Four days of culture, conversation, wellness, and celebration return to Oak Bluffs from August 10 through August 13.
UPTOWN Vineyard, the premier annual cultural gathering on Martha’s Vineyard, returns to Oak Bluffs for four dynamic days. Produced by UPTOWN EXP, the experiential division of UPTOWN Magazine, the 2026 gathering brings together an inspiring mix of business leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, creatives, and tastemakers.
Presented with the support of presenting partners Northwestern Mutual, Nissan, DROP TV, and Pepsi, UPTOWN Vineyard 2026 offers curated programming centered on financial empowerment, holistic wellness, high-touch hospitality, and entertainment.
For more than two decades, UPTOWN has celebrated the people, ideas, and experiences shaping contemporary Black culture. UPTOWN Vineyard extends that mission directly to the historic enclave of Martha’s Vineyard, creating a dedicated haven designed to foster meaningful dialogue, deepen relationships, and elevate Black excellence.
“Martha’s Vineyard has always held a special place in our community, and UPTOWN House creates a space where we can celebrate, connect and learn from one another,” said Len Burnett Jr., co-founder of UPTOWN Magazine. “This year’s programming reflects the many dimensions of our lives, from building wealth and creating lasting legacies to prioritizing health, strengthening relationships and celebrating our culture. We are grateful to our partners for helping us continue creating experiences that are meaningful and memorable.”
Brett Wright, co-founder of UPTOWN Magazine, echoed that sentiment: “UPTOWN Vineyard is one of the strongest expressions of our mission to bring people together through culture. Each year, we welcome an inspiring mix of leaders, innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs whose conversations extend well beyond the Vineyard. We are proud to continue building this tradition and celebrating Black excellence.”
A Comprehensive Week of Curated Programming
From sunrise mindfulness sessions to signature nightlife, the four-day itinerary balances intentional dialogue with unforgettable celebrations:
- Monday, Aug. 10 — Opening Night Reception The week kicks off at UPTOWN House with an elegant evening of handcrafted cocktails, curated soundscapes, and high-level networking as guests arrive in Oak Bluffs.
- Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Wealth & Southern Heritage The morning begins with Sunrise Poolside Yoga, setting a mindful tone for the day. Guests then gather for From Success to Legacy: The Playbook for Generational Wealth, a Lunch and Learn supported by Northwestern Mutual that dives into actionable wealth-building strategies, financial literacy, and long-term legacy planning.In the evening, Nissan hosts A Tennessee Night to Remember, an immersive Southern theme night celebrating the culture, innovation, and community of Nissan’s home state. Guests will enjoy authentic Southern cuisine alongside an up-close look at Nissan’s vehicle lineup, including the Murano, Pathfinder, Frontier PRO-4X, and Armada NISMO.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Holistic Wellness & Leadership Wednesday opens with Sunrise Poolside Yoga, followed by The New Frontier: A Men’s Tune-Up Panel: Mind, Body, Soul, hosted by Nissan. Featuring a keynote brunch, the panel is led by Marcus Brown (CEO & Co-Founder of FanArcade), Reverend Dr. John Faison (CEO of John Faison Leadership Group), and Sean-Reed McGee (CEO of Back2Learn) focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being for leaders.Later in the afternoon, Northwestern Mutual hosts Cocktails & Conversation: From Success to Legacy: The Playbook for Generational Wealth, offering a relaxed environment to continue discussions on asset preservation over cocktails and light bites.
- Thursday, Aug. 13 — UPTOWN After Dark The week concludes with the return of UPTOWN After Dark, the gathering’s flagship nightlife event bringing together entrepreneurs, executives, celebrities, and creatives for a final night of music, dancing, and celebration.
Purposeful Partner Activations
The impact of UPTOWN Vineyard is made possible through intentional brand partners who share a commitment to uplifting the community:
- Northwestern Mutual: Returns as a presenting partner driving vital conversations surrounding financial literacy, wealth creation, and generational legacy across two signature experiences.
- Nissan: Expands its presence this year, hosting key cultural and wellness activations. “We’re thrilled to return to Martha’s Vineyard with UPTOWN House for another year of celebrating culture and connection,” said Lloryn Love-Carter, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Nissan. “Nissan has always believed in the power of bringing people together through shared experiences, and this partnership allows us to continue creating meaningful moments that honor heritage, storytelling, and the communities that inspire us.”
- DROP TV: Joins the 2026 partner lineup to amplify culture, digital creativity, and authentic storytelling throughout the week.
- Pepsi: Returns to support elevated hospitality, refreshing touchpoints, and entertainment across all four days.
Beyond the Island: A Year-Round Movement
UPTOWN Vineyard is far more than a four-day retreat—it is an experiential ecosystem. Through multi-platform content, video highlights, and ongoing editorial features across UPTOWN Magazine‘s media channels, the conversations started on the Vineyard around wealth, legacy, health, and leadership will continue to resonate year-round.
