Monthly AMI Events | ’24 Summer Edition 

Getting ready for your summer getaway to Anna Maria Island? The hottest season has some of the coolest events on the island! We have put together a list of some of our favorite monthly AMI events happening around the island from June through August that are sure to make yours a summer to remember! 

June

Village of the Arts Artwalk (June 7th – 9th) 

We Love Our Local Artists 

Just a short drive from the island to the mainland, The Village is an eclectic neighborhood located in Bradenton, FL, that is a work of art in its own right. Full of brightly colored and cozy homes, unique shopping, and innovative food, this neighborhood seems to be born directly from a beachy art school fantasy.

The first Friday of every month, The Villiage hosts a themed and curated art walk. This includes street vendors, delicious food, live music, and an opportunity to mix and mingle with the artists themselves. The first Artwalk for the summer, which takes place in June, will focus on local indie artists from the community. This is a beautiful time to connect with local artists, support the local art scene, and find a little piece of beautiful Florida to take home for your loved ones or yourself.

After all, you deserve a little treat every now and again. With the wild spectrum of art and creativity our community has to offer, you are sure to find that one piece you can’t live without. 

Bradenton Blues Brunch (June 23rd)

Is there anything better than a good brunch? Yes. Specifically, a good brunch with good music. The last Sunday of every month you can join us at the beautiful Bradenton River Walk at Mattison’s City Grille for the Bradenton Blues Brunch. No two events will be exactly alike, with a new band performing every month and a menu featuring local and sustainable cuisine. June features Al Fuller’s Moonlight Movers as the highlighted entertainment. There is no cover charge, but reservations are encouraged as this popular event fills up quickly. 

July

AMI Privateers 4th of July Parade (July 4th) 

AMI hosts all sorts of fun things to do to celebrate the United States’ birthday. However the highlight that stands out every year is the Privateers Parade. This is one of the largest events held yearly on the island and is a local favorite for a good reason. It combines everything one might love about a parade, such as performances and whimsical floats, and then turns it into a water fight! High-powered water streams and water balloons are not allowed, but revelers are encouraged to bring child-safe water toys and join (respectfully) in on the fun! There are no fees to participate in the parade, and all donations go directly back into the community to fund different children’s programs and education opportunities on the island. 

Village of the Arts Artwalk (July 5th- 6th) 

The Villiage is back at it again and hosting another art walk in July! It’s a great way to wrap up your holiday weekend and take in sights just as spectacular as the fireworks the night before! Keep the country’s birthday celebration going just a couple of days longer and connect with the community all while taking in beautiful art and delectable delights. There is sure to be something for everyone. 

August

Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament (August 2nd-10th)

The tourney officially starts with the kick-off party on the 2nd from 5 pm to 9 pm. Then if you want to get your feet wet and take a shot at the grand prize, in-person registration to participate in the tourney begins on August 8th, with weigh-ins starting at 11 am on August 10th. There are divisions for every sort of fishing enthusiast from Offshore, Inshore, Funfish, and even a Jr. Anglers division! Once the final weigh-ins are calculated, it is party time with a dockside BBQ on Saturday evening! Over $500,000 in prizes will be given away and more than 500 fishermen are anticipated to participate!

 Village of the Arts Artwalk (Aug 2nd-3rd) 

If you missed out in June or July, don’t worry! The Art Walk is back again in August. While the party is happening in the streets, you can cool off on your walk by dipping into one of the many shops and galleries to take in talent of our local artists. Each one of these walks features different creators and vendors. Each time you visit is sure to bring a new sense of wonder!

Celtic Summer Jam (August 10th) 

Hosted by the Freckled Fin Irish Pub

This year is the 4th Annual Celtic Summer Jam, and we couldn’t be more excited. Come for the Irish Favorites played by Kevin McGuire. Stick around for an exciting set from Drunken Shrubbery. Then round out the evening with a mix of traditional Irish music and rock classics in an unexpected but utterly delightful marriage of bagpipes and electric guitars brought to you by the high-energy band Mac Tier. There will also be whiskey tastings and raffle prizes to make the day even more fun. Put on your kilt, order a pint, and prepare for a great time! 

Bonus

Bradenton Marauders Summer Season

Is there anything that sums up the American summer experience quite like the game of Baseball? We didn’t think so. While the spring training season that AMI is famous for is over, that doesn’t mean the end of the baseball season for AMI. The local minor league team, The  Bradenton Mauraders, know how to dial up the fun and there are numerous home games scheduled, making it easy to take in some innings to celebrate the summer season. For those visiting for the 4th of July Holiday, the Mauraders celebrate early on the 3rd with post-game fireworks and free t-shirts for the first 1,500 fans in the stadium.

But holidays aren’t the only reason to celebrate! The Marauders have several post-game concerts, giveaways, and other fun packages available for baseball fans of all ages! This includes the Hispanic Heritage Celebration on June 8th, with ticket packages at $21 that include a ticket to the game and a replica Roberto Clemente jersey! And for those of you with four-legged fans in the family, there are pet-friendly game nights too. Check out the full schedule here! 

Are you looking for more fun events and activities during your stay on AMI? The experts are here to help. Contact us today to start planning your perfect AMI getaway.