Florida Travel Calendar for April
Check out our list of statewide festivals and events for April. Also check out the May travel calendar.
Compiled by Andrea Canterbury
Central FloridaCovering the I-4 corridor from Daytona to Tampa plus Sarasota and Brevard County
April 1: Family Night Hike at Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. See the mysterious glow of spider eyes, noctural beetles and things you’ve never seen as you discover what happens in the Gardens after sunset. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Adults and children 10 and older only. Admission. Reservations required. 863-676-1408. boksanctuary.org
April 1-4: The Ultimate National Cheerleading Championship, Kissimmee. Cheerleaders compete for the Ultimate National Championship. At Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. Admission. 877-490-0010. COAcheer.com
April 2-4, 10, 16-17, 23-24: DeSoto Heritage Festival, Bradenton. The Heritage Festival Children’s Parade on April 2 proceeds from Manatee County Fairgrounds to Sutton and Lamb Parks, where food and fun activities including games and a magic show fill the rest of the day. Easter Egg Hunt on April 3 and Easter Sunrise Service on April 4. The DeSoto Grand Parade on April 24 is the grand finale of the Heritage Festival. Acclaimed as the area’s most dazzling, it is an illuminated night parade with more than 150 entries and more than 180,000 spectators as it winds its way from Manatee High School to the downtown area. An After-Parade Party follows at Bradenton Auditorium. Admission. 941-747-1998. desotohq.com
April 3: Smucker’s Stars on Ice, Orlando. Enjoy performances by Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, World Champion Evan Iysacek, Olymic Silver Medalist Tanith Belbin, Olympic medal hopefuls from the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and more. At Amway Arena. Admission. 407-849-3002. starsonice.com/figure-skating/?content=tour
April 3: Easter Eggstravaganza, Kissimmee. Bring your Easter basket and get ready to join in on an egg-cellent Easter egg hunt. The festivities include an egg hunt, bounce house, entertainment, games, food and more. At Berlinsky Community House. Admission. 407-518-2599. visitkissimmee.com/leisure/festivals_events_calendar
April 3: 43rd Annual Run Forrest, Run! Easter Beach Run, Daytona Beach. This Easter beach run was established in 1967 as a way to provide an activity for visiting college students on Easter Sunday. The race has become a favorite fun race in Northeastern Florida and draws numerous participants each year. The course will be run at low tide on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach. Races include a 4-mile race for all ages at 8:00 a.m., a 2-mile race and fun health walk for all ages at 9:15 a.m., a 50-yard race for ages 3 to 5, a 100-yard race for ages 6 to 7 and a quarter-mile race for ages 8 to 9. All three kids’races start at 10 a.m. Staging area has been permanently moved to the new Breaker’s Oceanfront Park adjacent to the Main Street Pier. Registration available by mail, online, in person and on race day. 386-671-3402. easterbeachrun.org
April 4: River Front Easter Celebration, Ponce Inlet. Includes Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny and traditional Easter entrees, such as roasted leg of lamb and ham. inletharbor.com
April 4: Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. Easter morning worshipers are invited to greet the dawn of this special day atop peninsular Florida’s highest point, as the sunrise is heralded with music from the sanctuary’s 60-bell Singing Tower carillon and the Lake Wales Chorale. Free admission 6 to 8 a.m; regular admission rest of the day. Easter buffet offered in the Blue Palmetto Café for an additional fee. Carillon selections also played at 1 and 3 p.m. 863-676-1408. boksanctuary.org
April 9-18: Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota. Featuring more than 200 films, public events, panels, parties, filmmaker discussions and musical performances. At Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20. 941-366-6200. sarasotafilmfestival.com
April 9-11: Gulf Coast Rhythm and Ribfest, Palmetto.
The nation’s top Rib Masters from Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio and Florida will serve their award-winning specialties as they compete for this year’s coveted 2010 Gulf Coast BBQ Champion award. Entertainment includes a variety of local, regional and national bands performing a mix of Country, Blues, Jazz, Pop, and Rock, and for children, the Interactive Kid Challenge Fun Zone. At Manatee County Fairgrounds. Admission. 941-746-7470. gulfcoastribfest.com
April 9-11: Tampa Bay Blues Festival, St. Petersburg.
