Exploring Sarasota: Your Guide to April 2024

As the vibrant city of Sarasota welcomes the spring season, there's a plethora of exciting events and activities lined up to indulge locals and visitors alike! From cultural festivals to outdoor adventures, April promises a diverse array of experiences for everyone to enjoy. Let's dive into what's happening in Sarasota this April!

April 5, 2024: Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch

Kickstart your weekend with the rhythm of the 90s at Lakewood Ranch from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mojo Filter will take you on a nostalgic journey with favorite hits from the era while you enjoy beer, wine, and delicious food. The event will benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. Remember to bring your chairs, but leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

April 5 - 14, 2024: 26th Annual Sarasota Film Festival

Prepare for 10 days filled with movies, celebrities, and parties as Hollywood comes to Sarasota for the 26th Annual Sarasota Film Festival! With over 200 films, including features, documentaries, and shorts, there's something for every film enthusiast. Enjoy conversations with film stars, celebrity guests, and immersive events that celebrate the art of filmmaking. Don't miss this cinematic extravaganza!

April 6, 2024: 38th Annual Run/walk for the Turtles

Support Mote Marine's sea turtle conservation and research by participating in the 38th Annual Run/walk for the Turtles on Siesta Key Public Beach! The event kicks off at 6:30 a.m. with packet pick-up and registration, followed by a warm-up session at 7 a.m. Choose between a 1 Mile Fun Run or a 5K sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Stick around for the award ceremony and enjoy complimentary race t-shirts, food stations, and kids' activities. It's a family-friendly event for a great cause!

April 6, 2024: Premiere of The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery

Experience the magic of the circus at the Ringling Circus Museum with the premiere of The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery. Delve into the modern era of the circus, celebrating the legacy of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Explore the exhibition space daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and witness the evolution of one of the world's most iconic brands.

April 7 - 14, 2024: 2024 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open

Catch the action at the 2024 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open as Sarasota kicks off the U.S. Clay Court Swing. Enjoy a week of world-class tennis, charity events, and fun activities at the Payne Park Tennis Center. Witness some of the game's biggest stars compete for glory in this prestigious tournament.

April 13, 2024: Great American Cleanup

Join Keep Sarasota County Beautiful for the 2024 Great American Cleanup from 8am - 10am and help beautify various locations throughout Sarasota County! All volunteers must register in advance to participate. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and contribute to a cleaner, greener Sarasota.

April 13 - 14, 2024: Venice Sharks Tooth Festival

Embark on a fossil-hunting adventure at the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival at Centennial Park on Saturday, April 13th 10am-8pm and Sunday, April 14th 10am-5pm. Explore fossils, indulge in delicious food from food trucks, browse arts and crafts, and enjoy live music and children's activities. Admission is free, but leave your pets at home for this family-friendly event.

April 19, 2024: Cheers! Wine Walk 2024 at The Ringling

Sip and savor wines from around the globe at the Cheers! Wine Walk 2024 at The Ringling. Indulge in a wine tasting tour through the historic mansion and Ca’ d’Zan Terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay. VIP and General Admission tickets are available for an evening of live music, entertainment, and culinary delights.

April 19, 2024: Myakka's Full Moon Ghost Story Ride

Experience an evening of mystery and intrigue at Myakka River State Park's Full Moon Ghost Story Ride. Join a bike tour through the park's backcountry while listening to tales of phantoms from Myakka's past. Tickets are limited, so book your spot for this spine-tingling adventure!

April 19 - 21, 2024: Suncoast Boat Show

Head to downtown Sarasota's Bayfront Marina for the annual Suncoast Boat Show! Explore hundreds of watercraft on display, along with marine products and accessories. Enjoy food, drinks, live music, and more while immersing yourself in the maritime lifestyle.

April 20, 2024: World Circus Day Celebration

Celebrate World Circus Day at the Circus Museum at The Ringling with free admission to the museum and Bayfront Gardens. Explore the world's largest miniature circus and delve into the rich history of the circus from ancient times to the present day.

April 21, 2024: Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

Join the excitement at Nathan Benderson Park for the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival! Teams of all ages can participate in thrilling races while enjoying a beer garden, food trucks, health & wellness village, and entertainment. Spectators are welcome to join in the fun and witness the dragon boat spectacle.

April 26 - 28, 2024: Sarasota Tattoo Expo

Experience the artistry of over 80 award-winning tattoo artists from around the country at the Sarasota Tattoo Expo! Watch live tattooing demonstrations, participate in free raffles, and discover a diverse range of tattoo styles. Tickets are available at the door for this ink-filled weekend at the Sarasota Memorial Auditorium.

April 28, 2024: 53rd Annual Devereaux Kaiser Car Show

Admire classic and antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles at the 53rd Annual Devereaux Kaiser Car Show presented by the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund. Enjoy a day filled with automotive nostalgia, food trucks, and vendors at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds.


With such a diverse range of events and activities, April in Sarasota promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. Whether you're a film enthusiast, sports fan, nature lover, or art aficionado, there's something for you to discover and enjoy in this vibrant city by the Gulf!