Old Whaling Church - A small white church with a cemetery aside
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Old Whaling Church

4.4
·47 reviews·Edgartown, United States

A historic Greek Revival church on Martha's Vineyard, now a premier venue for concerts and community events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event evenings

Experience captivating concerts.

CrowdMedium
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Old Whaling Church - A small white church with a cemetery aside

Old Whaling Church

Best Time

Event evenings

Experience captivating concerts.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Greek Revival church on Martha's Vineyard, now a premier venue for concerts and community events.

4.4
(47 reviews)

"Fabulous venue to see your favorite musicians in such an awesome setting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

Popular concerts and events sell out fast. Check schedules and book ahead!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Main Street

The church is a highlight on Edgartown's charming Main Street.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Main Street, Edgartown

Admire the stunning Greek Revival design of this iconic Martha's Vineyard landmark.

Instagram
Concert Venue

Concert Venue

Main Street, Edgartown

Experience live music in a beautiful and intimate setting.

Reddit+1
Community Events

Community Events

Main Street, Edgartown

Catch book signings, local performances, and open houses.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check the schedule for events like concerts or book signings, as these are popular draws. The Old Whaling Church is a venue, so access might be limited during private functions. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular events. Instagram+1

Architectural Gem

This historic Greek Revival church is a landmark on Martha's Vineyard. Admire its elegant exterior and learn about its past as a place of worship for whalers. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Event evenings
Why
Experience captivating concerts.
Crowd
Medium
When
August 1-3
Why
Open house for tours.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A year and a half later and we are so close to being done. Starting to finally feel like home 🫶🏼⛪️🔜🏡 #chouse #churchintohome #dreamhomeloading #churchintohome #homereno #oldchurch #oldrenovation #oldtonew #DIY #doingbigthings
@alyxathome
661K likes • 6.6M views

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

Popular concerts and events sell out fast. Check schedules and book ahead! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Main Street

The church is a highlight on Edgartown's charming Main Street. Reddit

Get your tickets to The Old Whaling Church in Martha’s Vineyard. Click the link in my bio for my website at www.jormakaukonen.com to get yours. #oldwhalingchurchedgartown #marthasvineyard
jormajestykaukonen
553 likes • 12.3K views
📚 GIVEAWAY! 🎉 I’m giving away 2 VIP tickets to my book event on Martha’s Vineyard at the Old Whaling Church on July 25! Also, get a signed copy of my book and choose 1 item from the Live Learn Lovewell shop! To enter: 1️⃣ Tag a friend you’d want to bring in the comments and use a 💚 emoji. 2️⃣ Share this post to your IG stories 📲 Winner will be selected at 9am July 25th. Good luck! #livelearnl...
emmalovewell
17.5K likes • 657.4K views

🏛️ Check for Open Houses

The Vineyard Preservation Trust occasionally offers open houses. Instagram

🎶 Great Acoustics

Enjoy fantastic sound quality for musical performances. Reddit

Standing tall at 92 feet, the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown is a timeless beauty with historic charm. Once a place of worship for whalers, now a cherished landmark, its elegant Greek Revival architecture continues to captivate. #MarthasVineyard #HistoricCharm #OldWhalingChurch #travel #history
vineyardpreservation
164 likes • 6.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

Popular concerts and events sell out fast. Check schedules and book ahead! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Main Street

The church is a highlight on Edgartown's charming Main Street. Reddit

🏛️ Check for Open Houses

The Vineyard Preservation Trust occasionally offers open houses. Instagram

🎶 Great Acoustics

Enjoy fantastic sound quality for musical performances. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Old Whaling Church as a beautiful historic landmark and an exceptional venue for concerts and events. Its stunning architecture and excellent acoustics are frequently highlighted, creating a memorable experience for attendees. While primarily an event space, its charm and significance make it a notable stop in Edgartown.

"Historic and well maintained building. Great for concerts. Local Island Community Chorus sang here that was beautiful."

Stacy Whitehead

"Quaint town feel with gorgeous architecture"

Stephen Downie

"Fabulous venue to see your favorite musicians. We saw Martin Sexton recently and it was outstanding. It's really special to see great musicians in such an awesome setting."

