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Events · Martha’s Vineyard
The island year, in order
Fairs, fireworks, film weeks and one fishing tournament that runs for five. Dates verified against the organizers and pruned the day each one ends.
Since Oct 16 · through Oct 18 MV Women in Film Festival
Vineyard HavenThe eighth weekend of films by and about women at the MV Film Center, with director Q&As after four screenings.
Six features and a shorts program over three days at the MV Film Center. Friday: Twiggy at 4 PM, then Aria: Opera on the Edge at 7:30 with director Karen Day. Saturday: Cookie Queens at 5 PM, then Bird in Hand at 7:30 with director Melody C. Roscher on Zoom. Sunday: the shorts program at 1 PM (including Stop Counting, filmed partly on the Vineyard), Magic Hour at 4 with director Jacqueline Christy and One Day in Sedona at 7:30 with director Monique Sorgen. Single tickets are $15 ($12 members, $10 for ages 14 and under); the All Access pass is $75 ($65 for members).
MV Film Center, Vineyard Haven
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Harriet Bernstein: The Big Painting Read our guide →
ChilmarkOne large painting made at a Vermont studio residency, in the Chilmark library’s meeting room.
Art in the Meeting Room at the Chilmark Free Public Library: Harriet Bernstein’s The Big Painting, on view through October 31 during library hours. The library is closed Sundays and Mondays and opens at 10:30 AM Tuesday through Saturday, until 6 PM on Wednesdays and 5 PM on the other days.
Chilmark Free Public Library, Chilmark
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Island Quilters Circle show at the West Tisbury Library Read our guide →
West TisburyQuilts by the Island Quilters Circle in the library’s Community Room all month. Free.
The work of the Island Quilters Circle hangs in the West Tisbury library’s Community Room through October, free to see during library hours. The library is closed on Monday, October 12 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
West Tisbury Free Public Library
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Opened Sep 17 · through Dec 31 Jaws at 50: An Island Story at the MV Museum Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe museum’s follow-up to its Jaws at 50 show: the Islanders who built the sets, ran the boats and stood in front of the camera.
A smaller sequel to the museum’s 2025 Jaws at 50 exhibition, about the Islanders who built sets, piloted boats and stepped in front of the camera to turn the Vineyard into Amity Island. In the Beim Gallery through December 31, with museum admission ($21 adults, $18 seniors, $7 ages 7 to 17, free for 6 and under); the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and closed on Thanksgiving, December 24, 25 and 31 and New Year’s Day.
Martha's Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven
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Leo Convery: A Lifetime of Carving
EdgartownCarvings by a lifelong Edgartown resident in his nineties. Free.
An exhibit of carvings by Leo Convery, a lifelong Edgartown resident now in his nineties, at the Vineyard Trust’s Carnegie Heritage Center. Free; hours are on the Trust’s page.
Carnegie Heritage Center, Edgartown
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Opened Aug 22 · through Jan 17, 2027 Menagerie of Marvels at the MV Museum
Vineyard HavenEleanor Hubbard's paintings of twelve rescued animals, including José the West Tisbury ox.
Vineyard artist Eleanor Hubbard celebrates twelve rescued animals in oil paintings and watercolors, anchored by a tribute to José, the West Tisbury ox. In the Waggaman Community Gallery, on view with museum admission ($21 adult) through January 17, 2027.
Martha's Vineyard Museum, Vineyard Haven
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Up-Island Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinic Read our guide →
West TisburyFlu and COVID-19 shots for adults and children at the West Tisbury Fire Station; walk-ins welcome.
The up-island boards of health and the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod run a flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the West Tisbury Fire Station, 10 AM to 1 PM. Vaccines are for adults and children from 6 months, with high-dose flu shots for people 65 and over. Registering ahead is encouraged and walk-ins are welcome; insured, underinsured and uninsured residents are all welcome. Questions go to the West Tisbury Board of Health (508-696-0105) or Chilmark’s (508-645-2105).
West Tisbury Fire Station, 454 State Road, West Tisbury
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October 1811 AM juniors · 1 PM adults Derby Awards Ceremony Read our guide →
Oak BluffsThe 81st Derby hands out its prizes, including the grand-prize drawing.
