One of the most special things about Anna Maria Island is our incredible community. It is the perfect balance of diverse and tight-knit, and in turn, our island really has so much to offer. From art vendors to family-owned restaurants and musicians to local small businesses, there is no shortage of goodness to be discovered here. We especially love our local events and festivals that highlight many of these all coming together to celebrate the magic that is AMI! That’s why we’re especially excited for this year’s Bayfest, hosted by Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce on October 15th-16th, 2021.
Arguably the biggest and most popular festival and social event of each year here on AMI, Bayfest 2021 is sure to be even bigger and better than ever. Celebrating Bayfest’s 20th year, the Chamber has been hard at work to ensure a safe and sensational event for all! Bayfest really has something for everyone and more. It’s family-friendly, locally-run, and packed with activities. Admission is free and fun is guaranteed. In fact, they’ve even added a special event to pack in some more fun.
In celebration of its big 20th anniversary, Bayfest will include a new kick-off event on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Pier Park. The kickoff will feature live music and select food and beer vendors. With the main events kicking off the next day, Saturday October 16th. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and goes all the way until 9 p.m. It will include the antique car show, local live music, food and alcohol vendors, beer tents, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and games and much more. Really! You’ll have to come take it all in for yourself.
Take note that the Chamber highlights that the event will be fully outdoors with plenty of spacing but they recommend bringing your mask for extra safety! If you’re driving to Bayfest, you can find parking at Crosspointe Fellowship Church, which will have its own trolley transporting guests to the festival. Additionally, you may be able to find street parking closer to the festival, but it can be limited. Be sure to obey all traffic signs in the area and be extra careful to watch for the influx of pedestrians and bicycles heading to the main event.
Want to be right in the middle of the action? We still have rentals available in the area so you and your group can make a weekend of it on AMI! Just reach out to our team and we’ll get you set up so you can bask in all of Bayfest’s (and Anna Maria Island’s) glory. We’ll be there in our bright A Paradise shirts so feel free to say hello – We hope to see you there!
Photos from Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce