It’s the calm after the holiday season and Martha’s Vineyard is hunkering down for a few colder months. Between frosty nature walks, books by the fire and warm hot cocoa, we’re also enjoying some great events across the island. Here’s a snapshot of the island-only activities taking place this January on the Vineyard:
- Grab a Brew – and BBQ: Head to Offshore Ale every Wednesday during the month of January for Bands, Brews and BBQ. Enjoy a night of live music – plus a special BBQ menu in addition to the standard Offshore offerings.
- Take in Some Art: On Saturday, January 6, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse will be hosting an Artist’s Reception from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. for a new art exhibit called “Scape” by artist Debby Rosenthal. If you miss the opening reception, the gallery will be on display through February 1.
- Head on a Winter Walk: Join Polly Hill Arboretum staff on a winter walk of the arboretum grounds on Saturday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. Learn about the winter landscape from the experts – make sure to dress warmly!
- Join a Pizza Party: Cinnamon Starship’s Olivia Pattison will be hosting a Sourdough Pizza Party as part of the Vineyard Fermenters at the Oak Bluffs Public Library on Saturday, January 13. Pre-register for this class that will go through the basics of making sourdough pizza dough – then enjoy some pizzas fired in the mobile oven.
- View a Starry Night: Join stargazers at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday, January 17 for a winter’s walk among the stars. Starting at 5:30 p.m., Mark Alan Lovewell will share information on the changing night sky as we move into winter.
- Curl up with a Good Book: Practicing the winter art of “hygge”? Make sure to grab a good book to read by the fireplace! Head to the Vineyard Haven Public Library for its monthly “mini” book sale on Saturday, January 20 – proceeds benefit library programming.
- Watch a Riveting Movie: On Thursday, January 25, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center will be hosting a screening of “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story.” The film will tell the story of the Hollywood starlet who decides to exact revenge after Nazi U-Boats torpedo a ship carrying school children.
- Dine, and also Donate: Join do-gooders on Thursday, January 25 for a “Dine to Donate” fundraiser dinner at Offshore Ale to benefit Felix Neck. Present your Dine to Donate ticket to have 20 percent of pre-tax proceeds go to help fund the nonprofit’s nature-based pre-school fund.
- Have a Night at the Opera: Head to the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center on Saturday, January 27 for “The Met Live: Tosca.” The screening, starting at 12:45 p.m., features the opera by Giacomo Puccini based on Victorien Sardou's 1887 French-language dramatic play, La Tosca.
- Go on an Owl Prowl: On the evening of Wednesday, January 31, join nature lovers at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary for a winter walk in search of owls at the “Full Moon Owl Prowl.” At the event, you’ll use the light of the moon to look for owls and learn more about their nocturnal ways.