Between the Agricultural Fair, Illumination Night, Oak Bluffs fireworks, and every other invitation we’ve received, Edgartown’s mid-August calendar is as full as its restaurants. I dared to try to get a table for three last Thursday as a walk-in with no reservation but a lovely smile and a kind heart, and after trying a few spots that were packed to the brim, ended up at Alchemy for girls’ night. If you get a chance, grab a seat at the bar and have a delicious drink and their Crispy Scallop and Pork Dumplings with Red Curry Aioli and Pineapple Mango Salsa — divine!
On August 13 from 6 to 8 pm, grab some friends and head over to the Eisenhauer Gallery for Music in the Square with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. I’d recommend already having dinner reservations, and staying in town for a bite and a drink after enjoying the music. A few spots I haven’t stopped in yet this season for dinner are Atria, Bettini, Chesca’s, Détente, and l’Etoile — grab a reservation and let me know how it was. Also, if you’re looking for a unique experience, Chef J.J. Johnson is taking over the Edgartown Diner, with Nightcap, an exclusive after-hours pop-up experience running through August. It is a collaboration between Hue Boston, Chef J.J., and Culturevations, where the daytime diner transforms Thursday through Sunday from 5 pm to midnight into an intimate late-night lounge.
On Saturday, August 15 at 9 am at the FARM Institute in Edgartown, run, walk, or roll in the 5K road race to support Camp Jabberwocky! Your registration fee will benefit Camp Jabberwocky, one of the longest-running summer camps for kids and adults with disabilities! Register today at runforjabberwocky.org.
Praised for their “panache” by The New York Times, the Grammy-winning Harlem Quartet makes a welcome return to the Vineyard on August 16 at 5 pm, at the Old Whaling Church. Tickets are $40, and children and students are free of charge. Tickets can be purchased online: https://luma.com/afd48r8v.
If you’ve been up-Island and enjoyed breads from Beetlebung Farm, join Matt, head baker and miller, for an introductory sourdough class at the FARM Institute. In this demonstration-lecture, Matt will break down the fundamentals of sourdough baking, including starter maintenance, shaping techniques, baking tips, and the science of fermentation. Matt will discuss the process of using whole grain wheat grown regionally in New England and ground onsite at Beetlebung Farm in Chilmark. Preregistration is required for all FARM Institute cooking classes. If you would like to attend but are unable to pay, please reach out to lbrown@thetrustees.org for more information.
The Martha’s Vineyard Gospel Festival Benefit Concert returns on August 17, at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. Featuring world-renowned baritone Wintley Phipps and additional acclaimed gospel artists Lena Byrd Miles and Rodney Boyden, this uplifting evening of music supports local organizations serving food-insecure and unhoused residents on Martha’s Vineyard. The doors open at 4:30 pm. For tickets and information, visit vineyardgracefoundation.org.
Whatever you decide to do this week, remember that September will bring its own quiet back to Edgartown soon enough. Until then, enjoy the crowds, and be thankful as they all continue to support our local businesses!
