Wednesday, Nov. 30
6 to 9 p.m. — Fundraiser to benefit student ambassador Raven Smith’s travel to Italy at 207 Peacock Lane, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-753-6594.
Thursday, Dec. 1
8 p.m. — Opening night of “Those Crazy Ladies in House on the Corner” at the Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Runs through Dec. 11. Information: 941-778-5755. Fee applies.
Friday, Dec. 2
5 to 8 p.m. — Downtown Holmes Beach Holiday open house and tree lighting. Information: 941-778-9679.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Artist reception for Richard von Ende’s exhibit “Logical Infusion” at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Artist reception for Terry Denson’s exhibit “Tropical Light” at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Reception for jewelry designer Janne Ackerman and photographer Jose Flores at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.
Saturday, Dec. 3
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Holly Berry Bazaar, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Lester-Islander Family Fun Day at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
Sunday, Dec. 4
10 a.m. — “Brawn on the Beach” amateur strongman competition at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-2222.
4 p.m. — Organ dedication concert at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
1:15 p.m. — Author and Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen speaks to the Gulf Coast Writers at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-3209.
3 to 5 p.m. — Island Christmas concert with Gulf Drive Solo at the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria to benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. Information: 941-778-8585. Fee applies.
5 to 8 p.m. — Women on Wine gathering at the Beach Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-2123.
Ongoing:
• Saturdays through March 18, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra rehearsals at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-7853.
• Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meetings at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-794-8044.
• Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., duplicate bridge games at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-3390.
• Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., coffee and conversations for seniors at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
• Second Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., VFW Post No. 8199 meets at the volunteer fire station, 201 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-4400.
• Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., teens gather at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
• Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., players pitch horseshoes in the pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.
• Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thirsty Thursday deals from merchants on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-799-2181.
• Every third Friday, 5:30 p.m., Porch Party on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Information: 941-896-3132.
• Fridays, Senior Adventures Group meets for outings to various locations. Information: 941-962-8835.
• Fridays, sunset drum circle with Mike Sales at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-526-6789.
• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
• Saturdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., children’s story and craft hour at the Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, through Dec. 10. Information: 941-779-1208.
Off-Island
Wednesday, Nov. 30
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Festival of Trees begins at the Crosley Estate Mansion, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, through Dec. 7. Information: 941-722-3244. Fee applies.
Thursday, Dec. 1
6 to 8 p.m. — Healing Heroes Network benefit evening of shopping and wine tasting at Mixon’s Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Information: 941-748-5829. Fee applies.
8 p.m. — State College Florida Jazz Band performs at Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-752-5252. Fee applies.
Friday, Dec. 2
6 p.m. — Winter Story Film Festival presents “Desk Set” at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4131. Fee applies.
6:30 to 8 p.m. — Island author Alice Moerk signs “Ain’s Song” at the Joan Peters Gallery, Village of the Arts, 1210 11th Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-365-9960.
Saturday, Dec. 3
4 to 8 p.m. — Holiday-themed family night at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4131. Fee applies.
6 p.m. — Manatee High School Centennial Celebration at the school, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton. Information: 941-714-7300. Fee applies.
7 p.m. — Sweet Adelines Chorus performs at Bradenton Christian High School, 3304 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-722-9665. Fee applies.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
8 p.m. — Holiday Choral Concert at State College of Florida’s Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-752-5252. Fee applies.
Coming Up:
• Dec. 9, Holiday walk, Anna Maria.
• Dec. 9, Winter Story Film Fest: “Fargo,” South Florida Museum.
• Dec. 10, Privateer Christmas parade and party for kids at Coquina Beach.
• Dec. 10, REAL Women’s Ministry Christmas brunch, CrossPointe Fellowship.
• Dec. 11, Holiday Jazz Brunch benefit for pets, Daiquiri Deck Restaurant, St. Armands Circle.
Save the Date:
• Dec. 17, Where’s Woody? Holiday Sidewalk Sale at The Islander and Island Shopping Center featuring local artists.
• Dec. 17, Bridge Street Holiday Open House, Bradenton Beach.
Send calendar announcements to diana@islander.org. Please include the time, date and location of the event, a brief description and a contact via e-mail and phone.