Martha’s Vineyard in November: 20 fun off-season activities

Thinking of visiting Martha’s Vineyard in November, but unsure if the off-season will live up to your expectations?

From brisk walks on beautiful beaches to warming up with steaming clam chowder by a roaring fire, Martha’s Vineyard in the off-season has a lot to offer. It’s also one of the least crowded and least expensive times to visit.

My first experience of a peaceful Martha’s Vineyard fall was in 2000 when I lived in Edgartown. Since then, I have returned regularly to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and beauty of the island in the quiet, cooler months of fall and winter. 

Here’s what you need to know about things to do in Martha’s Vineyard in November, plus what to pack, how to get there, where to stay and what’s open at this time of year.

Best events and things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in November

So, what is there to do in Martha’s Vineyard in November? A whole lot, as it turns out! 

1. Visit the Island Alpaca Company

When: November 2025 | Where: Vineyard Haven

This alpaca farm offers tours, meet-and-greets, and a variety of alpaca products, including yarn, clothing, and gifts. November is a great time to visit because the alpacas are in their full winter coats and are especially fluffy.

You can also book an alpaca walk and get up close to these gentle animals. You’ll have a chance to feel how soft their fleece is while learning a little about their origins and care.

I would also recommend you follow them on instagram for a constant stream of cute animal videos. It totally brightens my day every time they post!

2. Watch a Demonstration at the Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks

When: November 2025 | Where: West Tisbury

This glassblowing studio offers demonstrations and a gift shop selling handmade glass items. It was so interesting to watch the glassblowers at work here. They were really friendly and happy to answer all my questions about their work.

I loved how they described what was happening as they were working so you could follow along with the whole fascinating process.

In the early fall they start making gorgeous glass pumpkins in all sizes and colors so November is a perfect time to visit and pick up some of these to add to your home decor collection. 

3. Experience Sunset Views at the Gay Head Cliffs

When: November 2025 | Where: Aquinnah

These colorful cliffs are one of the most beautiful (and popular!) attractions on Martha’s Vineyard. November is a great time to visit because the crowds have thinned out and you will have a spectacular view of the sunset.

It can be extremely busy here in the summer months so it’s a real pleasure to have the viewing area almost all to yourself at this time of year. From my experience, it gets cold very quickly once the sun goes down so bring a sweatshirt.

4. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of JAWS

When: November 2025 | Where: MV Museum, Vineyard Haven

June 20th, 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the release of Jaws, Steven Spielberg’s hit movie filmed on Martha’s Vineyard. The summer was filled with Jaws tours, shark-themed food and drinks, memorabilia exhibitions, cast and crew events and film screenings.

If you missed the excellent Jaws exhibition at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, now is your chance to catch up and visit for Jaws at 50: An Island Story. This follow-up exhibition highlights the work done by local Islanders both in front of and behind the camera, to bring the town of Amity to life.

5. Learn Something new

When: November 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

Featherstone Center for the Arts has a rich program of classes on offer during November. Adults can take a beginners class on the pottery wheel, explore Life Drawing, get help with knitting projects, practice acrylic painting or learn techniques for enameling on copper among others.

There are also options for kids like working with clay, painting and printmaking. The holiday gift show opens on November 12th for those that want to pick up some island-made crafts and gifts.

Slough Farm hosts a class on crafting with dried flowers on Nov 17th and the libraries have countless classes scheduled for the winter months.

6. Test your trivia skills

When: November 2025 | Where: Vineyard Haven, Edgartown

Off-season on the island sees the return of trivia nights!

Handsome Dan kicks off the week with Thinkin’ and Drinkin’, Mondays at 7.30pm at the Barn Bowl and Bistro in Oak Bluffs. Text 508-696-9800 to register a team.

Join the Brews Brother Taproom trivia at The Wharf Pub in Edgartown every Wednesday in November at 6.30p.m. There’s a mix of fun categories like Name That Tune and island, food, and farm trivia.

Johnny Showtime hosts trivia every Tuesday at 7pm at the Ritz and on Thursdays at 6pm at The Black Dog Cafe in Vineyard Haven. At The Black Dog, teams of up to 6 players are welcome and there are prizes for the top 3 places as well as fall dinner and drinks specials.

