Island Time: The Best Days

Island Time: The Best Days

October 3, 2019

October on Martha’s Vineyard is basically an extension of September, with slightly cooler weather and shorter days. Diehard swimmers are still taking their daily plunges, while kiteboarders soar on autumn winds and Island farmers keep on harvesting pumpkins, squash, tomatoes and corn. There’s plenty to do all weekend long, from Aquinnah to Chappaquiddick. Here are a few of our tips for the next three days, and you can find everything that’s happening on the Island in the Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar.

Friday, Oct. 4 | Musical pot luck

Tonight’s Feast of St. Francis Pot Luck Party & Concert, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Aquinnah Town Hall, features music by Siren Mayhew, the Brothers McMahon and Isacc Taylor.

At the Oak Bluffs Public Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., an artist’s reception opens painter Elizabeth Whelan’s new show inspired by science and scientists.

The Beach Plum Inn in Chilmark hosts a pop-up dinner starting at 6 p.m. with a four-course meal by the Kitchen Porch chefs, including sunset nibbles, catch of the day and harvest of the day.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., WVVY is holding a benefit at the Portuguese-American Club in Vineyard Haven, with music from Sabrina & the Groovers and Resurrection Joe, light projections by Jon Baer and an auction of donated works by island artists.

Saturday, Oct. 5 | Ride your pony

Vineyard Gardens in West Tisbury is throwing its Harvest Festival today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with nature craft projects, hot food, live ukulele music and pony rides for the kids.

Alpaca Yoga provides an hour-long class among the gentle alpaca in their pasture at Island Alpaca in Oak Bluffs.

The three classical guitarists of Trio Camino play a concert of international music at the Edgartown Public Library at 3 p.m.

Photographer Michael Stimola welcomes the public to a reception for his new exhibition, A Sacred Place, at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6 | Road runners

Runners have a choice today: the Columbus Day 5K & Fun Run in Oak Bluffs, starting from Summercamp at 9 a.m., or the more challenging Gay Head 10K Race in Aquinnah, starting from the lighthouse at 10:30 a.m.

St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven offers a Blessing of the Animals at noon.

Island photographer Paul Doherty has an opening reception for his new show, Dinghy Scratches, at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ballroom dancing lessons return to the Barn Bowl & Bistro in Oak Bluffs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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