‘Jaws’ turns 50 this month. Here are 5 ways to celebrate the anniversary in New England

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It was 1975 when director Steven Spielberg captivated audiences across the country with a terrifying concept: What if you got eaten by a shark on vacation? Even worse, what if it all happened off the scenic coast of New England?

"Jaws" first hit theaters on June 20, 1975 — and by the end of its opening weekend, it had already paid for its $7 million budget. The movie became the first ever to top $100 million at the American box office, and was the number one film in the United States for 14 consecutive weeks.

Fifty years after its debut, “Jaws” remains a cultural icon. The film’s ominous orchestral theme signals danger without so much as a word. And you can find opportunities year-round on Martha’s Vineyard (which served as the inspiration for Amity Island) to learn more about its production on the island.

This year, however, is a little different. Movie houses, museums and businesses on the island and beyond are pulling out all the stops in honor of the film’s semicentennial. You can take a closer look at how Martha’s Vineyard is preparing for the influx of visitors around the anniversary — and what the film means to the island — in this in-depth story by WBUR’s Andrea Shea.

Some of the buzziest events — like Amity Homecoming Weekend at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum — are already sold out, while others cost hundreds for entry. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to join in on the “Jaws” anniversary hype this summer.

For those searching for a casual way to get in on the festivities, here are five "Jaws" anniversary events around New England (that won’t break the bank).

When: June 20, 21, 22, July 20 and Aug. 17
Where: 10 Town Wharf, Plymouth
Cost: $30 per person

Where better to watch “Jaws” than right on the water? The cruise company Captain John Boats, which offers boat trips and ferry service out of Plymouth, is hosting five “Jaws” movie nights aboard its boats as they cruise the harbor this summer. There will be three screenings during the film’s anniversary weekend — from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22 — and two additional screenings on July 20 and Aug. 17.

Boarding starts at 7:30 p.m. each night, just before sunset. (That means golden hour views.) There’s also food and alcohol available for purchase on the boat.

When: June 20
Where: 44 Main St., Edgartown
Cost: Free

You don’t need to buy a VIP ticket to get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Jaws.” Production designer Joe Alves and biographer Dennis L. Prince will be discussing their books, “Joe Alves: Designing Jaws” and “Joe Alves: Adventures in Film Design” alongside “Finatics: 50 Years of Jaws” author Michael A. Smith on Friday, June 20 at noon at Edgartown Books. Alves designed three animatronic sharks for the original “Jaws,” which notoriously malfunctioned, requiring production to get creative.

When: June 22
Where: 89 Main St., Edgartown
Cost: $30 per person

We know about the impact “Jaws” had on the cultural zeitgeist — but what about its effects on the species at the center of the story? State marine biologist and shark expert Dr. Greg Skomal will be at Old Whaling Church in Edgartown at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 discussing how “Jaws” shaped the great white shark’s reputation as a fearsome predator, and what researchers have done to counter this perception. Skomal works with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to conserve the great white sharks’ habitat in Cape Cod Bay.

When: June 29
Where: 131 North Water St., Edgartown
Cost: Free

Although many Amity Week events are sold out, there’s still “Jaws”-related fun to be had around Edgartown for those without tickets. Al Fresco Tails, a dog walking service, is inviting local dog owners to bring their pups to the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29 for a “Jaws”-themed meetup and promenade over to Eel Pond. Dress your dog as a shark, a lifeguard, a bright yellow barrel — whatever they’ll let you put them in — and join the friendly fun.

When: July 15 - July 20
Where: 271 Tockwotton St., Providence
Cost: Free

In the original “Jaws,” Captain Quint (played by actor Robert Shaw) famously downs a can of Rhode Island's own Narragansett Beer, before crushing it in his hand. To celebrate the anniversary of their cameo (and the film, of course), Narragansett Beer is hosting a week of “Jaws”-related events at its Providence brewery ahead of Discovery’s annual Shark Week.

The series begins on July 15 with a “Jaws” trivia night and look-alike contest. That’s followed by a “Jaws”-inspired jog with the Gansett Run Club on July 16. Visit on Saturday for a “Jaws” movie marathon, including a special screening of the film at dusk. Last but definitely not least, you’ll have the chance to test your skills and ride a mechanical shark at the brewery from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

P.S.— The New England Aquarium won't be hosting is annual "Jaws" screenings this summer (due to a licensing moratorium related to the 50th anniversary). However, the aquarium will be showing several class shark-centric movies on its iMAX theater for Shark Week in late July. Tickets can be purchased for $10.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the New England Aquarium's revised summer screening schedule.