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7. The Best Parade

When: 1st November 2025 | Where: Edgartown

The Upis Land Band returns for a second line parade through Oak Bluffs on November 1st at 7 PM, featuring special guest performers, music, dancing, and Halloween-themed fun.

Before the parade betwee 6-7 PM, catch “Scream In Your Coffee?” at Mocha Mott’s on Circuit Avenue—a repeating 15-minute outdoor performance blending dance and storytelling with an unsettling twist.

8. Fall Festival at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

When: November 28th 2025 | Where: Edgartown

This annual, family-friendly event returns with a new theme this year. “Quiescence,” explores how animals rest and hibernate during winter. Enjoy live animal presentations, scenic hayrides, hands-on crafts, wreath making, face painting, and music by The Flying Elbows.

Featured activities include a morning Bird Walk & Sit (9:00 am), Animal Ambassadors programs (10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm), and a Bird Call Competition (12:00 pm). Warm cider, soups, popcorn, and seasonal treats available.

This is also a great opportunity to explore the four miles of trails around the sanctuary which is just a short drive from Edgartown village. I particularly like to take a walk along the beach at the end of the Shad Trail for a nice view over Majors Cove. 

9. Take a Seasonal Cooking Class

When: November 2025 | Where: Edgartown

The island’s farms offer a variety of cooking classes throughout the year. November is a good time to take a class because they often teach seasonal cooking and Thanksgiving dishes in advance of the holiday. 

At Slough Farm, on Nov 13th you can delve into the world of winter squash, learning about the differences between the varieties and what to do with them. On the 20th, learn the basics of Kimchi and how to make it using fall vegetables.

Kids get in on the action on Nov 4th with a hands-on class for 8-12 year olds on making delicious homemade donuts from scratch.

On Nov 22nd, you can join a hands-on pie-making class at The FARM Institute. You’ll learn essential techniques for creating flaky crusts, selecting fruit, and troubleshooting common pie issues and will make your own pumpkin or apple pie to take home.

10. Take part in a Turkey Trot

When: November 27th 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

There is a charity 5k road race through Oak Bluffs at 8.30am on Thanksgiving morning if you want to really earn that big dinner!

It costs $20 to enter and proceeds go towards the Oak Bluffs school 8th grade class. Road races are run throughout the year on the island and a lot of them take place in the fall months.

This is a great time to visit Martha’s Vineyard if you love doing outdoor activities without the intense heat from the sun.

11. Practice your Photography

When: November 2025 | Where: Island-wide

There’s something about the light at this time of year that makes for really beautiful photos, especially at sunrise and sunset (Menemsha beach is a great spot for sunset pics). Photography is absolutely not one of my best skills but I’m always trying to practice and improve.

I often see a beautiful colonial home or nice view I’d like to snap but rows of parked cars can get in the way of that perfect pic. One of my favorite things about a getaway on Martha’s Vineyard at this time of year is being able to take pictures with no cars in them! 

12. Observe Veteran’s Day on Martha’s Vineyard

When: November 11th 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

Martha’s Vineyard joins with the rest of the country to honor those who have served. There is usually a ceremony, flag-raising and parade in Oak Bluffs to recognize the service of all military veterans.

The Steamship Authority is providing free ferry tickets to active service members and veterans and many island businesses and hotels also offer discounted products and services on this day.

The Trustees of Reservations often have guided tours and walks around their properties this weekend too. 2025 dates TBC

13. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

When: November 28th 2025 | Where: Harbor View Hotel

For one day only, you can enjoy a scenic, 30 minute ride in a beautiful carriage drawn by magnificent Percheron draft horses. Only 8 time-slots are available so call the Harbor View Hotel on 508-627-7000 to book.

Rides are $195 per carriage for up to 6 guests. This includes hot cider and cozy blankets to keep you warm as you pass by beautiful Edgartown homes, the Harbor, Eel Pond, and the quiet streets of Edgartown village.

14. Biking and Hiking

Whether you want to explore on foot or on wheels, there is something for everyone on the trails throughout the island. There are plenty of bicycle rental places on the island but most of them are closed by November.

I do know that Wheel Happy is open until December but you can also get in touch with them by phone even after they close for the season. Most hiking trails on the island are open year round.

