THE
GATHERING
Vineyard Ease™
Martha’s Vineyard | July 18–24, 2027
Rooted in community. Centered in rest.
Join the Charter Interest ListA new Vineyard tradition is taking shape.
Why We Gather
A tradition worth
expanding.
For generations, Black travelers have gathered on Martha’s Vineyard for more than a vacation. We come because there is something powerful about being surrounded by our community.
We come to reconnect with people we know, meet people we don’t, share space, celebrate culture, build relationships, and experience the Vineyard together.
That sense of belonging is one of the reasons August has become such a meaningful tradition for so many of us. And for years, many of us have talked about the need to create new experiences outside of August.
To gather at different times. To build new traditions. To create more opportunities for us to experience the Vineyard together.
Now, we’re doing something about it.
Meet Your Host
Dr. Shinair K. Francis
I’m so glad you’re here.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease™ was created from a simple belief—there is power in community and magic in gathering with intention.
I’ve spent my career bringing people together, building spaces where they can learn, grow, connect, and feel seen. Now, I’m bringing that same heart to Martha’s Vineyard.
I can’t wait to welcome you.
Introducing The Gathering
Your Week at a Glance
It’s starting to take shape. 🤎
Our tentative Vineyard Ease™ schedule gives you a first look at how we’re balancing curated experiences, community, connection and plenty of time to enjoy the Vineyard on your own.
From our Welcome Party and Pour Into Ease to In Our Shades: The Closing Party, the signature Vineyard Ease™ experiences will happen earlier in the week—leaving Friday through Sunday open for beaches, shopping, dining, sunsets, informal meetups and rest.
Venues, times and final details are still being confirmed.
Planning to join us? Start exploring lodging now. July rentals can begin filling during the fall, and our Plan Your Stay resources can help you get started.
Tentative schedule. Experiences, meetups and details are subject to change.
July 18–24, 2027 | Martha’s Vineyard
Rooted in Community. Centered in Rest.
The Experience
Choose Your Vineyard Ease™
Vineyard Ease™ is designed so guests can experience the week in the way that works for them. Guests will be able to purchase tickets to select signature experiences individually or choose from limited ticket packages that combine multiple Vineyard Ease™ experiences.
Ticket sales have not opened yet. Pricing, locations, times, and final inclusions will be announced as experiences are confirmed.
Registered guests will be among the first notified when tickets become available.
Our opening Vineyard Ease™ gathering
The Welcome Table
A warm introduction to the week centered around community, connection, music, light bites, and the opportunity to meet the people you'll be sharing the Vineyard with.
Ticket expected to include
- Admission to The Welcome Table
- Vineyard Ease™ welcome bag
- Light bites and/or refreshments
- Opening-week experience
Final inclusions and event details will be announced before tickets go on sale.
Wine. Conversation. Connection.
Pour Into Ease
An intimate Vineyard Ease™ experience bringing people together over wine and conversation. Think less formal wine class and more thoughtfully curated evening together.
Ticket expected to include
- Admission to the experience
- Curated wine tasting
- Vineyard Ease™ keepsake wine glass
- Guided or curated conversation experience
Final tasting format and inclusions are subject to confirmation.
The Vineyard Ease™ Closing Celebration
In Our Shades
This is the event where we close out the week together. Guests will be invited to step into the Vineyard Ease™ color story for an elevated evening of music, community, celebration, and summer style.
Ticket expected to include
- Admission to In Our Shades
- Music and entertainment
- Closing celebration experience
THE LOOK: In Our Shades
A Vineyard Ease™ color-themed celebration. The official shades will be revealed later.
More Than One Moment
Guests who want to participate in several signature Vineyard Ease™ experiences will have the option to purchase a package rather than purchasing every ticket separately.
Package inclusions and pricing will be announced when ticket sales open.
The Ease Pass
A simple way to experience select Vineyard Ease™ signature events.
Designed for guests who want access to select Vineyard Ease™ experiences while leaving plenty of room to create their own week.
Details Coming Soon
The Gathering Pass
For guests who want a fuller Vineyard Ease™ experience with access to multiple signature gatherings.
Designed for guests who want to participate in several of the week's featured ticketed experiences and spend more of the week gathering with the community.
Details Coming Soon
The Full Ease Experience
Our most comprehensive ticket option for guests who want to experience the major Vineyard Ease™ ticketed moments.
