Ultimate Guide to Anna Maria Island Festivals

Anna Maria Island is more than just beautiful beaches—it’s a place where the community comes together to celebrate with festivals throughout the year. From lively seafood celebrations and outdoor concerts to holiday parades and local art events, these gatherings offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s culture, flavor, and charm.

Whether you’re planning your trip around a specific event or simply hoping to discover something special during your stay, this guide highlights the best festivals on Anna Maria Island and when to experience them. Dates are updated as published.

---

Tips for Attending Festivals

Festivals on Anna Maria Island are relaxed and welcoming, but a little planning can make the experience even better. Many events are held outdoors and can draw large crowds, especially during peak season, so arriving early helps with parking and gives you time to explore before things get busy.

Consider using the free Anna Maria Island Trolley, biking, or a golf cart to get around, as parking near popular festival areas like Pine Avenue and Bridge Street can fill quickly. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and staying hydrated are essential, as you’ll likely be walking and spending extended time outdoors.

It’s also a good idea to bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards, especially at smaller or more traditional events. Most importantly, take your time—festival days on Anna Maria Island are meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to discover local food, music, art, and community spirit.

---

Festivals

Anna Maria Community Market

• October through April · 2025 through 2026
• Every Tuesday · 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• 512 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria

The Anna Maria Community Market is a seasonal outdoor market held at Roser Memorial Community Church, offering a relaxed and welcoming way to experience the island’s local flavor. This popular market brings together a mix of vendors featuring fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, fresh juices, microgreens, honey, and locally made specialty foods.

The market typically runs on Tuesdays from October through April, making it a perfect activity during peak season whether you’re picking up fresh ingredients, browsing local creations, or simply enjoying the vibrant island scene.

Coquina Beach Market

• January through June · 2026
• Sunday · Wednesday · Friday · 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• South Coquina Beach, adjacent to Longboat Pass
• website

The Coquina Beach Market is one of the most scenic and popular outdoor markets on Anna Maria Island, set beneath the shade of towering Australian pine trees just steps from the beach. This open-air market features a wide variety of vendors offering handmade jewelry, island-inspired art, home décor, apparel, and unique gifts, making it a great place to find locally crafted treasures.

In addition to artisan goods, you’ll often find vendors selling fresh foods, baked goods, and refreshing drinks, perfect for enjoying during a beach day. The relaxed coastal setting, combined with the sound of the nearby waves, creates a uniquely Anna Maria Island shopping experience.

The market typically takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from November through July. With its beachfront location, it’s easy to combine a visit to the Coquina Beach Market with time spent swimming, walking the shore, or enjoying the nearby picnic areas and trails.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

• February 14th & 15th · 2026
• 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• 46th Ave at the end of 123rd Street · Cortez Fishing Village
• admission is $5 · children under 12 are free
• facebook

The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is one of the most authentic annual events near Anna Maria Island, celebrating the rich fishing heritage of the historic village of Cortez. Held each February, this two-day waterfront festival honors the local commercial fishing community with fresh seafood, live music, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Festivalgoers can enjoy a wide variety of freshly prepared seafood dishes, including grouper sandwiches, shrimp, smoked fish, and other local favorites, all prepared by those who know it best—the local fishing families. In addition to the food, the festival features live entertainment, artisan vendors, nautical crafts, and educational exhibits that highlight the area’s maritime history.

Located just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island, the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Florida’s last remaining working fishing villages while supporting the community and enjoying some of the freshest seafood on the Gulf Coast.

Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts

• February 28th & March 1st · 2026
• 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• City Hall Field · Holmes Beach
• free admission
• facebook

Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the work of talented artists and craftsmen from across the region. This juried outdoor festival features a wide variety of fine art and handcrafted pieces, including paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, glasswork, and more.

Visitors can stroll through booths filled with unique, high-quality artwork while enjoying live music and a relaxed island atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and find one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by coastal life.

Springfest is a favorite among both locals and visitors, offering a vibrant cultural experience that highlights Anna Maria Island’s creative spirit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply enjoy browsing beautiful handmade work, this festival is a must-visit springtime event.