Two great reasons why you should hike on the Vineyard in November: temperatures are better for long walks and there are fewer ticks!

Check out the MV trails app for some great maps for hikers and visit the Sheriff’s Meadow and Trustees of Reservations websites to find out what guided walks are available.

15. Light Up Oak Bluffs

When: November 29th 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

If you are planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard in November, Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to do it! There is so much going on and the main event is Light Up Oak Bluffs.

Light Up Oak Bluffs marks the beginning of the holiday season on the island. The line-up for 2025 has yet to be announced, but events usually include photos with Santa, hot chocolate, a snowflake scavenger hunt, sack races and other games.

You can take horse drawn carriage rides, listen to carolers and shop for gifts from local vendors and artisans at the holiday market.

The grand finale is the arrival of Santa and the tree lighting in the square. Add this to your list of Oak Bluffs things to do!

16. Shop the Holiday Gift Shows

When: November 2025 | Where: Island-Wide

This is the season to shop on Martha’s Vineyard! Summer visitors will often head to farmers markets or to downtown Edgartown for shopping, but at this time of year, holiday pop-up markets are where it’s at. 

Featherstone Center for the Arts holiday gift show is on from November 12th to December 17th 2025 and is open daily. You can buy handmade gifts like food, clothing, jewelry and home wares from local designers and makers.

The Oak Bluffs Christmas Open market takes place at the Strand Theatre on November 29th & 30th from 10-3 and there will be music, food and a chance to meet Santa too!

Vineyard Artisans Holiday Art show takes place on November 28th and 29th 2025 at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. This is a great spot for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts like local hand-made sweaters, soaps, Island lavender, and fine crafts like wood butcher block cutting boards and leather bags.

Visit the World Market Holiday Shop at the Capawock Theatre. It’s open daily from Nov 10th, 11am to 5pm. You’ll find handcrafted items from around the world, including Africa, Haiti, India, Nepal, Guatemala and Peru.

You can also support local businesses in the off-season on Small Business Saturday which takes place on November 29th this year. Stores in downtown Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven are open and have lots of items on sale.

17. Fall for the Arts

When: November 2025 | Where: Island-Wide

A seasonal celebration of the arts scene on Martha’s Vineyard happens in October and November each year. There are more than a dozen art galleries open to the public at this time, showcasing work from local islanders and talented International artists.

Some artists open their studios to visitors and may offer classes or hands-on activities. Specific event dates are usually announced by the Chamber of Commerce on their social media. If you have an interest in arts and culture you’re in for a wonderful time in November on Martha’s Vineyard.

18. Touch a Truck

When: 8th November 2025 | Where: Oak Bluffs

If you’re visiting with kids this month, mark your calendar for Truckin’ MV! This is the island’s only Touch-a-Truck event.

Held at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the event is free and open to everyone. Kids will get up close to their favorite big trucks and unique vehicles including police cruisers, fire trucks, cement mixers, bulldozers and tractors

Families can also enjoy face painting, kids’ music, raffles, and crafts. While entry is free, food will be available for purchase so bring some cash to enjoy the extras.

19. Pick your own cranberries

When: November 2025 | Where: Vineyard Haven

For a quintessential New England fall experience, head to Cranberry Acres Cranberry Bog where you can pick your own certified organic, heritage “Early Black” cranberries straight from the historic bog.

It’s a perfect activity for Martha’s Vineyard in November. Not only do you get to experience this unique piece of island agriculture, but you’ll also take home fresh berries just in time for making homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving.

In November, the restored Cranberry Barn is usually open six days a week (closed Wednesdays) from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM until Thanksgiving but you should contact the Vineyard Open Land Foundation before visiting to confirm. You can either purchase pre-packaged premium berries or try your hand at picking your own.

The pick-your-own experience costs around $10 per person (just remember to bring your own container), and you can find the bog at 572 Lambert’s Cove Road, Tisbury.

If you’re looking for a more guided experience, book a ticket to visit on Nov 9th or 15th from 1-2 and enjoy a brief tour explaining the cranberry operation, including harvesting, sorting, and packaging before you begin your picking.

