The weather is cooling down, the pace slowing but nature is in full effect on Martha’s Vineyard. Don’t miss fiery foliage, striking sunsets and a magnificent ocean. Beyond the natural beauty of the island this month, we’ve still got a full calendar of autumnal-flavored events. Don’t miss out on these fun island activities – from food festivals to haunted barn experiences:
- Foster a Fairy: Gather up the kids and head to the West Tisbury Pubic Library on Saturday, October 6 for the 7th annual Lynne Whiting and Carol Brush Fairy and Troll House Building Day. Collect natural materials like bark, pinecones, twigs and rocks from the library’s back garden and join families making these whimsical homes.
- Treat Yourself to Chocolate: It wouldn’t be October on the island without the 15th Annual Art of Chocolate Festival hosted at Featherstone Center for the Arts. The festival will run Saturday, October 6 through Sunday, October 7 and feature delectable bites and treats including island-made chocolate creations.
- View Vineyard Artists: Missed the Vineyard Artisans over the summer? Now is your chance to shop art, weaving, jewelry, photography, fine furniture and more all made from local artists. The Vineyard Artisans Annual Columbus Day Festival will be held on Sunday, October 7.
- Test Your Nature Knowledge: Bring the family and a picnic dinner to test your knowledge of nature at Nature Trivia Night at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. This event runs every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. through the month of October.
- See Beauty in Boats: Head to Featherstone Center for the Arts on Monday, October 15 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. to see the art show: The Art of Boat Building. The show, curated by Nat Benjamin, will run every Monday through November 5.
- Wine and Dine: October 17 through 21 marks the not-to-be-missed annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival. The festival, which stays rooted in the Island's rich tradition of farming and fishing, features events all week long such as the always-popular Joseph Carr Wine Dinner at the Winnetu and Deconstructed New England Clam Bake.
- Get Hyper Local: Join adventurous eaters on Sunday, October 21 for the Local Wild Food Challenge at the Farm Institute from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event challenges chefs and novices alike to forage, hunt and gather ingredients for each entered dish.
- Feel Theatrical: On Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse will be showing “Stag’s Leap,” devised by Nancy Borgenicht. The evening will blend theatrical imagery and spirited language, based upon Sharon Olds' same-named book of poetry.
- Stay Spooky: Get in the spooky spirit at the Farm Institute’s Barnyard Boo on Sunday, October 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The night kicks off with crafts for kids, hayrides, and DIY s'mores, then after sunset the Haunted Barn will cap off a night of frights.
- Have a Haunted Time: Bring the little ones to downtown Edgartown on Sunday, October 27 for an afternoon of trick-or-treating from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Island businesses will be supplied with treats for costumed kids.