Events

The Feast of the Holy Ghost in Oak Bluffs, held every third full weekend of July since 1928: the Queen Isabel legend behind the free soup, the Sunday parade from the ferry up Circuit Avenue, the crown blessed at Our Lady Star of the Sea, the sopas at the Portuguese-American Club, the club the rest of the year, and how a visitor should behave at the island's Portuguese feast.

Martha's Vineyard from Thanksgiving week 2026 to the end of March 2027, month by month: which restaurants serve Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, the Felix Neck Fall Festival and Light Up Oak Bluffs, Christmas in Edgartown, the exact February closure windows of the year-round restaurants, the winter ferry timetable, the 20 Miler and the Film Festival, weather averages and winter hotel rates.

Dates, the lighthouse lighting, the Main Street parade, winter ferries and who is open: a fact-checked local guide to the island's biggest December weekend (Dec 10-13, 2026).

Fall 2026 on Martha's Vineyard: the September 10 and October 12 deadlines, beaches that open to everyone September 16, the Derby, scalloping by town, foliage timing and honest closing dates.

The 81st Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby runs September 13 – October 17, 2026, and you don't need a rod to enjoy it. Free twice-daily weigh-ins on Dock Street, what it costs to enter, where to watch from shore, and the key-and-lock drawing where somebody wins a boat.

Inside Edgartown's 4th of July: the Main Street parade with fifes, floats, classic cars and Camp Jabberwocky, then fireworks over the harbor, with photos, video and tips for doing the day right.

Every confirmed event on Martha's Vineyard in 2026: AG Fair, Grand Illumination, Derby, July 4th, film festivals, and more.

July on Martha's Vineyard: weather, July 4th parade, beach guide, peak prices, crowd strategies, and every event for 2026.

August on MV: Agricultural Fair, Illumination Night, fireworks, Derby prep, peak prices, and the late-August secret locals love.

September on MV: the Striped Bass Derby, restricted beaches open Sep 15, prices drop 25-50%, and why locals call it the best month.

MV nightlife guide: The Ritz, drag brunch, free concerts every night, Edgartown bars, and the island's after-dark scene for 2026.

Plan your Martha's Vineyard wedding: oceanside venues, historic barns, verified vendor prices, the 10 PM noise rule, and ferry logistics for 2026.