Martha’s Vineyard in August: 13 Unmissable Summer Events

Thinking about a trip to Martha’s Vineyard in August, but worried it might be too crowded? I hear you. It’s the busiest time of the year. The island buzzes with life, but somehow, that just adds to its charm.

I spend a couple of weeks here almost every August and have learned first hand how to enjoy a vacation during this vibrant and busy month on the island.

Sure, the beaches and restaurants are full of people, and the streets are bustling with activity. But with a bit of planning and some insider tips, you can dodge the busiest spots and find your own peaceful places or choose to dive into all the lively events happening at this time of year.

Let’s dig into how you can get the best out of a trip to Martha’s Vineyard in August. You’ll see that the great weather, fun events, and the friendly folk make it worth braving the crowds.

Martha’s Vineyard Things to Do in August

August on Martha’s Vineyard is bursting with events and activities that capture the island’s unique culture and lively summer spirit. Here’s a guide to some of the top events you won’t want to miss:

1. Meet the Fleet at Menemsha Docks

When: August 7th 2025 | Where: Menemsha

Join the 8th annual “Meet the Fleet” event from 3 PM to 7 PM at Menemsha Docks.

Celebrate the local fishing community with boat tours, live music, craft events for kids, contests and skill demonstrations

Hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, this event is a great way to learn about and support the island’s fishing heritage.

2. Our Golden Hours at The Vincent House

When: Until August 30th 2025 | Where: Edgartown

This immersive art installation by Candice Smith Corby and William Pettit is on display at one of Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest historic homes. We visited earlier this summer, combining it with a trip to the Edgartown Village Market.

The exhibition transforms the late 17th-century Vincent House into a living artwork featuring objects spanning centuries of American life, with interactive elements like a vintage rotary phone where you can dial your childhood number.

We met historian, Norah Van Riper who was full of fascinating stories about the home and Martha’s Vineyard. I recommend visiting on a Tuesday when she is there! This exhibition is part of Vineyard Preservation Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

3. Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

When: August 1st to 9th 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

Dive into a celebration of African American cinema at this renowned festival taking place at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.

Featuring a curated lineup that highlights African American culture and experiences, this is an educational and entertaining event to add to your itinerary.

Check their website for film and documentary screening times and special guest appearances including director, Spike Lee.

4. Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival

When: August 1st -3rd 2025 | Where: Chilmark

On August 2nd, a full day of panel discussions explores the complex forces reshaping American society and democracy, examining everything from political power structures and institutional threats to cultural identity and media’s evolving role.

Notable participants include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Evan Osnos, historian Jason Stanley and MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell moderating a critical conversation about press freedom.

August 3rd features one-on-one author conversations. Highlights include historian Martha Jones in conversation with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and special brown bag lunch gathering where cookbook authors including James Beard Award winners will dish on the latest food world developments.

5. Legacy Week on Martha’s Vineyard

When: July 27th – August 2nd 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

August features a wealth of events celebrating Black culture, many taking place during Legacy Week. There are opportunities to relax and connect with HBCU families and alumni, attend panel discussions, art events, yoga, swimming with the polar bears, film screenings and nightly parties.

Legacy Week is also a great time to take the educational and inspiring African American Heritage Tour of Martha’s Vineyard.

The tour delves into contributions made by people of African descent to the history of the island. You’ll get to explore significant sites and hear previously undocumented stories of black history on the Vineyard.

6. Pick Your Own Flowers at Slough Farm

When: August 2025 | Where: Edgartown

Visit Slough Farm for a hands-on experience in their beautiful flower fields. It’s a delightful way to spend an hour, and you can take home a bouquet of your own picking.

When we did this, it was a lot more fun than I expected. The kids had the best time and really enjoyed picking out individual colorful flowers that appealed to them. 

7. Run the Chilmark Road Race or Amity Island Fun Run

When: August 9th & 3rd 2025 | Where: Chilmark & Edgartown

Whether you’re a competitive runner or looking for a fun family activity, these races offer beautiful routes and a festive atmosphere.

The Chilmark Road Race (9th) is known for its challenging course and stunning views. The Amity Island Fun Run (3rd) course is a flat route that goes from the FARM Institute in Katama to South Beach and back.

Families are encouraged to run or walk the 5K together and there is also a half-K fun run for kiddos under 8.

8. Sara Bareilles Live at the Tabernacle 

When: August 9th 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

Grammy-nominated artist, Sara Bareilles, performs a special benefit concert at the historic Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.

