Anna Maria Island & nearby – MARCH – Things to Do, Festivals & Events
If you are looking for a guide to keep you and your family entertained with local events, we’ve got you covered! March is a busy month for festivals and events.
Here are a few of our favorite things to add to your list:
Heritage Day Festival & Settler’s Market
Celebrate life on Anna Maria Island and learn how the early settlers lived. You will have an opportunity to watch all day demonstrations by beekeepers, wool spinners, bonnet makers, candle makers, wood workers, soap makers and arts and crafts as practiced by early Island settlers. There will be a Settlers Market with local produce, honey, herbs and settler’s bread baked by local volunteers. There will be auctions as well as collectibles available for purchase and the newly renovated gift shop will be open. Listen to live music provided by the Anna Maria Island Stringband featuring Howie Banfield and enjoy food, drinks, old fashioned children’s games and a scavenger hunt. The museum, Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden will be open for tours. Our favourite pirates, the Anna Maria Island Privateers will be joining the Heritage Day festivities and will be performing a jail capture around 11:00. Wild Life Rescue (WLR) will be also be there. Justin Matthews from WLR will be on hand with his wildlife friends, a great horned owl, screech owl, iguana, alligator and a boa!
Bid on this auction item donated by Fun and More Rentals—They will set up your beach day on Anna Maria Island! Then they will pack up and pick up the following:
Six person golf cart, Float big enough for 10 people, 4 stand up paddle boards, 4 boogie boards, 2 kayaks, 1 corn hole, 1 bocce ball, Up to 20 beach chairs and beach towels, 2 canopies, 2 coolers of your choice adult beverage. Come on out and bid on this amazing auction donation!
Parking is available at the City Pier lot and Roser Community Church. Please consider taking the free Island trolley which will will drop you off right in front of the museum at trolley stop #42.
Location: Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Avenue in the Historical Park, Anna Maria Island, FL
Saturday, March 2 — 8:00am – 8:50am
Beach Boot Camp (at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe)
Get your sweat on with your feet in the sand and cool breezes on your back, courtesy of the Gulf of Mexico. Class offers a variety of circuit training and team workouts.
What to bring: water, towel and a friend.
Location: 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (meet just left of the Anna Maria Cafe)
Beach Boot Camp (at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe)
Get your sweat on with your feet in the sand and cool breezes on your back, courtesy of the Gulf of Mexico. Class offers a variety of circuit training and team workouts.
What to bring: water, towel and a friend.
Location: 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (meet just left of the Anna Maria Cafe)
March 3, 2019 — The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park Annual UDC 59th Annual Spring Open House 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free admission and parking.
This is your opportunity to visit the Gamble Plantation during the Mansion’s ‘free tours’. Explore the mansion and see the many lifestyle demonstrations of the era of the 1840’s – 1870’s. As well, members of the 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry will have a Confederate encampment. Music, crafts and more on the grounds.
Location: 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton, FL. Look for the Landmark white picket fence on US 301 and turn into the main park entrance. It is one and a half miles west of I-75 (exit #224)
Free admission and parking.
This is your opportunity to visit the Gamble Plantation during the Mansion’s ‘free tours’. Explore the mansion and see the many lifestyle demonstrations of the era of the 1840’s – 1870’s. As well, members of the 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry will have a Confederate encampment. Music, crafts and more on the grounds.
Location: 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton, FL. Look for the Landmark white picket fence on US 301 and turn into the main park entrance. It is one and a half miles west of I-75 (exit #224)
Every Sunday in March (3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2019) @ 2:00 pm
Enjoy Sarasota’s own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team and their Sunday afternoon show at the Ski-A-Ree Stadium. This free show takes place Sundays at 2:00 pm now through to the middle of May.
We were there to watch them perform last Sunday and were totally amazed!
The Ski-A-Rees put on a wonderful show with great music and the announcers are quite entertaining. The team are a dedicated group doing what they love to do, and it shows! Juggling the demands of full time careers, some are Doctors, lawyers and physician assistants, they unselfishly find time to perform. Their show is non-stop, exciting and a great family activity. The skiers display their talents performing tricks and their skill while making a 16 person skiing pyramid. When you go, be sure to get there at least about hour early as it usually draws a big crowd. There are bleacher seats, some of which are covered, but most of the seats are in the sun so dress accordingly. Sunscreen and hats for everyone! Bring a cushion if you don’t want to sit on the metal seats. We were in the open area which provides a behind the scenes view of the team. Talking to people seated in the covered stands, they were partially blocked from some stunts, but said it wasn’t often. You can also bring your own lawn chair. There is a shaded area under the trees where you still have a good view of the show. We found lots of free parking and there are snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Although the shows and parking are free, donations are appreciated. Please give generously as the Ski-A-Rees are a non-profit organization.
