beautiful cottages decorated with colorful Chinese and Japanese lanterns. A sight to behold! Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs.
August 17–August 20: Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair
This event attracts thousands of visitors each year. Family-friendly activities include rides, games, shucking contests, a skillet toss, horse pulls, woodsmen competition, and livestock shows. The fairgrounds in West Tisbury from 10 a.m.
SEPTEMBER
As summer is drawing to a close on Martha’s Vineyard, celebrate Labor Day with music.
September 1 – 3: Jazz and Blues Summer Festival
This annual event is a terrific way to wrap up an enjoyable summer season. Don’t miss it!
Before you go…
…don’t forget that music plays (no pun intended) a huge part on Martha’s Vineyard. Whatever genre it is — jazz, blues, rock, pop, classical, and anything in between — summer concerts and performances abound on the Island.
We know because Martha’s Vineyard Live Music consists of a group of musicians who perform at a variety of events here throughout the summer months. If you’d like to know what goes on where and when just contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
For now, we wish you a great and enjoyable summer on Martha’s Vineyard!