Each year since 1995 Tampa Bay Blues Festival has been staged at Vinoy Waterfront Park on the shores of Tampa Bay, with popular St. Petersburg Pier serving as a brilliant backdrop. The festival established itself as one of the world’s preeminent blues music events, having presented more than 195 of the world’s greatest blues performers. In addition to world class music, you can enjoy arts and crafts, taste treats from seafood and barbecue to Cuban cuisine, plus premium beer and wine. Admission. 727-502-5000. tampabaybluesfest.com
April 9-11: Sharks Tooth Festival, Venice. Go hunting for shark tooth fossils at this annual event, which also includes food, entertainment, arts and crafts and children’s activities. At Airport Festival Grounds. Admission. 941-412-0402. sharkstoothfest.com
April 10: Sharks Tooth Inaugural Run, Venice. A brand new feature of the Sharks Tooth Festival is this spring’s Sharks Tooth 10K. Runners will run through neighborhoods, along the beach-front road, into Caspersen Beach Park and return along the Venetian Waterway Trail to finish at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. Participants will receive complimentary entry into the 18th Annual Shark’s Tooth Festival on race day with bib. Also included, door prizes and a post-race party. Pre-registration encouraged but not required. 941-412-0402. sharkstooth10k.com
April 10: Harvey’s 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Run, St. Petersburg. Tag along for a morning run along downtown St. Petersburg’s beautiful waterfront. Proceeds benefit local students and arts and music programs in Pinellas County. Pre-registration rates are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Race-day registration is available. 727-821-9888. festivalofstates.com/festival-run.htm
April 10: Yuri’s Night 2010 Space Coast Party, Titusville. Yuri’s Night is an international celebration held on April 12 every year to commemorate the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, and the first space shuttle launch on April 12, 1981. This year festivities will also celebate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 13. Event features space simulators, science demonstrations, performance artists, DJ, prize drawings and special guest speakers toasting humanity’s achievements in space. Former NASA astronauts will be among featured speakers. Tickets include full admission into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. At Astronaut Hall of Fame. Admission. 386-589-5559. yurisnightspacecoast.com
April 10-11: Annual Anna Maria Island Art and Craft Festival, Holmes Beach. Fine arts and crafts, music, food. To benefit the Butterfly Park. Free. 352-344-0657. tnteventsinc.com
April 11: Underwater Egg Hunt, Crystal River. Underwater egg hunt at Bicentennial Park Pool. For more advanced swimmers there will be different levels of difficulty based on swimming ability. Also a land-based egg hunt for non-swimmers and little ones, plus kids can paint an egg bigger than themselves. First 100 kids admitted free. Admission $1 after cutoff. 352-795-1478. tampabay360.com/event/17154
April 13-18: 36th Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-in and Expo, Lakeland. Six-day event to celebrate aviation includes airplanes, commercial exhibitors, educational forums, seminars and hands-on workshops. Daily airshow showcases both airplanes old and new. Friday night air show entertains crowds into the evening and followed by fireworks. At Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. 863-644-2431. Daily or weekly admission available. sun-n-fun.org
April 15-18: Annual Fetsa Italiana, Daytona Beach. All-day event includes authentic Italian food, rides, games and live music. Procession from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church and school to beach at 1 p.m. Mass and opening of the Festa at 1:45 p.m. 386-255-0433. daytonabeach.com/calendar.cfm/
April 15-16: Earth Day “Back to Nature” Celebration 2010, Lake Wales. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day as hundreds of school children learn about our natural world with hands-on activities offered by environmental exhibitors from Central Florida. At Historic Bok Sanctuary. Admission. 863-676-1408. boksanctuary.org
