Spring has sprung and April welcomes another month of fun-filled local events! From Aqua Egg Hunting to the DeSoto Grand Parade there are definitely some can’t miss events and festivals going on this month.
April 1-3, 2022: Sarasota Chalk Festival Immerse yourself into art pieces in the 3D illusion space or create a masterpiece of your own in the interactive areas. This 3-day event pushes professional artists to create immense masterpieces all while only using chalk and pavement. The festival also offers multiple food trucks, beverages and spirits, and other vendors. Tickets ranging from $5 – $30. Free Parking. 610 Airport Avenue East Venice, FL 34285.
April 1-10, 2022: 24th Annual Sarasota Film Festival Founded in 1998, this event has grown to a now ten-day festival. Come out and observe independent and international documentaries, shorts, and narratives. With over 200 films there is sure to be something for everyone. Tickets range from $40 – $750. Parking is free. 332 Cocoanut Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236.
April 1-30, 2022: U-Pick Blueberries Bask in the Florida sun while picking blueberries in a local family owned and operated farm. Open 4 days a week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for U- picking. The farm also offers Sunflowers and Zinnias for harvest. $6.50 per pound for blueberries, and $2 per steam of Sunflower. Cash and card are accepted. 9600 State Road 72 Sarasota, Fl 34241.
April 2, 2022: Aqua Egg Hunt Hunt for eggs at the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex! Enjoy hunting for eggs in the pool while looking for the “golden” egg to win prizes! Hunt starts at 1:00 p.m. for kids 4 and younger, at 1:20 p.m., kids 5 through 8 years old, and at 1:40 p.m. kids 9 to 12 years old. $2 per child. Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldmere St., Sarasota, FL
April 2 – 3, 2022: 19th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art and Craft Festival You’ll find with a wide variety of arts and crafts including, jewelry and pottery, ceramics plus photography as well as painting, clothing, plants, flowers, hand made soaps, gourmet spices and much more. Everything is handmade! 10: 00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free admission. 1 Central Avenue, downtown Sarasota, FL
April 9, 2022: Kids Bunny Bash Bounce around in bounce houses, enjoy various easter crafts, or slide down the 20ft inflatable slide. Take pictures with the Easter Bunny and partake in the bounce house obstacle course. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Free Parking. Tickets are $8 per person over the age of 2, admission is free for under 2 years old. 2525 27th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208.
April 9, 2022: EGGstravaganza at Waterside Park Bring the kids out to this Easter celebration including fun activities, entertainment, an egg hunt, and the Easter Bunny! Over 10,000 fun-filled Easter eggs will be spread out over the park, separated by age groups. Festivities start at 9:30 a.m. $10 for resident, $20 for nonresident. Waterside Park 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Unit 103, Lakewood Ranch, FL. 34240
April 9 – May 11, 2022: Acoustic Sunsets Enjoy solo or duo musical groups performing acoustic music as the sun sets on beautiful Sarasota Bay at the Bayfront Gardens at The Ringling. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 for Members and $15 for guest. Shows are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month January to May 2022. 6:00 p.m. The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL
April 12, 2022: Bradenton Marauders Home Opener Come celebrate the Bradenton Marauders season opening game against Lakeland. This will be the teams 13th season in franchise history. Game starts at 6:30 p.m. LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL
April 15, 2022: Hernando De Soto Children’s Parade Bring the kids out to enjoy the annual Hernando De Soto Children’s Parade. The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. at Palmetto High School/Manatee County Fair Grounds in Palmetto and ends at Sutton Park with a the Party in the Park celebration.
April 16, 2022: Easter Egg Hunt Come out and partake in the Lake Sarasota easter egg hunt, take pictures with live bunnies, crafts and much more. 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Admission is free. 7255 hand road Sarasota, Fl 34241.
April 22 – 24, 2022: 38th annual Suncoast Boat Show Held at Sarasota’s Bayfront Marina, guest will get to see over 100 watercrafts on display, from cruisers, sportfishers, center consoles, to inflatables. Marine products and accessories will also be on display. Food and drinks available for purchase. Show runs Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $16.00 for adults, kids 15 and under are free. Marina Jacks, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota Fl.
April 23, 2022: Big Truck Day Big trucks are rolling into CoolToday Park for the 24th year of Big Truck Day! Kids can explore and learn more about the vehicles and trucks they see on the streets every day. Admission is free, food and drinks will be available to purchase. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CoolToday Park, 18800 S W Villages Pkwy, Venice FL.
April 30, 2022: DeSoto Grand Parade Catch a glimpse of one of the oldest and largest parades in the area. Thousands gather each year, to find out the new Hernando DeSoto Queen and Princess, while collecting coins, beads, and sweet treats and more throughout the parade. The parade starts at 7:00 pm from Manatee High School.