Free events in Martha's Vineyard, MA

Hosted at Slough Farm in Edgartown, this one-day grief camp supports children in grades K-8 and their families after the death of someone close. Participation is free. The program blends grief support and education with engaging activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, a yoga class, visits with farm animals, music, and more. Staff and volunteers provide a supportive space where children can explore feelings, share memories, and connect with peers, while parents and guardians are offered additional activities and support. Applications are available online and accepted on a rolling basis until the camp is full, and a pre-camp interview is required. Before the camp, a pizza meet-up gives campers a chance to meet their assigned buddy volunteers and get to know other participants.

Celebrate the culmination of Featherstone Center for the Arts’ 30th anniversary year with an opening reception for a special gallery show featuring works by board members and instructors, past and present. The exhibition highlights the range of creativity within the community and offers a window into the kinds of pieces that emerge from Featherstone’s studios and classes. Light refreshments will be available during the reception.

Celebrate the West Tisbury Library’s September art exhibition, Stone Walls, Graves, Fishing Shack Windows, showcasing local paintings by Susan Bienen Johnson. Meet the artist at an art reception in the library’s Community Room. The event is free and open to the public.

At MV Playhouse in Vineyard Haven, a monthly poetry series celebrates the Island’s literary community. Created by the late Arnie Reisman, Martha’s Vineyard poet laureate emeritus, the Playhouse Poetry Café has welcomed writers and listeners for over a decade in an intimate, friendly setting. Each gathering begins with featured readings from both established and emerging Island voices, then opens the floor to a community mic where participants can share their own work, with signups available at the door. Admission is free and tickets are not required.

First Friday is a free, community-inspired outdoor celebration in Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard, bringing together local artists, musicians, and favorite food trucks alongside new vendors for a day focused on community and local art. Browse a daytime art market at Beach St. Extension, then make your way to Owen Park for a marketplace with food vendors and live music into the evening. Cap the festivities with a silent disco at Owen Park.