Saturday, August 9, 2025
A celebration of Black literary excellence with author showcases, panel discussions, appetizers & refreshments.
The mission of MVBBF is to foster discussion, reflection, and celebration of Black authors and their literary works.
The MVBBF is based on the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard Island where Black families historically vacation each summer. This celebration is a unique opportunity for both aspiring and well-established Black authors in fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children to support, share, and celebrate Black literary excellence.
Festival Date & Time:
Saturday, August 9, 2025
1 pm - 7 pm, Doors Open 12:30 pm
Theme: Lifting Black Voices of Wisdom, Inspiration and Perseverance
Author Panels, Fireside Chats, Appetizers & Refreshments
Books for sale! Bunch of Grapes Bookstore present at the Festival
MVBBF Tote Bag given with book purchase
Book Signings
Appetizers
2025 Participating Authors Coming Soon!
Get Tickets!
Tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE. If you are unable to use your ticket, you may transfer it to another party. Please provide your substitution name and email to event organizers. Be prepared to show your MVBBF ticket upon admission.
MVBBF is RAIN OR SHINE.
2025 Festival Author Book Submissions are now CLOSED.
2025 Festival Submissions were open from January 8 through February 21, 2025.
MVBBF is no longer accepting author submissions. Please do not email to be considered for the 2025 Festival.
If you missed the 2025 author submission deadline please considering applying for the 2026 Festival.
The MVBBF Author application form will be available on the MVBBF website, January, 2026.
For existing author applications made before the deadline:
The MVBBF Committee is currently reviewing 2025 applications.
The selection process will proceed through the Spring. Your patience is appreciated. In consideration of the MVBBF Committee process we ask that you do not follow up on your submission status.
Newly published books in 2024 and 2025 (prior to the Festival date) will be strongly considered for the 2025 Festival.
Authors must be present on MV on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
MVBBF does not provide author travel or lodging.
There are a limited number of author submission spots available.
If you are not selected as a participating author please still consider attending the 2025 Festival and becoming part of the growing MVBBF community.
Thank you for your interest.
Venue Details
Island Inn Conference Center
30 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
NO PARKING AT VENUE
The Island Inn Conference Center parking is only available for registered hotel guests.
There is NO parking at the Island Inn Conference Center for MVBBF attendees. It is suggested to take a Rideshare to and from the Island Inn Conference Center. For drop off it is best to exit the Rideshare at Noman’s Restaurant Parking Lot and it is a short walk up to the Island Inn Conference Center Entrance.
The Island Inn Conference Center is a 20-minute walk from the center of Oak Buffs. It is also adjacent to Noman’s restaurant and a 10-minute walk to nearby beaches.
Transportation:
Air: Fly direct to Martha's Vineyard (MVY).
Ferry: Go to the Steamship Authority for booking a ferry ticket with or without your car.
Rentals: You can rent a car or bike on the island.
Walking: The Island Inn Conference Center is a 20-minute walk from the center of Oak Bluffs.
Lodging Options:
For lodging options visit VRBO, Airbnb, Martha's Vineyard Online, and Martha's Vineyard Lodging Association.
2025 MVBBF Local Vendors:
Event Planner: B. Edelin Events Planning
Bookstore: Bunch of Grapes Bookstore
Photographer: So Focused Photography
Rentals: Tilton Rentals
Audio: Smooth B
2025 Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors.
The Richardson Family Foundation
Contact us to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Thank you for your donation
Donate to MVBBF
If you would like to support the MVBBF, please use the QR code below or donate via Zelle to info@mvbbf.com. All donations are final. Thank you!
2025 Program Coming Soon!
2025 Schedule Coming Soon!
Contact Us
@ 2025 MVBBF. All rights reserved.