April 16-17: Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival, Tavares. Dragon boat racing was born out of myth and legend more than 2,000 years ago in southern China, commemorating the life and death of a great patriot who threw himself into the Mi Lo River. When news of his death spread, local fishermen raced out onto the water and splashed their paddles to prevent fish from eating his body. Today, worldwide, some two million people participate in dragon races. Activities kick off with the Awakening of the Dragon Ceremony, traditional Dragon/Lion dance and banquet. Event also features Chinese acrobatics, Egg roll eating contest, Bollywood dance and belly dancing and team beer challenge. Action-packed contests begin with a crew of 20 paddlers led by the loud, steady beat of the drummer. As the long and colorful boats compete, an ancient rite is revisited, all in the spirit of charity and fun. At Wooten Park. 352-343-2531. cfdragonboat.org
April 16-17: Celebration Exotic Car Festival, Kissimmee and Celebration. Town Center at Celebration will exhibit some of the world’s most exotic and rare automobiles. This year’s event includes new activities such as the Jetport Food and Wine Festival, a world-class culinary extravaganza with unlimited champagne, fine wines and spirits for $100; located at Kissimmee Airport. More than 100 exotic cars, business jets and personal aircraft will be on display. Also on display, famous television and motion picture cars in history including the original Batmobile and DeLorean. Seventh annual. Benefits Special Olympics of Florida. Free admission and parking. 407-566-2200. celebrationexoticcars.com/2010/
April 17: Seventh Annual Dark Sky Festival, Harmony. Outdoor festival offering stargazing through telescopes, along with knowledgeable guides to explain what guests are seeing. Also featured are informative speakers, live entertainment, appearances and a kid zone with hands-on interactive exhibits. Harmony is an environmentally intelligent community committed to protecting dark skies and reducing light pollution. All public lighting uses full cut off fixtures to prevent light from polluting the sky above. At Harmony. Free. 407-891-8358. darkskyfestival.com
April 17-18: Third Annual Tarpon Springs Ponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. Fine arts and crafts, music, food and fun. Free. 352-344-0657. tnteventsinc.com
April 17-18: Port Orange Art Fest, Port Orange. Fine art, music, children’s activities and great food. At City Center Complex. Free. 386-681-2753. daytonabeach.com/calendar.cfm
April 17-18: Blues at the Winery, Clermont. Live music, food, wine. At Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. Admission. 800-768-WINE. lakeridgewinery.com/aboutus-events.php
April 16-20: Bern’s Winefest, Tampa. The steakhouse long known for its 15-pound wine list and gargantuan cellar hosts four days of dinners, parties and a grand tasting at both Bern’s and SideBern’s and under tents near Bern’s wine store. Admission. 813-250-9463. bernsfinewines.com
April 17-18: Inlet Harbor Shrimpfest, Ponce Inlet. Benefit for Daytona State College scholarship. On Saturday students will serve visitors and hone their presentation skills for the competition Sunday evening. Shrimp dishes will be prepared by teams of students and be judged for taste, presentation and creativity. There also will be shrimp stations offering fried, coconut and peel-and-eat shrimp served by students and restaurant employees, plus entertainment and activities for children. At Inlet Harbor Marina and Restaurant, 386-767-5590. inletharbor.com
April 17-18: Mainsail Arts Festival, St. Petersburg. Thirty-fifth annual. Juried fine art and craft show with live entertainment, Young at Art student show, children’s art activity tent and culinary arts food court. At Vinoy Park. 727-892-5885. mainsailartsfestival.org
April 18: 21st Annual Earth Day Celebration at Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey. Celebration traditionally held on the third Sunday of April. Includes environmental booths, kids coloring contest, kayak/fishing demo, native plant sales, live music, storytelling, guided walks, kids activities, puppet show, photo exhibit, tram rides and food vendors. Free. 941-483-5956. floridastateparks.org/OscarScherer/Events.cfm
April 19-20: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Daytona Beach. The touring production of Disney’s movie-turned-broadway classic lands in Daytona Beach for a two-night engagement. The musical that has become an international sensation features the animated film’s Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken. Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a small town, and the Beast, who is a young prince spelled by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end. If he does not, he and his household will be doomed forever. Admission. Performances at 7:30 p.m. both nights. 386.671.3462. peabodyauditorium.org
