Events Guide · Martha’s Vineyard
Festivals, fairs, and fireworks through the island year
- Grand Illumination Night — Aug 19
- 164th Ag Fair — Aug 13–16
- The Derby — Sep 13 to Oct 17
Martha’s Vineyard Events 2026
The island’s headline events with verified dates and start times — automatically kept current, with live countdowns as each one approaches.
Flying Horses Carousel 150th Birthday
Oak BluffsAmerica's oldest platform carousel turns 150.
24th MV African American Film Festival
Oak BluffsThe largest African American film festival east of the Mississippi.
48th Possible Dreams Auction
ChilmarkSeth Meyers hosts the celebrity charity auction at Allen Farm.
Chilmark Road Race
ChilmarkThe classic 3.1-mile race over the up-island hills — capped at 1,600 runners.
164th Agricultural Fair
West TisburyFour days of animals, rides and blue ribbons — note the new earlier weekend.
Grand Illumination Night
Oak BluffsThousands of lanterns light the gingerbread cottages at 7 PM (rain date Aug 20).
Oak Bluffs Fireworks
Oak BluffsBand concert then fireworks over Ocean Park after 9 PM (rain date Aug 22).
81st Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby
Island-wideFive weeks of the island’s most storied fishing tournament.
45th Christmas in Edgartown
EdgartownParade, teddy-bear suite and a whole town in lights.
Dates verified from official sources; always confirm before planning. See the full 90+ event calendar →
Planning a trip around the calendar?
Spring belongs to film festivals and artisan markets at off-peak prices. Peak summer stacks the giants back-to-back — July 4th, the Ag Fair, Grand Illumination, the African American Film Festival and Possible Dreams all land within six weeks. September is quietly the island’s best month: the Derby begins, crowds thin, and the water is still warm. December closes the year with Christmas in Edgartown.
Read the complete month-by-month 2026 events guide → — every festival, market, race and film night on the island, with times, prices and insider tips, verified against the organizers.
Island prices, hours & details change often — please verify with businesses before you go. Full disclaimer