August is here in all its splendor. The best of the Vineyard is waiting for you...the Fair, the fireworks, the beach. Enjoy the warm days and cooler nights and check out our top 12 things to do in August!
- Die Fledermaus - August 1st-4th @ 7:30 pm at the Katharine Cornell Theater. Don’t miss this stunning opera, Die Fledermaus or The Revenge of the Bat, performed in English, abridged with no intermission. General and Reserved seating available.
- Canvas & Chords - Saturday, August 3rd from 6:00 - 9:30 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. You won’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity taking place at the new location of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. In addition to the incredible view of Vineyard Haven Harbor you will be treated to live music, silent and live auction items, and an array of unique works of art curated specifically for this event.
- The Moth Mainstage - Saturday, August 3rd @ 7:30 pm at the Tabernacle. The Moth Mainstage returns to Martha's Vineyard for another evening of true stories, told live, without notes. The Moth celebrates the ability of stories to honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and to satisfy a vital human need for connection. It seeks to present recognized storytellers among established and emerging writers, performers and artists and to encourage storytelling among communities whose stories often go unheard. Beyond theater, The Moth Mainstage is a community where entertainment and enlightenment merge.
- Martha's Vineyard Book Festival - August 3rd and 4th from 9-4 at the Chilmark Community Center. Set exclusively this year up-Island in Chilmark, the MV Book Festival's lineup includes Pulitzer and National Book award-winners and many New York Times best sellers as well as local favorites.
- 17th Annual MV African American Film Festival - August 5-10 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center. The Run&Shoot Filmworks Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival also known as "The Summer's Finest Film Festival" is now entering its 17th year on Martha's Vineyard. They have screened and promoted some of the most outstanding and emerging Feature, Documentary and Short films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world. http://www.mvaaff.com/
- Built on Stilts - August 8-11 August 15 August 17-18. The community dance party that takes up residence at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs.
- Beach Road Weekend - August 9-11. Friday night: Jaws film in concert performed by the Cape Symphony. Saturday: Featuring John Fogerty, Dispatch, Alejandro Escovedo, Mason Jennings and North Mississippi Allstars. Sunday: Featuring Grace Potter, Galactic, Matisyahi and The Original Wailers.
- The Grand Illumination of the Oak Bluffs Campground, a.k.a. “Illumination Night,” August 14th @ 7:30 pm. An annual tradition, the gingerbread cottages in the Camp Ground are festooned with colorful lanterns that are illuminated all at once after sunset. Dating from the turn of the 19th century, Grand Illumination is a crowd pleasing event that attracts visitors from all over.
- The 157th Martha’s Vineyard Livestock Show and Fair - August 15th - 18th. Come to the Fair!! Rides, games, shucking contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, fiber-arts tent, dog & livestock shows. www.marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org
- Fireworks and Band Concert - August 16th @ 6pm - Oak Bluffs harbor. Don’t miss the best fireworks show on the island. Check out the Vineyard Haven Town Band every Sunday at Ocean Park! 8:00-9:00 pm through August!
- MV Concert Series: Livingston Taylor - Friday, August 23 @ 8:00pm at Old Whaling Church. Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, which began a 50-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first record at the age of 18 and has continued to create well crafted, introspective, and original songs that have earned him listeners worldwide.
- Sunset Kayak & Campfire - August 24th @ 7:00 pm. Enjoy the tranquility of Long Cove Pond at night. Savor the sunset and moonrise as we paddle to Water Lily Cove. After kayaking, take in a campfire complete with s'mores under the moonlight. Appropriate for children ages 6 and above. Children 15 and under must paddle with an adult. Pre-registration strongly suggested as space is limited.