What’s on in May on Anna Maria Island

Here we outline all the great events that are being held on the Island throughout the month of May.

May 8^th through May 18^th, 2014

This year Bradenton will put on the first of what is sure to become an annual tradition with the Bradenton Arts Movieville Film Festival. Several films will be screened over the course of the ten-day festival, plus there will be a handful of parties and special events. Check out their website for more information.

May 15^th, 2014

On May 15^th, 2014 from 5pm to 8pm you can enjoy laid-back Florida fun at a beautiful outdoor venue as part of the Ringling by the Bay series. Enjoy food and beverages on the Bolgier Campiello at Ca’d’Zan (the historic home of John Ringling) while popular band Kettle of Fish plays catchy tunes. Visit the Ringling website for more details.

May 15^th through 17^th, 2014

Whether you’re an appreciator of art, music or film, you’ll find something to love at the fifth annual Harvey Milk Festival in Sarasota. This free festival staffed entirely by volunteers and funded entirely through community support celebrates artists and musicians who promote equality for the LGBTQ community. Check out the Harvey Milk Festival website to learn more.

May 17^th, 2014

Enjoy a farm to-fork dining experience like no other outdoors among the peach trees at the King Family Farm in Bradenton on May 17^th, 2014. Harvest and Harmony invites you to experience an amazing interactive dinner party, including a menu inspired by Southern Living, great ideas for summer party appetizers demonstrated by a contributing editor from Southern Living, and live music from some of Nashville’s most influential songwriters. Call (941) 778-3158 to reserve tickets.

Farm to Fork Dining Experience

King Family Farm

May 18th, 2014

The Anna Maria Island Community Center (AMICC) will host their annual “An Island Affaire” event. This fundraiser will benefit the at-risk children, teens, and families served year-round by the AMICC. Seated dining will be provided by Harry’s Continental Kitchen, and the event will feature an open bar, fine wines, and delectable desserts alongside the area’s best live and silent auctions. Affaire seating is $175/per person for this black-tie event. Reserve your seats by May 10th, 2014 by contacting Sharen Pittman at (941)778-1908 ext. 9203 or by email at sharen@myamicc.com.

May 21st, 2014

Since January, on the third Wednesday of each month at 3pm, John Beale has been discussing a variety of maritime topics at the Florida Maritime Museum. In the final event in the series entitled History of Celestial Navigation, Beale will discuss the development of navigation by the stars from the earliest crude methods to today’s high-tech GPS and satellite-based guidance. Visit the Florida Maritime Museum website for more details.

May 25th, 2014

Enjoy the biannual family-friendly music series the Pickin’ Picnic which takes place every May and October at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion. The free event by Realize Bradenton, which showcases emerging local musicians, will run from 2pm-10pm.

May 28th, 2014
At 7pm on the fourth Wednesday of most months, you can learn about the mysteries of the skies at the exciting star talk Stelliferous Live in the Bishop Planetarium Theater. Jeff Rodgers, the Director of the Bishop Planetarium, gives the audience a look at the upcoming month’s night skies before opening up a description on current events in astronomy (past topics have included the Higgs bosun, the search for extrasolar planets, and the future of space exploration). Admission is $2 for museum members, $4 for the general public. Call (941) 746-4131 to make reservations.

Let us know in the comments if you attend any of these events or if we have missed anything out!