🦈 This Weekend on Martha's Vineyard: 6/20-6/22
Jaws 50th, Juneteenth, HarborFest, Solstice, Strawberries, Fashion Show + Island Updates
WHAT A WEEKEND we’ve got! This week I’ve opted to let you read about Jaws in the Jaws guide (almost all events are already sold out) and keep event offerings below diverse and varied. Enjoy!
⏱️ This Week on MVacay
🕷️ Ticks on Martha’s Vineyard: What to Know in 2025
The consequences of a tick bite are no joke. I wrote this essential guide to empower you to stay safe, take action early, and reduce your chances of developing Alpha-Gal Syndrome or other tick-related illnesses. Share it with someone who's still learning to protect themself!
This week I collaborated on a guest itinerary from the talented writers behind The Creative Current! This DIY writer’s retreat is ideal for anyone looking to spark creativity, enjoy quiet moments, or tap into the Island’s deep literary roots. Read the full itinerary here:
🗺️ What To Do This Weekend
All Weekend
🎷 Juneteenth Jubilee Festival 2025 at Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs, Jun 19 (Sun at 10a too) / More Info / Cost: free, registration required
Panels, music, and cultural events commemorate Juneteenth across four days, featuring speakers and performances.🎨 Sharks In The Parks at Oak Bluffs, 6a / More Info / Cost: free
25 artist‑decorated shark sculptures will grace the parks, with maps at the OB Info Booth and an online auction supporting local art.📸 Jaws Photo Ops: Jaws mural & collectibles @ MV Chamber of Commerce, Bruce the Shark + Orca interior @ MV Museum, Orca boat replica @ OB Harbor, Shark Week tent @ Winnetu, Roxy Pool Bar setups @ After Party, mural @ MV Salads.
Friday, June 20, 2025
🌅 Summer Solstice & Lighthouse Anniversary at Gay Head Lighthouse, MV, 6p / More Info / Cost: free
Mark 10 years since the lighthouse was moved with live music, food, and a new lens unveiling.🧖♀️ Wellness Night at Cozy at Cozy Corner Cafe, Oak Bluffs, 6:30p / More Info / Cost: $120
Mobile sauna sessions and cold plunges meet live DJ beats, plus a smoothie and tea for a rejuvenating night out.🎶 Dear Edvard at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Vineyard Haven, 7p / More Info / Cost: see MV Playhouse website
🎥 Summer of Soul at The Strand Theatre, Oak Bluffs, 7p (Sat at 7p too) / More Info /
Saturday, June 21, 2025
🧺 West Tisbury Farmers Market at MV Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury, 9a–12p / More Info / Free
⛵ ‘Round-the-Island Race at Edgartown Yacht Club, Edgartown, 8a / More Info / Cost: free
⚓ Annual Oak Bluffs HarborFest at Oak Bluffs Harbor, 10a–6p / More Info / Cost: free
Live music, artisan booths, and food vendors line the waterfront for a seasonal kickoff.🍓 Morning Glory Farm Strawberry Festival at Morning Glory Farm, Edgartown, 11a–3p / More Info / Cost: free
Celebrate strawberry season with fresh berries, family activities, and local food.🎶 Juneteenth Celebration & Live Music at Edgartown Public Library, Edgartown, 1–3p / More Info / Cost: free
Chef Look serves grilled lunch while Andrew Sue Wing performs soulful R&B live on the library lawn.👗 Clothes to Go’s Second Annual Fashion Show at Trinity Park Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs, 7p / More Info / Cost: free
Locals showcase secondhand style in a spirited runway event promoting sustainable fashion.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
🎉 Oak Bluffs Open Market at Washington Park, Oak Bluffs, 10a–2p
🎨 Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival at Grange Hall, 10a–2p / More Info / free
🙏 Union Chapel Special Juneteenth Service at Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs, 10a / More Info / Cost: free
🍴 Fourth Annual Taste of Juneteenth at Portuguese-American Club, Oak Bluffs, 2–5p / More Info / Cost: $75
Sample dishes by top Island chefs in support of the NAACP scholarship fund.🍺 Drink Like Quint Tasting at Rosewater Wine & Spirits, Edgartown, 3-4p
📚 MV Cookbook Panel with Julia Blanter at Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs, 4–6p / More Info / Cost: free
🎤 Community Sing at Tisbury Amphitheater, Vineyard Haven, 5–6p / More Info / Cost: free
Sing easy, uplifting songs with leader Roberta Kirn—no experience needed.🦈 Jaws Revisited: What Have We Learned About the Great White Shark? at Old Whaling Church, Edgartown, 6:30–7:30p / More Info / Cost: $30
Marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal reflects on how shark research has evolved since the iconic film.🥁 Spark and Skin: Val Jeanty and Rick Bausman at Milokan Cultural Center, Chilmark, 7–9p / More Info / Cost: $25
Haitian and African drumming styles collide in a powerful cross-cultural percussion set.🎵 Sundays in the Park Concerts at Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs, 5:30–7:30p
⚠️ Events are always subject to change (or this week, sell out!)
🎥 MVacay’s Jaws 50th Pocket Guide (2025)
This guide covers the official Amity Homecoming Weekend (June 19–23) along with ongoing summer programming, all organized in one place for easy planning. Not all of the events (especially ongoing ones) are included in today's guide so check this one too!
Behind the Paywall: Island updates including a new OB buffet, mobile coffee, a rom-com to read, a podcast to listen to, Kennedy family land opening to the public to visit, and all the Save the Dates for the next month.