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!
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!
