Updated: April 2026
Anna Maria Island isn’t just about sun and sand — it’s also one of Florida’s best spots for live music by the beach and waterfront bars. From laid-back beachfront acoustic sets at sunset to lively patio performances with island vibes, there’s something for every mood and every night of the week.
Whether you’re planning a romantic sunset dinner, a fun night out with friends, or a family-friendly evening, this guide covers the best live music on Anna Maria Island and where to catch it.
To help you plan it easily, this guide is broken down into:
- Sunset beachfront live music spots
- Nightlife & late-night bars with live music
- Family-friendly venues
- Classic island spots with entertainment
Sunset Beachfront Music
Perfect for catching the sunset with a cocktail in hand, these spots pair scenic views with great tunes.
Anna Maria Island Beach Café
- 4000 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-0784
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Live Music: 5:30 PM to sunset
For live music with your toes in the sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café delivers the perfect blend of beachfront views, island-inspired acoustic tunes, and casual Gulf-front dining. Whether you’re soaking up the sun during the day or enjoying a sunset cocktail, the laid-back music sets the soundtrack for an ideal island experience.
Check their online music calendar and plan your visit, and pair your time here with bites and drinks for a complete Anna Maria Island beach dining experience. For more spots where you can dine with your feet in the sand, see my Ultimate Guide to the Best Toes-in-the-Sand Dining on Anna Maria Island.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut
- 900 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-1919
- Cafe: Sunday – Thursday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Cafe: Friday & Saturday 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Hut: Daily 7:00 AM – Midnight
- Live Music: Daily 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Kokonut Hut is the perfect spot on Anna Maria Island to enjoy live music, tropical cocktails, and direct Gulf views. The soundtrack here spans reggae, rock, country, and more, creating a true island vibe. Check their Facebook page for the full monthly lineup. The menu features casual coastal favorites like calamari, fish tacos, fried shrimp, and grouper sandwiches.
Kick off your shoes, dance in the sand, and let the bartender craft one of their signature cocktails while you soak up the sunset.
Nightlife & Late Night Bars
For those who want high-energy performances, dancing, and cocktails, these bars and venues keep the island alive after dark.
Drift-In
- 120 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-8565
- 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Happy Hour: Monday – Friday · 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Live Music: Nightly · 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM except on Tuesday and Sunday
- Live Music: Friday · 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Live Music: Saturday & Sunday · 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Drift-In has been a beloved Anna Maria Island dive bar since 1925, offering live music, outdoor tiki vibes, and plenty of games for a fun night out. Classic rock, country, and blues fill the air from their large tiki hut with an outdoor bar.
Drift-In also hosts card games, karaoke, and bingo—check their full schedule for all the action. For more ways to mix drinks, games, and island vibes, check out my Ultimate Guide to Beach Bar Games on Anna Maria Island.
Fun trivia: the legendary Babe Ruth—aka “The Sultan of Swat” and “The Colossus of Clout”—once owned the Drift-In!
Freckled Fin
- 5337 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-251-3930
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Happy Hour: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Live Music: Tuesday & Thursday – Sunday · 7:00 – 11:00 PM
- Live Music: some Saturdays · 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Freckled Fin is a fun Irish pub known for its vibrant live music and casual island vibes. Enjoy performances from local bands and solo artists throughout the week, inside or on the patio, covering traditional Irish tunes, acoustic sets, contemporary pop, country, blues, classic rock, and more—check their calendar for the latest lineup.
The menu serves up Irish favorites with a coastal twist, including fried cheese curds, corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and poutine.
Whether you’re grabbing a pint, digging into hearty pub fare, or dancing the night away, The Freckled Fin is a perfect stop for live music, drinks, and good times on Anna Maria Island.
Wicked Cantina
- 101 7th St North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-281-2990
- 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Monday – Saturday · 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Sunday · 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Live Music: Daily 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Sunday additionally 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wicked Cantina is the perfect spot on Anna Maria Island to enjoy Austin-style Tex-Mex, live music, and stunning Gulf views. Their outdoor patio is ideal for catching the sunset while listening to a variety of musicians and bands playing rock, country, and pop tunes. Check out their calendar for the full lineup.
The menu features classic favorites with unlimited chips and salsa, including bowls, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, and their signature “wicked” margarita.
Whether you’re there for the sunset, the music, or the margaritas, Wicked Cantina is a must-visit for anyone craving Mexican flavors with island vibes. For more top spots, check out my Ultimate Guide to Mexican Restaurants on Anna Maria Island.
Family-Friendly
These spots offer fun, laid-back music suitable for kids and families, perfect for a daytime or early evening outing.
Harry’s Grill
- 9903 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-5999
- Monday – Saturday · 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday · 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday · Harry’s Hallelujah Brunch · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Happy Hour: Monday – Friday · 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Live Music: Daily · 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Harry’s Grill is a laid-back Anna Maria Island favorite, known for live music, casual vibes, and string-lit outdoor seating.
