Insider Guide to BAYFEST 2016 on Anna Maria Island
Everything You Need to Know about Bayfest!
Bayfest is celebrating it's 16th year so its gotta be good right? It's the largest and longest running festival on the island. We've nailed the entire event into bite size pieces for you filled with Insider's Tips as always. What you need to know, how to get there and what to expect.
Pine Ave, Anna Maria
What the heck is Bayfest?
Bayfest is a music and food festival that encompasses the entire street of Pine Avenue also known as The Greenest Street in America, but that's another story. A free admission, family-friendly affair for all ages hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy fabulous live band music, and taste your way down Pine Ave by sampling local restaurant food booths and refreshments. Yes... including my favourite kind... wine! A huge classic car show for car enthusiasts will line the avenue in style. Kids will enjoy the Kid Zone with fun games, crafts and bouncers.
When
Join locals and visitors on October 15th, 2016 from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Musicians start at 11 am and continue all day until 10 pm
Who
Check out the music line up that will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the streets all day! Classic Car Show not to be missed with over 100 entrants. There will be a kid-friendly area called the Kid's Zone with fun activities and bouncers. Kid's and young at heart folks will love the AMI Privateer's Pirate Ship called Scully Wag which will also be at the event. Lots of crafts and art for sale along the sweetest little Main Street in America. Location is on the corner of Pine Ave. and North Bay Blvd. Check out a sneak peek on the video below!
Music Line Up
Mike Sales Emcee ~ 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
KoKo Ray & The Keepers ~ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Whiskey Blind ~ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Billy Rice ~ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
SoulRcoaster ~ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The Karen & Jimmy Band ~ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
And my personal favourite the Food Line Up!
Food and beverage selections will be sure to please any taste and palate.
local seafood and fresh grouper to; hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken and Bar-B-Q in addition to a variety of desserts, beer, wine, margaritas, rum coolers and beverages.
Insider Tip! Start with a fresh fish taco from The Waterfront Restaurant... we hope they will offer them this year. To die for!
Food Line Up
T & L Bar-B-Q Award Winning Rifest Bar-B-Q
The Waterfront Restaurant
The Feast Restaurant
Corky's Hot Dogs
Coastal Crab
Joey D's
Roverside Rollin' Smoke
Elias Greek Restaurant
AMI Privateers
Joey's Italian Ice
Coco Loco
Kona Ice
Where
Pine Avenue in the village of Anna Maria on the north end of Anna Maria Island.
PARKING: Best spots to park are at:
Cross Pointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot in Anna Maria then be sure it is in a designated public spot with all tires off the street pavement so emergency vehicles can get through if necessary
FREE TROLLEY: Hop on the free trolley at any stop heading north on Anna Maria Island. The trolley runs until 10:30 pm
Insider Tip! Be sure to mosey down the 100+ year old City Pier with your beverage. Nothing beats a day in the salty air with the sun shining and a cold beverage in your hand.
Facts
Bayfest is filled with music, food, drinks, arts and crafts
Bands will play from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Classic Car Show will have over 100 entrants of historic and muscle cars
Kid Zone is facilitated by AMI Health & Fitness entertaining your kids with fun games, bounce houses and more!
A great opportunity to get your hands on one-of-a-kind gift items, jewelry, local artists’ works, collectable items, tee shirts, island crafts, gifts. Start now for Christmas it hurts less!
Insider Tip! Bayfest is the longest and largest festival on Anna Maria Island
Want to Visit and Stay during Bayfest?
We have accommodations available for minimum one week stays at our waterfront vacation rentals. Contact us for information on our fantastic last minute deals on now for Fall 2016!
