Best Arts & Culture Organization: Martha’s Vineyard Film Center
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-9369, mvfilmsociety.com
Runner-up: Martha’s Vineyard Museum
151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-627-4441, mvmuseum.org
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center brings the world of cinema to the Island year-round. The venue showcases more than 200 films each year, along with discussions and festivals. Discover the rich history of the Island at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, where every artifact tells a story.
Best Charity Event: Christmas in Edgartown
Downtown Edgartown, christmasinedgartown.com
Runner-up: 5K Run for Jabberwocky
14 Aero Avenue, Edgartown, 508-693-2339, campjabberwocky.org/5k
Have yourself a merry little Christmas in Edgartown with the lighting of the lighthouse, horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade, and more to raise funds for various Island charities. In the summer, race your friends at the 5K Run for Jabberwocky to support the Island’s summer camp for adults and children with disabilities.
Best Family Activity: Flying Horses Carousel
15 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-9481, vineyardtrust.org
Runner-up: The Barn Bowl & Bistro
13 Uncas Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9800, thebarnmv.com
Since 1884, the Flying Horses Carousel has delighted visitors of all ages who come to grab the legendary brass ring while spinning to its magical soundtrack. The Barn Bowl & Bistro hosts friendly competition on its ten bowling lanes where even Barack Obama has tried his hand at getting a strike.
Best Live Band or Musician: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
508-696-3007, johnnyhoyandthebluefish.com
Runner-up: Delanie Pickering
facebook.com/delaniepickeringmusic
Nobody is feeling the blues when Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish hit the stage. The Island’s choice band plays crowd favorites and gets the audience on their feet. Runner-up Delanie Pickering is winning big as she performs on her own on top of being the guitarist for Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish.
Best Live Music Venue: The Ritz Cafe
4 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-296-8159, theritzmv.com
Runner-up: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
The heart and soul of Martha’s Vineyard nightlife can be found at The Ritz, where live music ignites the dance floor every week. At Nomans, cold drinks, delicious eats, and live music make for the perfect setting for a laid-back hangout.
Best Movie Theater, Festival, or Series: Martha’s Vineyard Film Center
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-9369, mvfilmsociety.com
Runner-up: Entertainment Cinemas
65 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8008, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center is the heart of year-round cinema on the Island. The theater offers screenings of a large variety of films and recorded theatrical performances. Catch current blockbusters and popular films at Entertainment Cinemas.
Best Off-Season Event: Christmas in Edgartown
Downtown Edgartown, christmasinedgartown.com
Runner-up: Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby
Weigh Station, Dock Street, Edgartown, mvderby.com
At Christmas in Edgartown, the streets are decked in pine, businesses offer sales, and the town shimmers beneath twinkling lights. The best part: A festive parade brings Santa to town. The annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby arrives in the fall with anglers hoping to catch the big one.
Best Radio Station: WMVY – 88.7 FM
489 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-5000, mvyradio.org
Runner-up: WCAI Cape and Islands NPR – 90.1 FM
60 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, 508-548-9600, capeandislands.org
WMVY has offered a variety of music, including jazz and folk, for more than forty years, plus the station focuses on Island favorites and lesser-known artists. For regional and national news, tune in to Cape and Islands NPR.
Best Summer Event: Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show & Fair
35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-9549, marthasvineyard, agriculturalsociety.org
Runner up: Grand Illumination Night
Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0525, mvcma.org
Thousands of people flock to the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair each year for the rides, live music, food, and livestock shows. The streets around the Tabernacle come alive during Grand Illumination Night where dazzling displays of colorful lanterns make each cottage porch glow.
