Wild and Free: Island Time, April 26 - April 28

Wild and Free: Island Time, April 26 – April 28

April 26, 2019

Okay, okay, we get it: April showers bring May flowers. But enough is enough already! We are ready for full-on springtime weather perfect for getting the garden ready, taking a stroll through the woods, or maybe even just spending some time on the back deck catching some rays.

Yes, another wet weekend is in the forecast, but here on the Island many events happen rain or shine! Attend a garden workshop, go on a beach safari, or maybe even a birding expedition.

If the outdoors just isn’t in the cards for you, the MV Film Society is having their third annual Spectrum (LGBTQ+) Film Festival. Not a movie goer? Okay, how about joining a new book club, or belting out your favorite song at a Karaoke Dance Party?

And for all you sports fans out there, don’t forget to cheer on the Bruins and Celtics! Both teams are heading into the second round of the playoffs. The Bs kick-off their first game against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at 7 p.m. And the Cs have their sights set on the Milwaukee Bucks. First game date for them still to be determined.

Whatever you end up doing this weekend, enjoy it to the fullest. Rain or shine, the good weather is headed our way. Summer is near. And we can’t wait.

Friday, April 26

Wake up, wake up, it’s Friday! Grab a cup of coffee from your favorite spot and head to the Manual F. Correllus State Forest to lend a hand during Park Serve Day from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After doing your good deed for the day take a drive up to Polly Hill Arboretum for their Arbor Day celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. Activities include a guided tour, a tree planting demonstration and a seedling giveaway.

Come nighttime, PathwaysARTS Season Finale kicks off at 7 p.m. in their spot which will magically turn back into the Chilmark Tavern in a few weeks. Enjoy writing & poetry, dance and musical performances. If you’re looking to see one of the film fest movies, the Film Center is showing The Happy Prince at 5 p.m. and Wild Night with Emily at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27

If you weren’t able to help out at the state forest yesterday, you still have a chance to be a philanthropist today at Felix Neck’s Volunteer Day from 9 a.m. to noon. This statewide event is in its 13^th year and will end in a BBQ for all volunteers.

If you love cute, fluffy animals, then you don’t want to miss Island Alpaca’s annual Shearing Day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) where more than 50 alpacas will get their yearly haircut. After some fun on the farm, head to the rink for the Ice Savours Hockey Game beginning at 1 p.m. Cheer on the Martha’s Vineyard Mariners as they take on the Boston Bruins Alumni Team — proceeds benefit the ice arena.

Tonight starting at 7 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theater, a concert titled That’s Island Entertainment will showcase Island musicians performing movie classics in celebration of “the greatest video store of all time.” And over at the MV Playhouse, enjoy a staged reading of Mothers and Sons at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 28

Oh, sweet Sunday. Get up early, take a scenic drive up to Aquinnah, and then put on some gloves to, you guessed it, volunteer! The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) Natural Resources Department needs help planting native beach grass along Lobsterville Beach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bonus — lunch is provided by The Food Truck!

Or maybe you’re in the mood to stay down-Island. Okay, no worries. Enjoy breakfast at your favorite place (Park Corner recently updated their brunch menu), then head to the Oak Bluffs Fire Station for an Open House from 10 a.m. to noon. Folks can take a tour of the station, watch a fire rescue demonstration and get info on how to become a volunteer.

Wind down your day with the final movies in the Spectrum Film Festival line-up — McQueen plays at 4 p.m. and Studio 54 at 7:30 p.m., both at the Film Center. Or if you’re itching to see the new Avengers: Endgame movie, Edgartown Cinemas will be showing it at 3:15 and 7:15 p.m., with a 3D screening at 12:45 p.m.