Ghosts, goblins, pumpkins, and treats. The spirit of Halloween has washed ashore once more, and the Island community sure knows how to celebrate its arrival.
Saturday, Oct. 28
Do you tend to wait until the last minute, grab a trash bag, cut some holes in it, and call it a costume? Kudos for trying, but we think you can do better. Head to the West Tisbury library and brainstorm and troubleshoot your Halloween costume with Hugh Phear. Bring your ideas and any special materials you may have (leave the trash bag at home), or use the supplies provided by the library. All ages are welcome. 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Free.
All set with your costume? Then make some Halloween boo-caccia bread with Teri Culletto of Vineyard Baker. Each adult/child pair will take home a freshly made loaf. Children must be at least age 5 to participate, and be accompanied by an adult. It’s 10 am to noon at the FARM Institute, Edgartown. Price is $24 for member pair, or $30 for nonmember pair. Preregistration is required at thetrustees.org/event/195883. Questions? Reach out to Lindsay Brown at lbrown@thetrustees.org.
Haven’t put your Halloween decorations up yet? You don’t have any? Fear not: Oak Bluffs library is offering a Halloween Craft Day on Saturday from 11 am to 12:30 pm.
The Workshop Gallery’s “There Is Nothing but Witches and Wizards Out There” art show runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 12. Opening reception is Oct. 28 from 4 to 8 pm. Wear your costume for an extra treat!
Sunday, Oct. 29
If you’re an art connoisseur, you’ll want to visit the Eisenhauer Gallery in Edgartown for the Happy Hunting Halloween event, which will include treats, games, and a fun art scavenger hunt. 11 am to 2 pm. Suggestion: Dress up like your favorite artist.
If you’re more of a football lover than an art enthusiast, then grab your old cleats, or a pair of sneakers, your Halloween costume (yes, put it on) and join in the Nerf Capture the Flag Costume Party at the Vineyard Haven library from 5:30 to 8 pm. Free. Contact Jennifer Rapuano with questions at jrapuano@clamsnet.org.
Circuit Arts is teaming up with Abby Bender and Built on Stilts to present a family-friendly immersive theater and dance performance: “Granger Things.” The show features several talented Island performers, and a surprise around every corner. 6:30 pm. Free, or pay what you can. Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Go to circuitarts.org/events for information and tickets.
The Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs hosts a Fall Family Fun Day from 12 to 4 pm. Come on over and play games, listen to music, and enjoy some delicious food. Costumes are welcome.
Tuesday, Oct. 31
So many parties, so little time. From 3 to 5 pm, slip on your costume and head to the West Tisbury library for some Halloween fun. Hop on a hayride, play some games, paint a pumpkin, and munch on some spooky refreshments. All ages are welcome. Free. Contact Mikaela Lawson with any questions at wt_mail@clamsnet.org.
Hayrides not your gig? Explore Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven for a unique, family-friendly Halloween celebration instead. Visit their trick-or-treat stations, grab a bite from the ArtCliff Food Truck, unleash your creativity with arts and crafts activities, compete in a costume contest for kids and adults, and play in the kid-friendly exhibits. Parking at the museum is limited. Consider walking, biking, carpooling, flying in on a broom, or using the VTA system. It’s 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Free.
Vineyard Haven Main Street Halloween Parade will run 4 to 4:30 pm, followed by trick-or-treating at participating businesses. Think you’ve got a winner? Enter the costume contest starting at 4 pm, in front of the Capawock Theater. Stop by the M.V. Playhouse and meet some spooky characters — don’t worry, they have treats! It’s 5 to 8 pm. On Oct. 30 and 31, visit M.V. Screenprinting and meet some kid-friendly spooky characters from 4 to 6 pm, followed by “Lights Out Horror” starting at 7 pm and running until 10 pm. There’s a $5 cover to benefit the Tisbury Fire Department. Check out vineyardhaven.com/calendar for more information.
Clearly, Vineyard people like to party. If you need a rest from all the festivities, however, the Vineyard Haven library will be open during the evening, so that families can take a break from trick-or-treating, and enjoy cider and candy provided by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. That’s from 5 to 8 pm.