Event Calendar
Martha’s Vineyard Event Calendar
The captivating Island of Martha’s Vineyard occupies a special place in the hearts and souls of both its year-round population and diverse visitor base. Whether you’re seeking the quiet and solitude of nature, looking for a festive cultural experience, or both, Martha’s Vineyard offers it all.
The Island’s year-long calendar of events entices visitors to come back again and again—for a day trip or an extended stay. And remember, it's easy and convenient to book your Steamship Authority reservations online.
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FILMUSIC Festival
When: Jun 21 to Jun 24, 2018.The MV Film Society presents a weekend of feature films and musical performances that celebrate the convergence of music, culture, and film
Link: http://mvfilmsociety.com -
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
When: Jul 4, 2018. Location: Edgartown
Cap off a fun-filled star-spangled banner day by watching a spectacular fireworks celebration with family and friends along Edgartown Harbor. This years' celebration will be one of the best. So put on your red, white and blue and wish America a happy birthday!
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Tisbury Street Fair
When: Jul 8, 2018.
Back in 1971, Tisbury celebrated 300 years of history with a parade and its first street fair. Now the fair has its own history and is scheduled to run from 6:30-9:30 pm. The annual celebration draws 5,000 to 6,000 people who stroll Main Street from the Mansion House to the Green Room, browsing merchants' wares arrayed on sidewalk tables and knoshing on a banquet of comfort food from restaurants and nonprofits who have come to regard the event as an effective and useful way to raise funds and awareness.
Link: http://www.mvol.com -
Edgartown Regatta
When: Jul 12 to Jul 14, 2018.Link: http://rtirace.org/ -
Vineyard Cup Regatta
When: Jul 13 to Jul 15, 2018.Sail Martha’s Vineyard is expecting over 100 sailboats of all descriptions, designs and ages from schooners to catboats to modern design racers. Based out of Vineyard Haven harbor on Martha’s Vineyard Island, the race courses have been designed to both test the skills of the skippers and crews and to provide great shore-side viewing of boats on the racecourse from a variety of Island perspectives from the East an West Chop Lighthouses to Eastville Beach to State Beach between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs to the beach at the entrance of Lake Tashmoo.
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Annual Possible Dreams Auction
When: Jul 29, 2018. Location: The WinnetuThe Possible Dreams Auction benefits Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. The idea for an 'unbuyable opportunities' auction was brought to Community Services by Sandy Ray, then chair of the Fundraising Committee. The Possible Dreams Auction is one of the oldest, most enduring celebrity concept auctions. The Auction Committee has raised over $8 million dollars in support of unfunded care provided by the five programs of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
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Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
When: Aug 6 to Aug 11, 2018. Location: MV Performing Art CenterMVAAFF is now entering its 14th year on Martha’s Vineyard. We have screened and promoted some of the most outstanding and emerging Feature, Documentary and Short films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world.
Link: http://www.mvaaff.com/ -
Grand Illumination
When: Aug 15, 2018.
One very special highlight of the summer season on the Oak Bluffs Campground is Grand Illumination. The famous gingerbread cottages are adorned with colorful Chinese and Japanese lanterns, and both a Community Sing and a band concert are held in the Tabernacle. Grand Illumination started in Oak Bluffs over a century ago and was initially intended as a way of marking the visit of the Governor of Massachusetts.
Link: http://www.mvcma.org -
Annual Agricultural Society Fair
When: Aug 16 to Aug 19, 2018.The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society was established in 1859. It promotes the pursuit of agriculture, horticulture, land conservation, youth activities, mechanic and domestic arts and encourages the raising and improving of plant and animal stock and the sale of island-grown produce and flowers at local farmers' markets.
The Society, which has over 1000 year-round and seasonal members, is perhaps best known for its annual Agricultural Fair, which attracts thousands of islanders and visitors each summer.
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Fireworks at Ocean Park by the Sea
When: Aug 17, 2018.
A sensational display at dark! This is a fun night to spend out with family and friends. Music by the Vineyard Haven Band in the gazebo begins at 8 pm, fireworks at dark! It is truly one of the best events of the summer. Admission is free.
