Fall on Anna Maria Island equals sunshine, warm Gulf waters, afternoons at the beach, and some of the area’s most anticipated festivals, markets, and Halloween events.
Whether you are planning an Anna Maria Island vacation or looking for something fun to do locally, here are some of the best fall events happening on and near Anna Maria Island in 2026.
25th Annual BayFest on Anna Maria Island
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Pine Avenue, City of Anna Maria
One of the biggest fall events on Anna Maria Island, BayFest returns to Pine Avenue for its 25th year. This free, family-friendly festival features live music, a classic car show, local vendors, food, drinks, and shopping throughout the City of Anna Maria.
BayFest is a great way to experience the island beyond the beach while supporting Anna Maria Island businesses and celebrating one of the community’s longest-running traditions.
Anna Maria Community Farmers Market
Every Tuesday from October through May | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Roser Church, 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
Spend a morning browsing local art, handmade goods, fresh produce, baked treats, coffee, juices, jewelry, clothing, and more at the Anna Maria Community Farmers Market.
Located on Pine Avenue, the market is an easy addition to a morning spent exploring the City of Anna Maria.
Coquina Beach Market
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
The Coquina Beach Market reopens for the season on October 2. Vendor booths will be located along the trail south of the trolley turnaround at Coquina Beach.
Shop for local art, clothing, jewelry, gifts, and other unique finds before spending the afternoon on one of Bradenton Beach’s most popular stretches of sand. Market dates may be affected by weather, so check the Coquina Beach Market Facebook page before visiting.
Something Is Beneath the Water: Legend of the Mangrove Murders
Saturday, October 24, 2026
AMI Paddleboard and Kayak Adventures at Neal Preserve
Explore the mangroves of Neal Preserve after dark during this Halloween paddle filled with mystery, fun, and a few spooky surprises.
A family-friendly trip will take place around sunset from approximately 6:00–7:30 PM, followed by an adults-only paddle from 8:30–10:00 PM. Paddleboards, single kayaks, double kayaks, and clear kayaks are available, but advance registration is required.
Island Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
The Center of Anna Maria Island, Palm Avenue
The Center of Anna Maria Island and School for Constructive Play are hosting a free evening of early trick-or-treating for island families and visitors.
Palm Avenue behind The Center will be closed to create a safe walking area filled with decorated cars, tables, and plenty of treats. Come dressed in costume and ready for a fun night with the Anna Maria Island community.
Sundown Get Down: Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 2:00–8:00 PM
Historic Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Celebrate Halloween near the beach during the AMI South End Sundown Get Down: Halloween Spooktacular. This free Bridge Street event will include costumes, candy, entertainment, local vendors, trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities.
While you are on Bridge Street, stop by Blue Marlin Seafood for dinner or grab a drink and enjoy live music at The Trap Yard.
Fall Activities Near Anna Maria Island
If you do not mind taking a short drive from the island, there are even more fall festivals and seasonal activities happening throughout the Bradenton area.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
October 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
The annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival is one of the Bradenton area’s largest fall traditions. The festival includes pumpkins, hayrides, live entertainment, craft vendors, children’s activities, a petting zoo, pony rides, a corn maze, farm food, and so much more.
Ananda Farm Fall Festival
September 25 through Halloween Weekend
Located in Terra Ceia, Ananda Farm offers a pumpkin patch, U-pick flowers, tractor rides, a sun hemp flower maze, fall food, children’s activities, live music, and fall photo spots throughout the farm.
The festival is open Fridays from 3:00–8:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM–8:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Bradenton Public Market
Saturdays from October through May | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Head to Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton for fresh produce, local art, live music, food, and free family activities. The weekly market is a fun way to support area vendors while exploring Downtown Bradenton.
Festival of the Skeletons
November 6–7, 2026 | 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Village of the Arts, Bradenton
Festival of the Skeletons is a free, family-friendly celebration of life and remembrance in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts. Explore galleries, community shrines and altars while enjoying strolling music, food, pop-up vendors and Día de los Muertos-inspired costumes.
Enjoy Stone Crab Season
October marks the beginning of Florida stone crab season, and there is no better place to enjoy this local delicacy than Blue Marlin Seafood on Historic Bridge Street.
Known for serving fresh local seafood in a charming 1920s cottage, Blue Marlin offers Florida stone crab claws when available during the season. Pair them with a handcrafted cocktail or glass of wine, then stay for live music in The Trap Yard.
Blue Marlin is located at 121 Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Reservations are strongly recommended as this cozy cottage does fill up!
Stone crab is one of the best seasonal foods to enjoy during an October or November trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Plan Your Fall Vacation on Anna Maria Island
From BayFest and beachside markets to pumpkin patches and Halloween celebrations, fall is a great time to visit Anna Maria Island. The weather is warm, the island offers plenty to do beyond the beach, and the season brings something for visitors of every age.
Mike Norman Realty has helped guests find their home away from home on Anna Maria Island for more than 45 years. Browse our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and start planning your fall getaway today.
Get 10% Off Your Fall Stay
Book today and receive 10% off stays between July 24 and December 5, 2026.
Discount is automatically applied at checkout. The discount is only applicable to new bookings made between July 24, 2026, and December 5, 2026. It cannot be applied to existing reservations.
Event dates, hours and activities may change. Check directly with each event organizer before making plans.