This concert isn’t just a chance to see a music industry giant perform—it also supports a great cause. All ticket sales go towards the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association’s preservation work.

Opening for Bareilles is Martha’s Vineyard’s own Phil daRosa, adding a local touch to an unforgettable evening of music. Get your tickets early!

9. Grand Illumination Night

When: August 20th 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

Join the tradition at the Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs, where residents decorate the gingerbread cottages with lanterns and share an evening filled with music and community spirit.

Stroll through this national historic landmark and enjoy the bright colors of the gingerbread houses throughout the Campground.

While you’re in Oak Bluffs, add another unique travel experience to your itinerary and visit the popular island attraction, the Flying Horses Carousel. Catch the brass ring and win a free ride!

10. Oak Bluffs Fireworks

When: August 22nd 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

Experience the magic of the annual fireworks in Oak Bluffs. This dazzling fireworks display marks the end of summer and lights up the night sky.

One of my family’s favorite nights on the island, we like to watch from Ocean Park near the Gazebo (bring a blanket or chairs) but the beach is also a great option. This is a seriously impressive show – one of the best I’ve seen!

It’s a festive atmosphere enjoyed by a mix of locals and visitors. Everyone comes together to enjoy the spectacle and I recommend you check out the band concert in the Gazebo before the show.

Hot tip: Want to avoid the hassle of traffic, trying to find a parking spot and having to arrive hours in advance? Charter a sailboat and watch the show from the water!

11. Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair

When: August 21st to 24th 2025 | Where: West Tisbury

Celebrate island farming with old-fashioned amusement rides, games, live music, livestock competitions, and delicious food.

This fair is a really fun time for families, offering a taste of agricultural life alongside fun activities and displays of prize-winning crafts, food and farm animals.

My kids absolutely love the Ag Fair, particularly the carnival rides and the opportunity get close enough to touch some of the animals. My favorite thing at the fair is the delicious burger from the West Tisbury Firefighters booth

Top Tip: Can’t make it in the summer? Schedule a trip in October and experience a mini version of the fair at the Agricultural Society’s Harvest festival

12. Shop the Local Markets

When: August 2025 | Where: Edgartown, Chilmark, West Tisbury

Explore quintessential island life at the local markets. The Edgartown Village Market (Tuesdays), Chilmark Flea Market (Weds & Sat, 9-2), and West Tisbury Farmers Market (Weds & Sat, 9-12) each offer unique goods. They’re perfect for finding local treasures like fresh produce or artisan crafts and enjoying the community atmosphere.

However, keep in mind that these markets are primarily geared towards adult shoppers, with limited activities for kids. In my experience, my little ones got bored quickly so I recommend this activity is best enjoyed as a leisurely outing for adults.

13. Live Music events

When: August 2025 | Where: Island-wide

There’s no shortage of live music on Martha’s Vineyard in August! Every Friday you can catch The Blue switch Blues Band at MVTap and Johnny Hoy & The Bluefish at Featherstone.

Live music plays at The Ritz almost every night, the Porthunter every weekend and Tuesday nights and Nomans every Sunday, Tuesday & Friday.

Every Wednesday from 5-7, enjoy The Sound of The Vineyard at the Grange Hall. This is a family friendly event with local bands and food and drinks for sale.

The Vineyard Haven Town Band plays every Sunday, alternating between Owen Park in Vineyard Haven and the Gazebo in Oak Bluffs.

The inaugural Martha’s Vineyard Gospel Festival, featuring Grammy Award-winner, Tamela Mann, takes place on August 11th at the Old Whaling Church.

Celebrate music and culture at these two lively music festivals. Soulfest (9th – 23rd) features soul, R&B, jazz, line-dancing, yoga and stand-up comedy in a series of performances around Oak Bluffs.

Soundfest (31st) brings together fans of various music genres to see artists like Barrington Levy and local bands and the chance to enjoy food from local vendors at the Cove Golf and Grill located in Vineyard Haven. This is a family-friendly event.

My top tips for visiting Martha’s Vineyard in August

Many agree that August is the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard. It’s certainly one of the most popular and exciting times of year. Here’s how to navigate the island during its busiest month:

• Leave Your Car Behind: I usually tell people to bring a car to the island – I love the convenience, to be honest. However, August traffic on the Vineyard is painful and parking can be a nightmare.
  
  The island’s public transportation system is reliable though, and there are plenty of bike rentals available. This is also a great time of year to take a bus tour or walking tour and let someone else worry about the traffic while you enjoy the sights.
  