Location: 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway, near Mote Marine Aquarium – look for the Ski-A-Reese signs
Enjoy Sarasota’s own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team and their Sunday afternoon show at the Ski-A-Ree Stadium. This free show takes place Sundays at 2:00 pm now through to the middle of May.
We were there to watch them perform last Sunday and were totally amazed!
The Ski-A-Rees put on a wonderful show with great music and the announcers are quite entertaining. The team are a dedicated group doing what they love to do, and it shows! Juggling the demands of full time careers, some are Doctors, lawyers and physician assistants, they unselfishly find time to perform. Their show is non-stop, exciting and a great family activity. The skiers display their talents performing tricks and their skill while making a 16 person skiing pyramid. When you go, be sure to get there at least about hour early as it usually draws a big crowd. There are bleacher seats, some of which are covered, but most of the seats are in the sun so dress accordingly. Sunscreen and hats for everyone! Bring a cushion if you don’t want to sit on the metal seats. We were in the open area which provides a behind the scenes view of the team. Talking to people seated in the covered stands, they were partially blocked from some stunts, but said it wasn’t often. You can also bring your own lawn chair. There is a shaded area under the trees where you still have a good view of the show. We found lots of free parking and there are snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Although the shows and parking are free, donations are appreciated. Please give generously as the Ski-A-Rees are a non-profit organization.
Location: 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway, near Mote Marine Aquarium – look for the Ski-A-Reese signs
Every Sunday & Wednesday — 10:00am – 4:00pm
Coquina Beach Market
There is shopping at a mall and then there is the unique experience of shopping at the beach! Imagine enjoying the Florida sun while strolling along Coquina Beach listening to live music. With many great vendors offering a diverse selection of jewellery, home decor, plants and fresh produce, you are sure to find that unique treasure you’ve been looking for. Coquina Beach is at the southern most tip of Anna Maria Island with lots of free parking. If you would rather leave your car at home, you can ride the Free Island Trolley that stops every 20 minutes in the Coquina Beach parking lot.
Location: 2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
Coquina Beach Market
There is shopping at a mall and then there is the unique experience of shopping at the beach! Imagine enjoying the Florida sun while strolling along Coquina Beach listening to live music. With many great vendors offering a diverse selection of jewellery, home decor, plants and fresh produce, you are sure to find that unique treasure you’ve been looking for. Coquina Beach is at the southern most tip of Anna Maria Island with lots of free parking. If you would rather leave your car at home, you can ride the Free Island Trolley that stops every 20 minutes in the Coquina Beach parking lot.
Location: 2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
Every Tuesday (March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) — 8:30am – 2:00pm
The City of Anna Maria hosts a Farmer’s Market every Tuesday until May. Pick up fresh Southwest Florida produce and baked goods. While you’re there you just might find those herbs, plants, or flowers you’ve been looking for. Market hours are 11– 5, but this market welcomes Early birds!
Location: City Pier Park, 100 South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, Florida
The City of Anna Maria hosts a Farmer’s Market every Tuesday until May. Pick up fresh Southwest Florida produce and baked goods. While you’re there you just might find those herbs, plants, or flowers you’ve been looking for. Market hours are 11– 5, but this market welcomes Early birds!
Location: City Pier Park, 100 South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, Florida
March 6, 2019 — 6:30pm – 8:30pm — Classic Movie in the Park
Playing…First Kid
Show will play, weather permitting. Bring chairs and blankets, select refreshments will be provided.
Location: City Pier Park, Anna Maria, FL
Playing…First Kid
Show will play, weather permitting. Bring chairs and blankets, select refreshments will be provided.
Location: City Pier Park, Anna Maria, FL
March 7 – March 24, 2019 — The Island Players Theatre
Coming Soon! Tickets on Sale now!
A FLEA IN HER EAR
Raymonde believes her husband Victor Emmanuel has been unfaithful, so she hatches a scheme to catch him at a nearby hotel notorious for extramarital hanky-panky. The great French farce is full of mischief, mistaken identities and slamming doors in this new adaptation by David Ives.
Regular Show Performances are: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM
Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM
The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida
Phone: 941 778-5755
//www.theislandplayers.org/
Coming Soon! Tickets on Sale now!
