events on Anna Maria Island Archives -

With the summer season quickly approaching you may be looking for the best location to start the season. Of course, Anna Maria Island is no stranger to summer fun and is a spot where you and the whole family can enjoy a lovely getaway. Take a look at the top events happening around Anna Maria Island in May 2025 that everyone can enjoy:

Rock the MAC 2025

There are couple of ways to help you feel in place as a local around Anna Maria Island and live music is sure to do the trick. This year will see the return of Rock the MAC, a live music and food experience happening right here in the area. This will be the second year for this beloved event that was a hit in 2024. Rock the MAC features all of the hits from classic rock icons Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and U2 covered by tribute bands. Cover bands will include The Petty Experience and US2 who take the stage and play mesmerizing tributes to all the hit songs. The event will include live music along with a beer garden where you can get a pint of craft beer to enjoy with your show. General admission passes and VIP tickets are on sale now; VIP passes will get you entry into the event, two drink passes for the beer garden, and an event exclusive t-shirt. concert

The event is held at the beautiful Moore Athletic Center located at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School. You will find seating on the artificial turf so event goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs to get comfortable. Additional food vendors will also be on hand for tasty treats too. After the event take your ticket to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature to receive $5 off your ticket. Rock the MAC 2025 will take place on May 3rd starting at 6:00 PM.

Kids to Camp Golf Tournament

For five years in a row The Salvation Army has been hosting their annual Kids to Golf Tournament that helps raise funds to send children to an enriching summer camp experience. This will be the fifth iteration of the cherished event and is sure to be the best yet. The Kids to Camp Golf Tournament will be held at the prestigious Sara Bay Country Club where you can participate in a full tournament style play. Spots are limited for the tournament being capped at 92 participants making it an exclusive event in the area. Sara Bay Country Club will have a shotgun start at 9:00 AM to begin the tournament. This local country club is a Donald Ross designed course that has hosted professional events including Florida State Golf Association championships, the 100th US Women’s Southern Amateur, and much more. golf tournament

Expect a few hours to make it through the 18-hole golf course that features beautiful greens and fairways that will be especially vibrant during the month of May. After your play has come to an end you will have lunch and awards provided. A raffle is also included to win local items and services that will help make your stay on Anna Maria Island even more memorable. There is even a raffle item to play on the prestigious Ritz Carlton Golf Club too! All expenses will benefit the Salvation Army to help send low income children to their incredible summer camp here later in the season. Don’t miss out on the 5th Annual Golf to Camp Tournament taking place on May 5th. Sign up now before registration is full!

Weekly Acoustic Music at Harry’s Grill

Another great way to feel like a local here on Anna Maria Island is to head on over to Harry’s Grill for a little bit of food and drink. This local spot has been a staple for the community for years and welcomes you for any meal. They have been voted to have the best burger in the area for five years in a row and is a must have for lunch or dinner. You can also enjoy 16 different craft and imported beers on draft as well. During the month of May Harry’s Grill will be offering weekly live acoustic music on Tuesday nights. Local musician Bill Dundas is on the lineup for the month and is sure to bring out some exciting covers and original songs for you to enjoy. The weekly music will occur every Tuesday during Happy Hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the Harry’s Grill outdoor patio. Browse Our Beachfront Rentals in AMI!

More Fun Waiting for You on Anna Maria Island

As you can see, there are quite a few different events waiting for you here on Anna Maria Island in May. Book a vacation rental with us today and get ready for all the fun! There is something special about traveling in the spring when you can avoid the summer crowds but still have plenty of fun outdoors. If you are planning for an April getaway, consider making your way to Anna Maria Island. You will find a Florida destination with beautiful beaches and warm weather. Easter weekend is a great time to visit where you can make new traditions for the holiday and show your family a whole lot of fun. Take a look at how to enjoy Easter in Florida this year here on Anna Maria Island:

The Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt

When you spend the day celebrating Easter, there is always one thing your kids are requesting: an Easter egg hunt. Do not let the change of scenery interrupt your plans to treat the kids to their favorite Easter activity. Anna Maria Island is home to a variety of family venues that want everyone to enjoy their time here. Local venue The Sandbar is the location where you will find a community Easter egg hunt. This beloved event is scheduled to return on Saturday April 19th where the whole community is invited for a great time. All ages of children are encouraged to join in on the fun where they are allowed to track down as many eggs as possible. The Sandbar Restaurant is located at 100 Spring Avenue and is the perfect venue with their spacious outdoor area for the Easter egg hunt. The event begins at 9:00 AM, so make sure you arrive with your baskets and ready to be on the lookout for Easter eggs. The fun does not stop at just the Easter egg hunt. This community event will continue out into the community as a small parade that will march down Pine Avenue. The parade will feature plenty of exciting Easter related activities including face painting and egg rolling. There is also a bonnet contest for both children and adults for the best bonnet worn during the event. Winners of the contest will be rewarded with prizes such as dinner at the Sandbar Restaurant. The Easter bunny will be on hand so you can snap a family pic with him to celebrate the occasion. Don’t forget to try out some of the Sandbar Restaurant’s delicious food either! Their Easter egg hunt is an event you do not want to miss. easter eggs on beach

