While you are busy searching for AMI vacation rentals to book for the Easter holiday, bear in mind that Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas will be bustling with all sorts of events.
From Easter egg hunts to egg rolling contests, there will be plenty to see and do with your family.
The Sandbar Restaurant Easter Egg Hunt
Every year, The Sandbar Restaurant holds its famous Easter egg hunt for children 10 years old and under. This event is free to participate in and starts at 9:00 a.m. on the dot on Easter Saturday. You can come as early as 8:30 a.m. and get going with some delightful refreshments.
Once the Easter egg hunt is over, there will be even more Easter events going on. Pine Avenue’s shops are keen on holding Easter events and sales, and you can find the Easter bunny waiting to take photos with your kids. The whole area will be busy with families going out and having fun, so be sure to join in and bring your Easter egg basket!
Annual Easter Egg Roll and Bonnet Contest
Easter on Anna Maria Island would not be the same without the annual Easter egg roll and bonnet contest. You can find this event on Pine Avenue, and it starts right after the Easter egg hunt at The Sandbar ends. It goes from 9:30 a.m. to noon. In addition to participating in the egg roll (which is free), you can get your face painted and vote for who you think has the best Easter bonnet this year.
The bonnet contest is for children and adults alike, so don’t be afraid to get silly and creative with your bonnet. The more festive, the better! Prizes are awarded for winners in the children and adult age groups and include dinner at The Sandbar for four granted to the child winner. The adult winner gets a two-night stay at the Anna Maria Guest House. The contest begins at 10:30 a.m.
Easter Sunrise Service
If your family enjoys going to church before partaking in the other Easter festivities, you don’t have to miss out on service just because you’re on vacation. The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island sponsors an Easter Sunrise Service held at Manatee Public Beach. Service will begin at 6:30 a.m. and will end around 8:30 a.m.
The free Anna Maria Island trolley starts running at 6 a.m., so you’ll easily be able to reach the service. There will be coffee available at the nearby Anna Maria Island Beach Café to warm you up. Be sure to check the forecast and dress appropriately; you’re welcome to bring a blanket to keep you warm.
Places to Stay
There are plenty of Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals available, so don’t leave your precious pooch at home! Bring them with you and enjoy a fun-filled Easter weekend on AMI. They will certainly enjoy many of the dog-friendly events happening around AMI on Easter weekend.
Beach’n Food Truck Festival
While it’s not specifically an Easter activity, the Beach’n Food Truck Festival will be happening the day before Easter, so don’t miss out! You’ll have the chance to try the most unique and mouthwatering local food from the island’s favorite food trucks. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with your family and gear up for your Easter Sunday celebrations!