The month-long Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby closes with the awards ceremony at Farm Neck: mini-juniors and juniors at 11 AM, adults at 1 PM, where the six grand leaders (bluefish, bonito and false albacore, boat and shore) draw for the grand prize, this year a custom Jeep Gladiator from vineyard vines. All are invited; details in our Derby guide.
Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs
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MV CROP Hunger Walk Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe 36th annual three-mile walk from St. Augustine’s Church to the drawbridge and back.
The 36th annual CROP Hunger Walk on Martha’s Vineyard: three miles from St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven along Beach Road to the drawbridge and back, raising money for people facing hunger around the world and here on the island. Registration is online, and the organizers answer questions at [email protected].
St. Augustine’s Church, Vineyard Haven
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Música do Círculo / Music of the Circle Read our guide →
ChilmarkRoberta Kirn’s free Tuesday music circle in Chilmark: singing, rhythm, harmony and movement.
Roberta Kirn leads a free, playful music circle on Tuesday evenings at Peaked Hill Studio: singing, games, rhythm, melody, harmony, improvisation and movement, 5:30 to 6:45 PM. The last sessions are October 13, 20 and 27.
Peaked Hill Studio, 11 Peaked Hill Pasture Road, Chilmark
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Bach and Ravel with pianist Judith Merion
Vineyard HavenBach’s Goldberg Variations and Ravel’s Sonatine on the library’s Steinway.
Island pianist Judith Merion plays the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach and the Sonatine by Maurice Ravel on the library’s Steinway. The library’s page doesn’t list a price.
Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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Aquinnah Flea Market
AquinnahArtisans and vendors fill the Baptist Church grounds up-island every Thursday, 10 AM to 2 PM.
The weekly up-island flea market runs Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Baptist Church grounds, from late June into October, per the organizers' own poster: local artisans, vintage finds and a very Aquinnah pace. Vendor booths run about $10.
Baptist Church grounds, Aquinnah
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Community Sing at the Charter School Read our guide →
West TisburyAn hour of singing together, all ages welcome, led by Be Well Sing.
Be Well Sing and Roberta Kirn host a community sing for all ages at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School, 5 to 6 PM. Questions go to [email protected].
Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School, 424 State Road, West Tisbury
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Haunted Historic Edgartown Walking Tour Read our guide →
EdgartownGhost stories, shipwrecks and strange-but-true tales on a 90-minute night walk from the Carnegie. $30.
Seamus Rattigan leads a special 90-minute Haunted Edgartown walk out of the Carnegie Heritage Center as darkness falls: ghost stories, island legends, shipwrecks and strange-but-true tales from one of the Vineyard’s oldest villages. $30 a person, benefiting the Vineyard Preservation Trust; tickets through the Trust.
Carnegie Heritage Center, North Water Street, Edgartown
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Fire & Song at the Old Whaling Church Read our guide →
EdgartownPianist Joel A. Martin and vocalist Theresa Thomason in a concert built on the music of Komitas. $60.
Fire & Song is pianist Joel A. Martin’s journey through the music of Komitas, the Armenian composer, joined by vocalist Theresa Thomason, whose singing is rooted in gospel and African American musical traditions. A fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition and the MV Living Legends Project. Tickets are $60, or $100 for VIP with special seating and a reception, through the Coalition’s event page.
Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown
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October 2410 AM – 2 PM Harvest Festival at the Ag Hall
West TisburyThe Ag Society’s sixth Harvest Festival: pumpkin carving, farm animals, tractors and pie contests. Free.
The Agricultural Society’s fall gathering at the Ag Hall: pumpkin carving, local farm animals, crafts and games for kids and adults, gardening and sustainability demos, tractors and antique power displays, scavenger hunts, a clothing swap, indigo dyeing, local food and live music, plus contests from corn husking and a squash toss to pie baking, pie eating and tug of war. Free, no registration needed; 10 AM to 2 PM.
Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury
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Knife Sharpening at Stillpoint Read our guide →
West TisburyBill Russell teaches the art and technique; bring three things to sharpen.
