Summertime on Martha’s Vineyard shines with exciting events and activities that perfectly encapsulate what we love about our charming seaside community. If you’re planning a trip between May and September, your days will be filled with salt air, sunny skies, and exciting to-dos that range from artisan fairs and flea markets to thrilling regattas and film festivals. Check out our calendar of the most popular Martha’s Vineyard events for your summer vacation and start dreaming up your next getaway.
In This Article:
- Summer Events on Martha’s Vineyard
- Summer Packing List
- Reserve Your Summer Stay
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Martha’s Vineyard Events for Summer Visitors
May’s Top To-Dos
Porchfest
Edgartown’s Porchfest is one of the most unique things to do on Martha’s Vineyard, especially for first-time visitors. Free and open to the public, the festival highlights diverse musical acts and prominently features them on the lawns and porches of homes from Rosewater to the Eisenhauer Gallery. Stroll along on a gorgeous summer day and take in the sounds—a perfect introduction to the island.
A relatively new festival on Martha’s Vineyard, Porchfest has been a success since its inaugural event in 2024.
Details:
- Location: Edgartown
- Price: Free
- Date: Mid-May
Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society hosts several acclaimed events every year. Kicking off the season each May, the Environmental Film Fest features an exciting line-up of thoughtful works designed to raise awareness about conservation efforts, climate change, nature, and more.
The festival features documentaries, hosts Q&A sessions with directors, and hosts community events to further the filmmakers’ work.
Memorial Day on Martha’s Vineyard
The official kick-off of summer, Memorial Day on Martha’s Vineyard, doesn’t hold back on the to-dos. Catch the parade from the American Legion to Oak Grove Cemetery, watch the reverent March to the Sea as local school children honor our fallen soldiers, and round out the day at the Memorial Day Picnic at Tashmoo Waterworks.
Other Memorial Day activities like races and artisan fairs pop up across the island, so check local event calendars and social media pages as the holiday nears for the most up-to-date schedule of events.
June Events on Martha’s Vineyard
Edgartown Village Market
Located in Edgartown’s historic downtown area, this free, open-air market features artisan makers from across the island. Shop for everything from fresh produce and flowers to crafts, art, and homemade goods.
Details:
- When: Tuesdays from 10 AM to 2 PM
- Where: Daniel Fisher House – 99 Main Street
Taste of the Vineyard
Each year, in June, the Vineyard Preservation Trust holds its main fundraising event: Taste of the Vineyard. This summer kick-off food and wine festival showcases local chefs, restaurants, wineries, and wine sellers, offering tastes and samples across multiple days. Live music and entertainment accompany the food and drink, making for a spectacular June event on the island.
Details:
- When: Early June
- Admission: Tickets Required
- Location: 99 Main Street, Edgartown
LGBTQIA+ Pride Weekend in Oak Bluffs
Pride is alive on Martha’s Vineyard each June, and you can experience it all when you visit this summer! Held in the historic Oak Bluffs area, guests can look forward to a fun-filled parade, hilarious drag shows, live music, brunch parties, community services offerings, and of course, after-parties to keep the fun going into the night.
Annual activities and dates are announced each year, so check with the official MV site for the most up-to-date info on this year’s Pride festivities.
Martha’s Vineyard Flea Market
Also known as the Chilmark Flea Market, this popular summer event begins in late June and takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM through early September. Growing for more than half a century, the flea market has become a staple summer event on the island. As you wander the booths, you’ll find items from local craftsmen, vintage collectables, imported goods, furniture, art, jewelry, clothing, and much more.
Details:
- Location: 142 North Road between Tabor House and Tea Lane
- Free Admission and Parking
Other June Events Worth Noting:
- MVBGC Golf Tournament at Farm Neck
- Vineyard Haven First Fridays Begin
- Juneteenth Jubilee Festival
- Amity Week
Martha’s Vineyard Events in July
Tisbury Street Fair
Celebrate Tisbury’s birthday at the annual summer street fair. You’ll find booths representing many of the town’s local businesses, food vendors, art, music, and enough excitement to keep everyone entertained all day long.
Details:
- Date: Held July 8th each year
- Free to attend
- Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Sound of the Vineyard
Sound of the Vineyard at Grange Hall is a weekly, free music series that invites families and friends from across the island to come enjoy sunset skies, great food, community, and incredible entertainment from the porch of the Grange.
