Set your clocks to island time and prepare for an unforgettable getaway at beautiful Anna Maria Island. One of the premier barrier islands off of Florida's Suncoast, Anna Maria Island is a stunning destination whose full calendar of events makes it the perfect year-round destination for a vacation home rental.
No matter what time of year you're visiting, Anna Maria Island has a number of annual events that are the perfect addition to your vacation. Its central location (less than an hour from Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, or Bradenton) gives AMI great accessibility for travelers to attend its year-round events.
AMI's beaches set the perfect backdrop for enjoying the much anticipated yearly festivals. From themed parades overlooking the Gulf of Mexico to symphonies on the shore, there's never a dull day on AMI! Keep reading for a breakdown of AMI's top annual events by season.
Spring Events on Anna Maria Island
Spring is an excellent time to visit Anna Maria Island. The weather isn't too hot, which allows for long walks along the beach. This kid-friendly island is a great option for your spring break destination, and if you're lucky, you might be on the island during some of the best Anna Maria Island events of the year!
Cortez Fishing Festival
Photo Credit: Carol VanHook via Flickr CC2.0
- When: February
- Location: Cortez
- Website: fishcortez.org/commercial-fishing-festival
Fishing is a popular pursuit on AMI, and the Cortez Fishing Festival is an absolute must for those visiting Anna Maria Island in February. This is a family-friendly event with plenty to do for all visitors.
The festival is located on the mainland, only a short 10-minute drive across the bridge from Anna Maria Island. Founded in the 1800s, the village of Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages in the region.
The fishing festival celebrates the long history of Cortez with a weekend of fun and entertainment. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, and of course, tons of amazing food. Grab a cold beer and sample some of the delicious fresh seafood caught by Cortez fishermen.
Springfest Art Festival
Photo Credit: islandartleague.org
- When: March
- Location: Holmes Beach
- Website: islandartleague.org/festival
The Anna Maria Art League sponsors the Springfest Art Festival every March. Springfest is a two-day family-friendly festival located at the City Hall Field in Holmes Beach. For more than 35 years, locals and visitors have enjoyed browsing the booths featuring beautiful jewelry, art, sculptures, and much more.
Over 80 artists sell their beautiful hand-made wares at the festival. Additionally, you will find delicious food and drink options, live music, and plenty of kid-friendly fun where they can create their own arts and crafts.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Photo Credit: Stuart Monk
- When: March
- Location: Holmes Beach
Don't forget to pack something green when you visit Anna Maria Island over St. Patrick's Day! The annual AMI St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the most fun activities in AMI's annual calendar, and it's a delight for visitors of all ages. Beginning at the City Hall in Holmes Beach, this parade of festive floats makes its way through town and ends at The Center on Magnolia Avenue.
After the parade, many guests head to the fantastic Irish pubs around town to continue the celebrations. For a family-friendly continuation, consider the St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Meadows Farmers Market for a family-friendly continuation.
Summer Events on Anna Maria Island
Summer and Anna Maria Island go hand in hand. There is no better way to spend the dog days of summer than lazing on the sparkling white sands of this unforgettable destination. Visit farmer's markets, attend mouthwatering barbecues, and watch the sunset over the warm Gulf every evening.
4th of July (Anna Maria Privateers Parade)
Photo Credit: amiprivateers.wildapricot.org
- When: July
- Location: Coquina Beach
Celebrate the 4th of July on Anna Maria Island with their famous Anna Maria Privateers parade in the morning and an exciting fireworks show in the evening. Start your day with a fun, family-friendly parade, starting at Coquina Beach and traveling across the entire island before concluding at Bay Front Park.
The parade features patriotic floats and music and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. After a day of enjoying the sun, sea, and plenty of barbecues, end your holiday with a bang at an AMI fireworks show! There are typically two or three different fireworks shows across the island, each providing a colorful experience for the whole family.
Fall Events on Anna Maria Island
As summer fades into fall, the crowds will start to disperse from Anna Maria Island and allow a more low-key vacation. For festival and music lovers, two of the island's top events of the year take place during autumn, and you won't regret attending!
BayFest
Photo Credit: Robert Bieber via Flickr CC2.0
- When: October
- Location: Bradenton Beach
- Website: annamariaislandchamber.org/events
Head down to Pine Avenue in Bradenton Beach for Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce's annual BayFest! The largest event on the island, this lively street festival takes place every October and is beloved by locals and visitors alike. It's also one of Anna Maria's great free events, making it accessible to all!
Providing food, drinks, live music, vendors, a car show, and more, BayFest is a fantastic event for the whole family. Take note that there will be limited street parking near the festival, or you can take the free Anna Maria Trolley.
Symphony on the Sand
Photo Credit: amicco.org
- When: November
- Location: Coquina Gulfside Park
- Website: amicco.org/symphony-on-the-sand
If you happen to be visiting AMI in early November, you can enjoy one of the best musical events of the year. Symphony on the Sand is a spectacular annual event offering awe-inspiring classical music performances and gourmet food in a stunning beachfront setting.
There are five ticket tiers, from the general admission option to a luxurious table seating option with complimentary drinks and hors-d'oeuvres. So book your tickets ahead of time and prepare for a magical evening at Coquina Gulfside Park.
Winter Events On Anna Maria Island
Visiting Anna Maria Island during the holiday season is a truly magical experience. This is the off-season, and while the island may be quieter, it certainly isn't boring! Get in the holiday spirit and hang out with Santa Claus at some of AMI's beloved winter events.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
Photo Credit: holidayboatparade.org
- When: December
- Location: Bradenton, along the Manatee River.
- Website: holidayboatparade.org
Anna Maria Island boat owners pull out all the stops for this fantastic winter holiday celebration! So bring the whole family down to the Manatee River in early December and prepare to be amazed by this spectacular parade.
A fleet of festively decorated boats will parade down the river, lighting up the night and bringing plenty of holiday cheer to all the onlookers. Of course, the boat captains are competing to win the title of best decorated, so you can be sure each boat will be all decked out! The best public viewing spots for the parade are the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier.
The Holiday Boat Parade begins at around 6 pm, once it is dark enough for all the holiday lights to really shine.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Photo Credit: Corri Seizinger
- When: December
- Location: Anna Maria Island Beaches
- Website: annamariaislandchamber.org/island-events
Ring in the New Year on Anna Maria Island with one of the most popular holiday events of the season! Typically AMI doesn't need an excuse to turn up its already festive nightlife, but waterfront restaurants and bars go all out on NYE! The fireworks displays that take place around the island are beautiful and will surely be a hit for the whole family.
You will find numerous restaurants and bars putting on celebrations to keep you entertained until the fireworks start. Consider stopping by some of the local institutions known for their New Year's Eve parties, such as The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach.
If you'd rather enjoy the great outdoors, head down to Coquina Beach for a magical view as the fireworks sparkle over the ocean.
Stay and Celebrate in AMI
Make lifelong memories when you book a vacation rental on the stunning Anna Maria Island. This barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast is known for its incredible beaches, relaxing lifestyle, and spectacular annual festivals and events.
No matter what season you visit or which of these upcoming events caught your eye, Anna Maria Island has the perfect vacation home rental to make for a memorable getaway!