Link: http://oakbluffsmv.com -
Jazz Blues Summerfest
When: Aug 30 to Sep 2, 2018.Since its inception, the annual Martha’s Vineyard Jazz & Blues Summerfest has played host to music lovers from all over the United States and Europe. Sheila Baptista, Summerfest producer and President of Lewis and Kirk Music, Inc., believes that great music and medicine can radically change the course of one’s life, a family’s future and a community’s well-being. Baptista launched Summerfest in 2008 to support regional breast cancer initiatives with a monetary donation and to also spread a vital message regarding breast cancer, early detection, courses of treatment and positive recovery.
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Vineyard Artisan Festival - Annual Labor Day Festival
When: Aug 31 to Sep 2, 2018. Location: MV Agricultural SocietyThe largest art show on Martha’s Vineyard featuring Island Artists with unique furniture, clothing, ceramics, jewelry and fine art from the Islands top artists. Watch a weaver making a beautiful scarf from wool harvested from her own flock. Enjoy watching a young Island artist create his latest masterpiece. Be enchanted listening to the Islands only female blacksmith explain how she forged her lovely brackets. These and many more unique experiences, including live local music, await you at this premiere show. A $2.00 parking fee is for the Vineyard Artisans Scholarship Fund, which awards several scholarships to graduating MV High School students for studies in the Arts each year. -
Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival
When: Sep 4 to Sep 9, 2018. Location: Martha's VineyardCombining the laidback beach style of the island of Martha’s Vineyard with the buzz and excitement of a festival celebrating films from across the globe - The Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival is an amazing experience not to be missed.
This event is filled with the best feature and short films from top-notch festivals such as Sundance, Berlin and Cannes (with a few undiscovered gems thrown in!), great evening events, provocative forums and live world music - all within the ‘Walking Festival District’. -
Martha's Vineyard Kite & Wind Festival
When: Sep 8, 2018. Location: Ocean Park Oak Bluffs
Kite flying and making, Frisbee games, model sailboat racing, live music, and more! All events are at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, MA. This is a free event with no registration fees. See you in September for a great day of fun and relaxation! Kite making for children 10:30 am – noon.
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MV Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby
When: Sep 9 to Oct 13, 2018. Location: Martha's VineyardThe MV Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby is an iconic Island event that attracts fisherfolk from around the world and will include: special events including a Kayak Challenge, -$500 Super Saturday Dates, and Kids Day on Sunday September 18th. As always, the Derby’s Grand Awards Ceremony is a free event and open to all that takes place at 1 pm Sunday October 16th at Farm Neck Golf Club. A must-see family-friendly event.
Link: http://www.mvderby.com -
Tivoli Day Festival
When: Sep 15, 2018.
An annual celebration of summer’s end on Circuit Avenue featuring: live music, arts, crafts great food and family fun. This event will be held from 9 am until 6 pm all along Circuit Ave., which will be closed to traffic. Live music throughout the day.
Link: http://www.mvol.com -
Oak Bluffs Bluewater Fishing Classic
When: Sep 19 to Sep 19, 2018.This fundraising event is open to the public, catering to all fishing enthusiasts with vessels that have the range to fish in the vicinity of northeast canyons. The bluewater fishing south of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island rivals big game fishing anywhere around the world. The OBBC encompasses an overnight adventure, allowing entrants to fish for two straight days before returning to the dock. The OBBC involves 3 fishing days to chose from, fishing 2 out of 3 and a lay day.
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Vineyard Artisan Festival - Columbus Day Festival
When: Oct 7, 2018. Location: Grange Hall - Martha's VineyardOne day only to 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.
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Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival
When: Oct 18 to Oct 21, 2018.Join us for the Annual Food & Wine Festival of Martha’s Vineyard in Edgartown, an event which reflects the Island’s tradition of farming and fishing and during which attendees enjoy locally- sourced food and culinary talent. Learn about and meet the farmers, fishermen, oyster producers, and artisans along with guest chefs and vintners from around the world during this 4 day event.
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Vineyard Artisan Festival - Annual Thanksgiving Day Festival
When: Nov 23 to Nov 24, 2018. Location: Agricultural Hall - West TisburyThis largest holiday art show by Islanders, features many holiday gifts such as one of a kind winter hand-made sweaters, hand-made soaps, Island lavender, and fine crafts including leather and vintage material bags, wood butcher block cutting boards, and so much more. The best part of coming to the Vineyard Artisan Festivals is meeting the artists and listening to how they love there art and enjoy making these beautiful gifts. Great food and live music. A $2.00 parking fee is for the Vineyard Artisans Scholarship Fund, which awards several scholarships to graduating MV High School students for studies in the Arts each year.
