Martha’s Vineyard is preparing to give travellers a standout summer moment as JAWS on Amity Island returns to Vineyard Haven on 11 July 2026.
The New England island, already prized for its calm beaches, independent cafés and unhurried rhythm, will take on a playful cinematic twist for the day, drawing on its enduring link to one of the most famous films ever made. The celebration marks the island’s connection to the 1975 blockbuster, which used local shorelines and landmarks to bring the fictional Amity Island to life.
That heritage runs deep. Steven Spielberg shot much of the original JAWS on Martha’s Vineyard, with the village of Edgartown standing in for Amity and locations from Joseph A. Sylvia State Beach to Menemsha Harbour appearing on screen. Half a century on, those backdrops remain instantly recognisable, and the island continues to welcome film fans keen to walk the same sands. The latest event builds on that legacy, following the recent JAWS at 50 tribute that celebrated the picture’s golden anniversary.
For visitors blending business with leisure, the timing could hardly be better. The island’s walkable harbourfront and easy-going atmosphere make it an appealing place to extend a work trip, and the event adds a dose of nostalgia to the usual Vineyard routine. It lands at a moment when the bleisure trend is accelerating, with a majority of UK professionals now tacking holiday days onto their corporate trips rather than heading straight home.
Organisers have noted that additional photography is available on request, hinting at the scenic visuals that will accompany the celebration, from the recognisable bridge to the atmospheric coastal spots that fans will instantly recognise. Those planning to make a weekend of it will find plenty beyond the film trail, including the island’s growing reputation as a food destination, recently spotlighted in our look at Martha’s Vineyard’s island flavours.
Vineyard Haven, the island’s only year-round ferry port, makes a natural base, with the Martha’s Vineyard visitor network pointing arrivals towards hotels, harbourside dining and the island’s wider JAWS trail.
With its mix of seaside charm, film history and community spirit, JAWS on Amity Island promises to be one of the island’s most distinctive moments of the 2026 season, offering travellers a memorable way to unwind after meetings or make the most of a long weekend.