April 22-25: Florida Winefest and Auction, Sarasota. Wineries from all over will strut their stuff during four days of tastings, winemaker dinners, parties, seminars and an auction of notable wines. Event benefits children’s charities and the arts. Admission. 941-952-1109. floridawinefest.com
April 24-25: The Great American Pie Festival, Celebration. Includes never-ending pie buffet, National Pie Championships, culinary demonstrations, pie-eating contest, children’s pie-making, cooking demonstrations, and children’s games and crafts. Also entertainment both days. Ninth annual. At Lakeside Park. Admission. 847-371-0170. piecouncil.org/pie_events/gapf/index.php
April 24: Art Walk on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. Features, in the five blocks between the Indian River and the ocean, a variety of interesting and unique art works by resident and visiting artists. Also offers demonstrations, entertainment and free prize drawing. Held fourth Saturday each month. Free. 386-428-1770. flaglergallerygroup.com/
April 24: Touch A Truck, Dunedin. Eighth annual, held on the last Saturday of April. Showcases vehicles from cars and monster trucks to fire engines, heavy equipment and military vehicles. At Dunedin Community Center at Highlander Park. Parking donation requested. 727-812-4533. dunedingov.com/home.aspx?page=events/specialevents
April 25: Taste of South Tampa, Tampa. Includes food and beverages from 40 restaurants, plus live music. Fourth annual. At Hyde Park Village Circle. Admission. 813-637-0156. events.tboextra.com/tampa-fl/events/show/85986472-3rd-annual-taste-of-south-tampa
April 27: Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. Hear the famous 60-bell Singing Tower in a moonlight concert that will be the last in a once per month over two months series. At Historic Bok Sanctuary. Admission. 863-676-1408. boksanctuary.org
/>South FloridaCovering the Keys, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Treasure Coast and Southwest Florida including Naples, Fort Meyers and Punta Gorda
April 1-3: Marathon Theatre Presents Guys and Dolls, Marathon. The company of Marathon Theatre presents the Tony-winning musical Guys and Dolls, a play with beautiful songs, snappy dances. Revisit New York City in the ’40s, complete with gamblers, missionaries and chorus girls. Performances at 8 p.m. Admission. 305-743-0408. marathontheater.org
April 3: Family Eggstravaganza!, Key West. Includes family-guided bird tours, Wild Bird show, bounce house, Egg Trivia Tattoo, Egg Craft Station, Estimation Station and epic 3,000-egg hunt for candy-filled Easter eggs. At Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. 305-296-1504. keywestbotanicalgarden.org
April 3: Lower Keys Reggae Fest, West Summerland Key. Headliner Fourth Dimension and other reggae, soca and Caribbean-influenced musicians will entertain with island rhythms. Second annual. At Camp Sawyer, MM34. Admission. 305-872-2411 or 800-872-3722. fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/
April 3-4: Orchid/Bromeliad Expo at Flamingo Gardens, Davie. The finest orchids and bromeliads are on display, along with supplies and expert advice on caring for the splendid blooms. Bring your camera and children to Meet the Bunny on Easter weekend. At Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary. Half-price admission. 954-473-2955.flamingogardens.org/events.htm
April 4: Captain Slate’s Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, Key Largo. Join Captain Slate as he dons his famous bunny suit and hides eggs for all to find in the 10th annual hunt. Shallow-water hunt allows both snorklers and divers to participate. Everyone wins an Easter basket or bag of goodies. All ages welcome but must be able to snorkel or have a dive certification. Admission. 800-331-3483. 305-451-3020. captainslate.com
April 7-8: All-Tackle Spring Bonefish Tournament, Islamorada. Fishermen compete to catch the gray ghost of the flats in the legendary shallow waters surrounding Islamorada. All-release tournament featuring trophies and prizes. 305-664-2444. fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/
April 9-May 29: Miami Dance Festival, Miami area. Formerly called the Miami Beach Dance Festival, this event features ballet flamenco la rosa with “La Tati” in “La Dama Macbeth” and Companhia C from Brazil. Also included are Momentum Dance Company and The Dance Now Ensemble. At the Byron-Carlyle Theatre, Miami Beach. 305-858-7002. miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/calendar_of_events.asp