Beach’n Food Truck Festival

During your visit to Anna Maria Island you need to treat yourself to some of the best food that the area has to offer. During the weekend of Easter, the Beach’n Food Truck Festival will be making a return as it does year to year. This is our annual food truck festival that sees some of the best food trucks in the area come to serve up their hot and tasty meals. The Beach’n Food Truck Festival always takes place the Saturday before Easter with this year being April 19th. This event typically hosts over 20 different food trucks all day long. you will find cuisine of all kinds from both local to international foods. Expect to find all kinds of dishes including burgers, seafood, comfort, burritos, noodles, and much more to order. In addition to the food, you will also be able to enjoy live music during the event. Local bands will hit the stage providing you with delightful tunes that are perfect to pair with your meal. The kids will have something to enjoy as well with children activities such as bounce houses, arts and crats, and more. The adults will have a blast with the car show that runs for part of the event where vintage and antique cars will be on display. There is no better way to feel like a local than by joining the Beach’n Food Truck Festival taking place over at Coquina Beach.

Enjoy the Beach

Visiting Anna Maria Island in the month of April is also a great opportunity to hit the beach. We feature some of the loveliest beaches in the stage of Florida right here in the area. You will find several different public beaches that are free to visit in the area including Bayfront Park, Bean Point Beach, Manatee Public Beach, and Palmetto Ave Beach. Coquina Beach is also a great public beach that hosts several live events throughout the year. You can enjoy the sunshine, build a sandcastle, or take a dip in the water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the water further. There is no wrong way to enjoy the beach over Easter weekend. Browse Our Rentals by Amenity!

More Easter Fun in Anna Maria Island

The fun does not slow down even over the month of April on Anna Maria Island. Secure your vacation rental with us today and be close to these local events and activities. In many places in the country, spring can start with a snowstorm, or be full of dreary days that still feel like winter until the flowers finally start blooming. But not on Anna Maria Island! Our little barrier island is truly a paradise in the spring, as the weather warms up a bit from the winter and makes for breezy days spent outside drinking in everything the island has to offer, from outdoor recreation to festive parties and events. When you attend events on Anna Maria Island in the spring, you’ll enjoy a lively time that remains low-key—no spring break madness here! Of course, it’s a popular time to visit still, and once you experience it yourself, you’ll see exactly why. Once you’re here, you might be curious as to what kind of events might be happening on AMI in the spring time. We’re sure a huge chunk of your time will be spent laying out on the beach, but between that and living it up at your vacation rental, we’ve collected a list of some of the top events on Anna Maria Island this 2023, just for you! Browse Our Full Selection of Rentals Here!

Experience the Local Art Scene at the 35th Annual Spring Fest

There’s something special about discovering local art from the area you’re visiting. Whether it’s a watercolor beach landscape or a handmade piece of jewelry made from shells, taking home a piece of art with you can make you feel connected to the place—and we’re happy to tell you that at the AMI Spring Fest you can do just that! Attend for a weekend full of over 80 vendors displaying and selling their artistic creations, in a festival setting with things like live music, food and beverage vendors, and community organizations educating about local history and the unique environment of our barrier island. You’ll find that admission and parking are free to this event, making it a can’t miss occasion if you’re visiting during this time! You can splurge on raffle tickets for that gala, which has prizes of artwork from the festival, and the proceeds go to a local organization that provides art classes to both kids and adults. Mark your calendars for this year’s 35th Annual Spring Fest, which is scheduled for March 18th and 19th, 2023, from Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall Field in Holmes Beach.

Enjoy Acoustic Favorites with Local Musician Bill Dundas

Get your groove on at this local event that happens every Tuesday afternoon in the spring, at Harry’s Grill in Anna Maria! Relax on the patio and take advantage of their happy hour menu, while AMI musician Bill Dundas serenades you with classic acoustic favorites—you might even be able to put in a request or two. Spring on Tuesdays in 2023, you’ll find Bill out on the patio at Harry’s Grill, with happy hour happening from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A perfect weekday activity when you’re looking for something fun to do! If you prefer to see a calendar view of when Bill is performing, you can check out the Chamber of Commerce’s event calendar as well.

Check Out the AMI Farmers Market

When spring is in the air, so is fresh local produce! Spring is one of the best times to check out a farmers market on Anna Maria Island—that's right, we have more than one. Celebrate the end of the season of the Bridge Street Market, which closes in April before the warmer summer months. You’ll find it open on every Sunday from November 2022 to April 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s also an excellent place to pick up a new piece of art or something crafted locally to commemorate your spring vacation to Anna Maria Island. If you miss your chance at the Bridge Street Market, be sure to check out the Coquina Beach Market in Bradenton Beach, which takes place not one, but two days of the week! Another huge bonus is that it runs through July, meaning it will be open all spring. It runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coquina Beach. Shop for fresh produce, seafood, arts and crafts, and more. Take home a nautical themed piece of pottery or buy a gift for a loved one back home. This spring 2023 is the ideal time to visit the farmers market on Anna Maria Island!

It’s Your Spring Vacation Done Your Way this 2023 on AMI

Spend the day relaxing at your private backyard oasis, toast to sunset views from your oceanfront deck, sit around a crackling outdoor firepit in the evening. Our AMI vacation rentals have all the features you could want for an island getaway, and there’s one that is the perfect fit for you—we're here to help you plan your getaway, just call today! Check Out Our Rentals With Private Pools Here!