2026 FREE GUIDE TO EVENTS IN AUGUST AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
August Vineyard on the
A publication of the Vineyard Gazette Media Group Publisher Monica Brady-Myerov Production Designers Andrew Rice, Emma Young Ad Production Jane McTeigue, Wendy Mercier, Jocelyn James Advertising Director Frederica Carpenter Advertising Sales Team Carrie Blair, Serena Ward Marketing and Sponsorships Tresa Lovio-Slattery Events Manager Kharma Finley-Wallace Business Manager Kathy Agin © Copyright 2026 by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
WHAT’S GOING ON: Your Essential Guide to August on Martha’s Vineyard Come August, Martha’s Vineyard is packed with a wide variety of cultural events that appeal to many different tastes. Artists, thinkers, politicians, and spiritual leaders visit the Island during these weeks to showcase their work and share their ideas with the community of locals and visitors that has gathered. In this guide, we have compiled a collection of some of the most exciting and engaging events happening on Martha’s Vineyard in late summer, organized by week for easy review and planning. We hope you’ll find events to entertain, challenge, and inspire. Be sure to check out the Vineyard Gazette calendar at calendar.vineyardgazette.com for the most up-to-date listings.
vineyardgazette.com Cover photo by So Focused Photography
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CALENDER OF EVENTS WEEK ONE JULY 29 - AUGUST 1
celebrating the tradition of craftsmanship.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
10TH ANNIVERSARY: HBCU LEGACY WEEK ON THE VINEYARD
THE KABUJAZZ TRIO FEATURING CÂNDIDA ROSE — GLOBAL RHYTHMS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30 to 7 p.m. | Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Bodman Courtyard, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven
Cândida Rose is a celebrated Cape Verdean musician, vocalist, and educator whose work carries the deep musical traditions of her heritage alongside a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation and community connection. $20 (free for Gen Z and under) mvmuseum.org
THURSDAY, JULY 30 HBCU DIGITAL TRUST AND HARVARD
Free mvcma.org
Various times | Eleven Circuit, 11 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs Speakers, writers, scholars, artists, and performers shine a light on Black literature and culture. legacyweekonthevineyard.com
THE I LOVE U.S. DAY PARTY
4 to 8 p.m. | Eleven Circuit, 11 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs Dance party in seersuckers and sundresses. legacyweekonthevineyard.com James Jeter, a creative director at Ralph Lauren, sports a piece from the Oak Bluffs collection, 2025.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs With co-presenters from HBCU Digital Library Trust, Harvard University, and HBCU Digital Art Project. Free calendar.vineyardgazette.com
FRIDAY, JULY 31 MEET ME ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD LITERARY AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven Join authors, speakers, entrepreneurs, media professionals, and cultural leaders for a day of literary conversations, networking opportunities, book signings, media visibility, and cultural experiences. Prices vary authorexpo.vonza.com
ANNUAL MVCMA CRAFT & ARTISAN FAIR
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Handmade items from both new and returning artisans AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
Ray Ewing
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
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AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD | 2026
WEEK TWO AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 8 SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 VICTORY ON THE VINEYARD
9:30 a.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Worship services with music and speakers. mvcma.org
UNION CHAPEL SUNDAY SERVICE FEATURING REV. OTIS MOSS III
10 to 11 a.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelmv.org
THE GOSPEL HOUSE MUSIC BRUNCH
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Eleven Circuit, 11 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs Buffet brunch and music from DJ Monday Blue. legacyweekonthevineyard.com
AUTHOR SERIES: MAGGIE HABERMAN
7 p.m. | Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center, 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs Journalist Maggie Haberman discusses her new book Regime Change with The Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 THE STATE OF AMERICAN POLITICS: WILL 2026 BE DIFFERENT?
6 p.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelinstitute.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 A CONVERSATION WITH ARTIST BISA BUTLER
4 p.m. | Featherstone Center for the Arts, 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs Join Bisa Butler, Dalila Scruggs, and Liz Andres for a discussion of SAAM’s upcoming exhibition Bisa Butler: Tender Moments Free s.si.edu/bisavineyard
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 FIRST FRIDAY VINEYARD HAVEN 4:30 to 7 p.m. | Vineyard Haven
Street festival with art, music, and food. Free firstfridayvh.com
GRACE KELLY BENEFIT CONCERT
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown
$95 mvbookfestival.com
Dynamo saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly makes a rare Martha's Vineyard appearance to benefit the Island's nonprofit community.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
$30 to $100 mvnonprofits.org
ART AS INNOVATION: WRITING WHAT'S EMERGING WITH ROBIN D. STONE
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Featherstone Center for the Arts, 30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs Spend time with artwork by emerging artists and let it spark your own stories. $30 featherstoneart.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 CHILMARK ROAD RACE
10:30 a.m. | Chilmark Community Center, Middle Road, Chilmark Since 1978. The race is sold out, but join the sidelines to cheer on the runners. AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
CALENDER OF EVENTS WEEK THREE AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15 SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 UNION CHAPEL SUNDAY SERVICE FEATURING REV. DR. HOWARD-JOHN WESLEY
10 to 11 a.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs unionchapelmv.org
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 STORIES BY THE SEA
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Harbor View Hotel, 131 North Water Street, Edgartown Inaugural luncheon that explores faith, culture, and the power of Black storytelling. Proceeds benefit student scholarships and community grants.