April 9-11: Sharks Tooth Festival, Venice. Go hunting for shark tooth fossils at this annual event, which also includes food, entertainment, arts and crafts and children’s activities. At Airport Festival Grounds. Admission. 941-412-0402. sharkstoothfest.com
April 10: Sharks Tooth Inaugural Run, Venice. A brand new feature of the Sharks Tooth Festival is this spring’s Sharks Tooth 10K. Runners will run through neighborhoods, along the beach-front road, into Caspersen Beach Park and return along the Venetian Waterway Trail to finish at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. Participants will receive complimentary entry into the 18th Annual Shark’s Tooth Festival on race day with bib. Also included, door prizes and a post-race party. Pre-registration encouraged but not required. 941-412-0402. sharkstooth10k.com
April 10: 14th Annual Earth Day 5K Run and Walk, Key West. Celebrate Earth Day by joining in for a 3.1-mile course at McCoy Indigenous Park. Winners will receive Earth-friendly recyclable awards. Proceeds go to Friends and Volunteers of Refuges. 305-304-009. southernmostrunners.com
April 10: 14th Annual Miami Riverday Festival, Miami. This festival celebrates the history and culture of Miami’s working river, and features riverboat tours, a variety of live music, children’s activities, environmental education, historical reenactors, arts and crafts, and more. At Lummus Park Historic District. Free. 305-644-0544. miamirivercommission.org
April 10: Earth Day Celebration at Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key. 15th annual celebration. Features live music, sand sculpture contest, puppet shows, face painting, environmental exhibits and booths, marine life touch tanks, telescopes with special viewing lenses, and food from hot dogs to sloppy joes. Free park entry, free event. 305-872-9807. floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/Events.cfm
April 10: TurtleFest 2010, Juno Beach. Live entertainment on two stages, local youth performing arts groups, marine life educational activities and presentations, children’s games, arts and crafts, marine themed playground, recycling and environmental awareness activities, food pavilion, marine themed souvenirs, sea turtle observation and marine life exhibits. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach. Free admission; some activities have small fees. 561-627-8280. marinelife.org/turtlefest
April 10-11: 2010 Southernmost Air Spectacular, Key West. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the air show, along with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles and many more aerial performers. Live musical performances on both days from The Dave Aaron Band. At Naval Air Station Key West. Free. 305-293-2425. wingsoverkeywest.net
April 10-11: Florida International Air Show, Punta Gorda.
The 2010 air show named a ‘Top 20 Event’ by the Southeast Tourism Society will feature the AeroShell Demonstration Team, the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team and much more. At Charlotte County Airport. 941-575-9007. floridaairshow.com
April 10-11: Island Fest, Islamorada. Music, art, food and fun at Founder’s Park. Free. 305-664-4503. fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/
April 11: Robert Frost Poetry Festival, Key West. Sixteenth annual. Features poetry and haiku workshops and readings, art and film events and an international poetry and haiku contest. Events are staged at the Robert Frost Cottage at Heritage House Museum, where Frost spent many island winters. 305-292-7963-3573. robertfrostpoetryfestival.com
April 16-25: Conch Republic Independence Celebration, Key West. Commemorates the founding of the Conch Republic in 1982, when the Keys seceded in response to a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that halted traffic in and out of the Florida Keys. Begins with a Conch Republic Military Muster at Fort Taylor and includes a drag race, cruiser car show, Reef Relief party, bed race, “World’s Longest Parade,” from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, craft show, and the Naval Parade and Great Battle for the Conch Republic. 305-296-0213. conchrepublic.com/schedule.htm
April 17: Seven Mile Bridge Run, Marathon. The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world, is the centerpiece of the 113-mile Overseas Highway that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. The annual race gives runners the chance to traverse the entire expanse of the landmark bridge. Competition is limited to the first 1,500 entrants whose fees are received via U.S. mail. 305-395-7040. southernmostrunners.com/applications/ED-5KRegistration-10.pdf
