Best Arts & Culture Organization: Martha’s Vineyard Film Center

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-9369, mvfilmsociety.com

Runner-up: Featherstone Center for the Arts

30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-1850, featherstoneart.org

A night at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center for a movie or special event is always culturally enriching. Featherstone feeds the creative soul with art shows and community classes.

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

When the mercury drops, we count down the days until Christmas in Edgartown, a highlight of the holiday season that raises money for Island charities. Come for the deals; stay for the twinkling lights and joyful festivities. If you like to keep active for a good cause, the 5K Run for Jabberwocky is a fun way to support an amazing organization.

Best Family Activity: Flying Horses Carousel

15 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508–627–4440, vineyardtrust.org 

Runner-up: Martha’s Vineyard Museum

151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-627-4441, mvmuseum.org

The Flying Horses Carousel isn’t just a fun ride; it’s a piece of history, with hand-carved horses and vintage paintings restored thanks to the Vineyard Preservation Trust. Looking for more history? The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is a must-visit, offering hands-on exhibits that bring the Island experience to life.

Best Live Band or Musician: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish

508-696-3007, johnnyhoyandthebluefish.com 

Runner-up: Delanie Pickering

instagram.com/delaniepickering

Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish know how to bring the groove. Whether it’s at a wedding or event, they’ll get you dancing with their bluesy covers and originals. When she’s not playing with the Bluefish, Delanie Pickering brings her voice and multi-instrumental talent to all corners of the Island’s music scene. 

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

With a rotating cast of Island musical talent, décor that nods to music’s most influential acts, and beer on tap, the Ritz Cafe makes it easy to kick back and rock out. At Nomans, grab a drink and dinner and dance to live music outdoors.

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, 508-627-1076, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

From indie flicks to classics, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center shows a wide range of great movies in a comfortable setting. For a classic theater experience, head to Entertainment Cinemas, where nostalgia and popcorn go hand in hand.

Best Off-Season Event: Christmas in Edgartown

Downtown Edgartown, christmasinedgartown.com

Runner-up: Barn Raisers Ball

35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-9549, marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org

Some of the Island’s best moments happen when the leaves fall and the crowds thin out. In December, Christmas in Edgartown brings holiday magic to the streets. The Barn Raisers Ball in November celebrates the anniversary of building the new Ag Hall with a night of dancing and fun. 

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

In the algorithm age, we say “no, thank you” to digital DJs and “yes, please” to human creativity, taste, and recommendations. The real people behind WMVY keep the music coming. Local NPR station WCAI provides quality programming and news.

Best Summer Event: Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show & Fair

35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury,  508-693-9549, marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org

Runner-up: Grand Illumination Night

Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0525, mvcma.org

The annual Agricultural Fair in West Tisbury is the perfect way to wrap up summer, mixing the best of Island farming with rides, games, and all the fair food you can eat. Grand Illumination Night is pure magic, lighting up the Oak Bluffs Camp Meeting Association grounds with hundreds of glowing paper lanterns.