• Stay Central: If you take my advice on not bringing a car, choose accommodations in downtown areas like Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven. Staying centrally means you’re within walking distance to beaches, restaurants, shops, and some of the island’s best nightlife. 
  
• Book Dinner Reservations Early: Martha’s Vineyard in August is a busy time for dining out, and securing a table can be difficult. Make reservations well in advance, particularly if your stay coincides with major events like the Oak Bluffs fireworks, when everyone is looking to dine out.
  
• Plan Around Big Events: If you’re visiting during a major event, plan your day accordingly. Events like the Agricultural Fair or the Grand Illumination night can draw large crowds, so knowing the schedules can help you avoid unexpected road closures or crowds. 

How to get to Martha’s Vineyard in August

There’s no shortage of ways to get to the island by air or sea in August as all the seasonal routes are fully open and most are operating daily. 

*** Important note for anyone traveling on August 17th 2025***

The Falmouth road race takes place on this day and there are numerous road closures affecting access to ferries from Woods Hole and Falmouth. You may need to be at the terminal hours in advance of your departure time. Check the Steamship Authority website for up to date information

Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard in August

In August, you can take direct ferries to Martha’s Vineyard from Cape Cod (Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis), New York, New Bedford and Rhode Island

From New Jersey or from NYC to Martha’s Vineyard

In early August, you can take a ferry from New York to Martha’s Vineyard although the departure days and times are limited. It leaves NJ/NYC every Friday and returns on Sunday.

The ferry departs from Highlands, NJ then stops at 35th st in NYC before arriving in Oak Bluffs 6 hours later. It seems like a long trip but actually is comparable to driving from NYC to Woods Hole then taking the Steamship Ferry.

It’s a good choice if you’re coming from New York and don’t want to bring a car to the island.

From New Bedford, Rhode Island and Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard

You can take:

• Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven
• Island Queen or Patriot ferries from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs
• The Falmouth Edgartown Ferry (also known as the Pied Piper)from Falmouth to Edgartown
• Hy-line ferry from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs
• Seastreak from New Bedford to Oak Bluffs. 
• Rhode Island Fast Ferry from Quonset Point to Oak Bluffs

The Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole is my preferred way to get to the island. It has the most frequent sailings, the largest passenger capacity and is the most affordable option for foot passengers.

The journey takes just 45 minutes and you will arrive on Martha’s Vineyard either in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven.

The Steamship Authority ferry is the only option if you want to bring a car to the island. Advance car reservations are essential but foot passengers don’t need to book in advance.  You can also rent a car on-island or use the bus, Uber, Lyft or taxis to get around Martha’s Vineyard in August.

Fly to Martha’s Vineyard In August

All of the seasonal routes are open in August and you can fly to the Vineyard from cities like Charlotte, Chicago, Washington DC and Philadelphia. The routes with the most frequent departures in August are Boston to Martha’s Vineyard and NYC to Martha’s Vineyard with Jet Blue or Cape Air.

Tradewinds Aviation provides private and scheduled charter flights to Martha’s Vineyard from Teterboro, NYC and White Plains

Where to stay: August on Martha’s Vineyard

Hotel and vacation rental prices are at their most expensive in July and August on Martha’s Vineyard. However, these are also the months where every hotel on the island is open so you have plenty of options for lodging.

Traditionally, the advice was to make a reservation at least 3 months in advance but recently, I have found that rooms are often available at short notice if you have flexible travel dates and budget.

If you want to visit on a weekend or during popular Vineyard events like the agricultural fair, you should still book as far in advance as possible. These are some of the hotels open in Martha’s Vineyard this August:

Restaurants open on Martha’s Vineyard in August

All seasonal restaurants have opened by August on Martha’s Vineyard so you’ll have plenty of choice across the 6 towns. However, getting a table is not always easy.

Thankfully, a lot of the restaurants on the island take reservations. Three websites you’ll want to make note of: Open Table, Resy and Yelp.

