September on Martha’s Vineyard is a magical time. The crowds have dwindled, but the island is still hopping. Spend your days on the beaches and trails, and your evenings in town or by the fireplace. Here are a few of our favorite things to do this September on the island. Cheers!
- Wednesday, September 1 & 8 and Saturday September 4 & 11 from 9:00am to 2:00pm - Chilmark Flea Market - The oldest outdoor Flea Market venue on the Island. The "Flea" has evolved into a market like no other. High quality handmade items from Vineyard artists and craftsmen, antiques, imports and vintage finds, including jewelry, clothing, art, food items and more.
- Friday, September 3rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Saturday and Sunday, September 4th & 5th from 10:00 to 5:00pm - Vineyard Artisans Labor Day Weekend Festival - The largest art show on Martha’s Vineyard featuring Island artists with unique furniture, clothing, ceramics, jewelry and fine art from the Islands top artists. Watch a weaver making a beautiful scarf from wool harvested from her own flock. Enjoy watching a young Island artist create his latest masterpiece. Be enchanted listening to the Islands only female blacksmith explain how she forged her lovely bracelets. These and many more unique experiences, including live local music, await you at this premiere show.
- Monday, September 6 at 9:00am to 10:00am - Public Farm Tour - Join us for a one-hour guided tour of our certified-organic farm. Your guide will walk you through a day-in-the-life on an udder-to-table farm and introduce you to a few of our furry and feathered friends. It’s a fun hour for the whole family. Although we can never guarantee seeing something specific, we do promise a good time. Closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and a bottle of water are recommended. Masks are not required for those vaccinated, per MA state mandate. Gratuity encouraged. This tour accommodates up to 25 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Tuesday, September 7th through Sunday, September 12th - International Film Festival - The recurring theme of the annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival is “Other Places, Other People”; the festival’s purpose is to encourage attendees to think broadly (about how huge the world of film is) and deeply (about the universal concerns and desires that unite all people). About 90% of all film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film.
- Saturday, September 11 from 10:30 to 3:00pm - Martha's Vineyard Wind Festival - Events include kite making and model sailboat racing for children, and kite flying and frisbee games for young and old. Rain date is Sept. 12.
- Beginning Sunday, September 12th at 12:01 am - Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby - For 76 years, "The Derby" has been a time to renew friendships, share a cup of coffee and create memories that fuel the winters exaggerated fishing stories.
- Saturdays and Wednesday from 9:00am to 12:00pm - West Tisbury Farmers' Market - Outdoor farmers market features locally grown produce and meat and locally made products. The market is dedicated to bringing local agricultural products to the people both living on and visiting the Island. The market was started in 1974 by a group of Island growers. That first year they had about a dozen farmers selling their produce.
- Live Music at the Ritz - Nightly in September - Featured performers include Johnny Hoy + the Bluefish, Rosie’s Ritzy Revue, The Black Eyed Susans and more! Shows begin at 8:00pm and 10:00pm.
- Cape Pogue Lighthouse Tour - throughout September - Enjoy an over-sand vehicle adventure to the remote Cape Pogue Lighthouse. Climb the spiral staircase of the century-old wooden lighthouse and discover intriguing stories of the keepers of the light who watched over these ocean waters. This tour is great for explorers of all ages. Pre-registration strongly recommended as space is limited. Make it a day. Explore Mytoi, walk the salt marsh trail or enjoy a picnic on the beach. Walk on beach fees are waived ($5: non-members; Free: child) for tour participants. Tours start from Mytoi Garden parking lot (Approx 2.5-mile drive/bike from Chappy Ferry). Parking and bike racks are free at Mytoi Garden.
- Sundays in September from 10:00 to 2:00 - Oak Bluffs Open Market - The Open Market is an ever-changing variety of locally grown produce, specialty foods, flowers, indie designers, artisans, antique and vintage dealers. Music returns from noon to 2 p.m.
- Mondays in September from 6:00pm to 9:00pm - Musical Mini Golf Mondays & Food Truck Takeover - Enjoy an evening of live, soulful acoustic music outdoors with Island legend David Soltz, The El Gato Grande Food Truck takeover with new guest chefs weekly, Mad Martha's Ice Cream, and $10 mini golf for all.
- Sundays in the Park from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Ocean Park!
Sept. 5: Rose Guerin & the Family Band
Sept. 12: Mrs. Biskis
Sept. 19: Outskirts
Sept. 26: John O'Toole Band