What’s on in March on Anna Maria Island!

March sees the 35th Manatee Heritage Days month, a celebration of the rich and wonderful history of our County.

There is so much going on this month and we have highlighted some of those that we recommend here, as well as other great events and family days happening in Anna Maria Island and nearby. Take a look and have a great time this March!

This Weekend!  March 14th & 15th 

The Annual Springfest 

The 27th Annual Springfest presented by Anna Maria Island Art League is a fantastic combination of people, education, entertainment and food where you can find amazing items, hand crafted and offered for sale by talented people. Springfest brings talented artists and art lovers to our little barrier island. View the juried art exhibit, children's exhibits and community booths.

Anna Maria Island Art League's Annual Springfest

 Free admission and parking! At Holmes Beach City Hall Field on 14th & 15th March 10am-5pm.

This Saturday also brings the Downtown Bradenton Farmers' Market which runs every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.

Buy locally grown fruits, vegetables and plants, fresh seafood, prepared foods, organic products, arts and crafts and with live music! Each week offers a different activity for children and families. See guest chefs cooking healthy recipes and lots more! 12th Avenue West Bradenton.

Brandenton's weekly Farmers' Market

Free entry and free parking downtown on weekends!  

Saturday 14th March from 1.30pm 

2015 Outdoor Concert Series. MOWTOWN MAGIC REVIEW directed by Scott Blum, with singing sensation Evelyn Thomas and her husband Anthony Simpson Open seating begins at 1.30pm, concert begins at 2.00pm. Delicious bites from Mar Vista and a cash bar.

760 Broadway Street, Longboat Key. $30 in advance, $35 on door. Includes one drink. VIP seating $40 advance, $45 on the door. Series discount packages are available.

And on Sunday March 15th, our favourite way to spend a Sunday morning…..Jazz Brunch at the Sandbar Restaurant from 10am. Booking is recommended... 941-778-0444

Wednesday March 18th

Immerse yourself in the history of Palmetto with this walking tour.  Leaving at 2pm from the Palmetto Historical Park, 10th Avenue and 6th Street West, this 2 hour tour will highlight some of the beautiful historic buildings along the riverfront and includes a tour of the Palmetto Riverfront B&B, a Sears and Roebuck house (like the Sears Cottage on the Anna Maria Historic Green Village), built by the town founder's son J A Lamb.

The tour is free but reservations are necessary and space is limited. To book, call the Historical Park on (941) 723-4991.

Thursday March 19th

And on the March 19th enjoy more island history with this fantastic Historic Boat Tour. These 2-hour trips start at 10am and 1pm, from City Day Dock at the Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton. Narrated by historian Cathy Sluser and John Beale they will share with you stories of the river's history and the people who lived along its banks.

The cruise will be aboard the Island Pearl, an ex-US Navy 'Liberty Launch' built in 1991 by Willard Marine in California. Seating is limited to 49 people so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets are $32. To reserve your seat, contact 941-780-8010.

Thursday March 19th

Party on the Pass. Mote Marine Laboratory. 
6.30-10pm.

A fabulous casual evening of good food, good fun and goodwill supporting Mote's hospitals for dolphins, whales and sea turtles. $85 per ticket. For reservations: Jennifer Wagner 941-338-4441.  

Saturday March 21st 

The 22nd Annual Tour of Homes on Anna Maria Island. 

10am-4pm. Tickets $20.

Acclaimed each year, the 2015 tour will include select island properties in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. The homes reflect various styles of island living and provide participants with ideas for interior decorating and entertainment.

Proceeds benefit Anna Maria Island Community Center. For more information: Call Sandee Pruett at 941-778-1908, ext. 0.                                  
      

Saturday March 21st & 22nd

The 15th Annual Art at the Ranch is an amazing 2 day Fine Arts Festival, presented by ArtCenter Manatee and LWR Communities and features prominent regional, national and international award winning artists, artist demonstrations, shopping and lots more! The Festival starts at 10.am- both days and is held on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch from 10am.

Friday March 27th & 28th

THE MAIN EVENT OF MARCH!!

Come and join us at ISLAND CITY FEST! 

Anna Maria's Island City Fest

This is a fantastic 2-day family event with much to see and do! So much fantastic music from some great bands and other great entertainment all around the event. Lots of the local restaurateurs can be discovered in the food court and enjoy a beer, cider or wine in the sunshine! There are also lots of arts and crafts to browse and buy, as well as lots to do for the kids, such as the AMI Fitness Kids Zone. And on Saturday, there is an awesome Classic Car Show to enjoy!

Anna Maria Island's Classic Car Show

Held at the Holmes Beach City Hall 'field’), 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, it really is one of THE events from our Annual Calendar. Free entry for all! 5-10pm Friday, 10-10pm Saturday.
See you there!

Saturday March 28th & 29th

If you’d like to discover a little more history, become a time traveller for the afternoon and go and see ‘Five Centuries of Florida History’. Watch over 30-re-enactors in authentic costumes portraying French and Spanish colonials, Seminole War Fighters, Civil War and Spanish American War Soldiers and beyond!

This event in free and will take place at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy Bradenton

Saturday March 28th 

Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market. Main Street from 10am-2pm. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, wild caught seafood, local honey, fresh-baked bread, flowers and lots more!

Brandenton's Lakewood Ranch Farmers' Market