HOLMES BEACH – The Springfest arts and crafts show returns to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
City Field is located at 6001 Marina Drive. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to assist the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria.
The Springfest arts and crafts show will feature painters, photographers, woodworkers, jewelers and other artists, makers and creators selling their unique works.
In addition to the arts and crafts show, Springfest 2026 will also feature a plein air (open-air) art competition and, on Sunday only, the “Taste of the Island” food tasting event.
“ISLAND PLEIN AIR”
Local artists are invited to participate in the “Island Plein Air” art competition that will feature artists painting in a live setting in and around the festival area on Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28. Visitors can watch the artists at work and listen to them discuss their work as it’s being created.
The completed plein air paintings will be displayed and offered for sale during a silent auction held under the City Field pavilion on Sunday, from noon until 5 p.m. The entry fee is $29 for artists and $100 for a business-sponsored entry.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the Best of the Island, People’s Choice and Award of Merit categories. Full contest rules and application details can be found at the event website.
“TASTE OF THE ISLAND”
Taking place Sunday only, “Taste of the Island” will spotlight the Island’s vibrant food scene and feature many of the Island’s favorite local restaurants serving small plates priced from $4 to $10. The “Taste of the Island” eateries will be operating on 59th Street, from noon until 4:30 p.m. The “Taste of the Island” food sales will utilize $1 food tickets, and $50 and $100 tasting ticket books can be purchased in advance at www.blueribbonevent.com.
The food tickets will be tallied at 4:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., the restaurant that receives the most tickets will be pronounced the People’s Choice award winner and receive a $500 cash prize, a plaque and a trophy.
Also on Sunday, Community Cocktails will be sold by Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce from noon until 4:30 p.m. From noon until 2 p.m., country radio personalities Maverick and Lulu will be on hand giving away free concert tickets.
All vendor and artist applications and more information can be found at the Blue Ribbon Events website.
