15 Things to Do In & Around Sarasota This April 2026
Spring is one of the best times of year around Sarasota, and April is packed with festivals, family events, sports, film, and outdoor fun across the Suncoast. Here are 16 great things to do in and around Sarasota this April 2026.
1. Springfest & Community Scavenger Hunt
April 3, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St, Sarasota, FL
Kick off spring with this family-friendly community event on the newly refreshed turf field. Kids can hunt for eggs, participate in a scavenger hunt, and enjoy a cheerful afternoon of activities designed for the whole community.
2. Hernando De Soto Children’s Parade & Party in the Park
April 3, 2026 | 10 a.m.
Palmetto, FL (Parade ending at Sutton and Lamb Parks)
One of the most heartwarming events of the year, this parade features floats designed and built by local children. After the parade, families can enjoy games, food, and activities at the “Party in the Park.”
3. Easter Egg Hunt at The Children’s Garden
April 4, 2026 | Hunt begins at 10 a.m.
The Children’s Garden and Art Center, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL
Kids can collect a dozen eggs filled with sweets, with some containing tickets for special prizes. The event also includes a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and photo opportunities.
4. Easter Brunch at Selby Gardens
April 5, 2026 | 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. seatings
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL
Celebrate Easter with a brunch buffet by Michael’s On East at Selby’s beautiful downtown campus. Families can also enjoy an Easter egg hunt, balloon twisting, and full access to the gardens before or after brunch.
5. Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open
April 5 – 12, 2026
IMG Academy, 5650 Bollettieri Blvd, Bradenton, FL
The Sarasota Open kicks off the U.S. clay court swing with a week of top-level professional tennis. Past champions include stars like Kei Nishikori, Nick Kyrgios, and Frances Tiafoe.
6. Bradenton Marauders Home Opener
April 7, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL
The Bradenton Marauders begin their 16th season with their home opener against Palm Beach. Enjoy a classic night of minor league baseball at historic LECOM Park.
7. Lakewood Ranch Block Party
April 10, 2026 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Main St, Lakewood Ranch, FL
This lively community celebration features live music, beer trucks, and family-friendly activities. It’s also a chance to meet local businesses, builders, clubs, and organizations that call Lakewood Ranch home.
8. Sarasota Bradenton Home Show
April 10 – 12, 2026
Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL
Perfect for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, this event features experts in kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, pools, solar, builders, and contractors. Discover new ideas and connect with professionals who can help with your next home project.
9. Sarasota Film Festival
April 10 – 19, 2026
Various venues throughout Sarasota
One of the largest regional film festivals in the world, this ten-day event showcases more than 200 independent and international films. Expect celebrity appearances, filmmaker panels, premieres, and special events across the city.
10. Run/Walk for the Turtles
April 11, 2026 | 6:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL
Support sea turtle conservation with this annual event hosted by Mote Marine Laboratory. Participants can choose a 5K run or a one-mile fun run along beautiful Siesta Key Beach.
11. Venice Sharks Tooth Festival
April 11 – 12, 2026
Centennial Park, Downtown Venice, FL
Celebrate Venice’s reputation as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” The festival features fossil vendors, food trucks, arts and crafts, live music, and children’s activities.
12. PAL Sailor Circus Spring Show – “Night at the Movies II”
April 17 – 19, 2026
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL
More than 100 young circus artists perform acrobatics, clowning, and daring acts in this beloved youth circus production. Known as “The Greatest Little Show on Earth,” it’s a Sarasota tradition.
13. Suncoast Boat Show
April 17 – 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sun until 5 p.m.)
Marina Jack, #2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL
Hundreds of boats and yachts fill Sarasota’s Bayfront Marina during this major boating event. Explore everything from cruisers and motor yachts to fishing gear and marine accessories.
14. World Circus Day at The Ringling
April 18, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Ringling Museum Complex, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL
Celebrate the history of circus arts with free admission to the Circus Museum and Bayfront Gardens. Visitors can see the world’s largest miniature circus and explore exhibits about circus history from ancient times to today.
15. Devereaux Kaiser Car Show & Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund Event
April 19, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL
This annual car show features classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods, military vehicles, and vintage Mustangs. Hosted by the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, the event also includes food trucks, vendors, and a beer tent, with a small donation supporting local firefighters and their families.
April is packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy everything the Sarasota area has to offer. From festivals and family-friendly events to sports, seafood, film, and waterfront celebrations, there’s something happening nearly every week across the Suncoast. Mark your calendar, explore a few new events, and make the most of spring in and around Sarasota.
