If you’re choosing Anna Maria Island as your vacation destination this summer, you’ll find plenty of things to do: beach activities – swimming, surfing, kayaking, and fishing – alone can keep you busy for a week. And don’t forget about the parks, restaurants, shop, and Anna Maria Island accommodations for those days when you need a break from the sun.
But if you’re looking for events outside the norm, you’ll find that every year the summer is packed with Anna Maria Island events, from festivals, to live music, to holiday celebrations – and 2022 is no exception. Here’s a quick look at some of the family-friendly fun planned from June through August on beautiful Anna Maria Island or nearby in Bradenton or Sarasota.
June Fun on Anna Maria Island
June is right around the corner. Before you know it, the kids will be out of school and summer officially starts. If you’re planning a trip to Anna Maria Island as soon as school lets out, you’re in for a treat because there are lots of things to do during the month of June in 2022!
On June 3rd and 4th, head over to the mainland for the Village of the Arts Artwalk Weekend, held the first Friday and Saturday each month in Bradenton. Discover the area’s galleries and studios, try local food, listen to live music, and more! The event starts on Friday night from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. and it is also open on Saturday from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 1113 12th St. W., Bradenton, FL.
Do you have a baseball fan in your group? On Wednesday, June 8th, head over to LECOM Park in Bradenton, just right over the island bridges, to see the Bradenton Marauders vs. Clearwater Threshers game!
On June 26th, check out the Bradenton Blues Brunch Mattison’s City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk, 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34205, USA. Join others on the beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk the last Sunday of each month for there new series, the Bradenton Blues Brunch! Guests will enjoy live music and the new Mattison’s City Grille Brunch Menu, featuring local and sustainable cuisine. Each month a new band will perform, so don’t miss a beat! There is no cover charge for the music, simply order your brunch and drinks off the menu.
Anna Maria Island July Festivities
The Fourth of July is a big celebration on Anna Maria Island. There are many Anna Maria Island events planned in and around the community.
From the spectacular annual fireworks at Sandbar Restaurant to Longboat Key’s Annual Freedom Fest, which includes a parade, fun activities, and great food, there is no shortage of celebrations for this year’s Independence Day. Read more about these on our Fourth of July events blog.
The KidsArt Summer Camp will be held at the ArtCenter Manatee (209 9th St. W, Bradenton, FL) from July 2-6, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day. This event will feature instruction for creating fun and fanciful drawings, creative paintings, clay islands, sculptures and more for children ages 6-10 in a unique week-long art camp.
Get ready to laugh at the 11th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival at the Florida Studio Theatre (1214 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL) from July 12 to 13th, offering three headliners and workshops guaranteed to make you smile.
Love sharks? Saturday, July 2, the Mote Aquarium (1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL) is the 4th Annual Shark Days event that promises to be both educational and entertaining. Start your day hanging out with the Aquariums sharks before the it opens to the public. You and your chums will have an awesome time sinking your teeth into a light continental breakfast while you learn about their favorite finned friends and Mote’s breakthrough shark research. You’ll meet their resident sharks, watch a narrated feeding of their bonnetheads, and have all of your shark questions answered. After breakfast, you’ll learn about the breakthrough research going on at Mote during a guided tour of the Aquarium!
August and September Events on Anna Maria Island
Once the Fourth of July festivities have ended and we’re into the dog days of summer, you might assume things slow down on Anna Maria Island. That’s far from the truth, as there are many fun events planned near the island that you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
On August 25th the Bradenton Marauders minor league baseball team will take on Dunedin and host a fan appreciation night. Every fan will receive free raffle tickets for huge prizes, and fireworks will follow the final out of the 9th inning. Tickets are just $6-$10, and the gates open at 4:30 p.m. at LECOM Park (1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL.)
Friday, August 26th, you can head down the island to Island Time Bar And Grill (111 Gulf Dr S, in Bradenton Beach), for the Lost Dogz and Tony da Bass & Friends music event for an awesome night of food, drinks, friends and merriment!
One of the area’s biggest events is the Sarasota Slam fishing tournament. The fishing festivities start September 14th and end the18th at Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota. This massive tournament is fun for all ages with events that include a weigh in and dockside BBQ party on September 18th at Marina Jack’s restaurant, then the awards ceremony and a fun silent auction raffle.
See You Soon
Stay on the island for some amazing local amenities and beautiful water views. Ask us about our Anna Maria Island Waterfront accommodations so you can have a comfortable place to lay your head after a day full of events and activities. Learn more about upcoming Bradenton-Sarasota events by calling us at (941)-778-4178.
