How to Spend the New Year in Holmes Beach

The beginning of a new year is always a reflective time. You can reassess your path, cross things off your bucket list, and find new things to do in new parts of the world.

Whether you are returning to Anna Maria Island for some new adventures or coming for the first time, the island is rich in activities and new events as the year begins in stride.

Below are a few things to do right in the Holmes Beach community of Anna Maria Island near our Holmes Beach vacation rentals, that you do not want to miss out on.

“The Color of Sunlight” at Island Gallery West

Location: 5368 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Island Gallery West has always been enthusiastic about openly displaying and showcasing local art, through on-site demonstrations, music performances, and public marketplace sales.

“The Color of Sunlight” exhibit by Joanna Karpay will be featured at this famous Holmes Beach gallery for most of the month of February.

The official exhibit launch is February 9th at 5:30 p.m. at the Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalks. It will feature bluegrass music, crafts, and refreshments. Karpal will be there to answer questions and demonstrate her process.

Her “Color of Sunlight” exhibit at the Island Gallery West will end February 28th, and take place open gallery hours, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is a new exhibit every month at Island Gallery West. Judy Saltzman is presenting her seascape watercolors for the entire month of March, with a reception on March 9th at 5:30 p.m.

Carole Dougherty is taking the exhibits in an innovative new direction with her mixed media work for April 2018. Call the gallery directly at (941) 778-6648 for more information on the upcoming exhibits.

Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalks

Location: Gulf Drive and Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach, FL

The above exhibit is only one small part of the ongoing Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalks. In the town’s art district on the second Friday of every month, you can find many arts-related activities for the whole family.

The ArtWalk is expected to continue to April 13th, 2018. Aside from Island Gallery West, the ArtWalk will display work from SteamDesigns, specializing in large format landscape photography, the Artist’s Guild, and Restless Natives, a local group featuring live pottery demonstrations, wine sips, and gift sales.

You can contact any of the aforementioned groups for specific details or the Chamber of Commerce at (941) 778-1541 for more information.

Seasonal Shows at Island Players Community Theatre

Location: 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida 34216

Over 68 seasons and the Island Players Community Theatre just north of Holmes Beach is still delivering shows utilizing young and local upstarts in the creative arts.

As you enjoy the art events in Holmes Beach this year, you won’t want to miss one of these acclaimed theatre shows.

Until January 28th, 2018, the theatre is showcasing their lovely version of Beyond a Joke, featuring a hapless old man whose house guests mysteriously keep dying.

From March 8th to March 28th, the theatre has The Curious Savage planned. This dark comedy from John Patrick tells the story of a greedy and infamous family of stepchildren who try to steal their stepmother’s recently inherited money using all means at their disposal.

Performances are typically Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. All tickets are $20. The theatre can be reached at 941-778-5755 for ticket reservations.

In between these fun art-focused events you’ll also have Manatee Public Beach to enjoy with several days of pleasantly warm weather, beautiful ocean scenery, a variety of unique restaurants to try, and parks and preserves to explore.

Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental

Our Anna Maria Island rental homes offer you an ideal gateway into our acclaimed island for your next vacation. Explore our real estate, enjoy some new activities, or find a new home away from home as you begin a new path in your life.