Things To Do On Martha’s Vineyard in Fall and Holiday Season

The months of September and October and even the holiday seasons in November and December are some of the best months to head over to the Vineyard to explore its beautiful beaches, hike and bike the trails, kayak the ponds or simply enjoy the towns without having to stress about finding a parking space! In September the ocean water will be at its warmest temperature for the year so the perfect time to take a header off Jaws Bridge!

There are also tons of events going on during the Fall and into holiday season and many of the restaurants and stores are still open for business.

Here are some ideas on things you could do this Fall & off-season if you head over to Martha’s Vineyard for a vacation at the Nobnocket Boutique Inn:

• Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival 6^th – 11^th September
  This annual event showcases the best new international cinema and draws films from festivals at Sundance, Venice, Berlin, London and Cannes. The festival is centered in Vineyard Haven close to the inn and brings out some of the world’s best directors and film stars.
• West Tisbury Farmers Market every Wednesday & Saturday until 8^th October
  Martha’s Vineyard is a leader in sustainability, local produce and organic farming. It is a “must do” on most visitors’ trips to the island to head to the Farmers’ Market to taste the fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and the locally made cheeses.
• “The Second Girl” at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse 9^th September – 8^th October
  The Vineyard Playhouse is the preeminent theater on Martha’s Vineyard. It showcases plays throughout the year right in the center of historic Vineyard Haven. “The Second Girl” is an award winning play from Ronan Noone.
• Martha’s Vineyard Wind Festival 10^th September
  The 6^th annual Wind Festival is taking place in Oak Bluffs. So get your colourful kites out and let them fly!
• Martha’s Vineyard Fishing Derby 11^th September – 15^th October
  The big fish-off! Anglers travel from all of the US to take part in the Fishing Derby. Prizes are awarded for striped bass and bluefish from both boat and shore. This event is supported by Nobnocket Boutique Inn who will refund their guest’s accommodation costs at the inn if they win the event, no pressure!
• Tivoli Day Celebration 17^th September
  The festival marks the official end of summer on the Vineyard. It is a wonderfully vibrant street fair and takes place from 11am to 6pm on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs with an abundance of food, music and arts (and shopping opportunities!).

• Martha’s Vineyard “Living Local” Harvest Festival 30^th September – 1^st October
  This event brings together the people and businesses, who are driving sustainability on Martha’s Vineyard. This covers sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, local food advocacy, marine life and land conservation.
• Cycle Martha’s Vineyard Event 1^st October
  Over 6o miles of biking around the coastline of the Vineyard.
• Gay Head Lighthouse 10k Race 2^nd October
  Participate in the 4^th annual Gay Head Light 10K race and enjoy the scenery of Aquinnah in the Fall. Nobnocket Boutique Inn offers a special discount for those taking part in the run.
• Art of Chocolate Festival 8^th – 9^th October
  Taking place at Featherstone Center For The Arts in Oak Bluffs every Columbus Day weekend, this is a fun event for all of us who love chocolate. There’s even a chocolate fountain!
• Martha’s Vineyard Wine & Food Fest 13^th – 16^th October
  Four days and four nights of the island’s best food and wine.
• Halloween Parade Vineyard Haven 31^st October
  It doesn’t get any spookier than this and something tells me that there may be a bit of a “Ghostsbusters” theme this year, so bring your ecto-coolers! Who knows maybe favorite local Bill Murray will stop by.
• Featherstone Center For The Arts – Annual Holiday Gift Preview Party 18^th November
  14^th annual preview party of the Holiday gift show takes place in November. Art from local artists and artisans for sale. The Featherstone Center for The Arts is a year round community arts center providing events and exhibitions through all four seasons.
• Martha’s Vineyard Artisans’ Festival 25^th – 26^th November
  This is the largest holiday art show by Islanders. As well as being able to purchase some incredible art and crafts, you also get the chance to meet and talk with all the artists. Takes place indoors at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury.
• Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Fall Festival 25^th November
  Hayrides, face-painting, food, live music and scarecrows! What more could you want from a Fall festival.
• Christmas in Edgartown 8^th – 11^th December
  A tradition that brings in hordes of people to walk Main Street to see the stores decked-out in holiday garb, listen to the live music and enjoy food, wine and treats. It’s so good that even Santa shows up every year!
• New Year’s Eve Party at Harbor View Hotel to watch the fireworks over Edgartown lighthouse
  There is no better place on the Cape & Islands to bring in the new year than from the Harbor View Hotel looking out across the fireworks that explode into vibrant colors over the Edgartown lighthouse.
• Visit Polly Hill Arboretum
  Open year round this horticultural and botanical landmark is home to rare trees and shrubs from around the world. From North Tisbury azaleas and charming camellias to money puzzle trees and magnificent magnolias.
• Hiking Martha’s Vineyard’s Trails
  The trails are open and even in winter provide breathtaking vistas, spectacular ocean views and access to hidden away beaches, where you can comb the sands for shells. In all the trails offer the added bonus of catching the color changes in the foliage.
• Walking the Spectacular Beaches of Martha’s Vineyard
  Check out ALL the beaches. No restrictions to access any of Martha’s Vineyard’s beaches once we’re past the summer! water is still warm in the Fall. Trust me I’m from England.

Safe travels,
Simon