A morning workshop in Stillpoint’s fall series, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Bill Russell teaches the art and technique of sharpening, and you bring three items to practice on with guidance. It costs $75 and is limited to six people; you sign up and pay with the instructor rather than through Stillpoint’s ticket page, which has his contact.
Stillpoint, 20 Stillpoint Meadows Road, West Tisbury
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Thistle at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenLive music from Thistle at the Playhouse, presented by Circuit Arts. $25.
Circuit Arts presents Thistle in concert at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, 7 PM. Tickets are $25 through Circuit Arts.
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven
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Haunted Edgartown ghost walk Read our guide →
EdgartownA 90-minute night walk of ghost stories through the old village. $30, PG-13.
Storyteller Seamus Rattigan’s Haunted Edgartown walk runs every Saturday through October 31 at 7:30 PM, with extra twilight tours at 5:30 PM on October 17, 24 and 31. It lasts 90 minutes, is rated PG-13 and costs $30 a person; tickets are on Eventbrite through the tour’s site.
58 North Water Street, Edgartown
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Edgartown’s Happy Haunting Read our guide →
EdgartownLittle ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat from shop to shop downtown. Rain or shine.
The Edgartown Board of Trade and the town’s small businesses hand out treats door to door downtown on the Sunday before Halloween, rain or shine; the word is the Edgartown police have full-size candy bars.
Downtown Edgartown
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Kirtan with Bhakti at the West Tisbury Library Read our guide →
West TisburyLive call-and-response chanting with the island band Bhakti. Free.
Kirtan, live call-and-response chanting, with the island band Bhakti at the West Tisbury Free Public Library, noon to 1 PM. Free and open to the public.
West Tisbury Free Public Library
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October 27–31 Spirits & Spirits: Vivienne Vale’s Vaudeville Revue Read our guide →
West TisburyCircuit Arts’ annual Halloween show turns the Grange Hall into an old-time hotel ballroom. $25.
The annual Halloween show from Circuit Arts returns: music, comedy, dance, specialty acts and slightly strange delights from Miss Vivienne Vale’s curious company of performers, with cocktails in the Afterlight Lounge. Dressing up is encouraged. Tickets are $25, general admission; shows at 7:30 PM October 27 to 30, and two on Halloween itself, at 6 and 8:30 PM.
Grange Hall, 1067 State Road, West Tisbury
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Haunted House at MV Screenprinting Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe island’s haunted house, two nights: kid-friendly spooks in the late afternoon, lights-out horror after dark.
Martha’s Vineyard Screenprinting turns its State Road building into a haunted house for two nights, Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31: kid-friendly spooks from 4 to 5:30 PM, then lights-out horror from 7 to 10 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under, and the proceeds go to the Tisbury Fire Department.
Martha’s Vineyard Screenprinting, 426 State Road, Vineyard Haven
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Breathing with Bach at Stillpoint Read our guide →
West TisburyA musical evening with Michael Jamanis: performance, breathwork and meditation.
Breathing with Bach, a musical evening with Michael Jamanis that blends performance, breathwork and meditation, in Stillpoint’s barn in West Tisbury. Stillpoint posts tickets and the full schedule on its site.
Stillpoint, 20 Stillpoint Meadows Road, West Tisbury
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October 31 Halloween in Oak Bluffs Read our guide →
Oak BluffsA day of Halloween on Circuit Avenue, held on Halloween itself this year.
The Oak Bluffs Association has set Saturday, October 31 for Halloween in OB. In recent years the day has brought trick-or-treating at the Circuit Avenue businesses, a costume parade and contest, films at the Strand and an evening marching-band parade down Circuit Avenue; the 2026 hours and program post on the association’s page closer to the date.
Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
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Vineyard Haven Halloween Puppet Parade Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe town’s homemade puppet parade on Halloween afternoon, before trick-or-treating.
The Vineyard Haven Halloween Puppet Parade is set for Saturday, October 31 at 4 PM, by the organizers’ save-the-date flyer. Come in costume or bring a puppet. In 2025 it left from the Mansion House on Main Street; the 2026 starting point is not posted yet, and our Halloween guide will add it when it is.
Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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October 314:30 – 6 PM Halloween on the Hill at the MV Museum Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenTrick-or-treating, popcorn, games and crafts at the museum, with a quiet sensory space. Free.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s fifth annual Halloween on the Hill: trick-or-treating, popcorn, games, seasonal crafts and a quiet sensory space. Come in costume and bring a candy bucket. Free; donations welcome.
Martha's Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven
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Dance Party for Habitat for Humanity Read our guide →
Oak BluffsA Halloween-night costume dance at the PA Club with music by Serendipity, a silent auction and a raffle, for Habitat for Humanity.
A dance party for Habitat for Humanity at the Portuguese-American Club on Halloween night, 7 to 10 PM. Serendipity plays, costumes are encouraged and there are prizes for the best mask, makeup and costume. There is also a silent auction and a raffle for a trip to Boston with two nights at the Charles Hotel. Suggested donation at the door, cash bar.
Portuguese-American Club, 137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs
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Sarah Moore: Farm and Sea
West TisburyPaintings of island farms and the sea, all month at the West Tisbury library. Free.
Sarah Moore’s paintings of island farms and the sea hang in the library’s community room through November, with an artist’s reception on Friday, November 6 from 3 to 4:30 PM. Free.
West Tisbury Free Public Library, 1042 State Road, West Tisbury
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Music Street Concert: The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
West TisburyA soprano, a mezzo and a piano with songs about the night.
An afternoon recital in the library’s Music Street concert series: soprano, mezzo-soprano and piano, with songs about the night. The library’s page doesn’t list a price.
West Tisbury Free Public Library, 1042 State Road, West Tisbury
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Jeremy Berlin – Eric Johnson Duo
Vineyard HavenPiano and guitar jazz at the Vineyard Haven library. Free.
A free evening of jazz for piano and guitar at the Vineyard Haven Public Library.
Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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Harvest: a group show by island artists
Vineyard HavenIsland artists on the theme of harvest, at the Playhouse.
Circuit Arts hangs a group show of island artists on the theme of harvest at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse from November 5 to 28. The opening reception date is not settled yet.
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, 24 Church Street, Vineyard Haven
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Featherstone Holiday Gift Show
Oak BluffsSix weeks of handmade gifts by island artists at Featherstone, open daily. Free.
The 24th Holiday Gift Show fills the Featherstone galleries with work by island artists and makers, open 12 to 4 PM daily from November 7 through December 16 (closed Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day). Free admission.
Featherstone Center for the Arts, 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs
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Toe Jam Puppet Band
Vineyard HavenA family morning of songs and puppets at the Vineyard Haven library. Free.
The Toe Jam Puppet Band brings its music and puppet show for families to the Vineyard Haven Public Library. Free.
Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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Lighting the Trail: book talk with Elaine Weintraub
Oak BluffsHow the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard was built.
Elaine Weintraub talks about her book on how the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard came to be. The library’s page doesn’t list a price.
Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs
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Anne Packard: An Artist’s Resolve
Vineyard HavenA documentary about the painter Anne Packard, still at work at 92.
A screening of the documentary about Anne Packard, the painter still working at 92. Tickets $15, $12 for Film Society members, $10 for children.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven
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November 77:30 – 10 PM 32nd Barn Raisers Ball Read our guide →
West TisburyA dance at the Ag Hall for the barn the island raised in 1994, with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. $10 suggested.
The Agricultural Society celebrates the 1994 community barn raising, when more than 300 islanders put up the Ag Hall, with a dance to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. BYOB with a dessert potluck; open to all, suggested donation $10 at the door. Earlier the same day, 1 to 2:30 PM, Barn Raisers Day invites all ages to build tiny Ag Halls from cardboard and craft supplies (free); the models go on show at the ball.
Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury
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DOG PARK! The Musical
Vineyard HavenA new one-act musical set in a dog park, in a workshop production.
Circuit Arts stages a workshop production of a new one-act musical about the dogs at a dog park. Pay what you can, with $25 suggested; showtimes are not posted yet.
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, 24 Church Street, Vineyard Haven
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Friends in Ferment: beer and cheese pairings
Vineyard HavenBeer and cheese pairings with a dose of island food history. 15 seats.
