While there’s certainly a slower pace in February on Martha’s Vineyard, our social calendars are still filled. This month you can get creative with how you’re spending your time. Want to try your hand as a farmer? Wish you were a wizard? February brings a whole host of events – ones you’ll only find on our small island. Here’s our roundup of the top 10 events:
- Be a Wizard for a Day: Grab the kids and head to the West Tisbury Public Library on Thursday, February 1 for a magical Harry Potter Book Night. Activities include creating your own fantastical creatures, readings from your favorite Harry Potter books, visiting Hagrid’s Hut, and serving up snacks inspired by some of the wizard foods in the books.
- View Local Art: Head to the West Tisbury Public Library on Saturday, February 3 for the opening reception of “My Island Veterans” by artist Dylan Spencer Kenney. The event, taking place from 4 – 5 p.m., will feature refreshments and live music by Porchlight while visitors view Kenney’s tribute to Island veterans.
- Enjoy a Lecture and a Bite: On Wednesday, February 7, the Black Dog Tavern will be holding the next in its “Dinner and Lecture Series.” This lecture will feature Amy Kukulya, an ocean vehicle operations engineer, and Kara Dodge, a postdoctoral research scientist, as they present their work with Turtlecam to better understand leatherback sea turtles.
- Ring in the Lunar New Year: To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the Vineyard Haven Public Library is presenting “Behind the Mask: The Monkey King” – a Chinese-culture-themed evening for adults and children. The highlight will be Boston-based master puppeteers Behind the Mask as they present Monkey King Makes Mischief in Heaven. Space is limited, so reserve your spot for the event taking place on Thursday, February 8.
- See the Shorts: On Friday, February 9, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center will be screening the 2018 Oscar Nominated Shorts. View shorts spanning the three categories of Animated, Live Action and Documentary. Tickets are $9 for members, $12 for nonmembers.
- Muse over a Mollusk: Love oysters? Then this event is for you. Harbor View Hotel is hosting an oyster-centric evening on Saturday, February 10 called “Romancing the Oyster.” Don your cocktail-style apparel to sample oysters from across the island and enjoy oyster-inspired bites while learning more about the Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group.
- Wear PJs During the Day: The Chilmark Preschool PTO is hosting a “Pajama Family Movie Night” at the Chilmark Community Center on Saturday, February 10. Wear your PJ’s, bring a sleeping bag and enjoy a screening of The Peanuts Movie with pizza, popcorn and face painting.
- Dine with your Valentine: Celebrate with the one you love at a very special Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Harbor View Hotel on Wednesday, February 14. Enjoy a three course pix-fix menu designed by Executive Chef Richard Doucette among a romantic setting. Reservations recommended, so book early!
- Support the Theater: From Thursday, February 15 through Sunday February 18, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School will be presenting a production of “West Side Story.” View the iconic musical featuring MVRHS students and staff.
- Try Your Hand at Being a Farmhand: Ever wonder what it’s like to be a farmer? The Farm Institute is hosting a “Farmer for the Day” event inviting anyone to get a glimpse at farm life. Grab your work boots on Monday, February 19 to work on farm chores that may include collecting eggs, working on a homesteading project or checking on mother ewes for signs of labor.