As September ushers in, so too does our favorite time of the year on Martha’s Vineyard. The crowds have vanished, but the water is warm and the sunsets spectacular. We’re looking forward to a 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:
- Blast Off: Grab the kids and head to the West Tisbury Public Library on Saturday, September 1 for a special family craft: Build a Rocket. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the Children’s Room porch, kids can build and set off rockets of all shapes and sizes.
- Appreciate Abstract Art: Saturday, September 1 marks the Opening Reception of the Annual Invitation Abstract Show at the Louisa Gould Gallery. This show, entering its eleventh year, features the work of six local artists; Jo-Ann Bates, Michaele Christian, Roberat Gross, Martha Mae Jones, Laura D. Roosevelt and Chetta Kelly. Reception is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- SUP and Fish: Revelry Martha’s Vineyard will be hosting a Stand-up Paddleboard and Fishing Excursion on Tuesday, September 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The three-hour fishing excursion includes all fishing and SUP gear, an introduction to paddling and angling and 2.5 hours on the water.
- Paint En Plein Air: Join art admirers at the Old Sculpin Gallery on Tuesday, September 4 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a Plein-Air Demo and Talk from AIRE MV artist Marjorie Mason. This free event offers a rare opportunity to see Mason working en plein air as she talks about the process while she paints.
- Embrace the Ocean: On Wednesday, September 5, swimmers can learn to appreciate sea swimming with a one-hour Guided Ocean Swimming Class. The class is designed to dissolve fears while learning new skills as a personal trainer helps shape goals for in-water accompanied swims. The class is from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., but call in advance to make a reservation.
- Join a Jam Jaunt: On Saturday, September 8, the FARM Institute will be hosting a Beach Plum Forage and Jam Class. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. you’ll take an oversand tour van to pick beach plums at Norton Point, then head back to the farm for a demonstration on how to make your own jam with these tart seasonal fruits.
- Fly a Kite: Saturday, September 8 marks an island tradition: the Martha’s Vineyard Wind Festival. Grab your kite and head to Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to see kites of all shapes and sizes soar overhead. Don’t have a kite? There will be kite making on-site as well.
- Dash to the Derby: Herald in opening day of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby with the third annual Harbor Stroll on Sunday, September 9. Walk along the Edgartown waterfront, which will be lined with vendors, food, kids crafts, music and more.
- Take in Tivoli Day: Give a last hurrah for summer at the Tivoli Day Celebration in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, September 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The annual event on Circuit Avenue will feature live music, arts, crafts, food and family fun.
- Try a Dye: Head to the FARM Institute on Saturday, September 29 for a Natural Dye Party from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants can bring up to three items to dye and local dye enthusiast Liz Toomey will share a variety of natural dyes to test out and answer any questions.