The season is in full swing on Martha’s Vineyard and the activities are nearly endless for vacationers and islanders alike. While the beach may be a tempting respite, the island is alive with all sorts of events – from oyster farm tours to sand sculpture contests. We’ve scoured the calendar to bring you the very best island-only activities taking place this month:
- Soak in the Silver Screen: Sick of the sun? Head to the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center for Documentary Week taking place Monday, July 31 through Friday, August 4. Not only will the Center be screening a host of amazing documentaries, but the documentarians themselves will be there to discuss the films.
- Catch Some Tunes (with a View): Ease into the evening with an hour of great music every Tuesday night at the MVYRadio Porch Series. Enjoy the sounds – and the sights – of live music on the Harbor View’s front porch featuring musicians such as The Brother’s Rye and Nate D’Angelo.
- Be There First: Relish in the music, art and food at Vineyard Haven’s monthly First Friday event on Friday, August 4. Stroll down Main Street and meet the makers of some fabulous island originals.
- Become a Bookworm: Finish all your beach reads? Don’t miss the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival taking place August 5-6 at the Harbor View Hotel and Chilmark Community Center. The weekend will feature discussions from up and coming authors as well as established mainstays.
- Experience Moving Art: The one-of-a-kind Built on Stilts Dance Festival is coming to Oak Bluffs two weekends in a row in August. Grab a seat for this free event at Union Chapel to experience dance of all shapes and sizes, including ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, tap, breakdance, belly-dance, tai chi and more.
- Hear a Tale (or Two): Head to the Tabernacle on Saturday, August 5th to see The Moth live in an island-only setting. Previous storytellers include an astronaut, an undertaker, a Vodoo priestess and a retired NYPD detective, among many others. Remember to buy tickets in advance for this once-a-summer event.
- Light a Lantern: Wednesday, August 16th marks one of the island’s most magical events: Grand Illumination Night. This not-to-be-missed night takes place in the Oak Bluffs Campground featuring ornate and antique lanterns being lit as the Tabernacle band strikes up a patriotic tune. Meander along lantern-lit pathways among our island’s treasured Victorian cottages. It’s a family favorite and longstanding island tradition.
- Have Fun at the Fair: The 156th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair will be in full swing Thursday, August 17 through Sunday, August 20. There’s so much to see and do, including rides, games, shucking contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, fiber-arts tent, dog & livestock shows. Did we mention the fair food?
- See Fireworks Fly: One of the biggest nights of the summer, the Oak Bluffs Fireworks are taking place on Friday, August 18. Bring the whole family and enjoy a live band from the gazebo before the real show begins at dusk.
- Take a Tour: Ever wonder where exactly your oysters come from? Join the Farm.Field.Sea. tour of an island oyster farm by boat on Thursday, August 24. Learn more about these briny bivalves while learning what it takes to run an aquatic farm. Maybe you’ll even get to taste the bounty!