April Sarasota Events

April 20, 2025: Easter Sunrise Service The Church of the Palms hosts sunrise service will be on campus due to sand replenishment on Lido Beach) 7:00 am behind the Palm Center. Traditional Service: 9 & 11 am. Contemporary Service: 9:00 am. It is recommended that you bring your own chair or a blanket as seating is very limited. 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL. 

April 5 - 12, 2026: It's the 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open as Sarasota kicks off the U.S. Clay Court Swing with the first stop on the United States clay court tour. Some of the game's biggest stars have lifted the trophy in Florida, with Kei Nishikori prevailing in 2010, followed by James Blake (2011), Sam Querrey (2012), Nick Kyrgios (2014), Frances Tiafoe (2017), Tommy Paul (2019) and Daniel Altmaier (2023). Enjoy a week of great tennis, charity and fun. New location: MG Academy at 5650 Bollettieri Blvd, Bradenton, FL,

April 6 - 9, 2026: Turn old favorites into new discoveries at Book Swap! This is more than a trade. It is a chance to share stories, save money and discover something new for your family to enjoy. Bring gently used books, board games, puzzles, audiobooks or Blu-ray discs to the Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 W. Price Blvd., between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. For each accepted item you donate, you will receive a credit to use at the Book Swap event on April 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Please note that VHS tapes, outdated textbooks and materials with inappropriate content will not be accepted. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com. Participation is limited to 25 items per person. Items must be in good condition. Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 W. Price Blvd., North Port, FL.

April 10, 2026: The USFSM Carnival Celebration is free and open to the public to celebrate the campus during USF week 2026! Admission and carnival rides are free. There will be rides, games, food, and so much more! Admission is FREE for all, so bring family and friends! 4 p.m. - 8:30  p.m. USFSM, Sarasota-Manatee Campus South Parking Lot ,  8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.

April 10, 2026: Check out some heavenly bodies at Sidewalk Astronomy at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton for a FREE evening of observing through their telescopes. Food trucks will be on-site and you’ll be able to enjoy a planetarium show for a small fee, in addition to the FREE telescopic observing in the north courtyard. The event is scheduled to end at 10:30. Expect LARGE crowds! At our most recent (non-rainout!) events, the number of people in attendance has ranged from 400 to 700! Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is 201 10th Street West, Bradenton, FL.

April 10, 2026: It's a new season of Music in the Park. On Friday evenings there are few better ways to relax and welcome in the weekend than listening to great local music in an outdoor setting. You can enjoy the best in local music at the Rossi Park Pavilion on the Riverwalk. Tonight's music is by The Doodz with Rock & Pop from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - bring a chair or blanket for relaxing and listening! Free. Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater,  606 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL

April 10, 2026: Join Lakewood Ranch Main Street as they celebrate life on the Ranch at their Annual LWR Block Party, in partnership with Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. This free event features live music, beer trucks, activities, and the chance to meet with local businesses, builders, groups and clubs that call Lakewood Ranch home. It’s sure to be a great time for the entire family! 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 8100 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL.

April 10 - 11, 2026: You're invited to join the Sarasota Orchestra for a fan-Parrots & Palms: Tropical Rock for Five O'clock… Somewhere Concert at Ed Smith Stadium. Time to celebrate the vibe, the breeze, and the legendary tropical songs of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Beach Boys, and more! Classic, sun-soaked stories and timeless hits are brought to life by celebrated vocalists and your Sarasota Orchestra. Sing your heart out to “Come Monday,” “Fins,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Kokomo,” "It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere,” and so many more. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com. Come along for a symphonic evening of musical magic that raises a glass to the power of the surf and the romance of the islands, topped off with a sensational fireworks display. There will also be a pre-concert picnic option which you can include with ticket purchase. Various ticket prices. 7:30 p.m. Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota, FL. Enter through the Left Field Gate.

April 10 - 12, 2026: If you're a weekend D.I.Y'er you'll want to check out the Sarasota Bradenton Home Show. Featuring everything from kitchens and baths to landscapers and pools, solar, builders, contractors and more, you'll pick up some great ideas or find just the folks who can help you with everything for your home. Admission is free with online registration or $10 at the door & free parking. Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Off Fruitville Road. April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

April 10 -  19, 2026: The 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, is one of the year's biggest events and will feature a return appearance by the rock group KISS' Gene Simmons. It's 10 days of movies, celebrities and parties when Hollywood comes to Sarasota! Founded in 1998, the Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) has grown to be a ten-day festival that plays independent and international narratives, docs and shorts that are programmed into a schedule of over 200 films including features, themed shorts packages and additional programming sidebars that change each year to reflect the strengths of submitted films. The 26th Sarasota Film Festival will feature a lineup of films that includes 64 features, with 4 World Premieres, 1 North American Premiere, 7 East Coast Premieres, and 24 Florida Premieres; and 81 short films. The festival also hosts conversations with film stars, celebrity guests, events, parties, and educational programs to support the art of filmmaking. Festival events include socially-driven parties and private receptions to honor guest filmmakers, community-wide street festivals and the black-tie Filmmakers Tribute Dinner. SFF patrons have enjoyed intimate performances from Aerosmith and The B52's as well as a host of special appearances from local and international musicians.  The Sarasota Film Festival is a favored destination for filmmakers, national press, industry executives and stars. In 2022 Jacqueline Bisset was awarded the Sarasota Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award at the April 9th Closing Night screening of her project, LOREN & ROSE. Hollywood Stars that appeared here in 2019 were Greg Kinnear, Blythe Danner, Anne Heche, and Tyne Daily. Hollywood Stars who made appearances in 2018 included actress Virginia Madsen and actor Steve Guttenberg, who received a career achievement award from the festival. The 2017 Film Festival included Diane Lane, Rory Kennedy, and Aisha Tyler. Actors Stanley Tucci, and Rosanna Arquette, who took part in the "In Conversation With" series, also attended the 2017 festival. On the 2016 appearance agenda were actresses and actors: Sophia Loren, Olympia Dukakis, George Hamilton, Mathew Modine, and Treat Williams. Making appearances in 2015 were actresses Cloris Leachman, Jane Seymour and Blythe Danner. Making an appearance at the 2013 Film Festival was actress Mariel Hemingway. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com. The 2012 Feature actor and special guest was Frank Langella. 2011's special guest and honoree was the legendary Christopher Plummer, who received the "Cinema Master" Award. Also receiving an award in 2012 was Oscar Award winning actress Geena Davis

April 11, 2026: It's the 40th Annual Run/walk for the Turtles sponsored by Mote Marine on Siesta Key Public Beach. Run, walk or crawl to support Mote's sea turtle conservation and research!  6:30 a.m. - Packet pick up & race day registration opens, 7:00 a.m. - Warm Up! 7:30 a.m. - 1 Mile Fun Run, 8:00 a.m. - 5K Run sanctioned by Manasota Track Club, Award ceremony to follow 5K. Race registration (for both the 1 Mile Fun Run & 5K) includes a complimentary race t-shirt, access to the food station, kids activities area & more! This event is family friendly and spectators are welcome. 6:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. FL.

April 11, 2026: Bring beauty and diversity into your landscape with affordable, Florida-friendly plants grown locally by UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteers. It's the UF/IFAS Manatee County Plant Sale of Affordable plants grown by Master Gardener Volunteers to benefit outreach and educational programs. Get the best selection of plants and beat the rush with one of our early-bird tickets. Starting at $10 per person or $5 per family, the early-bird ticket allows you access to the plant sale from 8–9 a.m. Regular entry begins at 9 a.m. and is free. Pre-registration is required on Eventbrite for communication and event capacity purposes. Contact the UF/IFAS office at 941-722-4524 for accessibility concerns and special accommodation requests. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com. Only cash or check will be accepted during the sale. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Barbara Davis Educational Gardens, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL

April 11, 2026: You are invited to a Community Conversation on Hurricane Preparedness with Sarasota County and partners. Hear from local, regional and national officials about: Personal and home preparation, Evacuation procedures, Shelter options and special needs, Vital resources, What to expect from national forecasting models in 2026. The event is free, but registration through Eventbrite is encouraged. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota.

April 11, 2026: The  Manatee Community Concert Band performs its season finale, "On Broadway" featuring some of your all time favorite show tunes. Tickets are $15 each. 3 p.m. All Concerts are at the Neel Performing Arts Center on the campus of State College of Florida. SCF Neel Performing Arts Center - 5840 26th Street West, Building 11 East, Bradenton, FL.

April 11, 2026: The State College of Florida (SCF) Foundation will host "Motown Magic,"  The 38th Annual Evening under the Stars! Join us for an unforgettable Evening Under the Stars: Motown Magic Tribute Concert at the SCF Venice Campus. Choose from three guest experiences: the VIP package offers pre-event food, an open bar, dinner, dessert, and reserved seating central to the performance. Soul Pass tickets provide guests with a reserved seat and a drink ticket. General Admission tickets allow guests to bring their own seating and picnic under the stars. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com.  Proceeds from the event support the mission of the State College of Florida Foundation. Gates open at 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tickets $30 - $150. SCF Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL.