Cortez Nautical Flea Market

• March 14th · 2026
• 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Florida Maritime Museum · 4415 119th St West · Cortez
• free admission
• website

The Cortez Nautical Flea Market is a unique annual event that brings together boating enthusiasts, fishermen, and treasure hunters in the historic fishing village of Cortez. This popular outdoor market features vendors selling a wide range of nautical and marine-related items, including boating equipment, fishing gear, marine electronics, tools, anchors, ropes, and other maritime finds.

In addition to new and used boating supplies, the flea market also includes coastal décor, handmade crafts, clothing, and local goods, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t boat owners. Food vendors and a casual waterfront setting add to the relaxed, community atmosphere.

Located just minutes from Anna Maria Island, the Cortez Nautical Flea Market offers a fun opportunity to explore one of Florida’s last authentic fishing villages while browsing unique nautical treasures and experiencing the area’s deep maritime roots.

Wearin’ O’ the Green Parade

• March 15th · 2026
• 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Starting Holmes Beach City Hall (5801 Marina Drive) · Palm Drive · Gulf Drive · Pine Avenue · Tarpon Street to Magnolia Avenue · ending at The Center of Anna Maria Island Community Center
• website

The Wearin’ O’ the Green Parade is a beloved annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition held right on Anna Maria Island. Each March, the island transforms into a festive scene filled with decorated golf carts, floats, local businesses, community groups, and plenty of participants dressed in green.

This family-friendly parade reflects the island’s fun and close-knit community spirit, with spectators lining the street to watch the creative entries pass by. Many attendees arrive early to grab a good viewing spot and enjoy the lively atmosphere throughout the morning.

The Wearin’ O’ the Green Parade is a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day island-style, combining festive energy with the laid-back charm that makes Anna Maria Island so special.

Anna Maria Island Heritage Day

• March · 2026
• 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• 402 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
• free admission

Anna Maria Island Heritage Day is a celebration of the island’s roots, stories, and strong sense of community. Held each spring at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, this charming event invites visitors to step back in time and experience the island beyond its beaches. The grounds come alive with local vendors, live music, and historical displays that highlight what makes Anna Maria Island so special.

You can browse handmade goods, chat with longtime locals, and explore the Historical Society’s museum, which offers a glimpse into the island’s early days as a quiet fishing village. Classic cars, island-inspired art, and vintage photographs add to the nostalgic atmosphere, while food vendors keep things casual and delicious.

More than anything, Heritage Day feels authentically Anna Maria Island—laid-back, welcoming, and proud of its past. It’s the kind of event where history isn’t tucked behind glass—it’s shared through stories, smiles, and a community that loves where it lives.

Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show

• April 4th & 5th · 2026
• 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Coquina Beach South Event Space · 1300 Gulf Drive South
• free admission
• website

The Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show brings creativity to the coast with rows of talented artists and makers set beneath the shady Australian pines. Held at scenic Coquina Beach, this juried outdoor event features handcrafted jewelry, coastal-inspired artwork, pottery, home décor, photography, and one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

The relaxed beachfront setting makes it easy to browse at your own pace, chat with artists about their work, and discover pieces that capture the spirit of Anna Maria Island. Many vendors are local, so you’ll find authentic, island-inspired creations that make meaningful souvenirs or additions to your home.

With the Gulf just steps away, you can turn your visit into a full beach day—explore the show, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in one of the most picturesque art events on the island.

Beach N’ Food Truck and Music Festival

• April · 2026
• 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Coquina Beach

The Beach N’ Food Truck and Music Festival combines three island favorites—great food, live music, and a laid-back outdoor setting. Held at Coquina Beach, this lively event brings together a diverse lineup of food trucks serving everything from fresh seafood and gourmet burgers to international flavors and sweet treats.

Live bands provide a fun, upbeat soundtrack throughout the day, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, dance, or simply enjoy the coastal breeze. With picnic tables, shaded areas, and the beach just steps away, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full afternoon of food and fun.

This festival captures the social spirit of Anna Maria Island, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy good music, try new flavors, and soak up the sunshine in one of the island’s most beautiful settings.