You can make reservations on OpenTable and Resy and some restaurants allow you to join a waitlist via Yelp. Here are some of my favorite restaurants open on the island in August

Edgartown Restaurants

• Alchemy
• Atria (head downstairs to the Brick Cellar and order the McRip Off burger!)
• Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel
• Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
• 19 Raw/19 Prime (my favorite date-night restaurant)
• Dock Street Coffee Shop (love this no-frills breakfast spot)
• Espresso Love (one of my favorites for coffee and lunch, happy customer since 1999)
• L’Etoile (upscale, gorgeous outdoor setting)
• Town Bar and Grill
• Behind the Bookstore (one of my favorites for breakfast and coffee)
• Rosewater Market
• Seafood Shanty (water views and family-friendly)
• Ice Cream and Candy Bazaar (a top-pick for ice cream)

Oak Bluffs Restaurants

• Aalia’s (top-notch coffee. Get the peanut butter cookie!)
• Tigerhawk (epic sandwiches)
• Rosie’s Frozen Yogurt (my kids love the self-service froyo and toppings)
• The Barn Bowl and Bistro (family-friendly and excellent food)
• Dos Mas Tacos
• The Lookout (huge menu, best lobster roll)
• Nancy’s Snack Bar (great for informal, quick bites outdoors with harbor views)
• Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company
• Mo’s Lunch (I love this place! The Filet o’ Fish sandwich is my fave)
• Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium (huge ice cream and candy selection)
• Nomans (dog and kid-friendly. Outdoor seating & games)

Vineyard Haven Restaurants

• The Attic (family-friendly)
• Bobby B’s (casual. Great pizza)
• The Black Dog Bakery (my pick if you need to order cakes/cupcakes for birthdays & occasions)
• Catboat Coffee Company
• Fish MV (excellent tacos and kids love choosing a free toy from the treasure chest!)
• Garde East
• El Barco (incredible Birria tacos and outstanding margaritas)

Up-island Restaurants

• Aquila Coffee Shop (at the cliffs near the lighthouse)
• The Outermost Inn (upscale, phenomenal food in Aquinnah)
• The Homeport (stunning views – book a table on the deck for sunset)
• Menemsha Galley (limited seating but gorgeous picture-postcard view of Menemsha Harbor)
• Larsen’s Fish Market (take-out only. Grab a lobster roll and enjoy on the beach)

Weather in Martha’s Vineyard in August

One of the reasons I love to come here in August is the weather. Where I live in western Massachusetts can be very hot and humid in August and some days are so unpleasant.

On Martha’s Vineyard,  the humidity rarely gets to uncomfortable levels and being near the ocean, you can always find a breeze to keep cool. I love that the temperature in Martha’s Vineyard in August is always a few degrees lower than on the mainland.

High temperatures start around 79°F and cool slightly to 75°F by the end of the month. These temperatures make for very comfortable weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Water temperatures are also perfect for swimming.

Long days of sunlight (around 13-14 hours) mean long days at the beach! An evening beach picnic is one of the great pleasures of a Vineyard vacation. 

One point to note is that mid-August usually marks the peak of hurricane season in Massachusetts. In previous years, I have experienced occasional stormy conditions late in August. You should come prepared for possible rainy days and ferry or flight delays.

What to wear in Martha’s Vineyard in August

You’re going to see a lot of whites, blues, nautical stripes, nap dresses, bright Lilly Pulitzer designs and preppy Vineyard Vines shirts while you’re on the island this month!

Bring along outfits that are perfect for warm, sunny weather and fit the island’s casual, summery vibe. Think lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, breezy dresses, comfortable shorts, and loose-fitting shirts. 

For footwear, pack some flip-flops for the beach days and comfortable sneakers for walks or bike rides around the island. If your plans include evenings out, pack some dressier options like stylish sandals or wedges, but remember, the island style leans towards the casual side. 

Even though it’s August, evenings on Martha’s Vineyard can get cooler, especially by the sea, it’s wise to include a lightweight sweater or a long-sleeve shirt, especially for evening meals outdoors.

As hurricane season in the Northeast kicks into high-gear from mid-August, stormy conditions are possible. You should also pack a light rain jacket and suitable footwear for the occasional rainy day.

Wrap up: What to do in Martha’s Vineyard in August

Visiting Martha’s Vineyard in August is your chance to experience some of the year’s most popular events. The island buzzes with activities, from the festive Agricultural Fair to the enchanting Grand Illumination Night.

Don’t miss the local markets and heritage tours where you can learn about the history of the island. If you love the outdoors, pick your own flowers at Slough Farm, enjoy a concert at the Tabernacle, or join in on a local road race.

Plan ahead for dining and accommodations, as August is one of the best months to visit and can get busy. My top tips: consider leaving your car behind to avoid traffic and parking issues, stay in central locations like Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven, and make dinner reservations well in advance.

Share your questions and get help planning your trip in our Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips Facebook Group. Visit in August and fall in love with Martha’s Vineyard in summer! 

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