September brings our favorite time of the year on Martha’s Vineyard. The crowds begin to dwindle, but the water is warm and the sunsets are brilliant. We look forward to this quieter time on the island, but there’s still so much to do. Here are our picks for what to do on the island this month:
First Friday - Friday, September 1st from 4:00pm to 11:00pm - First Friday is an outdoor event in Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. We have music, art, and food, so stop by and check it out on the First Friday of each month June-October.
Sunset Concert Series: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish - Friday, September 1st from 6:00pm to 7:30pm - Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic if you'd like! Come enjoy and dance to an Island classic! Concert starts at 6 p.m. on the Tabernacle lawn!
Foot It For Felix! Run (Or Walk) For Wildlife - Saturday, September 2nd from 9:00am to 11:00am - Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is excited to welcome runners and walkers to its trails for this very special event! The Foot it for Felix 5K will take you through the beautiful nature trails of Felix Neck, providing views and inspiration with every step. Proceeds benefit the Sanctuary’s wildlife protection, education, and conservation initiatives. Experience our pine needle-covered paths, fields of goldenrod, and dramatic views of Sengekontacket Pond and State Beach, and catch a glimpse of prairie warblers, red-winged blackbirds, catbirds, and towhees on this not-to-be missed trail experience.
Pony Rides! - Saturday, September 2nd from 10:00am to 12:00pm - Join us for pony rides at Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center!
Vineyard Artisans 28th Annual Labor Day Festival - Sept 2nd & 3rd from 10:00am to 5:00pm - The largest art show on Martha’s Vineyard, featuring only Island Artists with unique furniture, clothing, ceramics, jewelry, and fine art from the Island’s 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. These and many more unique experiences, including local music, await you at this premiere show.
MV Soundfest Presents Anthony B - Sunday, September 3rd from 2:00pm to 10:00pm - MV Soundfest 2023, #2! Featuring Anthony B and more amazing local bands! Mark your calendars for a musical mashup of reggae, rock, soul and more. behind The Cove Minigolf on Martha's Vineyard. Gates open at 2 p.m., with live music starting shortly after!
Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival - Sept 5th – 10th - Now in its 18th year! 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-U.S. productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film.
Martha's Vineyard Wind Festival - Saturday, September 9th from 10:30am to 3:00pm - Enjoy a day in beautiful Ocean P ark. Bring a kite, buy a kite, or make a kite. Activities include kite making and kite flying for young and old. Free kite making workshops for kids from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Adult flying competitions 1 to 3 p.m. Prizes for kids and adults.
Opening Reception: Alison Shaw Gallery - Saturday, September 9th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm - Visit the Alison Shaw Gallery to view Aliso's fine art photography during the Arts District Stroll.
Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby - Begins Sunday, September 10th - For 78 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. Join us, to experience great fishing, rich history, meeting new friends, and generous sponsor-donated prizes - all in support of our scholarship program! Daily Derby HQ/Weigh-In Hours, Dock St. Edgartown: every morning: 8 to 10 a.m. and every evening, 7 to 9 p.m.
Birdwatching at Menemsha Hills - Tuesday, September 12th from 9:00am to 11:00am - At the Trustees on Martha's Vineyard, we ca't stop raven about migratory bird season. Join us on Tuesday Sept. 12 at Menemsha Hills for a guided birdwatching experience with Shea Fee, our Islands coastal Ecologist. We will watch, listen, observe, and speak in hushed tones about the many birds located at Menemsha Hills. Hike will be approximately 2 to 3 miles over rocky and uneven ground. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before tour is set to start. Participants should bring: binoculars, sun protection, insect/tick protection, sturdy walking shoes, and water/snack. Binoculars will not be provided. For participants aged 12+.
Tivoli Day Celebration - Saturday, September 16th from 10:00am to 6:00pm - An annual celebration of summer’s end on Circuit Avenue, featuring live music, arts, crafts, great food and family fun.
Little Shop of Horrors - Sept 21st - 30th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm - Island Theatre Workshop presents the cult classic: Little Shop of Horrors! This mouthwatering musical features a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, and stars local talent from Martha's Vineyard's community theater.
Moonrise Kayak Tours - Friday, September 29th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm - 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.
Chai Tea Culinary Experience - Saturday, September 30th from 11:00am to 1:00pm - Steep yourself in the rich tapestry of Indian culture through learning about the art of making traditional chai. This experiential program, led by our artists in resident, Manjit Singh Hoonjan and Danielle Mulcahy, will offer participants a unique opportunity to delve into the history, rituals, and flavors that define Indian chai, while also gaining insights into the cultural significance that this beverage holds within Indian society.