April 17-18: Home and Garden Show, Cape Coral. Expo Marketing’s spring home and garden show. Free and open to the public. At Coralwood Shopping Center. 866-466-6300. expotradeshows.net
April 17-18: Tropical Fish Show and Sale at Flamingo Gardens, Davie. The Gold Coast Aquarium Society provides a host of information on fresh water tropical fish, with sales and auctions. At Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary. Admission. 954-473-2955. flamingogardens.org/events.htm
April 16-18: Seafood Festival, Pompano Beach. 26th annual. Seafood and music festival on the beach. Local restaurants prepare much of the seafood cuisine offered as festival fare. Includes Eagles, Elvis and Rolling Stones tribute bands. On the beach, at east end of Atlantic Boulevard. Admission. 954-570-7785. pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com
April 17: Black Gold Jubilee, Belle Glade. Each year in April residents of the Glades come together at the Belle Glade Marina on Torry Island Road to celebrate another successful harvest season and enjoy the local culture, talent and resources at the annual Black Gold Jubilee. Festival day activities include a 5K walk/run at the marina, followed by the Escape from Torry Island adventure races, then the Jubilee Parade down Main Street. Events then move to the marina where a lakeside entertainment stage features many local talents, booths offer plenty of food, crafts and information, and children’s entertainment include rides and games. There will also be fireworks at dusk. 561-996-2745. bellegladechamber.com/newsletter.pdf
April 18: Punta Gorda Block Party, Punta Gorda. Annual day-long street and music festival. Continuous entertainment provided on four stages. Free. 941-639-0170. puntagordablockparty.org
April 18: River and Blues Festival, Fort Myers. The scenic Caloosahatchee River serves as the backdrop for a music and food lovers’extravaganza at this popular annual event. It showcases nationally and internationally known blues bands, while area restaurants dish up appetizing menu items, and special activities amuse the children. At Centennial Park. Admission. Children 10 and younger free. 239-229-9825. riverandbluesfestival.com
April 18: Earthfest 2010 at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne. An environment friendly event for the whole family with hands-on nature workshops; ‘green’vendors; environmental education organizations; organic and vegetarian food vendors; Miami-Dade Parks EcoAdventure Tram Tours and nature walks; Kids Corner with hands-on activities. Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the outdoor concerts, and to bring old or used electronics or computers and/or computer parts for recycling. Parking at Crandon Park is $5 and there will be free shuttle service from Vizcaya Metrorail Station to the event. 305-361-6767. miamidade.gov/parks
April 22: Downtown Naples Spring World Wine Tour, Naples. Sample wines from around the world along with cuisine samplings from downtown Naples restaurants. 239-435-3742. downtownnaplesassociation.com
April 22-24: Miami Wine and Food Festival, Miami. Ranked as one of the top ten wine events in the nation, the festival features an array of culinary and wine events including wine tasting and interactive dinner with a top chef, live and silent auctions offering exotic travel packages, and some of the highest quality wine lots in South Florida. Includes celebrity chef Todd English. Admission. 305-371-WINE. miamiwinefestival.org
April 22-26: Palm Beach International Film Festival, Palm Beach County. The PBIFF celebrates the film industry by supporting emerging filmmakers of today and tomorrow. For the past 12 years the festival has showcased thousands of ward-winning films, hosted more than 150 world premieres and more than 1,100 films from 55 countries and is recognized as one of the top 25 independent festivals in the world. Held at various locations in Palm Beach County. 561-362-0003. pbifilmfest.org
April 23-24: Cape Coral Cardboard Boat Regatta, Cape Coral. Pre-event party kicks off Apil 23. Zany water-logged event begins the next day at 9 a.m. and includes food, beer, face painting, a climbing wall and live music. At Four Freedoms Park. Parking donation requested. 239-223-4548. capecoralregatta.com
