What’s on in September on Anna Maria Island

September is the perfect month to visit Anna Maria Island, and is a great month to consider for your big day.

Here we outline for you some of the great events that will be happening on the Island that could make your wedding even more special – there is plenty to do and see!

Manasota India Festival

Anna Maria is (in our opinion) the perfect place for a honeymoon. But you can still take an exotic daytrip from our sleepy shores on September 6, 2014 and head to the Bradenton Area Convention Center to experience a new festival. From 12pm to 8pm, the Manasota India Festival will offer guests a taste of India, with authentic food, shopping, and live entertainment.

Admission is $3: children 4 and under get in free.

4th Annual International Beer Festival

Didn’t get to take full advantage of the open bar at your wedding? Let the party continue at the Lakewood Ranch Polo Club on September 27^th, 2014. At the 4^th Annual International Beer Festival you’ll be able to try unlimited samples of more than 100 craft and specialty beers, as well as food samples from dozens of local restaurants and fun carnival games.

Tickets range from $10 to $65: beer sampling goes from 3pm to 7pm.

Sidewalk Astronomy

What’s more romantic than doing some stargazing? Check out the celestial bodies during Sidewalk Astronomy which is sponsored by the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers. Telescopes will be available for public viewing on September 27th from 7:30pm to 10:00pm in the Lakewood Ranch Main Street Shopping Area. See how bright the stars can shine!

Bridal Expo

Still in the wedding planning stages? You’ll definitely want to check out the Nuovo Bride’s Bridal Expo at the Bradenton Area Convention Center on Sunday, September 21^st, from 12pm to 4pm.

Attend a runway show featuring stunning bridal fashion by top designers, stroll through galleries to get inspired by everything from flowers to photography to wedding cake, and meet the top wedding vendors at this, the Suncoast’s largest bridal show.

Sunsets at Selby

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of the most stunning and diverse botanical gardens in the country. No matter what time of year or time of day you go, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. But there’s something super-special about Selby in the evenings.

On September 10^th and September 24^th (both Wednesday evenings) Selby will stay open late (all the way until 9pm) so you can enjoy this romantic location in a new light. There are also special activities planned for these evenings: visit the Selby website for more details.

Ringling Underground

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a venerable and respected institution, but they can still get a little wild.

 On September 4^th, from 8pm to 11pm, catch a glimpse of the Ringling’s wild side with their Ringling Underground event. An eclectic mix of local artists and musicians will display their work in the Museum of Art Courtyard, and select galleries will remain open late. For more information, visit the Ringling website.

A Taste Of Downtown

Are you a honeymooner in the mood for a romantic meal? But, you’re not quite sure where to go?

You don’t have to decide when you attend A Taste of Downtown at the Sarasota Opera House. On September 13^th, from 1pm to 4pm you can enjoy menu tastings and fine wine pairings from peerless Sarasota restaurants, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the historic Sarasota Opera House.

Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 on the day of the festival.

Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes buying a charming little fixer-upper and learning about the joys of DIY. The Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show at Robarts Arena runs 10am through 7pm on September 12^th and 13^th. This event full of industry experts will inspire you to tackle a minor renovation or a major remodel.

Leave us a comment if you attend any of the events mentioned, alternatively if you have an event you would like us to mention let us know!