Don’t Miss this Year’s BayFest 2022 with the Family

Don’t Miss this Year’s BayFest 2019 with the Family

Are you coming to Anna Maria Island next month for your family vacation? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about a fun event you don’t want to miss. Anna Maria Island during the fall months are wonderful to visit because the weather has cooled off a bit, the water is still warm and Bayfest will be here before you know it. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep your family close to the fun festival activities. Let’s take a peek below at what some of the fun things that you can enjoy at the 2022 BayFest on Anna Maria Island.

Food for Everyone to Love

Don’t Miss this Year’s BayFest 2019 with the Family

Who doesn’t love going to a festival where food is going to be? The smell of the food when you first arrive makes you want to eat all day long. BayFest will have an assortment of food that your family can enjoy all day. From ice cream to hearty food, there will be something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the adult drinks that you can get as well for you to try. What a fun start to a wonderful day at the festival!

Kids Zone

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce didn’t forget about the kids during the BayFest. There are going to be plenty of things that the kids can do while the festival is going on. The kids can enjoy a fun bounce house, fun inflatables they can play on and let’s not forget the fun Pirate Ship they get to enjoy. Let all the kids burn their energy out while enjoying the BayFest this year!

More Fun Activities for the Family

Don’t Miss this Year’s BayFest 2019 with the Family

There will be so much more for anyone in the family to enjoy such as getting to do a little shopping with some of the Arts & Crafts vendors, seeing some of the Classic Cars at the Car Show & dancing a little with the family. What a fun day you and your family can do and enjoy on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island!

When is BayFest 2022?

The 21st Annual BayFest will be held on Saturday, October 15th beginning at 10:00 am. The event will be held on Pine Avenue in the City of Anna Maria Island. When staying at one of our AMI vacation homes, you will be able to take the trolley for free to Pine Avenue on the day of the event. If you’d like to drive to event from your vacation rental, you will be able to park at Crosspointe Fellowship Church located on Gulf Drive which is on the north end of Holmes Beach. There also may be a few other locations nearby that will allow you to park but please make sure to read all the signs before doing so.

Coming during the fall months will keep you still having a great time at the beach but allowing your family to enjoy the fun festival too. If you haven’t made your reservation to stay in one of our beautiful vacation homes, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you come celebrate with us at the 21st Annual BayFest on Anna Maria Island!

The Hernando De Soto Parade



Did you know that on April 28th, 2018 marked the 78th Annual Hernando De Soto Parade in Bradenton, Florida? This classic Manatee County event brings travelers from Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota and other parts of the state! In fact, we can probably say that it brings people from all over the world now.  Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and the City of Anna Maria Island have guests from other countries visiting for the event. We have recommended this wonderful event to many of the guests staying within the area.

About the Parade

With over 150 floats in this parade, it is one of the longest and oldest
parades in all of Florida. The parade kicks off every year from Manatee
High School, located at 902 33rd St Ct W, Bradenton, FL 34205. It travels
down 33rd Street, to Manatee Avenue (SR-64), and it ends in Downtown
Bradenton around 3rd or 4th Street. Every one of the 150 floats entered in
this event is armed with beads, pirate bullions, candy, and much more.
Days before the parade you’ll see people claiming their spot with their
lawn chairs or caution tape. No one wants to miss this spectacle. You’ll
find pirates dancing down Manatee Avenue alongside their float. Local
businesses displaying themselves and their products in unique and custom
floats. Mascots and floats representing our local professional sports
teams like the Tampa Bay Lighting and Tampa Bay Rays.  Police and Fire
Department apparatus of all kind in the parade and so much more. The
Hernando De Soto Crew and their newly crowned De Soto Queen and Princess
usually steal the show.

Let the Fun Begin

Mainly, everywhere you look you’ll find people genuinely having a blast. Children running to pick up treasures and yelling at floats and patrons for “beads, throw me beads.” Honestly, the adults might take it more seriously than the children. It is always a competition in our family to see who can collect the most, but it is always done in good fun.

Don’t Miss Out Next Year

The Hernando De Soto Parade has been a staple in our area for 78 years now, and that is primarily due to the good-natured fun and entertainment that it provides. It’s a great way to see our local community gather in one space and have fun together. Our family goes every year, and we always recommend it to our AMI Locals family that is visiting us that week. So, if you’re planning to be in town next year in 2019, make sure you mark April 29th, 2019 on your calendar because that is when the Hernando De Soto Parade will roll down Manatee Avenue for the 79th time. You won’t want to miss it!