Memorial Day Weekend on Martha's Vineyard

Memorial Day this year is on Monday, May 27th and is referred to as the “beginning of the season” for most island brands and businesses. Everyone on island is excited to welcome guests for the new season and has fresh, new energy and below we are sharing some of the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard for Memorial Day Weekend 2019. Honor fallen Veterans by attending any of the town Memorial Day Parades and if you have younger kids, join the March to the Sea the island kids do from their respective schools and they drop fresh flowers into the sea in remembrance. ​

Photo of Catboat Charters, taken by Crispin Haskins

Sailing Charters
Hop on the first sails of the 2019 season, with your choice of a variety of charters you can't go wrong getting on the water this Memorial Day Weekend. One of our favorite sails, Catboat Charters, is a restored, antique traditional Cape Cod catboat. All boat & sailing charter options can be seen here. 

Martha's Vineyard Museum

Martha’s Vineyard Museum
Discover the new museum location and space in Vineyard Haven. The Martha's Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage - that is there mission and one you’ll get to live once you discover the new space. It’s a family friendly museum with great activities for younger kids as well as a Museum Cafe - perfect for a few hours of fun!

The Carnegie
If you haven’t been to Edgartown in a few years, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the space that previously housed the Edgartown Library is now called The Carnegie. The renovated and restored landmark includes reading rooms, a visitor center, gift shop, and the permanent exhibition, Living Landmarks, which illustrates the historical development of Martha’s Vineyard through the lens of the landmarks in Vineyard Trust’s care. You can also explore Vineyard history with an Architectural Walking Tour of Edgartown! 

Flying Horses Carousel
Become a kid again & grab that brass ring! The Flying Horses is America’s Oldest Carousel and fully functioning in Oak Bluffs, it lets both adults and kids become young again by going on a ride. Fun for the entire family, the space also houses arcade games for the young ones. 

Environmental Film Festival
Nature as Inspiration is the theme of the festival this year, and for four days, the MV Film Society combines environmental films, discussions, and an art exhibit by MVRHS students that will adorn the walls of the Feldman Family Art Space in the Film Center. A Q&A follows each film with experts, community members, and special guests.

Lighthouse Tour
Explore the Cape Pogue Lighthouse and the “magnificent barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of hardy red cedars" on the shores of Chappaquiddick, a small island in Edgartown. Or visit the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse, the famous Gay Head Light in Aquinnah, or the East Chop Lighthouse House in Oak Bluffs. Want more info on the Island's lighthouses? Click here.

Vineyard Artisans Festival, photo taken by LA Brown

Vineyard Artisans Spring
The Opening Weekend Show takes place Memorial Day weekend and is the best time to shop local and support island artists and artisans. The show is a collection of a variety of crafts, arts, and methods, so be on the lookout for new and exciting art from your favorite Vineyard artists. Takes place 10:00am to 4:00pm each day at the Historic Grange Hall in West Tisbury, with free admission and parking, along with local food available for purchase and a playground for kids.

Oak Bluffs

5K Road Race
26th Annual Oak Bluffs Memorial Road Race, on a beautiful USATF certified 5K course around Oak Bluffs harbor and East Chop Lighthouse. Timed 1-mile kids' fun run. Online registration $25, in-person registration $30, open Saturday, 3-5 PM and day of race from 8-9:30 AM. All proceeds to benefit Hospice of Martha's Vineyard.  This is the perfect run for families that love working out together!