Anna Maria Island is celebrating BayFest again this year! This fantastic family festival is set to take place on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria October 21, 2017. It is a wonderful celebration with fun for all ages. The FREE BayFest features, live music, arts, crafts & retail vendors. Bayfest also has a “Taste of the Island” food court, and even a children’s play area.
The festivities start on Friday evening with a Kickoff Party on the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria City. Mike Sales will emcee the evening which will include live music starting at 5pm. There are always a wide array of tasty treats and dinner tidbits at hand.
Food Vendors at Anna Maria Island BayFest
Drinks are also for sale ranging from Water to Rum Runners. Kids, parents, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends all head to the North end to enjoy dinner and music on the lawn. There are chairs and tables set up so you can sit and enjoy your meal. Kids can eat pizza and chicken.
Grown-ups have great options with exceptional fish tacos, bar-b-q, gyros, yummy chips, fries, crab cakes and sliders. Dessert include funnel cakes, pies and cakes or all kinds. There is also an open area for dancing and laying blankets to picnic.
Things To Do at Anna Maria Island BayFest
Whether you are on the East or West side of Pine Avenue, there is something to do. The Anna Maria Island Community Center hosts a Kid’s Fishing Tournament on the Anna Maria City Pier.
On the West End of Pine Avenue you can start your day by enjoying the Island’s Largest Classic Car Show, which will run until 3pm. There are great Oldies playing as you stroll around these beautiful cars. There are awards handed out for several categories, starting at around 2:30pm.
The wide variety of cars to enjoy include something for everyone from antique, to classic, to custom, to muscle, to high performance vehicles. With 100 pre-registered cars, this show is already at capacity, and sure to be great fun for onlookers of all ages! My Dad appreciates the intricacies of all the vehicles, while my kids appreciate how cool they are to look at and listen to! You’re bound to find one that catches your fancy!
Moving down Pine Avenue, you can grab a beverage, and walk through the outstanding display booths. Every year we are able to pick out holiday gifts of all sorts. Jewelry, home decorations, cool crafts and artistic wonders abound. The kids LOVE the marshmallow blasters they got last year, while I am still wearing the anklet I got!
There are clothes, and gadgets, decor, and displays- definitely something for everyone! I even nabbed a new pair of sunglasses, to help extend the day’s enjoyment! Toward the Eastern end of Pine Ave you will find the EVER popular Children’s Play Area, with festival classics like bounce houses, and prize games. There are always fun demonstrations and activities for the kids to participate in, as well as games to play and crafts to make. We are hoping to see the bubble cup craft again this year…always a big hit with my crowd!
The Pirates at Anna Maria Island BayFest
Before grabbing more tasty treats my kiddos HAVE to pay a visit to the Privateers at the far end of Pine Avenue, near the City Pier. Their ship always has a stronghold on the corner, and the kids love to see the crew dressed to the nines in full pirate regalia! The privateers are always eager to share pirate spirit and usually a little pirate bounty!
So, you can be sure you will enjoy a fantastic day on beautiful Anna Maria Island when you come out for Bayfest! As always, Island Real Estate is happy to help you find that perfect Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental. With all the Vacation Rentals we have on Anna Maria Island you are sure to find what you are looking for.
Contact one of our Vacation Rental Specialists, to help you book your Island Vacation. Or call us at 877-778-6066 and let us make your Anna Maria Island experience a celebration!
