The atmosphere at the Art Stroll along Dukes County avenue in Oak Bluffs is more like that of a block party than a gallery opening.

“It becomes a real kind of a community gathering place where people meet their friends,” said Don McKillop, who owns the Dragonfly Fine Arts Gallery with his wife, Susan Davy. He acknowledged that the event is mostly social and not much art gets purchased, but it’s good exposure for the galleries. “We think it’s good for the town,” he said of the event.

But for any visitors eager to purchase work by Vineyard artists, the Art Stroll will not disappoint. All of the galleries carry work by Vineyard artists and some galleries are run by Vineyard artists themselves. Lucinda Sheldon’s enamel jewelry is made in her studio in the backyard of her Vineyard avenue home. Alison Shaw’s studio is on the second floor of her gallery and Stefanie Wolf’s jewelry is all created at her gallery, as well. Dragonfly Gallery carries the work of 28 artists, including Mr. McKillop and his wife, Susan. Judith Schubert, who owns Periwinkle, will be showcasing her own textile work. Other galleries along the strip include PIKNIK Art and Apparel and Red Mannequin.

Each gallery is different and may appeal to a different kind of person, which is a source of pride for the gallery owners. The Arts District is unusual in that it contains a group of businesses that ought to be competing but have instead formed a supportive community. “Anybody who comes in here will find something they like,” Mr. McKillop said of the Arts District.

Some of this cooperation is born from the fact that a single gallery would struggle to survive in this location, but a group can thrive. Whether it’s sculpture, jewelry, paintings or photographs, there is a wide variety available. The group is intent on marketing themselves as a block, rather than individual units. “We really define ourselves by being more of a destination,” said Sue Dawson, partner and art director for Alison Shaw Photography.

Though many of these galleries have been in business for years, people are often surprised to find them. “It’s good to get discovered, little by little. People tell their friends about it,” Mr. McKillop said.

Though it’s only a couple of blocks away from the always bustling Circuit avenue, the Arts District feels worlds away. “People find their way here and they, you know, there’s sweat rolling off their brow and [they’re] thinking, ‘Where, where am I? Help!’” Ms. Shaw laughed. That feeling of being a refuge is something the gallery owners want to keep.

“I think we all share a vision of seeing it staying humble. We like the small scale,” said Ms. Dawson. “Being a little off-the-beaten-track really works for us and for our customers,” she continued.

The district can seem slightly abbreviated and it is, in fact, not terribly large. Taking up roughly a block of Dukes County avenue, it almost comes out of nowhere and is in your rearview mirror just as quickly. But there are also galleries nearby just off the main gallery drag. The Shephard Fine ArtsSpace, a new gallery started by twins Melissa Breese and Melanie Kotalac, is on Uncas avenue, and Lucinda Sheldon’s studio is located on Vineyard avenue. Signs pointing revelers to more hidden galleries will dot the sidewalk during the stroll.

Tents in the street, gospel music from the New England Conservatory of Music, and bartenders and waiters serving food and drink, the stroll promises to be a bustling event, rather more like a party or street fair, than a gallery opening. Those filled with unhappy memories of long tired evenings with the black turtleneck crowd have nothing to fear at the Art Stroll.

The Art Stroll is on Saturday, July 9 in the arts district along Dukes County avenue in Oak Bluffs from 4 to 7 p.m. For details, call Don McKillop of Dragonfly Fine Arts Gallery, at 508-693-8877.