Historic Bridge Street will celebrate the final days of summer with an afternoon of live music, family activities, local shopping and tropical entertainment during the Endless Summer Afterglow Party on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The event, scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m., is the latest installment of the AMI South End Sundown Get Down series organized by the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association.
AMI South End is an initiative designed to showcase the businesses, people and Old Florida character of Anna Maria Island’s south end. Throughout the year, events turn Historic Bridge Street into a walkable gathering place where residents and visitors can shop, dine and connect with local merchants.
The Endless Summer Afterglow Party will begin as a colorful daytime beach celebration before transitioning into a glowing evening atmosphere as the sun goes down. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright, neon or tropical attire.
Entertainment will include a mermaid from 2 to 5 p.m., a caricature artist from 3 to 7 p.m. and a fire performer from 5 to 8 p.m. A Beach Party Fun House will also be part of the festivities, while restaurants and bars along Bridge Street will feature live music and additional entertainment.
Maverick Johnson, morning show host for 92.1 and 103.1 WCTQ, will host a giveaway for tickets to a Zac Brown Band concert in Tampa later in September.
Businesses throughout Bridge Street are planning individual activities, specials and entertainment for the event.
AMI Vibes will offer permanent jewelry, while Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier will set up beverage and retail tents, offer glow sticks and bubbles for children, and have Penny the Dolphin roaming the festival.
Back Alley will feature a local artist and author with an interactive experience for children and parents, along with neon-inspired décor and specialty drinks. Beach Blossom will welcome Sneaky Seeds outside the shop.
Blue Marlin will serve food during the day before Sycamore Shade performs from 5 to 8 p.m. Bridge Tender Inn will feature multiple beverage tents and a stage with live music.
Bridgewalk Resort will host Coastal Life with clothing and retail items and offer a free spin-art activity. Cove will feature a live painter, original artwork, suncatchers, prisms and other colorful creations.
Daiquiri Deck will bring its daiquiri machines outside along with $4 pulled pork sliders with coleslaw, free hushpuppy samples, glow-in-the-dark souvenirs, games and live music. Drift In AMI will offer a chill station and live music.
Everything’s Just Beachy will bring back its Pick a Duck game, while Island Time will serve orange crushes and food from an outdoor tent. Laughing Flamingo Café will have two tents with treats and other offerings.
Mermaid Haven will hold a summer clearance sale, and Monetti Apparel will set up an outdoor shopping tent.
SeaRenity will offer Charity Massage benefiting Feeding Empty Little Tummies, commonly known as F.E.L.T. The business will also provide a Chill Out Station with infused ice water, fans, shade and seating.
YOLO Parasail will participate with a tent near Bridge Tender Inn.
Organizers are also encouraging Bridge Street businesses to continue the festivities after the main event with Afterglow-themed drinks, food specials, music, entertainment and glowing decorations.
Bridge Street will close at 11 a.m. Sept. 12 for event setup. The roadway will reopen after the event once crowds have cleared and the breakdown is complete.
The Sundown Get Down series was created to support local businesses, strengthen community connections and showcase the culture and character of Bradenton Beach while helping preserve the Old Florida atmosphere of Historic Bridge Street.
The Endless Summer Afterglow Party will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
Additional information is available through AMI South End.