It’s the month we wait for all year long: August on Martha’s Vineyard is simply not to be missed. Our calendars are full with fun events from wine and film festivals to home tours and of course, the Annual Ag Fair. Take your pick of our top 10 activities to take part in this month:
- Meet the Fleet: Celebrate the Vineyard’s fishing community at Meet the Fleet 2018 on Thursday, August 2 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Activities include tours on the historic fishing vessel Roann, music by Goodnight Louise, crab races, raffle and more.
- Muse Over Music: On Friday, August 10 at 4:00 p.m., the West Tisbury Public Library will be hosting “Clair de Lune: Music of Debussy, Fauré & Hahn” featuring soprano Olivia de Geofroy and pianist Adele Dreyer. The event is free and open to the public – don’t miss out!
- Snack on S’mores: Take in one of the best views of the island and then enjoy s’mores at the up-island favorite The Beach Plum Inn. S’mores happen every Wednesday during the month of August from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Find Your Film: Monday, August 6 kicks off the 16th Annual MV African American Film Festival, taking place at the MV Performing Arts Center. The film-filled festival spans over six days with multiple screenings a day produced by and starring African Americans from across the world.
- Tour Historical Homes: Ever wonder what the inside of your favorite stately Edgartown homes look like? The 11th Annual Edgartown House Tour & Tea will take place on Tuesday, August 7 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The tour begins with a presentation by historian Mary Jane Carpenter followed by tours of three classic New England homes plus tea served in a backyard waterfront garden overlooking Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquididick.
- Sip with Soul: Head to Farm Neck Golf Club on Saturday, August 11 for one of the most anticipated wine events of the season. Soul of Sonoma on the Vineyard will feature culinary creations by local Chef Deon Thomas paired with wine from some of California's premium award-winning black-owned vineyards. Buy your tickets in advance for this inaugural island event!
- Light up the Night: Don’t miss one of the most magical nights of the summer: Grand Illumination Night. The once-a-summer event is taking place on Wednesday, August 15 at the Trinity Park Tabernacle. Get there early for a sing-a-long at 7:30, stay until dark when the Campground lights up with lanterns of all shapes and sizes.
- Come to the Fair: Thursday, August 16 marks opening day of the 157th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Join the festivities Thursday through Sunday at the West Tisbury Agricultural Hall and grounds including the skillet toss, livestock shows and of course, fair food.
- Celebrate Summer with a Bang: Mark your calendars for Friday, August 17 for an event that is not to be missed. Grab your picnic blanket and chairs to scout out your spot on Ocean Park for the Annual Oak Bluffs Fireworks. Prepare to be awed by fireworks exploding right over the ocean at dark.
- Bid Adieu to Summer: Send off summer in style at the Farewell to Summer Concert by the Vineyard Sound on Saturday, August 25. The event, at the Old Whaling Church, will feature a diverse repertoire with everything from jazz standards and contemporary pop songs to children’s music and indie rock.