- Exhibit: Marion Wilson: She Speaks with the Ocean - May 1st through 7th at the MV Museum - This exhibition invites visitors through an immersive installation of the sounds and sights of water, including a mock-lab showing algae growth, imagined maps of the Island’s Great Ponds and the fish they hold, and an opportunity to share the ways in which we all speak with the ocean.
- Exhibit: Jaws: Creating Amity Island - Throughout May from 10:00am to 4:00pm - In the spring of 1974, Hollywood descended on the Island. Universal Studios had bought the film rights to the book Jaws and the film’s director, a young Steven Spielberg, was determined to shoot on location. Martha’s Vineyard had been cast in a critical role — Amity Island, a fictional beach community terrorized by a great white shark. As the cameras started to roll, Islanders shaped the production both behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera — they wrangled boats, built sets, and acted as extras and supporting cast members. this mini-exhibit, a teaser to our 50th-anniversary exhibition in 2025, explore a unique perspective on the film that ushered in the age of “summer blockbusters” and created nationwide interest in Martha’s Vineyard. The exhibit features behind-the-scenes photos, including those taken by Vineyard Gazette photographer Edith Blake, as well as collectibles, ranging from original Jaws merchandise and a poster from the Island premiere of the film to a detailed model of the Orca, the fishing boat on which the third act of the film takes place.
- Tacos, Tortillas, and Mocktail Margaritas - Thursday, May 4 at 5:30pm to 7:00pm - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by learning tips and tricks to making the best (inauthentic) Mexican street fare that you can enjoy all year long! This class will feature a local menu with homemade tortillas, Farm Institute pork, and of course, a margarita mocktail to wash it all down with. Cost: member: $40; non-member: $50.
- Moonlight Kayak Tour - Friday, May 5th at 6:00pm - See Sengekontacket Pond in a new light - moonlight - as we celebrate each month's full moon. With a guide, kayak on the pond as the sun sets, stars twinkle, and the moon rises. Ages 14+ only. Call 508-627-4850 to register and for updated start time.
- Pirates Puzzle Escape Room - Saturdays in May - Play our fun and immersive escape room games and create new memories. Work with your team to solve a series of puzzles in our Jaws or Vineyard Mystery rooms. In our Jaws room, save the town of Amity from another Jaws attack. In our Vineyard Mystery room, chase Pirate Captain Drew Whitney around famed Martha's Vineyard landmarks and recover the famed Flying Horses Carousel brass ring that he stole. Reserve your time at https://www.marthasvineyardescaperoom.com/escape-room-pirates-puzzle
- 40th Annual Bird-a-Thon - May 12th & 13th - Our annual fundraiser, where teams of birders and boosters set out to spot the most species of birds in 24 hours in Massachusetts and raise money for Felix Neck. Interested in birding? Call us at 508-627-4850!
- Mother’s Day at Harbor View Hotel 2023 - Sunday, May 14th - Edgartown’s Celebration of Spring and Mother’s Day is a fun and festive time on Martha’s Vineyard. Harbor View Hotel is at the center of all the festivities. Book a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride from the hotel. Walk to town for shopping. Many stores offer spring specials during this week. Capture your Mother’s Day Celebration in photos. Reach out to one of our best island photographers to book a photo session. Stunning views provide the perfect backdrop.
- Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club Fly Rod Striped Bass Catch and Release Tournament - May 20th & 21st - Saturday May 20th, registration, Noon - 3 pm: at MV Rod & Gun Club: 265 The Blvd., Edgartown. Saturday May 20th, 7 pm - May 21st, 2 am: Tournament fishing begins at 7 pm and ends at 2 am. Sunday May 21st, 8 am – 9:30 am: Grab bag breakfast treats with coffee and/or juice, at MV Rod & Gun Club: 265 The Blvd., Edgartown. Results must be turned in by 9 am. Sunday May 21st, awards ceremony, 9:30 am: Awards ceremony at MV Rod & Gun Club: 265 The Blvd., Edgartown.
- MV BIG Golf Fore Kids Tournament - Sunday, May 21st from 7:00am to 1:00pm - Join us for the 34th annual MV BIG Golf Fore Kids Tournament at Mink Meadows Golf Club. Get ready for a fun-filled day of golf, giveaways, course contests, raffle, silent auction, on- course refreshments, post-play awards reception and lunch provided by Chef Deo's Kitchen. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a 100% donor supported agency and relies on the generosity of people like you to sustain our programs. For more information contact Tori Costa, Fundraising Events Coordinator at, tcosta@emassbigs.org or 978-828-9707
- Farm to Focaccia: Bread Art with Vineyard Baker - Saturday, May 27th from 10:00am to 12:00pm - Join Teri Culletto of Vineyard Baker for a hands-on focaccia class! We’ll start our class with a walk through our Friendship Garden to gather herbs, other edible ingredients, and inspiration for the designs we’ll bake into our bread. Back in the farm kitchen, Teri will walk participants through the steps to making their very own focaccia from start to finish. All participants will take home a freshly made loaf with a beautiful design of their own creation. Tickets: Trustees of Reservations member: $48; non-member: $60. Register at thetrustees.org.
- Vineyard Artisans Memorial Day Festival - May 27th & 28th from 10:00am to 4:00pm - Our opening show of the season! Come and see all the new work our Island Artists have been working on all winter. The only art show on Martha’s Vineyard exclusively featuring all Island artisans with handmade fine furniture, sculpture, clothing, fine art one-of-a-kind jewelry, fine ceramics and so much more. Free parking and admission, catered food, many demonstrations, playground for kids.
- Talking Tomatoes with Lydia Fischer of Garden Farm - Sunday, May 28th from 10:30am to noon - In this talk, Lydia will share everything you need to know to successfully grow tomatoes: place and time to plant, diseases or pests to look out for, benefits of pruning, favorite varieties, trellising suggestions, etc. There will then be time for Q and A! This is the first talk in a two-part series; join us in June to try your hand at tomato pruning with two Sungold plants from Garden Farm!
- Martha's Vineyard Sound - May 28th from 12:00pm to 10:00pm - Mark your calendars for a musical mashup of reggae, rock, soul and more.. behind The Cove Minigolf on Martha's Vineyard. Gates open at 12 p.m. with live music starting shortly after! Local acts Black Brook Singers, Adam Howell & Queen of Cups, Maryse Smith & the Off-island Boys, Grateful Dread, Phil daRosa Band w/Darby Patterson, Johnny Hoy & The Bluefish and Dukes County Love Affair, will support nationally touring artists Exco Levi and Jr. Toots. Do't miss this family friendly day of music, beer, food, outdoor kids’ games and mini-golf!