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. Information: 941-778-8585. Fee applies. Proceeds benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra.
5 to 8 p.m. — Women on Wine gathering at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-2123.
Friday, Dec. 9
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Holiday open house at Anna Maria businesses along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive.
Saturday, Dec. 10
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Book sale to benefit Senior Adventurers at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-962-8835.
9:30 a.m. — Island origami club meets at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. — REAL Women of CrossPointe Fellowship presents “Christmas Joy” with guest speaker Julie Boyd at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.
10 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade departs from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and ends at Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-752-5973.
11 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers children’s holiday party at Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-752-5973.
6:30 p.m. — Bethlehem Walk departs from the Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.
8 p.m. — “The Gift” holiday production at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.
Sunday, Dec. 11
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Holiday sale to benefit Senior Adventurers at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-962-8835.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. —Market at Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-2181.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
11:30 a.m. — Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players holiday lunch and gift exchange at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-2181. Fee applies.
Noon — Anna Maria Garden Club meeting at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-795-2370.
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.
• First Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m., Pier Regulars meet at the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria.
• 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 meet 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.
• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Yoga on the Beach at the Pine Avenue beach access. Information: 941-794-6723.
• 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
Thursday, Dec. 8
7 p.m. — Manatee River Garden Club presents “Fun with Flowers” at 3120 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-744-7553. Fee applies.
Friday, Dec. 9
6 p.m. — Winter Story Film Festival presents “Fargo,” at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4131. Fee applies.
Sunday, Dec. 11
9 to 11 a.m. — Garden tour at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-722-4524.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Holiday Jazz Brunch with Mike Royal Trio to benefit Royal Pet Rescue at the Daiquiri Deck Restaurant, St. Armands Circle, 325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Information: 941-552-6865. Fee applies.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
10 a.m. — Bradenton Opera Guild general meeting followed by a presentation of arias and songs from “Otello” at IMG Academies Country Club at El Conquistador, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. Information: 941-722-4438.
7 to 9 p.m. — “The Star of Bethlehem” think and drink science talk at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4131.
Coming Up:
• Dec. 15, Friends of the Island Library book club, Island Branch Library.
• Dec. 16, Winter Story Film Fest: “Groundhog Day,” South Florida Museum.
• Dec. 17, Where’s Woody? Holiday Sidewalk Sale at The Islander and Island Shopping Center for local artists.
• Dec. 17, Bridge Street Holiday Open House, Bradenton Beach.
• Dec. 18, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra concert, CrossPointe Fellowship.
Save the Date:
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.