An evening of beer and cheese pairings at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, with stories from the island’s food history. $75, limited to 15 people.
Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven
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The Met Opera encore: Carmen
Vineyard HavenThe Met’s Carmen on the big screen at the Film Center.
An encore screening of the Metropolitan Opera’s Carmen. Tickets $25, $22 for members, $16 for children.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven
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The Coast Guard Mission of a Generation
Vineyard HavenThe 1999 search for John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane, told by the people who ran it.
The Coast Guard incident commander and a historian talk about the 1999 search off Martha’s Vineyard for John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane, with a meet-and-greet from 4 to 5 PM. $25, $15 for museum members.
Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven
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Arnie’s Poetry Café
Vineyard HavenIsland poets read, then the open mic. Free.
Island poets read at the Playhouse and then the floor opens for anyone with a poem. Free, no tickets needed. The next one is December 9.
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, 24 Church Street, Vineyard Haven
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Open Mic Night at the Vineyard Haven library
Vineyard HavenMusic, dance, drama or spoken word at the monthly open mic. Free.
The library’s monthly open mic is open to music, dance, drama and spoken word. Free. The next one is December 17.
Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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Guided walk at Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary
EdgartownA loop past Eel Pond with views over Nantucket Sound. Free, register first.
A guided walk around Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary in Edgartown, past Eel Pond with views over Nantucket Sound. Meet at the kiosk on Plantingfield Way. Free, with registration required.
Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary, Plantingfield Way, Edgartown
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Full Moon Owl Prowl
EdgartownAn evening walk under the full moon, listening for owls.
Mass Audubon’s evening walk at Felix Neck on the night of the full moon, listening for owls. $20, $15 for members.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown
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November 268:30 AM OB Turkey Trot Read our guide →
Oak BluffsA Thanksgiving-morning 5K through Oak Bluffs for the Oak Bluffs School eighth grade.
A 5K road race on Thanksgiving morning: the start is in front of the police station, then up Circuit Avenue, out Wing Road and County Road, back down Vineyard and Dukes County Avenues to the harbor and up to the finish at the MV Chowder Company, 9 Oak Bluffs Avenue. $20 plus a sign-up fee on RunSignup (online registration closes November 25 at 10 PM); it raises money for the Oak Bluffs School eighth grade.
MV Chowder Company, 9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs
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Fall Festival Bird Sit at Felix Neck
EdgartownAn hour of bird watching before the Fall Festival opens. Free.
An early hour of bird watching at Felix Neck just before the Fall Festival starts at 10. Free.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown
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November 2710 AM – 2 PM Fall Festival at Felix Neck Read our guide →
EdgartownHayrides, wildlife demonstrations and wreath making the day after Thanksgiving. Free, with registration.
The sanctuary’s 46th Fall Festival, a Vineyard tradition on the Friday after Thanksgiving: hayrides, live music, wildlife demonstrations, wreath making with natural materials, crafts and a bird-call competition, with local food for sale from Aquila. Free thanks to its sponsors, but Mass Audubon asks everyone to register on the program page. It draws a big crowd, so allow time for parking and dress for a day outdoors.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, 100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown
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November 27–2810 AM – 4 PM Vineyard Artisans Thanksgiving Weekend Festival
West TisburyThe 30th holiday artisan market, Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend at the Ag Hall. Free.
The biggest of the artisans festivals moves indoors to the Agricultural Hall for Thanksgiving weekend: island-made gifts, 10 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday. Free; pairs well with the Felix Neck Fall Festival the same Friday morning.
Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury
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November 28 Chowder Cup Read our guide →
EdgartownTaste the island’s chowders on Small Business Saturday and vote for the people’s choice.
The Edgartown Board of Trade’s chowder contest on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House: sample chowders and vote for the people’s choice, with cold beer, music and a raw bar. The 2025 edition, the 41st, started at noon with tickets through the Board of Trade; the 2026 hours and tickets post on Visit Edgartown.
Dr. Daniel Fisher House, 99 Main Street, Edgartown
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December 4 Vineyard Haven First Friday (December) Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe holiday edition of First Friday in Vineyard Haven, the last of the year.
