A Free, Family-Friendly Out-Door Community Event
by Diane Alter
FIRST FRIDAY VINEYARD HAVEN celebrates the island’s local arts and culture every first Friday of the month from June to October, pausing in November, and ending the year with a First Friday Vineyard Haven event in December. Located in the heart of the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District, First Friday Vineyard Haven showcases artists from all over the island who display their work for sale, and some also provide demonstrations. Look for opportunities to participate in live art experiences.
Celebrating MV’s long history of musicians, First Friday Vineyard Haven features live music performances on the beach at each of its monthly events. As the night progresses, live performances switch to a silent disco party complete with headsets and live DJs. Come hungry and thirsty, because Vineyard Haven offers a plethora of options for food and drink. During First Friday Vineyard Haven events, local food trucks and food carts will offer a fantastic selection.
The July 7 festivities start at 4 pm in Owen Park, with the opening of the art market. The music will be by Rob Lytle. Food vendors will open for business at 5 pm, and Maryse and the Off Island Boys take over music duties, followed by Tristan Israel & Friends at 6 pm, Flying Elbows at 6:30 pm, and David Wolff at 7:30 pm. The Pickpocket Bluegrass Band has the 8 pm music slot. PathwaysARTS Silent Disco takes over starting at 9 pm and closes out the night.
“This is a free, family-friendly community event celebrating the arts, music, and food,” Taylor Stone, one of the event’s small group of fervent organizers who work tirelessly to bring these Fridays to life, told This Week on MV. “We are excited to offer First Friday VH to locals and visitors, while also spreading the word about the very talented island artists, musicians, and culinary creators.”
Organized by the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District, with the help of the Vineyard Haven Business Association, these Friday events would not be what they’ve come to be known for without the support of the MV community through sponsorships and volunteers, Taylor stressed. First Friday VH is funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and by the generosity of sponsors. Additional information is available at www.firstfridayvh.com.
