We were curious. After taking a look at the August calendar, it occurred to us: how does one prioritize? It’s not just a question of whether to be at The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair or the Oak Bluffs Fireworks on Friday, August 16. That’s a crazy week, for sure, with the Grand Illumination Night on Wednesday, August 14. But all month long, there are incredible speaker events, from panels and forums to sermons and author talks. You’ve got to choose: go to a play, hear live music, hit the comedy festival – or catch the film festival? (Find a link to our August events guide on page 14.)

We’d like to be in the audience when The Moth LIVE comes to the Tabernacle on Saturday, August 3. And we’d like to be at the Oak Bluffs Public Library when The National Museum of African American History presents a Conversation with Museum Director Kevin Young on Tuesday, August 6. We’d like to be at the Soulfest Concert at the PAC on August 13 and hear the U.S. Airforce Band at the Tabernacle on August 17.

We’d like to be at the first day of the fair to make sure we see the oxen before they leave Friday morning. And we have to be there Sunday for the dog show. We want to have a picnic supper on State Beach and cocktail parties on the porch. We’d like to go for a catboat cruise in Edgartown Harbor and see the sunset from the Gay Head Light. Clearly we haven’t prioritized our bucket list yet. What about you? We asked, and here’s what you said.

 

THE BEACH

Erica Ashton

Executive Director, Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce

Edgartown

Going to Norton Point on Martha’s Vineyard is my favorite activity in August. Taking the air down on the Jeep tires preps us for the sandy trails, adding to the sense of excitement and freedom. Once we arrive, the pristine beach and warm waters are perfect for swimming and cooling off from the summer heat.

Best of all, gathering with friends for a barbecue on the beach makes the experience extra special, as we enjoy shared food, great company and the stunning views of the sunset over the ocean. It’s the ultimate summer escape.

 

 

Dr. Jessica B. Harris

Author and historian

Oak Bluffs

This August, I’ve made a promise to myself to get a dunk in the sea away from the crowds while the water is still warm. And to get to the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market as much as possible.

 

 

 

 

FILM FESTIVAL

Julia Blanter

Author of upcoming cookbook The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook

West Tisbury

I’m very excited for the [Martha’s Vineyard] African American Film Festival. It always offers such wonderful programming, and it kicks off August in a great way. I feel like we’re so fortunate to have access to the world-class talent they bring to speak after the films. This year I’m particularly looking forward to the film Sing-Sing and to getting a chance to hear actor Colman Domingo afterwards.

 

 

 

CAMP

 

William Hagerty

Camper

Edgartown

My favorite thing about August is Felix Neck [Wildlife Sanctuary] Camp. It’s like my favorite camp on the planet! I like to play with my friends and go bird watching. We made binoculars last year, and we saw a hawk’s nest.

 

 

 

 

THE FAIR

Luciana and Jesse Fuller, with son Anthony and daughter Sophia (far right)

Owners, The Fullers Company

Oak Bluffs

The fair is one of our favorite things to do in August. We always have a great time as a family, we get to learn a little more about our community, get together with friends and do all those simple yet precious things together.

Deon Thomas

Chef

West Tisbury

Our favorite thing about August is the fair, because we see all of our Island friends who we haven’t seen all summer, because we’re all so busy!

 

 

 

 

CHILMARK ROAD RACE

Larry Glick, with grandaughter Noa

Photographer

Chilmark

In August, I really enjoy watching and photographing the Chilmark Road Race, followed by an iced coffee on the porch of Chilmark General Store. I also love catching the sunset in Menemsha – hearing the applause by the beach crowd as the sun dips below the horizon. And the fireworks display in Oak Bluffs is a must-see event every year.

WORSHIP

Polly Simpkins

DJ at MVYRadio, interfaith minister, founder of the Cup of Karma project

Vineyard Haven

At the top of my August bucket list is a visit to the majestic, welcoming and glorious Union Chapel, an inter-denominational church that each summer invites our Island community to come together in celebration with preachers and teachers from many different backgrounds and faith traditions. On August 4, the Union Chapel will welcome Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III to the pulpit, and I am excited to witness this inspiring preacher, poet, activist, music lover, author and filmmaker who is intensely connected to the life and work of Howard Thurman. I can’t wait to hear the organ play, listen to Pastor Moss preach, savor the choir’s beautiful sound and find myself once again walking out of that sacred space inspired, energized and full of gratitude for being alive.

 

 

THE FIREWORKS

Skip Finley

Author and historian

Oak Bluffs

I’ve loved the [Oak Bluffs] Fireworks since I was a kid. Still love them – just don’t love the two-hour traffic jam to go two miles when they’re over! As an aside – it is said that when President Ulysses S. Grant visited the Island in 1874, he enjoyed the fireworks too – with 30,000 people!

 

 

LIVE MUSIC

Mike Benjamin

Musician

Edgartown

Every August I play a musical Monday at Featherstone Center for the Arts with my band. It’s always a highlight for me and this year it’s Monday, August 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

 

 

 

GRAND ILLUMINATION NIGHT

Natalia MacLean

Student, summer worker at 
Flying Horses Carousel

Oak Bluffs

[Grand] Illumination Night is one of the best things in the summer. Almost every gingerbread cottage and house is decorated with gorgeous lanterns (many hand-painted), and the entire area is lit up. That night brings people together every year, and it’s an ethereal sight that never gets old, no matter how many times you see it.

I grew up in the Camp Ground! My great-grandfather bought our cottage in the ’60s, and my grandmother raised my dad, uncles, and aunt in the cottage every summer, and then my sister and I spent every summer here as well, doing the kids church choir, talent and art shows and junior camp in the parish house, where I now work as well. It’s truly a blessing to be able to spend my time here.

 

 

SUNFLOWERS

Lindsay Brown

Engagement Site Manager, The FARM Institute (Edgartown)

Chilmark

I love when the sunflowers bloom at the FARM. We started doing the field when my son was one, and he’s now six so it feels like a time stamp for my kids’ ages for the year. And now they’re at an age where I can let them loose in the field.