Get Your Hop On! 20+ Events and Easter Egg Hunts in Sarasota This April
This April, Sarasota is hopping with events and Easter egg hunts! With so much going on, it can be hard to decide which activities to take part in. That's why we've put together this guide to the best events and Easter egg hunts in Sarasota this April, so you can get your hop on! From festivals to family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone in Sarasota this April.
Easter Egg Hunts in Sarasota
Sarasota is full of fun and exciting things to do this April, and it's no surprise that Easter egg hunts top the list! Whether you're looking for a way to celebrate the holiday or just want to get out and about with your family, there are tons of Easter egg hunts in Sarasota this April.:
Eggstravaganza in Lakewood Ranch - April 1st, 9:30am-11:30am at Waterside Park
Aqua Egg Hunt - April 1st, 1pm at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
EGG-STRAVAGANZA! - April 7th, 12pm-2pm at The Mall at UTC
Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt - April 8th, 9am-12pm at Siesta Key Chapel
Easter Egg Helicopter Drop - April 8th, 10am-12pm at Venice High School Stadium
Sarasota Egg Drop - April 9th, 10:30am at Hope City Church
Easter Eggstravaganza at Sunday Polo - Helicopter Easter Egg Drop - April 9th, 1pm-3:30pm at the Sarasota Polo Club
37th Annual Run/Walk for the Turtles
April 1st, 7am | Siesta Key Beach
The 37th Annual Run/Walk for the Turtles is a major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The race starts at 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242, but there is also a virtual race option for those who cannot attend in person. Race pricing for adults (14 & up) is $35 and for kids (13 & under) it is $20. Registration includes a complimentary race t-shirt, access to the food station, kids activities area & more!
All participants in the 1 Mile Fun Run will receive a finisher ribbon and prizes will be awarded for the overall male and female top finishers. The 5K race will be chip timed and sanctioned by Manasota Track Club and awards will be given to the top 6 finishers by age group. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to the race! Early packet pick-up is available and packets will also be available to be picked up on race morning. With so many things to do in Sarasota this April, why not kick off the month by taking part in this fun and meaningful event?
Sarasota Open Air Fine Art Show
April 1st-2nd, 10am - 5pm | Phillippi Estate Park
If you're looking for things to do this April, the Sarasota Open Air Fine Art Show is the perfect way to spend an afternoon! This show features one-of-a-kind and limited-edition artworks in many materials, such as oil and acrylic paintings, prints, giclee, watercolors, art photography, digital art, collages, 3-dimensional sculptures, home decor, and wearable art and jewelry. Plus, there's a special Youth Art Competition for ages 5-13 integrated within the art show. On Sunday at 3 pm, $250 Youth Art Awards are presented. Don't miss out on the unique opportunity to check out amazing pieces of artwork from local and regional artists!
Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch
April 7th, 6pm - 9pm | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Music on Main is a free monthly concert series and block party held on the first Friday of every month. This month, Kettle of Fish will fill the air with rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul music and the event will benefit the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. Held on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, Music on Main draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy an evening of live music and festivities.
There are food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and plenty of games and activities for the kids. As if that wasn't enough, the proceeds from each Music on Main event benefit a different local non-profit organization every month. This makes Music on Main the perfect event for individuals looking to enjoy a fun night out in Lakewood Ranch while helping to make a difference in the local community!
SEAonal Tasting at Nathan Benderson Park
April 12th, 6pm | Nathan Benderson Park
Join Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for the SEAsonal Tasting event at Nathan Benderson Park! Guests can enjoy complimentary beer and wine, small tastings, and a bird's-eye view of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) site. With over 10 restaurants from the UTC community providing light bites, live music, and a preview of Mote’s new location, you don’t want to miss this event!
The Mote SEA project will improve access to marine science education for diverse learners. It is part of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's ongoing mission to provide world-class marine science to support conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. Come out and support Mote’s commitment to preserving our local environment!
Movies in The Park
April 14th, 7pm - 10pm | Waterside Place
Come out and enjoy a free, family-friendly evening at Movies in The Park at Waterside Place! This month’s movie will be Wall-E. Held every 2nd Friday of the month beginning at approximately 8pm, this event is graciously sponsored by Grace Community Church. The Sidewalk Science Center will also be joining in on the fun with astronomy activities and star gazing from 7-9:30pm. Plus, the first 200 attendees will get one (1) FREE Chick Fil A sandwich or nuggets! Don’t forget to bring your blankets and/or lawn chairs for an outdoor movie night. Concessions are available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn and Chick Fil A. The kids can have even more fun with face painting and inflatables from 7-9pm. So come out and enjoy this free event for a family night of fun and entertainment!
2023 Paws on the Red Carpet
April 14th, 11:30am | Art Ovation Hotel
The Humane Society of Sarasota County will be hosting their signature luncheon, Paws on the Red Carpet, on Friday, April 14, 2023. Get ready to experience the high-energy Hollywood-themed party vibe with A-List entertainment! Enjoy exclusive shopping, sumptuous cocktails, a delicious lunch and decadent dessert, and of course lots of adorable cats and dogs. Attendees are encouraged to dress in a Hollywood glam style or come as their favorite celebrity. Most importantly, all proceeds from the event will go directly to the 3,000 animals that the Humane Society of Sarasota County will care for this year. Don't miss out on this pawsitively fun event!
USFSM Carnival Celebration
April 14th, 4pm - 9pm | Sarasota-Manatee Campus South Parking Lot
The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) Week Carnival is back and ready to give you a thrilling time! As part of USFSM Week, this free event will feature rides like the teacups and bumper cars for all ages and you can challenge your friends and family to exciting games. Plus enjoy delicious treats from food vendors and have fun at interactive booths! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the best of USFSM Week.
Celebrate World Circus Day
April 15th, 10am - 5pm | The Circus Museum at the Ringling
This April, The Ringling is celebrating World Circus Day in style with free admission to the Circus Museum! Take part in a day of family fun and circus-related activities, such as food trucks, circus performances, juggling parties, art making, and film screenings. Enjoy free admission to the Circus Museum and explore its fascinating exhibits and learn more about the history of the circus. So, make sure to head over to The Ringling to experience the magic of World Circus Day this April!
The UTC Night Market
April 20th, 5pm - 9pm | West District at UTC
Looking for something fun to do this month? The UTC Night Market is a great option! This is a monthly outdoor market event with live music from the Doug South Band and all sorts of handcrafted goods, jewelry, plants, art, gifts, and more. The UTC Night Market takes place every third Thursday of the month from 5-9 pm at The West District at UTC near Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar. Come out and enjoy a fun evening of music, shopping, and more!
Sailor Circus Spring Show
April 20th-23rd, Showtimes Vary | Sailor Circus Arena
The Sailor Circus Spring Show is a must-see event for Sarasota locals and visitors alike. The annual show is produced by the Sailor Circus Academy, which has provided after-school circus training to kids since 1949. Since then, more than 1 million people have been delighted by the talent of these youth performers. This year's show promises to be even bigger and better, with daring acts of acrobatics, high-flying aerial performances, and unbelievable contortions from some of the most talented young performers in the world. Don't miss out on this family-friendly event that is sure to bring joy and amazement to all who attend!
Suncoast Boat Show
April 21st-23rd, Hours Vary | Marina Jack
The Suncoast Boat Show is the largest in the Sarasota area and has been running for more than 40 years. Featuring over 500 boats and yachts, this show is sure to impress boaters of all ages! From kayaks to powerboats and sailboats, the Suncoast Boat Show has something for everyone. In addition to browsing the vessels on display, visitors can also attend seminars and demonstrations from experienced boaters, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities. If you are looking for a unique experience this April, the Suncoast Boat Show is an event you don’t want to miss!
Venice Sharks Tooth Festival
April 22nd-23rd, Hours Vary | Centennial Park
This April, come out and enjoy the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival! This free and open-to-the-public event is held annually in Venice, the shark tooth capital of the world. The festival features a variety of food trucks serving up everything from seafood to barbeque, as well as a line-up of local and regional live bands from beachy rock to jazz. In addition, you can browse through the vendors’ booths, check out the shark-themed kid's area, enjoy face painting, go shark tooth hunting and much more. Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival!
Screen on the Green at UTC
April 28th, 6:30pm - 10:30pm | The Green at UTC
Are you looking for a fun and free event this April? Check out Screen on the Green at UTC! This outdoor movie experience takes place on The Green, located directly across from Gifts & More at the Paper Store. Every month, Screen on the Green shows family-friendly films on the fourth Friday of the month. In honor of Earth month, this April they will be showing Wall-E!
Families and friends of all ages are welcome to join in the fun, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arrive early to get a good spot. Showtime begins after sunset around 7:30 pm. Kids can enjoy some extra entertainment with face painting and onsite concessions starting at 6:30 pm. Come out and enjoy the show!
De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade
April 29th, 7pm | Starts from Manatee High School
The De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade is one of the oldest and largest parades in the Southeastern United States, drawing more than 100,000 people to the streets of Bradenton each year. Illuminated floats move down the street while locals and visitors alike cheer from the sidelines. Everyone along the parade route will be treated to beads, coins and other fun items thrown from the floats throughout the night.
This year's parade steps off at 7:00 pm from Manatee High School. To get the best view, you'll want to arrive early as the streets will be lined with excited spectators. Come and experience this annual tradition that has been lighting up the Bradenton community for decades!
Sharky’s Ride the Beaches
April 30th, 6am - 2pm | Sharky’s in Venice
This April, join your fellow cycling enthusiasts at Sharky’s Ride the Beaches! This 16th annual event offers riders a chance to choose from three routes, all with incredible coastal views. Best of all, you’ll be supporting three great causes: Team Tony, Friends of the Legacy Trail, and Livestrong Foundation. Over the past 16 years, Sharky’s Ride the Beaches has donated $292,000 to charity!
The ride starts at 7:00 am and includes breakfast on the beach, water, sports drinks, fresh fruit, snacks, sandwiches, and a BBQ lunch. Choose from the 70-mile, 35-mile, or 15-mile route. All routes have rest stops with water, snacks and restrooms. Enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf coast while knowing that your participation is contributing to a great cause!
52nd Annual Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show
April 30th, 9am - 2pm | Sarasota County Fairgrounds
Get ready to rev your engines, because the 52nd Annual Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show is coming to Sarasota! Hosted by the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, the show includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods & customs, military and service vehicles that are 25 years and older. There is no jugging, registration or charge for show vehicles.
Admission for spectators is $5 and kids under 10 are free. On top of the amazing show vehicles, there is a car corral, vendors, food trucks, and a beer tent - making it an event for the whole family to enjoy! So don't miss out on the 52nd Annual Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show this April!
The Season Finale at The Sarasota Polo Club
April 30th, 1pm - 3:30pm | The Sarasota Polo Club
Don't miss the last match of the season at The Sarasota Polo Club! Gates open at 10am for exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and traditional divot-stomping. Fieldside general admission tailgating, reserved tailgating, reserved midfield premium seating or VIP midfield boxes are available for Sunday Polo. Well-socialized dogs are welcome on a leash. Purchase your tickets today on Eventbrite.
As the Sarasota Polo Club proudly states: “We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to experience the thrill of Sarasota Polo, “the fastest game on four feet!”