INTENTION ACROSS THE GENERATIONS
3:30 to 5 p.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelinstitute.org
INNOVATION, AI AND THE FUTURE OF WORK
5:30 to 7 p.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelinstitute.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 MOMENTUM SUMMIT 2026
3 to 6 p.m. | The Strand Theatre, 11 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs A gathering designed to reimagine the future of philanthropy. themomentumsummit.net
$250 rhboyd.com/130
THE ART OF COLLECTING ART: TIPS FROM APPRAISERS AND COLLECTORS
MARTHA'S VINEYARD HBCU COLLEGE FAIR & YOUTH EXPO
unionchapelinstitute.org
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Connecting students and families with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, scholarship-awarding organizations, internship partners, and college readiness resources. Free mvhbcucollegefair.com
LEGACY OF WEALTH FORUM: WHO DETERMINES WEALTH IN THE NEXT ERA?
3 to 6 p.m. | The Strand Theatre, 11 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs A forum on building and structuring cultural assets and intellectual property for those who come after us. $95 calendar.vineyardgazette.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 THE FAMILY MEETING: BUILDING WEALTH WITH AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
4 to 6 p.m. | Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs
THE HBCU EXPERIENCE ON THE VINEYARD 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. | Oak Bluffs
An evening of conversation with HBCU presidents, leaders, and alumni. eventbrite.com
AUTHOR TALK: SEN. RAPHAEL WARNOCK
7 to 8:30 p.m. | Chilmark Community Center, 9 Menemsha Road, Chilmark Discussing his book The Crooked Places Made Straight, as part of the 2026 Martha's Vineyard Author Series. $75 mvbookfestival.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 BLACK EDUCATION FORUM 2026
4 to 5:30 p.m. | Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown
JUNE 18-24, 2026
AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD | 2026
Explore the intersection of policy, place, possibility, and the power of local leadership to shape a more just and equitable future in the age of AI. Free calendar.vineyardgazette.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 MARTHA'S VINEYARD VIBE FEST
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Waban Park, Oak Bluffs Food, art, DJs, musicians, poets, and performers. Free mvvibefest.com
Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelmv.org
VIBE FEST MEETS GREEK FEST
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Waban Park, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelinstitute.org
AUTHOR TALK: EUGENE ROBINSON
7 to 8:30 p.m. | Chilmark Community Center, 9 Menemsha Road, Chilmark Eugene Robinson discusses his book Freedom Lost, Freedom Won, as part of the Martha's Vineyard Author Series.
MARTHA'S VINEYARD BLACK BOOK FESTIVAL
$75 mvbookfestival.org
A celebration of Black literary excellence with author showcases, panel discussions, and refreshments.
MONDAY, AUGUST 17
12 to 6 p.m. | Island Inn, 31 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs
$175 to $225 mvbbf.com
TABERNACLE LIVE BENEFIT CONCERT: THE WALLFLOWERS WITH WOLFTRAP
7:30 p.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Annual benefit concert. Prices vary mvcma.org
WEEK FOUR AUGUST 16 - AUGUST 22 SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 VICTORY ON THE VINEYARD
9:30 a.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Worship services with music and speakers. mvcma.org
UNION CHAPEL SUNDAY SERVICE FEATURING REV. DR. KEVIN R. JOHNSON
10 to 11 a.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue,
MARTHA'S VINEYARD GOSPEL FESTIVAL BENEFIT CONCERT
4:30 p.m. | Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown An evening of music supporting local organizations serving food-insecure and homeless residents on Martha's Vineyard. $65.75 eventbrite.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 JAZZ ON THE VINEYARD
4 to 6:30 p.m. | Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown A celebration of the genre. Prices vary jazzonthevineyard.org
MS. ON MARTHA'S
5 to 8 p.m. | Grange Hall, 1067 State Road, West Tisbury
An evening of prominent feminists including Ms. Foundation’s incoming President and CEO. Learn about the foundation's work and its role in the movements for gender and racial justice. Free forwomen.org AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
CALENDER OF EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 BLOCKVOICES FIRST ANNUAL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
1 to 4 p.m. | Sailing Camp Park, 177 Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs Leaders across crypto, blockchain, and emerging technology for a day of focused dialogue. blockvoices.org
TRUTH UNDER FIRE: DEFENDING BLACK WOMEN JOURNALISTS AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
4 to 6 p.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelinstitute.org
GRAND ILLUMINATION NIGHT
7 to 11 p.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Community sing followed by lantern display. mvcma.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 AUTHOR SERIES: RICHARD RUSSO
7 p.m. | Chilmark Community Center, 520 South Road, Chilmark Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo discusses his new book Under the Falls with book critic Ron Charles. $75 mvbookfestival.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 2026 OAK BLUFFS FIREWORKS
