🪞What's Changed on MV in 2025: Community, Culture, Policies, Development & Island Shifts
50+ updates from across the Island this year
A lot can change in a year! Today’s guide is a deep dive into the bigger-picture updates that shaped life on Martha’s Vineyard in 2025.
ICYMI: Part 1 was released last week, you can reflect here:
🎭 Arts, Culture + Island Creativity
Stillpoint debuted its first full summer of concerts, workshops, and interdisciplinary events.
Circuit Arts + MV Playhouse continued steps toward a full merger to strengthen year-round film, theater, and community programming.
Theatre on the Blue launched as a new nonprofit expanding accessible theater opportunities for teens and adults.
On The Vineyard Podcast, MV Founders Podcast, and True Vineyard Color debuted as new platforms celebrating island life, entrepreneurs, and culture.
Sara Bareilles at the Tabernacle marked one of the biggest arts moments of the year.
Forever premiered on Netflix, with an episode filmed on MV featuring island locations and many local extras.
African American Heritage Trail added its 41st site at the Dragonfly House.
Osprey Statue for Gus Ben David was installed at Sunset Lake, honoring his legacy in restoring the osprey population.
🌳 Infrastructure + Development Changes
Boch Park (VH) officially opened to the public after two years behind fencing.
VTA Free Rides were extended through May 2026.
Edgartown Main Street Upgrades continued with drainage, sewer, and road work.
Vineyard Haven Library closed for a year of renovations and moved to a temporary location.
MV Airport Terminal Project moved forward after securing a major federal grant, with work extending into 2026.
SSA Woods Hole Terminal reconstruction remains on track for Memorial Day Weekend 2026.
OSV permit updates continued for access at Norton Point and Cape Poge.
Ocean View Hotel Approval: The MVC narrowly approved the new Ocean View hotel in Oak Bluffs.
🏛️ Policy, Governance + Island-Wide Rules
Gas leaf blowers were banned in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and West Tisbury starting in 2028.
Edgartown ADU bylaw was tightened to prohibit short-term rental use.
Edgartown party restrictions passed, limiting each property to five permitted commercial events per year.
SSA fare increases were approved for 2026, impacting islanders and visitors. A new head of the SSA was announced and will start in January.
Land Bank access changes were implemented at James Pond.
Affordable housing progress continued with mixed-income subdivision approvals and Food Forest expansion.
📰 Big Headlines & Community Discourse
Alpha-gal Syndrome appeared in national headlines, including The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Powassan virus was detected in an infant at MV Hospital—the youngest known case.
Brazil Fest was postponed again due to community safety concerns.
Island childcare crisis received increased coverage.
Good Pierogi controversy at the West Tisbury Farmers Market sparked national coverage.
Jaws 50th Anniversary brought significant national attention and a full slate of programming.
🤝 Community Programs + Support Initiatives
MV Hospital FREEdge opened in the ER lobby with 24/7 free meals prepared by the hospital kitchen.
Island Inn Jamaican Relief Fundraiser brought chefs and the community together.
MV Pulse Project launched to expand AED access across the island.
New Life Ministries International MV reinvigorated the Strand Theatre with weekly, joyful services.
MV Sexual Wellness became the new name for the organization formerly known as Friends of Family Planning.
Tick Free MV launched, a new nonprofit formed to tackle tick-borne illnesses by targeting the deer population, funding local hunters, and using thermal drone surveys to identify deer hotspots.
🧑🏫 New Programs, Workshops + Youth Offerings
Youth AI Innovation Lab held its first ever island event, offering PreK–12 hands-on AI exploration.
Girls on Fire Pitch Day at the YMCA expanded youth entrepreneurship opportunities.
ACE MV launched new adult education courses including SketchUp for Beginners, Brazilian Portuguese, and Financial Foundations.
4-H opened new weekend clubs with limited enrollment.
Slough Farm Culinary Intensive offered a five-day hands-on cooking immersion.
Grange Hall Theatre Classes returned with scene study, teen improv, and an adult improv showcase.
Work From Home @ WT Library began supporting remote-working parents with supervised child activities next door.
🎡 New Events, Festivals + Seasonal Additions
Jaws 50th Anniversary Programming rolled out island-wide through MV Museum and partners.
MV Vibe Fest launched its first-ever cultural festival in Oak Bluffs.
Night Markets @ Nomans debuted on Monday evenings.
Vineyard Icon Awards launched as a new annual celebration honoring standout island residents, creators, and community contributors.
The Sound of the Vineyard @ Grange Hall began Wednesday porch concerts July–September.
Oak Bluffs Holiday Stroll debuted December 11–12, adding a new festive tradition.
LadyFest returned with new ticketing and a move to Alley Waban Park.
This list doesn’t capture everything! I focused on the bigger developments that shaped daily life, culture, and community conversations this year. If you have any fun updates you think were meaningful that I missed, drop them in the comments as always.
I’m so excited for what’s to come in 2026!
I have some theories and hopes I’m looking forward to seeing play out 🤞
What a great end-of-year summary Lis. Really gives a sense of what has been going on and where we are headed. Thank you!