by Natasha Heinz

Can you feel it already? The summer is almost over and soon the long days on the beach and late nights will be just a memory. But don’t get sad just yet because Labor Day is almost here, which gives you one more chance to have a memorable weekend. And This Week helps you plan the best way to celebrate the holiday with amazing events happening on the island from the 1st to the 4th of September.

Labor Day honors the American labor movement and is always celebrated on the first Monday of September and is the last chance for many Americans to go on trips or relax before school starts again. The date became a federal holiday in 1894, but its origins trace back to 1882, when cities were filled with

Even though most of the world celebrates their workers on May 1st, the United States chose the September date to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Because of that, Labor Day Weekend is considered the unofficial end of the summer and often coincides with the beginning of the American football season, which concludes in February with the Super Bowl. a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations.

Parades are not as common now, but Labor Day Weekend is still filled with fun events for all the family. This Week put together the schedule below to help you plan out your days!

Friday, September 1st

Antique Show: From 9am to 3pm, MV Antique Association holds their weekly Antique Show at 1059 State Road (next to the West Tisbury Townhall). This is the perfect beginning of the weekend for history lovers and décor aficionados, who will definitely find their new favorite item in these multi-dealer collections of historical campground homes, farm homesteads and treasures from abroad. More information: 508-560-2321.

MV Jazz & Blues Summerfest Day 1: SAGE, an all-women’s jazz, blues and contemporary ensemble that brings a sound which transcends time. These ladies can delivery every music the audience can look for, transcending generations. You can expect a lot of nostalgia and sassiness too. SAGE features Lakecia Benjamin on saxophone, Miki Hayama on piano, Kersten Stevens on violin, Miriam Sullivan on bass, Camille Thurman on tenor saxophonist and vocals, and Shirazette Tinnen on drums. The opening act is Etana, one of Reggae music’s newest faces. Boasting a flawless soul-soaked voice, captivating legions of fans. Tickets cost $5 for children, $20 for students (16+ with ID), $40 balcony, $65 floor general and $100 floor VIP with meet & greet, and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsmv.com/buy.php?id=29439. From 6pm to 10 pm. More information at: http://mvjazzbluessummerfest.com.

Saturday, September 2nd

West Tisbury Farmer’s Market: The Vineyard is all about celebrating our local people and establishments—because we have some of the best in the world, of course! So come enjoy local produce, flowers, sundries, and more at the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market from 9am to 12 pm on 1059 State Road, next to the West Tisbury Town Hall. More information: http://www.westtisburyfarmersmarket.com/.

Chilmark Flea Market: This is the last opportunity in the year to enjoy the longest continuous market on the island, open from 9am to 2pm at the Chilmark Community Church. This outdoor market has everything from quality art and antiques to clothes and food. Come to Meadow on North Road (142 North Road) and find the perfect souvenir that will remind you of this summer on Martha’s Vineyard forever.

MV Jazz & Blues Summerfest Day 2: Jazzmeia Horn with special guest Phlyllis Yvonne Stickney. Winner of the 2015 Thelonius Monk International Vocal Jazz Competition and 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Jazzmeia Horn has a name that speaks for itself capturing her very essence. Tickets cost $5 for children, $20 for students (16+ with ID), $40 balcony, $65 floor general and $100 floor VIP with meet & greet, and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsmv.com/buy.php?id=29439. From 6pm to 10 pm. More information at: http://mvjazzbluessummerfest.com.

Sunday, September 3rd

Antique Car Parade & Show: Wake early and bring the family to check out a great collection of antique cars at the show and parade from 10am to sunset. Parade starts at MV Performing Arts Center at High School, Oak Bluffs, and goes to Ocean Park. Food, music, bouncy house, rock wall and many more to do at this event that benefits the MV Fallen Firefighters. More information at: http://www.oakbluffsmv.com/.

Vineyard Artisans Summer Festival: This Vineyard summer tradition is the only weekly juried art show where the public can meet over 60 artisans and buy directly from them. From fine furniture to pottery to oil paintings and sculptures: name it, someone will be showing it. Begins at 10am at Grange Hall (1059 State Road, next to the West Tisbury Town Hall). More information: http://www.vineyardartisans.com.

Art Opening with Leslie Baker: Come enjoy a reception with Leslie Baker, whose exhibit “Beginnings” will be on display in the West Tisbury Library Community Room (State Road West Tisbury across from Alley’s General Store) until September 24. The work encompasses a selection of seldom seen figurative drawings, small oil studies and watercolors, spanning over thirty years. Refreshments will be served starting at 4pm. More information: http://westtisburylibrary.org/?p=4014.

MV Jazz & Blues Summerfest Day 3: Singer and saxophone player Grace Kelly & Grammy-nominatee Wayna take the stage! Grace Kelly is acclaimed as a jazz musician, but her exhilarating sounds, haunting keyboard hooks and brittle electro edge show an artist interested only in playing what she loves. Ethiopian-born, singer/songwriter, Wayna has a passionate voice and is definitely a star on the rise! Tickets cost $5 for children, $20 for students (16+ with ID), $40 balcony, $65 floor general and $100 floor VIP with meet & greet, and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsmv.com/buy.php?id=29439. From 6pm to 10 pm. More information at: http://mvjazzbluessummerfest.com.

Oak Bluffs Open Market: Enjoy live music at the OB Harbor at night and shop for local produce, specialty foods, arts, crafts and antiques.  Begins at 9pm n Washington Park.