April 11 - 12, 2026: Want to go hunting for Shark tooth fossils? Want a simple and inexpensive way to do it? Then attend the  Venice Sharks Tooth Festival in a new location: Centennial park in downtown Venice. Admission is free. There are fossils, food trucks, arts and crafts, live music and children's activities. Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centennial Park, Venice Avenue, Downtown Venice FL

April 12, 2026: Enjoy Sarasota's own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team and their Sunday afternoon show at 2 p.m. at Ski-A-Ree Stadium. This free show takes place at 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway (near/behind Mote Marine Aquarium on the water.) 2 p.m. 388-1666. April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.

April 12, 2026: Enjoy a concert by the Sarasota Suncoast Concert Band. Final concert of their season, "The Joy of Spring". Showtime is 3 p.m. Admission is $5. Call 941-907-4123 for availability. Northminster Presbyterian Church, on Lockwood Ridge, a block south of University Parkway. 3131 61st Street, Sarasota, FL

April 17, 2026:  Get your toes tappin' at Jazz at Two! Thomas Carabasi returns to Jazz at Two with an all new program. Enjoy a mix of ​songbook favorites, classic jazz, popular standards and some Samba and bossa sounds from Brazil. The Thomas Carabasi Quintet was the opening act in last year’s Sarasota Jazz Festival. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Admission paid at the door.Jazz Club members $15 - Guests $20. Unitarian Universalist Church 3975 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL.

April 17, 2026:  It's Music in the Park. On Friday evenings there are few better ways to relax and welcome in the weekend than listening to great local music in an outdoor setting. For seven Fridays you can enjoy the best in local music at the Rossi Park Pavilion on the Riverwalk. Tonight's music is by The Fulcos with Rock from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - bring a chair or blanket for relaxing and listening! Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL

April 17, 2026:  It's the Manatee Music Series. Westbound & Down are scheduled to perform. Enjoy these FREE live concerts, taking place Third Fridays from February to May. Free. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. G.T. Bray Amphitheater, 2811 51st St. W., Bradenton, FL.

April 17 - 19, 2026: It's fun for all kids and kids at heart. It's the PAL Sailor Circus Spring Show, "Night at the Movies II" Acrobats, clowns and a copious cast of colorful characters will dazzle! The Greatest "Little Show on Earth" celebrates the tradition of the circus arts with more than 100 young circus artists. The youth circus, with members from 8 - 18 years old. 4 shows. 1 p.m., 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Various ticket prices. America’s longest-running youth circus performing in the newly renovated Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL. (941) 355-9335.

April 17 - 19, 2026: The annual Suncoast Boat Show takes place at downtown Sarasota's Bayfront Marina. 100s of watercraft on display. Along with boats and yachts there will be marine products and accessories. Cruisers, Runabouts, Bowriders, Sportfishers, Center Consoles, Motor Yachts, Inflatables and more. Food, drinks, music, and more. The show opens on Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m., and on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 19 hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Adult One-Day General Admission Tickets are $21.Tickets are only available for purchase online, and there will not be a ticketing box office at the show. Children 15 and under are free. Active military and veterans receive complimentary general admission. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com. Please bring a valid picture ID or send a copy of your ID to cxteam@informa.com to receive your ticket in advance. Friends and family are not eligible to redeem this offer. Marina Jack’s, #2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL. April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.

April 17 - 19, 2026: Check out the Punta Gorda Seafood & Music Festival for a weekend filled with delicious food, live music, and festive activities. This seafood and music festival is crafted like an outstanding meal, incorporating the finest ingredients. Choose from a variety of entrees including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all cooked fresh onsite. Complement your meal with an array of side dishes and scrumptious desserts. A selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.Sit back and enjoy the captivating sounds of live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents. The entertainment schedule will be posted as the festival date approaches. Previous performers included David Chastain Band, The Big Bad Wolves, Hurricane Shane Band, Undr8ed Band, 22N, YaYa Diamond & The Dream Chasers, Dead Set Florida, K-Luv & United Funk Foundation, Thunder Beach, Nigel Mack & The Blues Attack, and Memphis Lightning. In addition to the music and food, explore a marketplace of arts and crafts. Event listing courtesy of April Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com. General admission is FREE! Friday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Laishley Park, Punta Gorda, FL.