A FLEA IN HER EAR
Raymonde believes her husband Victor Emmanuel has been unfaithful, so she hatches a scheme to catch him at a nearby hotel notorious for extramarital hanky-panky. The great French farce is full of mischief, mistaken identities and slamming doors in this new adaptation by David Ives.
Regular Show Performances are: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM
Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM
The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida
Phone: 941 778-5755
//www.theislandplayers.org/
Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 17, 2019 — 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
You can step aboard a bit of maritime history starting March 8th as replicas of ‘Columbus Ships’ will Open in Palmetto.
The Nina and Pinta replicas — two of three ships Christopher Columbus guided from Spain to The Bahamas in 1492 will be docked at Regatta Pointe Marina and open every day until their departure early Monday morning, March 18th.
Admission charges are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, and $6.50 for students 5 – 16. Children 4 and under are Free.
Location: 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL
You can step aboard a bit of maritime history starting March 8th as replicas of ‘Columbus Ships’ will Open in Palmetto.
The Nina and Pinta replicas — two of three ships Christopher Columbus guided from Spain to The Bahamas in 1492 will be docked at Regatta Pointe Marina and open every day until their departure early Monday morning, March 18th.
Admission charges are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, and $6.50 for students 5 – 16. Children 4 and under are Free.
Location: 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL
Saturday, March 9 – AMI Privateers’ Thieves Market – 8:00am – 3:00pm
A “Pirate Style” Flea Market with craft vendors and plenty of treasures to be found. Yes, the Pirates will be there with their 60 foot Pirate Ship and it all happens right on Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Custom Handmade Jewelry, Sharks Teeth on a String, Golf paraphernalia, Antiques and more. As well, you will find lots to eat, hamburgers/hot dogs, tacos, roasted corn on the cob, Pirate Chili & Cheese, and pastries and baked goods.
All money raised will go towards the Privateers, a 501 c3 Non-Profit organization, Mission Statement of “Pirates for Kids & Community”
Bring your beach gear and when your finished at the market enjoy the rest of the day on the beautiful white sand at Coquina beach.
Location: 2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
A “Pirate Style” Flea Market with craft vendors and plenty of treasures to be found. Yes, the Pirates will be there with their 60 foot Pirate Ship and it all happens right on Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Custom Handmade Jewelry, Sharks Teeth on a String, Golf paraphernalia, Antiques and more. As well, you will find lots to eat, hamburgers/hot dogs, tacos, roasted corn on the cob, Pirate Chili & Cheese, and pastries and baked goods.
All money raised will go towards the Privateers, a 501 c3 Non-Profit organization, Mission Statement of “Pirates for Kids & Community”
Bring your beach gear and when your finished at the market enjoy the rest of the day on the beautiful white sand at Coquina beach.
Location: 2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
March 9, 2019 — 11:00 am – 12:30
Baseball Fans – The Pittsburgh Pirates 13th annual Pirate Fest with family-friendly fun, free player autographs, games, prizes, music and more all inside LECOM Park. This pirate fest is free and open to the public. Buy your tickets now for the game at 1:05 pm vs. the Twins.
Location: LECOM Field, 1611 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL
Baseball Fans – The Pittsburgh Pirates 13th annual Pirate Fest with family-friendly fun, free player autographs, games, prizes, music and more all inside LECOM Park. This pirate fest is free and open to the public. Buy your tickets now for the game at 1:05 pm vs. the Twins.
Location: LECOM Field, 1611 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL
March 9th & 10th, 2019 — 10:00am – 5:00pm
The Anna Maria Island Art League 31st Annual SPRINGFEST in Holmes Beach is a festival of Fine Arts and Crafts. Eighty professional artist and crafts persons from across the United States will gather to compete in this juried exhibition. This event will also include children’s young at art exhibit and art activities. Families will enjoy the continuous live music on stage Saturday and large food court offering a variety of food and beverages. Also exhibiting will be community organizations that include various, historical, and environmental groups with information about these worthwhile causes. Free admission and parking.
Location: Right next to City Hall – 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida
The Anna Maria Island Art League 31st Annual SPRINGFEST in Holmes Beach is a festival of Fine Arts and Crafts. Eighty professional artist and crafts persons from across the United States will gather to compete in this juried exhibition. This event will also include children’s young at art exhibit and art activities. Families will enjoy the continuous live music on stage Saturday and large food court offering a variety of food and beverages. Also exhibiting will be community organizations that include various, historical, and environmental groups with information about these worthwhile causes. Free admission and parking.