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Christmas in Edgartown
When: Dec 6 to Dec 9, 2018. Location: Martha's Vineyard
Christmas in Edgartown is a weekend festival you don’t want to miss! Every year through the various events, Christmas In Edgartown helps raise over $50,000 for island-wide charities and non-profits. Come be apart of the holiday magic!
Nantucket Event Calendar
Fondly nicknamed the “Grey Lady”, Nantucket is an enticing mecca of charm and distinction. From the cobblestone streets and sea captains’ mansions of Nantucket town, to the rose-covered cottages of Sconset, to the panoramic wind-swept moors, pristine beaches and ocean vistas, you will find Nantucket to be the perfect antidote to the hectic demands of modern life.
Once the whaling capital of the New World, today the Island attracts visitors year-round with its natural tranquility, delightful traditions, fine dining, and premier cultural events. Remember, it's easy and convenient to book your Steamship Authority reservations online.
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Nantucket Film Festival
When: Jun 20 to Jun 25, 2018.One of the premiere destination film festivals in the world, visitors come from all over to experience our preview screenings, signature programs, and stand out hospitality on a magical island rich with history, a friendly atmosphere, and beautiful sandy beaches.
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Fourth of July Celebration
When: Jul 5 to Jul 5, 2018. Location: NantucketJetties beach is the best place in Nantucket to view fireworks and celebrate the Independence Day. Each year, families and friends set up on the beach at Jetties beach and marvel at the spectacular fireworks show, over the harbor. The amazing firework display is very popular and draws quite a crowd. Leading up to the fireworks at night, there are many activities to take part in throughout the day. A fun, annual event is the 4th of July parade through Main St. This family oriented event is highlighted by a water fight featuring local fire trucks, supplying lots of water.
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Nantucket Yoga Festival
When: Jul 6 to Jul 9, 2018. -
Nantucket Comedy Festival
When: Jul 11 to Jul 14, 2018. Location: NantucketFounded in 2007, the Nantucket Comedy Festival is an annual summer event that brings top comedic talent to Nantucket Island as the major fundraiser for Stand Up & Learn, an island-based, year-round comedy education program serving Nantucket's children. The Nantucket Comedy Festival envisions Nantucket as a community connected by laughter. Dreamland July 12th–15th.
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Small Friends Arts & Artisan Show
When: Jul 12 to Jul 15, 2018. -
Nantucket Triathlon
When: Jul 14, 2018. Location: Nantucket
The Steamship Authority is proud to be the official transportation sponsor of this USAT sanctioned event. Register to compete or cheer on your favorite athlete as they swim in the waters of Nantucket Sound, and then bike and run on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Part of all proceeds benefit The Town of Nantucket Scholarship Fund.
Link: http://www.acktri.com/ -
Nantucket Garden Festival
When: Jul 17 to Jul 19, 2018.The Annual Nantucket Garden Festival highlights the unique and beautiful garden ecosystems on Nantucket and focuses on the importance of sustainability, conservation and gardening ethics for the long-term health of the island. The festival celebrates gardening through creative workshops, exquisite garden tours, children’s workshops, family activities and an opening night party.
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NISDA Sandcastle and Sculpture Day
When: Jul 21, 2018. Location: Jetties BeachPresented by the Nantucket Island School of Design and Arts, watch as artists create over 50 unique sand sculptures at Jetties Beach. A late-summer ritual for some, families and teams return year after year to vie for top honors. A visit to Jetties Beach to watch the sculpting in action or view the finished sculptures at sunset is well worth the trip.
Link: http://www.nisda.org -
Dance Festival
When: Jul 23 to Jul 28, 2018. Location: Atheneum -
Nantucket By Design Show
When: Jul 31 to Aug 4, 2018.Link: http://www.nha.org -
Nantucket Garden Club House Show
When: Aug 8, 2018. -
Nantucket Preservation Trust August Fete
When: Aug 9, 2018.The August Fête, one of the summer’s most memorable evenings, is more than a party—it is a celebration of Nantucket’s architecture and neighborhoods. Event attendees toured historic island houses in the Mill Street neighborhood and and enjoyed a tented reception with food by Nantucket Catering Company and Spanky’s Raw Bar, live music by the Chuck Colley Band, and Falabella ponies Little Brown and Freja.
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Boston Pops on Nantucket
When: Aug 11, 2018. Location: NantucketCome and enjoy the annual Boston Pops on Nantucket concert to benefit Nantucket Cottage Hospital with outstanding music and fireworks in a gorgeous setting on Jetties Beach.
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Opera House Cup Regatta
When: Aug 19, 2018. Location: NantucketThe Opera House Cup Regatta is a cherished tradition, held on the third Sunday of August on Nantucket. The Opera House Cup Regatta was the first all-wooden, single-hulled classic boat regatta on the East Coast, and it attracts some of the finest sailboats in the country.
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Nantucket Fall Restaurant Week
When: Sep 24 to Sep 30, 2018.Experience exceptional food, wine and Nantucket hospitality in many of the island's acclaimed culinary establishments. Three course dinners offered from $35 - $45 make this a culinary event not to be missed.
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Nantucket Maritime Festival
When: Sep 29, 2018. Location: Egan Maritime InstituteThe Maritime Festival is a celebration of the joy of living on an island and to experience time-honored maritime activities on and beside the sea that surrounds us. Packed with free activities for the whole family, on the water, beach and grass: build your own boat races, shucking contests, entertainment by maritime musical groups, kid’s activity tent and paddleboarding are just a few of the programs happening at this festival.
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Cranberry Harvest Festival
When: Oct 6, 2018. Location: NantucketDo you love cranberries? Then you'll love the Milestone Cranberry Bog and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation's Annual Cranberry Festival. Come out to the festival grounds and watch the berries being harvested, learn about the history of cranberry farming on Nantucket, participate in the family activities or just kick back and enjoy the music and the spectacular autumn scenery of one of the most unique and beautiful places on our Island. Don't forget to bring home a pound, or two, of Nantucket Cranberries for the Holidays!
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NantucketGrown Food Festival
When: Oct 12 to Oct 14, 2018.The annual NantucketGrown Food Festival will feature a unique and exciting series of events hosted by Sustainable Nantucket in collaboration with island farmers, chefs, fishermen, brewers, beekeepers and artisinal food producers. A showcase of food tastings, demos, culinary lessons, a "wild weed" cocktail party, "Farm Fresh Feast" and more in celebration of the Faraway Island's rich and diverse bounty.
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Annual Halloween Parade
When: Oct 31, 2018. Location: NantucketJoin the fun at the Annual Halloween Parade and Costume Pageant! A prize for Best Themed Costume will be awarded at 4:30 pm on the Methodist Church steps. The parade begins at 5 pm, and every child will receive a ribbon and goodie bag.
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Festival of Wreaths at the Nantucket Whaling Museum
When: Nov 21 to Nov 25, 2018.This beloved event, a veritable island tradition, marks the Nantucket Historical Association's kick-off to the holiday season, transforming the Whaling Museum into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through and marvel at the array of exquisite wreaths lovingly crafted by members of the Nantucket community--including local businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools. Materials run the gamut from traditional to unconventional, and each wreath is a true masterpiece. Visitors bid on their favorites in a silent auction to benefit the NHA's year-round outreach efforts.
Link: http://www.nha.org -
Annual Tree Lighting & Community Caroling
When: Nov 23, 2018. Location: Nantucket
Everyone gathers at the top of Main Street on Nantucket to watch over 100 Christmas trees come alive with color and light. Caroling follows, filling the air with sounds of an old fashioned Christmas. School children, youth groups and non-profit organizations join with island businesses to decorate the trees in time for Christmas Stroll the following weekend.
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Nantucket Christmas Stroll
When: Nov 30 to Dec 2, 2018. Location: Nantucket Main Street
Nantucket's Christmas Stroll Weekend is enchanting and magical--a glittering Advent calendar come to life--transforming the island into an awe-inspiring panorama of sight and sound. Santa arrives via his nautical sleigh--with the help of the Coast Guard--and parades up Main Street to the Jared Coffin House, where he meets with children young and old to determine whether they've been naughty or nice. At the top of Main Street, the Magical Talking Tree mystifies children of all ages, and a Christmas Marketplace showcases the talents of local businesses--from foods and crafts to handmade wares and informational tables. Activities abound throughout Town, and there's even a Scavenger Hunt! There's no time machine needed to transport yourself back to Christmases past in this Charles Dickens' backdrop come to life. We invite you to celebrate with us
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Nantucket Noel
When: Dec 31, 2018. Location: Nantucket