Whether it’s your first time visiting Martha’s Vineyard or you’re a seasoned Resident, August is one of the best months to be on-Island. Don’t Believe me? We are going to walk you through the Martha’s Vineyard events in August that are more than worth the trip!
P.S. If you need a Vacation Rental for any of these weeks check out Point B’s Exclusive Offerings in this blog post or check our Last-Minute August Specials Page.
Why August Is A Great Month To Be On Martha’s Vineyard – Iconic Events You Don’t Want to Miss Out On!
Like the smell before it rains, August is the last sweet month of summer before early fall sets in. September marks the start of most school years and the cooler months of the year, and I for one always feel the need to go out with a bang (literally if you are attending the OB Fireworks). Since August is the last month to check off everything on your summer bucket list, let’s go over the events you simply cannot miss on Martha’s Vineyard in August.
- MV African-American Film Festival : 8/4 – 8/12
- Chilmark Road Race : 8/12
- Annual Grand Illumination Night : 8/16
- 161st Agricultural Fair : 8/17 – 8/20
- Oak Bluffs Fireworks & Band Concert : 8/18
- Beach Road Weekend : 8/25 – 8/27
MV African-American Film Festival 2023
If an OSCAR® Qualifying Festival in the Short Film Category seems interesting to you, then you cannot miss the 2023 African-American Film Festival. This festival celebrates and promotes feature, documentary, and short films that star and/or are produced by African Americans across the world. The Vineyard has always been a haven for the African American community and this event celebrates talented Film Stars, Directors, Producers, and Production Staff. Most Screenings will happen at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional Highschool, in the PAC (Performing Arts Center) in Oak Bluffs. To learn more visit mvaaff.com!
Chilmark Road Race
The Chilmark Road Race has been a quintessential Island activity since 1978, often pictured are runners of all ages. You may see the iconic t-shirts walking around town, and have wondered what the race details are. The Chilmark course is known for the hilly nature of up-Island, and goes from Middle Road to Beetlebung Corner next to the Town Hall. You can register at runsignup.com/chilmark.
Annual Grand Illumination Night
Grand Illumination Night is a summer tradition that takes place in the Oak Bluffs Campgrounds among the iconic Gingerbread Houses. Including live music at the tabernacle, families gather with glow sticks and cameras at the ready for when the lights go off. Once the surrounding lights go off, all of the lanterns that adorn the gingerbread houses and porches glow and put on a beautiful light show. You and your loved ones won’t want to miss the opportunity to walk through this magical summer scene!
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society 161st Fair
The Ag Fair is one of the highlights of the year on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a time when everyone comes together to celebrate the Island’s Agricultural community and good old fashion FUN. The must-sees that are crowd-pleasers for all ages, include the various animals that reside in the barn for ribbon-winning, local food vendors in the outdoor cafeteria, and the artisans’ area. The exhibits feature artwork, photography, baking, gardening, sculpture, and so much more that are submitted for awards.
In addition to the local goodies, we also have amusement rides, games, and other attractions — a personal favorite is the racing piglets and the sheep sheering station.
Oak Bluffs Fireworks & Band Concert
The OB Fireworks are pure magic, the show is so impressive and holds so many cherished memories. Hundreds flood to the lawn of Ocean Park and set up beach chairs and picnic blankets to listen to the bandstand tunes drifting down from the Gazebo. Many groups pick up Gio’s pizza or pack dinner from home, and there are various stands with Fire trucks where the Oak Bluffs Fire Department is found selling t-shirts and collecting donations.
Beach Road Weekend
Beach Road Weekend has become an annual music festival with big-name headliners. This year we look forward to hearing Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, and Leon Bridges live in Vineyard Haven. People bring foldable chairs or picnic blankets to set-up shop before the music begins, and there are plenty of food and beverage vendors on-site to keep the party going all night (or until the last performer hits their last note). This festival weekend is one not to be missed! You can learn more and buy tickets by visiting beachroadweekend.com
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