The summer series takes place Wednesdays, July through September, with multiple bands gracing the stage. Feel free to pack a picnic, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a night of free Martha’s Vineyard fun.
Details:
- When: Wednesdays, July – September
- Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
- Where: 1067 Stat Road, West Tisbury
Martha’s Vineyard Museum Day
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum hosts a couple of different Museum Day events. One operates as part of the Smithsonian’s Annual Museum Day celebration, and another highlights the town’s anniversary. Regardless of which Museum Day you attend, you can expect a day of family-friendly fun. Enjoy free admission, go on a scavenger hunt, let the little ones do hands-on crafts or get their faces painted, listen to live music, explore popular sights like the Jaws exhibit, and learn all about the fascinating history of this unique community.
Vineyard Cup Regatta
Nothing is more quintessentially Martha’s Vineyard than a regatta race. Sail Martha’s Vineyard hosts the popular Vineyard Cup each July, and spectators can enjoy the thrilling sights as classic yachts race through Vineyard Sound.
Additional July Events:
- Edgartown Fireworks
- Generations Picnic with VPT
- Fluke for Luke Fishing Tournament
- Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic
- PA Club Feast and Parade
- Martha’s Vineyard Open with VFT
- Legacy Week on the Vineyard
August Events and Activities
Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
This week-long Oscar®-qualifying film festival spotlights Black creators and filmmakers with days of screenings, conversations, and special events. Previous years have drawn prestigious guests such as former President Obama, Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and others. With more than two decades of history, it’s one of the most popular summer events on Martha’s Vineyard.
Tickets go on sale early, and the festival’s website posts frequently with planning tips and schedule updates.
Chilmark Road Race
Fun-run enthusiasts and pavement pounders unite! The annual Chilmark Road Race happens each August, challenging competitors to a hilly 5K course. Registration opens in July and caps at 1,600 runners. Each participant receives a t-shirt, and all proceeds from registration fees support the Chilmark Community Center and scholarships for residents.
More August Events:
- All Island Art Show at The Tabernacle
- MVCMA History Week Events
- Built on Stilts Festival
- MVCMA Cottage Tour
- Historic Home Tour in Edgartown
- Oak Bluffs Fireworks
End of Summer September Events
Labor Day
Labor Day on Martha’s Vineyard features days of fun with local activities and events popping up all over the island. Enjoy a drive-in movie in Vineyard Haven, attend the Annual Labor Day Artisans Festival, take a walking tour, catch a sunset concert, hit up the last of the farmers’ markets, or just relax on the shore as you soak in the last moments of summer sun.
MV International Film Festival
We bet you didn’t think there would be three film festivals in this summer events article, but we’d be remiss not to highlight the continued work the International Film Fest does to shine a light on different communities and cultures, especially with all that’s going on in the world.
The theme continues to be, “Other Places, Other People,” with entries that center around concepts of cultural unifiers that connect us all. Films are picked from some of the top festivals in the world, including Sundance, Berlin, and Cannes. Schedules are announced in August, with the festival taking place each year in September.
Tivoli Day
Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs is a 40+ year tradition that perfectly caps the summer season. Usher in cooler temps and colorful leaves as you explore street vendors, dance to local music, shop for hand-crafted goods, and hit up all the end-of-summer sales. Food vendors and games make this a great family event that everyone will love.
Details:
- When: Mid-September
- Where: Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs
- Free
- Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
Summer Packing List for Your Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
Summer in Martha’s Vineyard is made for outdoor living. Your packing list should include casual light layers with a few elevated options for special events or nights out.
Swimwear is a must for beach days or boat rides. Street fairs require comfy shoes that you can walk all day in without getting sore feet, but you’ll also find folks in flip flops and sandals.
Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, tick repellent, and a light jacket in case of occasional pop-up rain showers.
Reserve Your Summer Stay with Sandcastle Realty
Featured Property: 1984 Edgartown - Katama
When it comes to finding the perfect Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental, Sandcastle Realty is your go-to name. Our extensive inventory lets you browse the best homes on the island and book them at the lowest rates.
From pet-friendly stays to luxury rentals, we have a property perfect for your family or group. Browse our homes and explore booking calendars and availability, then contact us to reserve your stay. Our local team is available to assist with any and all questions.