Is it just me, or does it seem that May might just be as busy as August in Edgartown? For business owners reopening and managing everything from employee visas to housing and scheduling, plus inventory ordering, receiving, and pricing; for local families organizing what the summer will look like for them; for the summer families arriving at their second homes; and for everyone in between — I see you, and see how hard you’re all working toward making the summer of 2026 not only a profitable one, but one when you might be able to also enjoy some beach days and downtime yourself.
On May 16, from 10 am to noon, head to Edgartown Books for a book signing. “Sailing with Angels,” by Laura Briel Sullivan, is a story about a young girl navigating the loss of the generation she grew up with on the shores of Edgartown. Guided by a talisman, she journeys across sea and Island, meeting wise characters, from the Judge to the Alchemist to the Harbormaster, each offering wit and wisdom.
This weekend is one where you can start enjoying the town to its fullest, with the second annual Edgartown Porchfest. As seen in towns across the country, it is a musical event for the community and by the community. Shout-out to all the businesses that are opening up their space to musicians: 19 Raw, M.V. Boys & Girls Club, Edgartown library, Eisenhauer Gallery, Sea Spa Salon, Harbor View Hotel, Hob Knob, Town Bar & Grill, Bad Martha’s and Donaroma’s, Edgartown Inn, Federated Church, Vintage Wine and Spirit, Edgartown Books, Kenworthy, Kismet, Salte, Rainy Day, Rosewater Market, and Memorial Wharf. Events like these are not only fueled by the organizing committees, but by the local businesses that say yes, and open their doors to these opportunities, so to everyone on the list above — thank you! The rain date will be Sunday, May 17, and you can view the full lineup online at visitedgartown.org/porchfest.
Next up is Martha’s Party on May 18, with tickets still available online. If you’re planning a celebration of any kind on Martha’s Vineyard, this experience will help you understand venues, vendors, and the Island way of putting on an outstanding event. You’ll get to tour multiple premier venues, meet top planners and vendors in person, experience real event design in action, enjoy curated food, wine, and specialty tastings, and build connections that go a long way when planning an event on an Island. All the scheduling and hard work is done for you, all you have to do is attend and learn! Ticket sales and more details online at marthasparty.com
Part of my goal this season is getting my 10,000 steps daily, and this Edgartown library walking group on Wednesdays sounds like a good addition to my week and helpful to my goal. Join library Director Lisa Sherman for a walk around town! You’ll meet at the library’s rear entrance at 8:30 am to stretch. The walk is between 2.5 and 3 miles through the downtown area, and will take about 60 minutes. No registration required; see you there!
Birthday shout-outs to the following friends: Jim Gibson on May 14, Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson on the 15th, Amanda Clampitt on the 16th, Jamie LeBlond on the 17th, Julia Spiro on May 18, Casey O’Connor on the19th, and Erin Hegarty on May 20! Wishing you all the best today and always!