4th of July Activities

Anna Maria Island celebrates the Fourth of July with a full morning of patriotic fun, led by the beloved Anna Maria Island Privateers. The Anna Maria Island Privateers 4th of July Parade begins at Coquina Beach and travels the length of the island, finishing at Bayfront Park in the City of Anna Maria. Running from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the parade features festive floats filled with pirates tossing beads and candy—and sometimes even splashing spectators with water to help beat the summer heat. It’s a lively, family-friendly tradition that captures the island’s playful spirit.

At the end of the route, the celebration continues with the 4th of July Picnic Celebration at City Pier Park from noon to 1:30 PM. This community gathering includes food, live entertainment, and activities for kids, making it the perfect place to relax after the parade. With the bay as the backdrop and a festive atmosphere all around, it’s a classic Anna Maria Island way to celebrate Independence Day.

Bayfest

• October 18th · 2025
• 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• 402 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
• free admission
• classic car show · 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• live music · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• website

Bayfest is one of Anna Maria Island’s most anticipated annual events, bringing live music, food, and community spirit to Pine Avenue in the City of Anna Maria. Held each fall, this free, family-friendly festival transforms the island’s most charming street into a lively gathering filled with local vendors, artists, and entertainment.

Throughout the day, they feature live music ranging from local bands to regional favorites, creating an upbeat atmosphere that invites visitors to linger and enjoy the scene. Food vendors serve a variety of options, including fresh seafood, classic festival favorites, and refreshing drinks. Local shops and artisans also set up booths, offering handmade goods, artwork, and unique island finds.

Bayfest is known for its welcoming, small-town feel. Pine Avenue is closed to traffic for the event, allowing visitors to stroll freely, listen to music, and connect with the community. Whether you come for the music, the food, or simply to experience the island’s vibrant culture, Bayfest offers a memorable glimpse into the heart of Anna Maria Island.

---

Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival

• November · 2025 · cancelled due to hurricane damage
• 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• 4628 119th Street West · Cortez Fishing Village · over the Cortez Bridge
• admission is $5 · children under 12 are free
• website

The Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival celebrates one of Florida’s most prized seasonal delicacies in the historic fishing village of Cortez, just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island. Held each fall this lively waterfront event brings together fresh stone crab, live music, and a strong sense of local tradition.

Freshly harvested stone crab claws are the star of the festival, served alongside other seafood favorites and classic Florida fare. Local bands perform throughout the event, creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere where guests can enjoy great food while overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Beyond the food and music, the festival highlights Cortez’s rich commercial fishing heritage. Visitors have the chance to experience an authentic working waterfront, meet local fishermen, and support the community that has helped shape the culture of Anna Maria Island. It’s a true local event that blends incredible seafood, live entertainment, and Old Florida charm.

Symphony on the Sand

• November · 2025 · cancelled
• 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
• Coquina Beach Gulfside Park · 2650 Gulf Drive South
• website

Symphony on the Sand is one of Anna Maria Island’s most elegant and memorable annual events. Held each November at Coquina Beach, this outdoor concert features the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra performing a selection of classical and popular music with the Gulf of Mexico as a stunning backdrop.

This beloved tradition attracts both locals and visitors, offering a unique opportunity to experience world-class music in a relaxed coastal setting. Symphony on the Sand perfectly captures the charm of Anna Maria Island—where culture, community, and breathtaking scenery come together for an unforgettable evening.

---

Conclusion

Anna Maria Island’s festivals offer the perfect opportunity to experience the island’s vibrant community, local flavors, and relaxed coastal charm. Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood, live music, or seasonal celebrations, these events bring the island to life in unforgettable ways.

To make the most of your festival experience, plan ahead with The Ultimate Golf Cart Rental Guide for Anna Maria Island and the Guide to Transportation for Anna Maria Island for easy ways to get around, explore at your own pace with Pedal Your Way Through Beautiful Anna Maria Island, and discover the best places to eat nearby with the Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide. With a little planning, festival days become some of the most memorable moments of your time on Anna Maria Island.

---

Until next time…

izzy