Ted Hersh

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Great concert venue
Excellent acoustics

What People Dislike

Limited access outside events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Whaling Church is located on Main Street in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. If you're on the island, it's easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. Parking can be challenging in Edgartown, especially during peak season, so consider using local shuttle services or walking if possible. Reddit

Yes, Martha's Vineyard has a bus system (VTA) that serves Edgartown. You can check the VTA schedule for routes that stop near Main Street. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You typically need tickets to attend events like concerts or book signings held at the Old Whaling Church. It's best to check the event organizer's website or the Vineyard Preservation Trust for specific ticketing information and to purchase tickets in advance, as popular events can sell out. Instagram+1

The Old Whaling Church is primarily a venue for events. While the exterior is always visible, access to the interior is usually limited to scheduled events or special open house days. For example, the Vineyard Preservation Trust has offered open houses from 11 AM to 2 PM on select dates. Instagram

Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Concerts and special performances will have different pricing. It's advisable to check the specific event listing for accurate cost information. Instagram

While not always guaranteed, keep an eye out for 'open house' events hosted by the Vineyard Preservation Trust. These are excellent opportunities to see the interior. Otherwise, you can admire its beautiful exterior from Main Street. Instagram+1

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Old Whaling Church is renowned for its stunning Greek Revival architecture and its role as a historic landmark and a popular venue for concerts and community events on Martha's Vineyard. InstagramReddit

A variety of events take place here, including concerts featuring local and touring musicians, book signings, and community gatherings. It's a versatile space that hosts many performances. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The church's elegant exterior and historic charm make it a picturesque spot for photography, especially on Main Street in Edgartown. Instagram

Originally built as a place of worship for whalers, the Old Whaling Church is a significant historic landmark on Martha's Vineyard, preserving the island's heritage. Instagram+1

Restroom availability would depend on whether an event is taking place. For public restrooms, you'll likely need to find facilities in nearby shops or public areas in Edgartown. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic views are from Main Street in Edgartown, offering a clear perspective of its grand facade. Consider different angles and times of day to capture its beauty. Instagram

Photography policies can vary by event. For concerts, it's often restricted to avoid distracting performers. During open houses, you might have more freedom, but it's always best to check with event staff. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday light is also good for capturing architectural details. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🎶 Music Lovers

If you appreciate live music, the Old Whaling Church is a must-visit. Its excellent acoustics and intimate setting make it an ideal venue for concerts. Many visitors rave about the quality of performances and the unique experience of seeing artists in this historic space. Be sure to check the schedule and book tickets in advance for popular shows, as they tend to sell out quickly. InstagramReddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

The Old Whaling Church is a treasure trove for those interested in history and architecture. Admire its impressive Greek Revival design and learn about its past as a vital part of the island's whaling heritage. The Vineyard Preservation Trust plays a key role in maintaining this landmark, and their efforts ensure its stories are preserved. Look out for any open house events for a chance to explore the interior. Instagram+2

📚 Bookworms & Culture Seekers

The Old Whaling Church frequently hosts author events and book signings, making it a great stop for literary enthusiasts. These events offer a chance to meet authors and engage with the local literary scene. Keep an eye on event listings and social media for announcements, and be prepared to secure your tickets early for these popular gatherings. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Landmark of Edgartown

The Old Whaling Church stands as a prominent historic landmark on Martha's Vineyard, gracing Main Street in Edgartown. Its striking Greek Revival architecture, with its tall steeple and elegant facade, makes it instantly recognizable. Originally constructed as a place of worship for the island's whaling community, it has since been preserved and maintained by the Vineyard Preservation Trust, ensuring its continued presence as a cherished part of the island's heritage. Instagram+1

Beyond its architectural significance, the Old Whaling Church has evolved into a vibrant community venue. It frequently hosts a variety of events, from intimate concerts featuring talented musicians to author readings and book signings. This adaptability has allowed the church to remain a relevant and active space, drawing both locals and visitors for cultural experiences. Reddit+1

Visitors often remark on the beautiful interior and the great acoustics, making it an exceptional setting for musical performances. Whether you're attending a scheduled event or simply admiring its exterior as you explore Edgartown, the Old Whaling Church offers a glimpse into the island's rich history and its ongoing cultural life. Reddit+1

Experiencing Events at the Church

Attending an event at the Old Whaling Church is a highlight for many visitors to Martha's Vineyard. The venue is particularly celebrated for hosting concerts, with reviewers consistently praising the outstanding sound quality and the special atmosphere created by seeing musicians in such a historic and beautiful setting. Reddit+1

When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the event schedule in advance. Popular performances, like those by well-known musicians or special book events, can attract significant crowds and often require advance ticket purchase. Social media posts often announce upcoming events and sometimes even offer giveaways, so keeping an eye on relevant accounts can be beneficial. Instagram+1

Beyond concerts, the church also serves as a venue for other community gatherings and has been known to host open house events where the public can explore its interior. These opportunities, though less frequent, offer a unique chance to appreciate the church's architecture and history up close. Instagram

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