October is a spectacular time to be on the island. The cooler weather is perfect to explore the beaches, stroll the arts districts, and enjoy the restaurants. The calendar is full with so many fun-filled fall events. Here are a few of our favorites this October on MV!
35th Anniversary of MV BIG Golf Fore Kids Tournament - Sunday, October 1 from 7:30am to 2:00pm - The 35th Anniversary of MV Big Golf Fore Kids will take place on Sunday, Oct. 1. Get ready to enjoy a fun day at Mink Meadows Golf Club that offers terrific views and challenging play. The event features lunch from Chef Deon’s Kitchen, course contests, raffle, silent auctions and more.
Exhibit: Jaws — Creating Amity Island - Daily at the MV Museum - In the spring of 1974, Hollywood descended on the Island. Universal Studios had bought the film rights to the book Jaws and the film’s director, a young Steven Spielberg, was determined to shoot on location. Martha’s Vineyard had been cast in a critical role — Amity Island, a fictional beach community terrorized by a great white shark. As the cameras started to roll, Islanders shaped the production both behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera — they wrangled boats, built sets, and acted as extras and supporting cast members. In this mini-exhibit, a teaser to our 50th-anniversary exhibition in 2025, explore a unique perspective on the film that ushered in the age of “summer blockbusters” and created nationwide interest in Martha’s Vineyard. The exhibit features behind-the-scenes photos, including those taken by Vineyard Gazette photographer Edith Blake, as well as collectibles, ranging from original Jaws merchandise and a poster from the Island premiere of the film to a detailed model of the Orca, the fishing boat on which the third act of the film takes place.
Fossil Day 2023 - Sunday, October 1 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm - Free public science event suitable for all ages. This is a drop-in and mingle event. Guest presenters will display fossils and be available for discussion. Bring fossils to show to others, or to ask about. Everyone is invited. Students and families especially welcome. Kids' craft with Oak Bluffs Library Childre's Assistant on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Aquinnah Cultural Center, Wampanoag History Museum - October 1, 4 & 5 from 11:00am to 4:00pm - The Aquinnah Cultural Center aims to preserve, educate, and document the Aquinnah Wampanoag self-defined history, culture and contributions past, present and future. This includes facilitating daily experiences and activities that will reinforce and enhance cultural awareness within the tribal community; and providing the general public with an opportunity to witness and learn about the Aquinnah Wampanoag experience through exhibits and educational programs. To provide an archival facility to preserve and share with the public at large the Wampanoag history of Gay Head/ Aquinnah; and to Serve the cultural needs of Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal members.
Cape Pogue Discovery Tour - October 6-8 -Explore Cape Pogue’s magnificent barrier beach and wildlife refuge on an open-air, over-sand adventure. Learn about the rare and protected flora and fauna that make their home on the sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of red cedars. Please dress appropriately for extended sun exposure (hat, sunglasses, layers, sunscreen, water). Binoculars and cameras are encouraged. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. This tour does not visit the lighthouse. Participants will be picked up at the Chappaquiddick side of the Chappy ferry 15 minutes before the tour begins, and dropped off after the tour finishes. Look for The Trustees white van! If you do not need van pick-up, please meet at the Mytoi gatehouse at the tour start time. When bringing a vehicle across, please be aware that summer/holiday weekend ferry lines to Chappaquiddick Island may exceed 1 hour. Walk-on passengers rarely have to wait more than 7 minutes. You can view the Chappy Ferry Live Webcam here. First Friday - Friday, October 6 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.
Live from the Grange: Sean Della Croce - Friday, October 6 at 7:00pm - Circuit Arts' monthly music series, presented in partnership with MVY Radio, continues with singer-songwriter, Nashville native, and Vineyard summer resident Sean Della Croce, whose unique style blends folk wisdom, Americana heart, and a truly alternative soul. Her poetic lyrics and light-touch fingerstyle guitar playing also shine on her debut album Illuminations, released in 2021. Beyond music, she has a degree in philosophy and cofounded the quarterly journal Broadside, a testament to her belief in the power of story, and dedication to empowering other voices.
Vineyard Artisans 20th Annual Columbus Day Festival - October 7 & 8 from 10:00am to 4:00pm - Catch all your favorite Island artisans! Weaving, fine furniture, pottery, leather goods, oil paintings, pastels, mixed media, sculpture, wampum jewelry, hand-knit items, clothing, photography, handmade books and much more. Indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. Free parking and free admission, great food, and a playground for kids.
Pumpkin Festival - Saturday, October 14 from 10:30am to 2:30pm - Rain or shine, our annual Pumpkin Festival is a free family celebration of the harvest. We’ll have all kinds of fun including games, hay rides, face painting and live music. Festive autumnal treats and other foods! Free admission. Live Music: The Jaywalkers - Friday, October 20 at 7:30pm - Come see roots and rock covers performed with a twist by Barbara Puciel, Jessie Leaman and Don Groover $10 cover.
Martha's Vineyard Brunch Run/Walk - Saturday, October 21 from 8:00am to 11:00am - Fall is the best time of year on Martha’s Vineyard! Join us for a race unlike any other: the Fourth Annual Martha’s Vineyard Brunch Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 8 a.m., presented by the Edgartown Board of Trade. Pick your distance! This race offers both 5K and 10K USATF sanctioned courses which are flat and fast, and the 10K course runs along scenic Atlantic Drive right by the ocean. Immediately following the race, this unique and exciting event includes a post-race "brunch" party with "over the top" brunch nibbles and refreshing beverages presented by our sponsors. All participants will receive a T-shirt and custom commemorative brunch glass which are guaranteed for the first 150 registrants. Medals will be awarded to the first place finisher in each running race category.
West Tisbury Farmers' Market - Saturdays in October 9:00am to 12:00pm - Outdoor farmers market features locally grown produce and meat and locally made products. Restrooms and parking available. 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.
Harvest Festival - Saturday, October 21 from 10:00am to 3:00pm - Harvest Fest is back this year! Stop by the grounds for a day of animals, crafts, pumpkins, wild foods, and more! All ages are welcome! It'll be another big year, including: a show with Amity Island Horse Archers, crafts for kids and adults, touch tanks, our Antique Power Museum, storytime with the West Tisbury Library, wool spinning and indigo-dyeing demos, pumpkin carving, a pie-eating contest, wagon rides, face painting, local food vendors, and more. All ages are welcome! We hope to see you there!
Halloween in Oak Bluffs - Saturday, October 28 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm - Trick or treating on Circuit avenue. Costume parade/contest for children, scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, mini- photo shoots. Halloween Party - Tuesday, October 31 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm - Join us at the West Tisbury Library for Halloween fun for the whole family! Come in costume, hop on a hayride, play some games, paint a pumpkin, and munch on some spooky refreshments. All ages are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.
Halloween with the Dock Dance Band - Tuesday, October 31 at 10:00pm
Historic Oak Bluffs Walking Tour - Daily in October - Enjoy the Historic Oak Bluffs Self-Guided walking tour! Created by acclaimed local author and historian Thomas Dresser. Tour takers see, hear and read from him at each tour stop. The app delivers Dresser’s curated content, while guiding Tour Takers with step by step walking directions along the routes.