The Martha's Vineyard events only add extra flavor to an already appealing vacation destination. Throughout the year, this island off the Massachusetts coast plays host to festivals, fairs, and other kinds of fun-filled celebrations, and if no event coincides with your visit, you can always arrange your own party. Martha's Vineyard weddings are popular, for example, and the island can be a wonderful place to throw a birthday party for kids.

For more than 30 years, the Chilmark Road Race has figured among the main annual events in Martha's Vineyard. This annual running race started in 1976, and happens each year on the second Saturday of August. A five kilometer race, the Chilmark Road Race starts at the Chilmark Town Hall and eventually finishes at a corner near the same building. There is a fee if you want to take place in the race, and proceeds help to sustain the Chilmark Community Center.

Martha's Vineyard is a very cultured destination, and this is partly evidenced by the island's film festivals. The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival is one of the premier events of its kind to be held on the island. It primarily takes place over the course of a few days in March, with other sub-events being held at other times of the year. Movie enthusiasts can also hope to visit the island when the Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is going on. Held over the course of four days in September, this event highlights both feature films and short films from around the world.

Marthas Vineyard Map

Interesting film festivals aren't the only Martha's Vineyard festivals that are worth keeping in mind when looking to add some extra depth to your trip. The island also plays host to various music events. One of these events is the Aquinnah Music Festival, which is held in Aquinnah in the shadows of the Aquinnah Cliffs. This event puts the focus on island artists and is held in July. Noon is when everything gets started, and the fun doesn't stop until after the sun goes down. Another music festival that is held on the island is the Martha's Vineyard Festival. It showcases more renowned artists from around the world, with Oak Bluffs being the town that sets the stage. August is when this excellent event takes place, and there is plenty of food and drink to indulge in while you listen to the music.

The Agricultural Society Annual Livestock Show and Fair is definitely one of the most popular Martha's Vineyard events. In fact, many families actually plan their visits to the island around this mid-August event. The entertainment comes in a variety of forms at this old-fashioned fair, and as you might imagine, the various animals are a big hit with the kids. The fairgrounds in West Tisbury is where the Agricultural Society Annual Livestock Show and Fair is held, and the admission prices are more than reasonable.

Another Martha's Vineyard event that families and everyone else might look to enjoy is Illumination Night. Normally held in late August, sometimes on an undisclosed date, this evening event sees the famed cottages of Oak Bluffs illuminated by Japanese and Chinese lanterns. A dozen or more lanterns can be hanging on one single cottage, and since there are hundreds of cottages, the effect is quite magical.

Anyone who is interested in Martha's Vineyard festivals can always look to add a food festival to the itinerary, and during the warmer months, fun farmers' markets spring up across the land. The main food festival is the aptly named Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival. Held in October, this autumn celebration showcases the talents of chefs from Martha's Vineyard and New England in general. Wines from around the world can be sampled, and as far as the food is concerned, seafood from the area waters is at the heart of many dishes. Locally grown produce is also showcased to great extent.

Since there are so many Martha's Vineyard events, it can be hard to keep track of everything. As such, you might pick up a local newspaper upon arrival and see what it has highlighted in relation to current events . You can also drop by one of the Chamber of Commerce offices, since they provide information of all kinds for tourists to take advantage of. These offices are found in the main tourist towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven.