Barbecues, road races, and lobster rolls are on the agenda and parades are planned at both ends of the Island as the Vineyard welcomes one of the busiest days of the year. All eyes will turn to Edgartown tonight for the annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks.

As the temperature rises and the Island prepares for summer, the Featherstone Center for the Performing Arts is getting ready to kick off a new and diverse season of events.

Walk the Moon is this year's headliner for the annual Stars and Stripes concert to benefit the YMCA. The concert is Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m.

After last Saturday’s performance of Party People by Universes, held at the Vineyard Arts Project, company member Mildred Ruiz-Sapp addressed the audience.

“Whoever is in the room when we are creating a piece is responsible for something,” said Ms. Ruiz-Sapp. “You are all responsible for having a voice or an opinion. So before you guys leave, we expect at least two pages in writing.”

She was joking, but just about the written feedback.

The Gay Head Gallery is open for the season, featuring local and nationally acclaimed artists, photographers, jewelers and sculptors.