Insider Guide to Easter 2019 on Anna Maria Island
Everything you need to know about celebrating Easter on Anna Maria Island!
Anna Maria Island is such an amazing community. I haven't been anywhere else that the residents open their arms in celebration to both locals and visitors. It makes it one of the most special places on earth. With over 2.9 million visitors each year, it's no easy feat. The Sandbar Restaurant and Pine Avenue Restoration spearhead this Springtime weekend by hosting several events to bring the community together whether you are here for a short vacation or longer stay.
We've broken down 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.
Easter Sunday Sunrise Mass
Sunday, April 21, 2019
6:30 am Sharp!
This is an incredible event on Anna Maria Island. In the past nearly 2,000 people have attended this early morning sunrise Easter Sunday Mass on the beach. There is simply no better way to enjoy a religious gathering than in with the glorious beach scenery as the backdrop.
The Kiwanis Club sponsors this 54th annual sunrise service located at the Manatee County Public Beach. If you'd like to learn more about this beach have a look at our Insider's Guide to the Best Beaches of Anna Maria Island here.
All six island churches provide the service as the sun rises in the east. That's why everyone faces the pavilion and not the Gulf of Mexico to view the sun rising throughout the service. We highly recommend bringing your own beach chair or blanket to sit and relax on. The Anna Maria Beach Café will open at 6:00 am for attendees who want to order some coffee or hot drinks. Sometimes there is a chill in the early morning air so be sure to dress according to the weather forecast.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria
(Under the Gazebo)
Get there early!
Children 10 and under are invited to the Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt will take place on the beach directly next to the restaurant with sections set up for children aged 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10 which keeps things fair.
Remember to BYOB - bring your own basket to collect the eggs. The Sandbar Restaurant will be serving refreshments and breakfast for little ones starting at 8:30am. At 9:00 am sharp the hunt will start in the wedding and event pavilion adjacent to the restaurant right on the beach. You can park in the restaurant parking lot, the designated public parking spots on Gulf Drive, at the Studio at Gulf and Pine and City Hall parking lot. This event is in its 31st year so its pretty popular now so we strongly recommend you take the free island trolley to this event.
Insider Tip!
FREE TROLLEY: Hop on the free trolley at any stop throughout the island. The trolley runs until 10:30 pm. Need to download the Trolley Schedule? Visit our Insider's Guide to the Free Trolley page.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
After the Easter Egg Hunt - more games!
After the children have collected their Easter Egg treasure be sure to follow the Easter Bunny in a parade type atmosphere down Pine Avenue. This is where the Easter Egg Roll Contest will take place as well as the Easter Bonnet Contest.
What? You're not the kind to join in contests? Fear not! Enjoy plenty of other fun activities such as face painting, coloring stations, complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny by Shooting Star Photography. There will also be music, food and refreshments too.
Enjoy Easter on Pine Avenue with games, face painting, egg rolling and coloring. Adults will stay happy with complimentary mimosas, sausage biscuits and frittatas all provided by the Sandbar Restaurant. Easter cupcakes will be served by Hometown Desserts.
You can even take home an Easter keepsake, a framed photo with the Easter Bunny by Dara Caudill of IslandPhotography.org. Music will be provided by Chuck Caudill. For more fun there is a fun filled gift basket that will be available with the raffle draw. The roll will take place 9:30am-11:30 am.
The Egg Roll and bonnet contest is sponsored by The Sandbar Restaurant, Pine Avenue Restoration group as well as Anna Maria Sun Newspaper.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
Decorate your Easter Bonnet
The prizes (first, second and third) are worth entering the Easter Bonnet Contest alone! First Prize in the adult division is a 2-night stay at Anna Maria Guest Houses. The first prize for the children's division is a lunch at The Sandbar Restaurant for the winner and three of their friends replete with hot fudge sundaes. There will also be prizes for second and third place.
For more information about this event, contact Tina Chiles at 941-778-8710 or tchiles@chilesgroup.com
Where
Pine Avenue in the village of Anna Maria on the north end of Anna Maria Island, just down the street from our waterfront vacation rental homes.
Insider Tip!
Don't Have a Bonnet? Head to the Dollar Tree in 3260 E Bay Dr., Holmes Beach for fun and inexpensive options to decorate your hat.
Anna Maria Island Restaurants that are open on Easter Sunday
Insider Tip!
Make reservations where possible to avoid line-ups and wait times. There are a selection of restaurants that are open on Anna Maria Island but it's a good idea to call ahead. Need more information about restaurants? Head to our Dining Guide for full details, reviews, address, hours of operation and more. Click here.
Fun Island Activities
We love painting Easter Eggs but really what can beat painting Easter Sand Dollars at Shiny Fish Emporium on Pine Avenue, Anna Maria? Don't forget to grab one of our fave island treats, Hawaiian Bubble ice cream. Delicious ice cream that's enveloped in a sweet fondant type coating. Heaven!
Want to Visit Anna Maria Island?
At Anna Maria Island Home Rental we offer 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 April 2018!