The sixth and last First Friday of 2026. In 2025 the December edition had a Martha’s Vineyard Made market in the Playhouse lobby and live music from 5 to 8 PM, and shops stayed open late on Fridays through December. The 2026 lineup posts on the First Friday site closer to the date.
Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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A Christmas Carol: a staged reading
Oak BluffsLibrary staff read Dickens’s story, script in hand.
The Oak Bluffs library staff give a staged reading of A Christmas Carol, on Saturday, December 5 at 7 PM and Sunday, December 6 at 2 PM. The library’s page doesn’t list a price.
Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs
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December 5 Light Up Oak Bluffs Read our guide →
Oak BluffsThe town tree lighting and holiday kick-off at Healey Square and Ocean Park.
The Oak Bluffs Association has posted a save-the-date for Saturday, December 5 this year (not Thanksgiving weekend); the 2026 times and program are not up yet. In past years the afternoon brought activities, then the tree lighting at Healey Square with caroling, Santa arriving by fire truck and carriage rides.
Healey Square and Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
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The Met Opera Live: Samson et Dalila
Vineyard HavenSaint-Saëns live from the Met, on the Film Center screen.
A live broadcast of Samson et Dalila from the Metropolitan Opera. Tickets $25, $22 for members, $16 for children.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven
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West Tisbury Congregational Church Handbell Choir
Oak BluffsHoliday music on handbells at the Oak Bluffs library.
The handbell choir of the West Tisbury Congregational Church plays holiday music at the Oak Bluffs Public Library. The library’s page doesn’t list a price.
Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs
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Arnie’s Poetry Café (December)
Vineyard HavenIsland poets read, then the open mic. Free.
Island poets read at the Playhouse and then the floor opens for anyone with a poem. Free, no tickets needed.
Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, 24 Church Street, Vineyard Haven
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December 10–13 45th Christmas in Edgartown Read our guide →
EdgartownFour days of holiday markets, a lit lighthouse and a Saturday parade through a whole town in lights.
The Edgartown Board of Trade’s 45th holiday weekend. Posted so far: the lighthouse lighting at Memorial Wharf on Friday, December 11 (festivities from 5:30 PM, lights on at 6 sharp), then on Saturday, December 12 the Holiday Faire on the Village Green (10 AM to 3 PM, more than 30 vendors and a tented beer garden), the parade on Main Street at 11 AM (rain or shine) and the 33rd Art and Crafts Festival at the Edgartown School (from Saturday at 10 AM to Sunday at 4 PM, with a shopper trolley to Church Street from noon to 3). Most events are free; the Board of Trade keeps adding to the schedule through the fall.
Downtown Edgartown
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December 115:30 PM · lights on at 6 Lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse Read our guide →
EdgartownEdgartown’s version of a tree lighting: the lighthouse goes on at 6 PM sharp, watched from Memorial Wharf. Free.
The Friday-evening heart of Christmas in Edgartown. From 5:30 PM at Memorial Wharf: caroling, giveaways, the town’s favorite mascots, Boys and Girls Club concessions and maybe Santa, then the countdown as the Martha’s Vineyard Museum lights the Edgartown Lighthouse at 6 PM sharp. Free. Watching from the Harbor View Hotel needs a reservation at Bettini.
Memorial Wharf, 50 Dock Street, Edgartown
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December 1211 AM Christmas in Edgartown Parade Read our guide →
EdgartownFloats, animals, music, fire engines and Santa down Main Street, rain or shine. Free.
The Saturday parade of Christmas in Edgartown runs on Main Street between Pease’s Point Way and Water Street at 11 AM, rain or shine: floats, animals, music, dancers, kids, fire engines and Santa. The Holiday Faire on the Village Green (10 AM to 3 PM) and the Art and Crafts Festival at the Edgartown School (opening at 10 AM and running into Sunday) run the same day.
Main Street, Edgartown
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Martha’s Vineyard Family Chorus Winter Concert Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe island’s community chorus gives its 25th annual winter concert at the Hebrew Center.
Roberta Kirn’s Martha’s Vineyard Family Chorus holds its 25th annual Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, after six Tuesday rehearsals at the Charter School from November 3. Anyone who wants to sing can join the chorus; the start time was not posted yet in early October, and Roberta Kirn at Be Well Sing has the details.
Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, 130 Center Street, Vineyard Haven
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Open Mic Night at the Vineyard Haven library (December)
Vineyard HavenMusic, dance, drama or spoken word at the monthly open mic. Free.
The library’s monthly open mic is open to music, dance, drama and spoken word. Free.
Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
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The Met Opera encore: Julie Taymor’s The Magic Flute
Vineyard HavenThe Film Society’s holiday screening of Taymor’s Magic Flute.
The Film Society’s holiday encore of the Metropolitan Opera’s Magic Flute in Julie Taymor’s staging. Tickets $25, $22 for members, $16 for children.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven
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March 6, 202711 AM MV Winter Classic 20 Miler and Amity Island Relay Read our guide →
Vineyard HavenThe island’s winter road race, 20 miles from the ferry terminal, now called the MV Winter Classic.
Twenty miles of empty winter roads, or the Amity Island Relay for two runners at 10 miles each, starting directly in front of the Steamship Authority terminal in Vineyard Haven at 11 AM: past the Oak Bluffs gingerbread cottages, along the barrier beach road by Sengekontacket Pond, through Edgartown farm country and the state forest. The course closes at 3 PM. Date and start from the race’s own site; registration opens there.
Steamship Authority terminal, Vineyard Haven
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March 31 – April 4, 2027 Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival Read our guide →
West TisburyFive days of documentary and independent film to close the winter, the 27th edition.
The winter’s cultural anchor: screenings, filmmaker talks and community meals. The 2026 festival ran at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury and the MV Playhouse in Vineyard Haven; the 2027 dates are announced and the program and venues post in the new year.
Grange Hall, West Tisbury and MV Playhouse, Vineyard Haven (2026 venues)
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July 17–18, 2027 Feast of the Holy Ghost Read our guide →
Oak BluffsThe Portuguese feast: Saturday on the club lawn, Sunday parade and free sopas.
Held every third full weekend of July since 1928. Saturday from 5 PM at the PA Club with food, a band and games; Sunday the parade leaves the Steamship terminal at 11:30 AM, the crown is blessed at Our Lady Star of the Sea, and free sopas are served at the club afterwards. Dates follow the club’s rule and are confirmed when the club posts the 2027 schedule.
Portuguese-American Club, 137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs
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Nothing in that combination. Try another month, or clear the filters.
Dates verified from official sources; always confirm before planning. See the full 90+ event calendar →
Planning a trip around the calendar?
Spring brings film festivals and artisan markets at off-peak prices. Peak summer packs the biggest events close together: July 4th, the Ag Fair, Grand Illumination, the African American Film Festival and Possible Dreams all land within six weeks. September and October feel different. The Derby runs five weeks (September 13 to October 17), the Vineyard Artisans fill the Grange Hall on Columbus Day weekend, the Harvest Festival comes to the Ag Hall in late October, and in September the beaches have room while the water is still warm. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and Thanksgiving weekend brings a turkey trot in Oak Bluffs, the Felix Neck Fall Festival and the Vineyard Artisans’ biggest holiday show at the Ag Hall. In December, Oak Bluffs lights its tree on December 5, and Christmas in Edgartown runs from December 10 to 13.
The month-by-month 2026 events guide → goes through the festivals, markets, races and film nights with times and prices, checked against the organizers.
Once you have dates, you can build a day-by-day plan around them →, and any of these events that fall inside your trip drop in automatically.
Past years, on film
Parades, fireworks, the Fair and Illumination Night as they actually looked.
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4th of July Parade Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard -
Illumination Night Oak Bluffs 2022 Gingerbread Houses -
Martha’s Vineyard Songwriters Festival at Nomans 2025 -
Agricultural Fair 2023 West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard -
Illumination Night 2024 Oak Bluffs -
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair 2025, Night Rides, Food and Fun
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The island right now
6:27 PM island time
Four free downloads · 2026
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