Every October, hundreds of people flock to Bayfest for delicious food, live music, kids’ activities, and live music. This event takes place along Pine Avenue and is an all-day, one-day festival.
When you are looking for Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, consider coming in October so that you can partake in this fun-for-all-ages event.
When and Where Bayfest Takes Place
The annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest occurs once a year at the end of October. The festivities begin promptly at 10 o’clock that morning and do not stop until 9 p.m. in the evening.
The event lines the entirety of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City, so expect to find local businesses and creators out there vending their goods for the general public. This is a major event, so many of the locals will be there in addition to vacationers on the island.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce hosts Bayfest and makes this a free event for everyone to attend.
How to Get There
Attendees can ride the free trolley to Pine Avenue if they do not have a car or wish to make the walk. For those who are driving, there is a parking area at Crosspointe Fellowship Church on Gulf Drive toward Holmes Beach’s northern tip. From there, you can ride the trolley that runs from the church to the City Pier.
There will be parking available along some residential streets, but parking will be limited. Be sure to mind the parking signs, stay in the direction of traffic, and park your vehicle all the way off of the road.
Of course, you can choose to walk or rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops. It’s a great way to get exercise while enjoying Bayfest and exploring AMI.
What You Will See at Bayfest
One of the most exciting things you will see every year at this Anna Maria Island street festival is the Classic Car Show. The show starts at 10 and goes until 3 in the afternoon. There will be well over 100 muscle cars, custom designs, classics, and antiques. You can also expect to see some rad street rods. The owners of these cars will be on hand to tell you all about their awesome wheels and let you see these vehicles up close. Any car guy or gal will positively drool over this massive line-up of automobiles.
This year features an impressive line-up of local musical talent, starting at 10:30 a.m. and going until the event ends, usually by 10 p.m.
Up first is Bradenton’s own Trevor Bystrom, who plays everything from a self-constructed ngoni (African harp) to a Weissenborn slide guitar. Memphis Rub comes on at noon, followed by soulRcoaster, Dr. Dave Band, and the Karen & Jimmy Band. Emcee Mike Sales will be on hand to introduce all of the acts and make sure the audience is having a great time.
Plan Your Visit
Each of our rentals is uniquely designed and is stocked full of all the amenities you’d expect from your vacation property, like high-speed wireless internet, convenient parking, fully equipped kitchens, and more. Our properties are also centrally located while still remaining residential to give you your privacy. What more could you ask for? Contact us today to book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental today!
Some of the food vendors will include Gran Arepa, Anna Maria Island Privateers, The Waterfront, and Coastal Crab. Kona Ice will be there with their shaved ice, and Tropi-Coco will have some of their most delicious coconut-based products to quench your thirst. Kettle corn, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages for the adults will also be available to purchase.
Of course, there will be dozens of local crafters, artists, and other vendors there selling their one-of-a-kind goods. They will be there from start to finish, so you will have plenty of time to stop by each of the booths and see what they have to offer.
If you’re bringing kids along, make sure you stop by the Kids Zone. This is a huge play area for children. There will be an inflatable Privateers pirate ship as well as a bounce house to keep the kiddos entertained.
Bayfest is a “must” if you want to attend any Florida food festivals. It is an entire day jam-packed full of activities and is one of the coolest events you can attend in October.