The menu serves up classic American fare with options like prime rib, fresh catch of the day, and crispy onion rings.
Fun perk: if your name is Harry or Harrietta, show proof and enjoy one free draft beer of your choice! Perfect for a relaxed evening with music, good food, and a little island charm.
The Ugly Grouper
- 5704 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-896-8033
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Live Music: Daily · 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Live Music: Saturday & Sunday · 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Ugly Grouper is one of the most popular spots on Anna Maria Island for live music, casual dining, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. This outdoor venue features a large stage where local bands and solo artists perform everything from rock and country to blues, reggae, and island-inspired tunes. Be sure to check their website for the full entertainment lineup.
The menu is packed with crowd-pleasing favorites, including fresh local seafood, zucchini chips, and their famous grouper tacos. During breaks, you can kick back with a game of corn hole or catch the action on one of their nine big-screen TVs. For more great spots to watch the game, check out my Guide to Watching Sports on Beautiful Anna Maria Island.
And don’t leave without snapping a photo with the iconic 3,180-pound Ugly Grouper statue—it’s a must for first-time visitors!
Coastal Bars & Classic Island Spots
Experience local flavor and island charm with music that enhances the coastal vibe.
Blue Marlin Seafood
- 121 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9737
- Friday & Saturday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Live Music: Friday & Saturday 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Blue Marlin Seafood brings live music to Bridge Street on Friday and Saturday nights in its charming outdoor “Trapyard” courtyard. Whether you’re dining al fresco on the patio or inside the cozy interior, the acoustic performances—jazz, rock, bluegrass, and country—create a relaxed, intimate vibe for a night out on the island.
Plan ahead by checking their online music calendar, and don’t forget that reservations are required on nights with live music. For tips on snagging a table at popular island spots, see my Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Reservations on Anna Maria Island.
Blue Marlin focuses on “boat-to-table” seafood sourced from the Cortez fishing fleet, offering fresh grouper, snapper, cobia, hogfish, oysters, shrimp, and stone crabs—perfect for pairing with a night of tunes and island ambiance.
Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
- 135 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4849
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Live Music: Daily
Bridge Tender Inn Dockside Bar is a classic Anna Maria Island experience, offering waterfront dining, lively music, and island vibes. You can choose to sit outside near the water or enjoy the cozy indoor seating. Live music plays every night, featuring classic rock, island tunes, and more—check their Facebook page for the daily artist lineup and showtimes.
The fun doesn’t stop at music, with bar poker and bingo adding to the entertainment. The menu is full of island favorites, including chicken wings, nachos, grouper sandwiches, and fish &chips.
Getting here is easy—arrive by flip-flops, bike, golf cart, car, or even by boat. For more waterfront restaurants with boat parking and island charm, check out my Ultimate Guide to Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Boat Parking.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Sunday – Thursday · 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Daily · 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to close
- Live Music: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday · call for times
Daiquiri Deck brings the party to Bridge Street with a festive atmosphere, frozen cocktails, and live music. Head up to the rooftop bar for Gulf views while enjoying a mix of reggae, acoustic sets, and laid-back beach tunes.
Live music typically takes place Friday through Sunday—call ahead for exact times.
The menu features classic American bar bites like conch fritters, gator bites, peel-and-eat shrimp, and Cuban sandwiches—perfect for pairing with one of their many signature daiquiris.
With its relaxed vibe, rooftop views, and extensive drink menu, Daiquiri Deck is a go-to for a fun, casual night out. For more spots to explore nearby, check out my Ultimate Guide to Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island.
Island Time Bar & Grill
- 111 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Wednesday – Saturday · 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday through Tuesday · 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Monday – Friday · 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Live music: Daily · 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Island Time Bar & Grill is a go-to spot on Anna Maria Island for daily live music and a laid-back, open-air atmosphere. The spacious patio sets the scene for an easygoing night, with local musicians and bands performing everything from rock and country to reggae and pop. Check their online calendar for exact times and the latest lineup.
The bar menu features a wide selection of frozen drinks, beachy cocktails, and draft beers, while the kitchen serves up classic favorites like burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and seafood baskets.
With its relaxed vibe, live music, and elevated bar fare, Island Time Bar & Grill delivers a quintessential island experience from day to night.
SALT Bar and Table
- 2519 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9897
- Daily · 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Daily · 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- Live Music: Friday & Saturday · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
SALT Bar & Table offers a chic coastal dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating options and live music. The artists perform a variety of genres.
Guests can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
Their menu features a variety of globally inspired dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, complemented by an extensive selection of craft cocktails.
Conclusion
From sunset beachfront tunes to high-energy bar bands and family-friendly performances, Anna Maria Island offers live music experiences that elevate any vacation. Pair an evening of music with dinner, drinks, or a stroll along the water to soak in the island’s laid-back charm. Whether you’re visiting for romance, time with friends, or family outings, these spots highlight the very best of the island’s music scene.
For even more dining ideas to complement your night out, check out my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide.
Until next time…
· izzy