April 25: South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta, West Palm Beach. Most folks probably don’t immediately think of Palm Beach County as corn country, but area growers call it the Sweet Corn Capital of the world. The annual fiesta features lots of family fun including children rides, games and activities, contests, food, country music and, of course, plenty of corn. At Yesteryear Village. Admission. 561-996-0343. sweetcornfiesta.com
April 26-May 2: Fleet Week USA, Fort Lauderdale. Each year, more than 1,000 men and women of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard arrive to participate in South Florida’s annual celebration of the maritime services. Visitors can take tours. This year’s boats include the USS Independence, USS Iwo Jima, USS Halyburton, USS Porter, HMCS Monteral and the FGS Hessen. You can register to tour one of the ships. The tours are not handicap accessible and children have to be at least 8 years old. The week also features a golf classic where registrants play in a fivesome with either a Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman. At Port Everglades. 954-467-3555. browardnavydaysinc.org/
April 28-May 2: Key West Songwriters’Festival, Key West. The 15th annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. Benefits the Muzak Heart and Soul Foundation. At Ocean Key Pier. 305-304-0814. keywestsongwritersfestival.com
April 28-May 2: SunFest, West Palm Beach. Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival attracts nearly 300,000 fun-in-the-sun seekers with headliners in every music genre from rock to rap and hip-hop to blues. Admission. 561-659-5980. sunfest.com
April 29: Fine Wines and Canines, Boca Raton. Event combines fine wines and your favorite pooch. Bring your pet along and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting. Event benefits PROPEL. At the Royal Palm Place and Monument Plaza. Admission. 561-338-7594. bocaraton.com/index.aspx?pid=223
North Florida & the PanhandleCovering St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ocala, Tallahassee and the Panhandle
April 1-10: Clay County Agricultural Fair, Green Cove Springs. Showcase for Clay County’s agricultural, educational, civic and commercial interests. Also includes livestock, midway, stage entertainment, contests and Early Florida Pioneer Village. At fairgrounds. Admission. 904-284-1615. claycountyfair.org
April 5-11: MPS Group Women’s Tennis Championships, Ponte Vedra Beach. Revered tournament formerly named Bausch and Lomb Women’s Tennis Tournament. Features the top women tennis players and rising stars of the game. At Sawgrass County Club. 800-486-8366. mpsgroupchamps.net/
April 9-11: George’s Music Springing the Blues, Jacksonville Beach. Bring the entire family to celebrate blues music and the arts at this three-day oceanfront event. Named as one of the top 50 Music Festivals in the World by Downbeat Magazine. It features a number of renowned blues performers as well as numerous displays and activities geared for the entire family. At Sea Walk Plaza. Free. 904-247-6100. springingtheblues.com/
April 10-11: 2010 Eglin Air Force Base 75th Anniversary Open House and Air Show, Eglin AFB. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the air show, along with the U.S. Army Black Daggers, Red Bull Skydivers and many more aerial performers and demonstrations. Event will also include static displays and vendors. Free. 850-882-3931. eglin.af.mil/airshow2010.asp
April 10-11: Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival, Gainesville. The 41st annual festival is hosted by Santa Fe College on the historic NE 1st Street and the lawn of the Thomas Center in downtown Gainesville. Includes juried art show, kids art jungle and entertainment. Free. 352-395-5355. sfcollege.edu/springarts/
April 11: Underwater Egg Hunt, Crystal River. Underwater egg hunt at Bicentennial Park Pool. For more advanced swimmers there will be different levels of difficulty based on swimming ability. Also a land-based egg hunt for non-swimmers and little ones, plus kids can paint an egg bigger than themselves. First 100 kids admitted free. Admission $1 after cutoff. 352-795-1478. tampabay360.com/event/17154
April 17-18: Third Annual Tarpon Springs Ponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. Fine arts and crafts, music, food and fun. Free. 352-344-0657. tnteventsinc.com
April 16-18: Jacksonville International Boat Show, Jacksonville. Largest in-water boat show in the region. The hottest boats and boating accessories will be on display along with live entertainment, fresh seafood and a riverfront tiki bar. You will also enjoy an antique boat display, Nautical Signal Flag decoding hunt and a Maritime History display. At Metropolitan Park and Marina. Admission. 904-673-0093. jaxboatshow.com