Location: Right next to City Hall – 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida
Sunday, March 10 — 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm — Doors open at 3:00 pm
Be part of the Roser Concert Series when Ring Sarasota creates a symphony of sound. Showcasing over 200 bells rung by 30 hands with special effects mimicking the piccolo, percussion, chimes, trombone, even the Tibetan singing bowl. Their music has been described as an inspirational mix of melody and muscle.
Free Admission – There will be a Free-will offering
Location: Roser Community Church, 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
March 16, 2019 — 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Pancakes anyone? Bring the whole family for a Roser style Pancake Breakfast in their Fellowship Hall. For only $6.00 you can enjoy pancakes, sausage, syrup and/or melted butter, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children under the age of 5.
For more information go to www.roserchurch.com or call the church at 941-778-0414.
After breakfast stroll across the street and browse the bargains in the Guild Thrift Shop between 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Location: Roser Church, 512 Pine Avenue. The Fellowship Hall is the entrance east of the Roser Memorial Chapel.
Pancakes anyone? Bring the whole family for a Roser style Pancake Breakfast in their Fellowship Hall. For only $6.00 you can enjoy pancakes, sausage, syrup and/or melted butter, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children under the age of 5.
For more information go to www.roserchurch.com or call the church at 941-778-0414.
After breakfast stroll across the street and browse the bargains in the Guild Thrift Shop between 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Location: Roser Church, 512 Pine Avenue. The Fellowship Hall is the entrance east of the Roser Memorial Chapel.
Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17 — 10:00am – 4:00pm
11th Annual Anna Maria Taste of Arts & Crafts Show featuring the creations of talented artists and crafts people from all over. Enjoy the illustrations of the paintings, bronzes, stone, clay, glass, metal, wood, pottery, sculptures, seafood, craft product, photography, fiber, and much more. Admission and parking is free.
Location: City of Holmes Beach, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
11th Annual Anna Maria Taste of Arts & Crafts Show featuring the creations of talented artists and crafts people from all over. Enjoy the illustrations of the paintings, bronzes, stone, clay, glass, metal, wood, pottery, sculptures, seafood, craft product, photography, fiber, and much more. Admission and parking is free.
Location: City of Holmes Beach, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
Sunday, March 17 — Beach Bistro Saint Patrick’s Day Parade: At the time this blog was written, information was not posted regarding the parade. I sent a message to the restaurant inquiring and have not received a response. The Beach Bistro has been doing the Saint Patrick’s Day parade for 19 years and hopefully they will continue the tradition. The Bistro usually celebrates St. Patrick’s Day on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day and with it falling on a Sunday this year, I would guess that is when the fun will happen.
Normally, the parade route starts in Holmes Beach and proceeds north along Marina Drive. You may want to check the link for updates //www.beachbistro.com/
Normally, the parade route starts in Holmes Beach and proceeds north along Marina Drive. You may want to check the link for updates //www.beachbistro.com/
Tuesday, March 19 — 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Oldies Beach Dance –
Tickets $10.00 in advance — $15.00 at the door
Get your tickets to the Oldies Beach Party at the Sandbar. Listen to a danceable mix of oldies from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s plus some favourite swing, jazz, country and popular music. There will be great energy in the air, you don’t want to miss it! Bring your dancing shoes, flip-flops are fine too! The Sandbar will provide refreshments at an additional charge.
Tickets are available at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. You can also purchase tickets at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information call the Chamber at 941-778-1541.
Location: Sandbar Pavilion, 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL
Oldies Beach Dance –
Tickets $10.00 in advance — $15.00 at the door
Get your tickets to the Oldies Beach Party at the Sandbar. Listen to a danceable mix of oldies from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s plus some favourite swing, jazz, country and popular music. There will be great energy in the air, you don’t want to miss it! Bring your dancing shoes, flip-flops are fine too! The Sandbar will provide refreshments at an additional charge.
Tickets are available at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. You can also purchase tickets at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information call the Chamber at 941-778-1541.
Location: Sandbar Pavilion, 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL
March 29, 2019 — 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Music in the Park at the Riverwalk in Bradenton. Bring a picnic basket, blankets or chairs to the Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater and enjoy the show. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Admission is free.
Location: Downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater
Music in the Park at the Riverwalk in Bradenton. Bring a picnic basket, blankets or chairs to the Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater and enjoy the show. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Admission is free.
Location: Downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater
We sure hope you find the above list helpful and that you enjoy your visit with us. If you are interested in any activities or events we have missed, please let us know and we will do our best to find what you are looking for.
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