20. Try all the Chowder!

When: November 30th 2025 | Where: Daniel Fisher House, Edgartown

The annual Chowder Cup returns on November 30th this year. Make your way to the lawn of the Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown and taste some of the best chowder the island has to offer. The event runs from 12-2pm and tickets are $30.

The Clambulance raw bar will also be on-site, ready to handle all your oyster cravings. Grab a beer, cast your vote for the people’s choice award and enjoy live music by Mike Benjamin. My tip: Go there hungry!

My top tips for visiting Martha’s Vineyard in November

Visit on a weekend for the best chance of finding open shops and restaurants.

In November, some businesses reduce their hours or close entirely on midweek days. To ensure that you have the most options, plan to visit the island from Friday to Sunday.

Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest weekend of the month, and a popular time to visit because there is a packed schedule of events to choose from.

Plan ahead to find out which restaurants, stores, and attractions are open or closed.

I have done much of the research for you and made this comprehensive list of venues and businesses that are open in November, but things can change. To avoid disappointment, be sure to check the websites or social media pages of the places you want to visit before you go. 

Plan some indoor activities

In addition to outdoor activities like hiking and biking, there’s plenty of indoor fun to be had, like visiting the museum, art galleries, bowling (book your lane here)or going shopping. Choose a few from this list of Martha’s Vineyard indoor activities in case of a rainy day.

Bring or rent a car to get around the island.

Martha’s Vineyard has an excellent public transportation system but it becomes more limited in the off-season so I recommend that you bring your car. Driving on the island is easier in November, thanks to lighter traffic and more parking availability.

To bring your car on the ferry you will need to make a reservation in advance. Reservations are slightly cheaper than in peak summer months and it’s easier to get the time slots you want.

Be aware of your cancellation policies for transportation and hotels in case of bad weather.

November weather on Martha’s Vineyard can be unpredictable, with storms and high winds occasionally causing ferry cancellations.

It’s a good idea to be familiar with the cancellation policies of your transportation and accommodations providers so that you’re prepared in case of any unexpected changes.

How to get to Martha’s Vineyard in November

By November, flights and ferry services have shifted to an off season schedule. There are still plenty of options if you can be flexible with your arrangements.

Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard in November

If you usually travel to the Vineyard in peak season, you’ll know you can get a ferry from multiple locations on Cape Cod, Rhode Island and New York.

However, once it gets to late fall and into the winter months, (and if you want to bring a car to the island), the best option is to take the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven. This route operates year round and is the option I use most often when travelling to the island.

Ferry tickets for foot passengers do not need to be booked in advance but you will need a reservation if you want to bring a car.

New for this year, Seastreak is offering limited trips between New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard around the Thanksgiving period. There will be two sailings per day on November 26th, 28th, 29th and 30th 2025.

Fly to Martha’s Vineyard in November

Cape Air offers year-round flights to Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York JFK Airport (JFK) and is the only commercial airline that flies to the island in November.

However, the plane is very small (9 passengers max) so if you are a nervous flyer or uncomfortable in small spaces, you should take the ferry instead.

Taxis and rideshares like Uber are available at the airport to bring you anywhere on the island. You can also rent a car at the airport

Private air charters can also use the airport which is open year-round. Tradewind Aviation flies from Westchester Airport (HPN) to the Vineyard up until the end of November.

Where to stay on Martha’s Vineyard in November

Many hotels on the island now remain open during the fall season. Most of them are in the town of Edgartown but Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven are also good choices for a Vineyard getaway at this time of year.

You’ll find some of the lowest rates of the year available this month (with the exception of Thanksgiving weekend) so it’s a perfect time to enjoy a trip to Martha’s Vineyard.

Top tip: Sign up to the email newsletters for your favorite hotels to be the first to hear about any Martha’s Vineyard vacation deals.

These are a few of the island hotels that are open in November:

• Charlotte Inn
• The Edgar Hotel
• The Franklin Hotel
• Harbor View Hotel
• The Island Inn
• The Morgan Hotel
• The Mansion House
• Vineyard Harbor Motel

In the up-island towns of Chilmark, Aquinnah or West Tisbury, most lodging options close in the off-season. You could search for a Martha’s Vineyard off season vacation rental on VRBO instead and find a cozy cottage for your stay.

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