April 17-24: Evinston Plein Air Paintout, Evinston. Roughly 30 of the best national landscape painters will be in Evinston to paint outside “en plein air” – in the open air. Most Plein Air painters are nature lovers, using the great outdoors as their studio and trying to capture the rapidly vanishing landscape to preserve it for furture generations. The public is able to interact with the artists as they paint. Painting occurs daily at first light until sunset. Portion of art sale proceeds will be donated to the presevation and restoration of Florida’s oldest post office, the Wood & Swink Country Store & Post Office. 352-466-1178. evinstonpaintout.org/
April 17-18: Bradford County Strawberry Festival, Starke. Highlights everyone’s favorite “freckled fruit” with homegrown fun. Includes games, rides, music, shopping options and entertainment. 904-964-5278. mainstreetstarke.com
April 18: Second Annual Wing and Rock Fest, Jacksonville. Spring break with wings. Event brings together chicken wing restaurants and classic rock bands for an all-day outdoor festival. Live music, wings, beer, contests and kidzone. At Jacksonville Expo Center at the Fairgrounds. Free. 404-456-4655. wingandrockfest.com/jax.html
April 18: Spring Festival, Alachua. Eighth annual. Music, children’s games, rides, activities, pony rides, petting zoo, food, handmade crafts. Main Street downtown. 386-462-9552, 352-514-1258. alachuabusiness.com/
April 21-24: Suwannee River Jam, Live Oak. Biggest country music show in the South, featuring top artists, VIP seating, camping and fun. This year’s lineup includes Zac Brown Band, John Fogarty, Travis Tritt, Kansas and more. At Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Admission. 386-364-1683. musicliveshere.com/concerts_events.asp
April 23-25: Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, Perdido Key. America’s last great roadhouse can throw a party endash and a fish endash like nobody else. Silly event raises serious money for local charities. Held annually on last full weekend in April. At Florabama Lounge. Admission. 850-492-0611. florabama.com
April 24: Farm and Forest Festival, Gainesville. Festival highlights North Central Florida rural life in 1870. Visitors can experience historic-breed farm animals, hear period music and observe traditional crafts and trades such as spinning, weaving and woodstove cooking. Horse-drawn wagon rides and crafts also available. Admission. Children 3 and younger are free. At Morningside Nature Center Living History Farm. 352-334-2170. cityofgainesville.org
April 24-25: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key. A juried fine art show with $10,000 in booth awards and purchase prize money. Features paintings, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, ceramics, textiles, photography and more. Downtown area. Free. 352-543-5400. cedarkeyartsfestival.com
April 23: Historic Apalachicola Antique and Classic Boat Show, Apalachicola. 12th Annual. Display of all types of antique boats, traditional vessels, work boats, fiberglass classics, antique outboard motors and antique cars. Free. 850-653-9419. apalachicolabay.org
April 24-25: Carrabelle Riverfront Festival, Carrabelle. Riverfront festival showcasing seafood, music, and regional and award-winning artists showing original works and prints, custom designed pottery, stained glass, sculpture, metal art, wood carving and more. Also includes seafood, maritime exhibits, sand sculptor, kid’s zone and live entertainment. 20th annual. On Marine Street. Free. 850-697-2585. carrabelleriverfrontfestival.com
April 24-25: Beaches Sandcastle Contest and Parade, Jacksonville Beach. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend on Saturday, in front of Seawalk Pavilion. On Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach. Free. 904-247-6236. visitjacksonville.com/to-do/calendar/index.cfm
April 29-May 2: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach. A The Pirate Parade is the kick-off event for the 47th annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Includes stage performances, putt putt tournament, blessing of the fleet, best decorated boat contest and more. In downtown area. Free. 904-261-5841. shrimpfestival.com/
April 29-May 2: World of Nations Celebration, Jacksonville. 18th annual. Enjoy arts and crafts, music, and cuisines from around the world. More than 30 countries are represented at this weekend festival. At Metropolitan Park downtown. Admission. 904-630-3690. visitjacksonville.com/to-do/calendar/index.cfm