After 9 p.m. (rain date August 22) | Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs Find a spot in Ocean Park to see the display. Free oakbluffsma.gov
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 MARTHA'S VINEYARD JAZZ EXPERIENCE
1 to 7 p.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
Bridging jazz legacy and contemporary experimentation. $56 and up mvjazzexperience.com
WEEK FIVE AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 30 SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 VICTORY ON THE VINEYARD
9:30 a.m. | MVCMA Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs Worship services with music and speakers. mvcma.org
UNION CHAPEL SUNDAY SERVICE FEATURING REV. MAUREEN GERALD
10 to 11 a.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs Free unionchapelmv.org
ISLAND BRUNCH
1 to 6 p.m. | 371 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, West Tisbury Music by DJ Burns and DJ Cris-Cross. Dress in yellow and white. $55.20 eventbrite.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 KEMP HARRIS — GLOBAL RHYTHMS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30 to 7 p.m. | Martha's Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven A sound woven from folk, blues, and African American musical traditions. $20 mvmuseum.org Left: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, right, speaks with Henry Louis Gates Jr., 2025. Right: Oak Bluffs annual fireworks show in Ocean Park.
JUNE 18-24, 2026
AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD | 2026
RECURRING EVENTS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 INDIGO GIRLS
7:30 p.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs
DAILY
Folk-rock duo Indigo Girls perform.
POLAR BEARS ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD 7:30 a.m. | Inkwell Beach, Oak Bluffs
Prices vary mvconcertseries.com
All are welcome to join for a swim and water aerobics for an hour. The group is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
WEDNESDAYS + SATURDAYS
VICTORY ON THE VINEYARD
9:30 a.m. | The Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs
WEST TISBURY FARMERS' MARKET
Worship services with music and speakers.
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury
mvcma.org
wtfmarket.org
UNION CHAPEL SUNDAY SERVICE FEATURING REV. JENNIE LEE SALAS
JULY 27 - AUGUST 16
10 to 11 a.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs
RISD EMERGING
Free unionchapelmv.org
Larry Glick
Jeanna Shepard
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Featherstone Center for the Arts, 20 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs
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CALENDER OF EVENTS
Featuring art from recent alums from Rhode Island School of Design.
8 p.m., doors 7:30 p.m. | Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs
featherstoneart.org
Annual festival of dance with live music, storytelling, theater, comedy, circus acts, drag, and more.
AUGUST 1 - 3 SANKOFA 2026
Various times | Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs Speakers, writers, scholars, artists, and performers shine a light on Black literature and culture. Free oakbluffslibrary.org
AUGUST 1 - 6
Free builtonstilts.org
AUGUST 7 - 15 MARTHA'S VINEYARD AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
Various times | Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center, 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs Celebrating Black excellence in film with nine days of independent screenings, panel discussions, and events.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD HBCU ARTS FESTIVAL 2026
Prices vary mvaaff.com
A week of live performances, conversations, and curated experiences celebrating HBCU artistry on Martha’s Vineyard.
AUGUST 8, 15, 22, 29
hbcu-arts.org
AUGUST 3 - 5 MARTHA'S VINEYARD FOUNDERS AND FUNDERS RETREAT
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Dr. Daniel Fisher House, 99 Main Street, Edgartown Speakers, interactive workshops, and opportunities to network with founders, funders, and strategic partners. $99 to $599 coiladderinstitute.org
AUGUST 4, 11, 18, 25 CNC'S OLE SKOOL DANCE CAFÉ
Tuesdays, 8 to 11 p.m. | Portuguese-American Club, 137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs Dance party. $10 calendar.vineyardgazette.com
AUGUST 6 - 9 & AUGUST 14 - 17 BUILT ON STILTS DANCE FESTIVAL AUGUST ON THE VINEYARD • 2026 • EVENTSMV.COM
CHILMARK FLEA MARKET
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Flea Market Field, 142 North Road, Chilmark Antiques, imports, vintage finds, and high-quality handmade items from Vineyard artists and craftsmen. calendar.vineyardgazette.com
AUGUST 13 - 16 MARTHA'S VINEYARD AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Thursday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury An annual tradition with new dates. $10 to $15 marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org
AUGUST 15 - 22 GREEK WEEK ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD Various locations | Island-wide
Divine Nine (D9) fraternities and sororities on Martha's Vineyard. calendar.vineyardgazette.com
Globe-hopping culinary journey
Joyfully served
BlackJoyKitchen.com Chef Ting, Proprietor | Bespoke Event Catering
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