Designed for guests who want access to the broadest selection of Vineyard Ease™ ticketed programming offered within a single package.
Details Coming Soon
Important Distinction
You don’t need a ticket to be part of the community.
Vineyard Ease™ is a week on Martha’s Vineyard—not an all-inclusive resort package or rigid conference itinerary. Some experiences will be ticketed, while other meetups, recommendations, leisure time, and opportunities to connect may be complimentary or informal.
Guests arrange their own transportation and accommodations.
This flexibility is intentional. Come for a few experiences or build a fuller Vineyard Ease™ week around them.
What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Still Coming
Planning Ahead for 2027
We know a Martha’s Vineyard trip requires advance planning.
That’s why we’re sharing the shape of Vineyard Ease™ now—even while final event details are being completed.
What you can plan for: A week intentionally built around community, culture, connection, rest and celebration, with multiple Vineyard Ease™ experiences offered throughout the week.
What’s still coming: Final venues, event times, ticket prices, package inclusions, special guests and additional experience details.
Registered guests will be among the first to receive updates as details are released.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Rest is part of
the experience.
The Gathering is intentionally designed to leave room in the week.
- Room to sit by the water.
- Room to explore the Vineyard.
- Room to reconnect with old friends.
- Room to meet someone new.
- Room to enjoy a slow morning.
- Room to do absolutely nothing.
We are creating a week that allows community and rest to exist together.
Travel & Lodging
Plan Your Vineyard Ease™
Getting here is part of the experience.
Whether this is your first trip to Martha’s Vineyard or you’ve been coming for years, we’ve gathered a few things to help you plan your week with ease.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease™ at Martha’s Vineyard | July 18–24, 2027
We’ll handle the Gathering.
You handle the getaway.
Book your stay, make your travel plans, and leave some room to simply enjoy the Vineyard.
Join the Charter Interest ListSponsors, Vendors & Advertisers
Partner with The Gathering
Support. Connect. Be Part of Something Meaningful.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease™ is a curated Martha’s Vineyard experience centered on community, connection, culture, and intentional rest.
For our inaugural 2027 experience, we are inviting a select group of businesses, organizations, and brands to join us as sponsors, vendors, and community partners.
Sponsors
Become an Inaugural Partner
Align your organization with thoughtfully curated experiences designed to bring people together, build meaningful connections, support community, and celebrate culture.
We are seeking partners interested in supporting experiences throughout The Gathering, with particular opportunities connected to our Community Day and professional networking experience.
Partnership opportunities may include
- Event sponsorship
- Food & hospitality sponsorship
- Community partnerships
- Experience sponsorship
- In-kind products or services
- Professional networking partnerships
Sponsor benefits may include
- Brand visibility
- Website recognition
- Social media recognition
- Event signage
- On-site presence
- Community engagement
- Networking opportunities
- Recognition as an inaugural partner
Vendors
Bring Your Business to the Vineyard
Our Community Day will create an opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, and organizations to connect directly with Gathering attendees and the broader community.
We are currently building our vendor community and invite interested businesses to express interest in participating.
Vendor categories may include
- Food
- Retail
- Art & culture
- Beauty & wellness
- Lifestyle
- Professional services
- Community organizations
- Black-owned businesses
- Vineyard-based businesses
Partnership Interest Form
Tell us how you’d like to partner.
Advertise With Us
Advertise Your Business or Listing
If you would like to advertise your business, listing, or service with The Gathering: Vineyard Ease™, please complete the form below and we will follow up with next steps.
Please note: we are only accepting advertisers whose businesses and offerings are in alignment with our vision, in order to maintain the integrity of the Vineyard Ease™ brand. Every request is thoughtfully reviewed before placement is confirmed.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease™
July 18–24, 2027 | Martha’s Vineyard
Rooted in community. Centered in rest.
Produced by Educator Empowerment Center, LLC.
Charter Interest List
Be part of the
first Gathering.
2027 will be the inaugural year of The Gathering: Vineyard Ease™.
We are beginning by building a Charter community of people interested in helping establish a new Martha’s Vineyard tradition.
Joining the Charter Interest List means you will be among the first to receive updates as the experience takes shape.
We have talked about creating new spaces for us to gather.
Now it’s time to build one.
The Gathering
Vineyard Ease™
Martha’s Vineyard | July 18–24, 2027
Rooted in community. Centered in rest.