Florida Events Calendar
SOUTH FLORIDA
DELRAY AFFAIR – It’s pedestrians only, so join the throngs who
cram 10 city blocks and side streets for all kinds of fun: concerts,
street entertainers, artists, exhibitors, great food (don’t miss the
conch fritters) and much, much more. Happy 52nd birthday, Delray Affair!When: April 25-27
Where: downtown Delray Beach
Web: www.delrayaffair.com
SOUTH BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL – Be prepared to laugh your butt off at this outstanding, if somewhat raunchy, gathering of top comedians. This year’s main event: Chelsea Handler and her Uganda Be Kidding Me Live Tour. Also featured: Joe Rogan, Mike Epps, W. Kamau Bell, Nick Swardson and Chris Hardwick.
When: April 2-5
Where: Various venues in Miami Beach
Web: www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com
DUELING CONCH REPUBLIC PARTIES – Go low (Key West) or high (Key Largo) and celebrate the area’s unofficial declaration of independence from the U.S. of A back in 1982. Of course, it’s all an excuse to have a whole lot of fun and drink a whole lot of beer.
When and Where: April 18-27 in Key West and April 20-27 in Key Largo
Web: www.conchrepublic.com and www.keylargoconchrepublicdays.com
DUELING FILM FESTIVALS – Go East coast (Palm Beach International Film Festival) or West coast (Sarasota Film Festival) as Hollywood comes to Florida.
When and Where: April 3-10 in Palm Beach County and April 4-13 in Sarasota
Web: www.pbifilmfest.com and www.sarasotafilmfestival.com
ROCK THE OCEAN TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL – Like ocean breezes, sand under your feet and great music? This second annual bash is for you. Featured performers are: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley and Dierks Bentley.
When: April 12-13
Where: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com
BUNNY PALOOZA – Hippity hop your way to South Florida’s wildest and greatest Easter celebration, featuring egg hunts, parades five acres of adrenaline-pumping rides and a Lil’ Hoppers Zone.
When: April 18-20
Where: Miami Seaquarium
Web: www.miamiseaquarium.com/easter
ANNUAL SUNCOAST BBQ & BLUE GRASS BASH – Yes, it’s a long name, but it’s also long on fun and long on great food. Enjoy world-class barbecue and great musical acts, including the Grammy-nominated Boxcars.
When: April 18-19
Where: Venice Municipal Airport
Web: www.suncoastbbqbash.com
MIAMI DANCE FESTIVAL – In its 12th year, this six-and-a-half week extravaganza keeps getting bigger and better. Participating companies include Momentum, Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, Luminario Ballet and Florida Dance Theater. A free family day event has been added this year.
When: April 5 through May 15
Where: Various venues throughout Miami and Miami Beach.
Web: www.momentumdance.com
POMPANO BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – Yummy food for sure – but so much more. There’s a craft fair and lots of great music, including Grand Funk Railroad and Iron Butterfly’s Mike Pinera playing with Blues Image.
When: April 25-27
Where: Pompano Beach Pier in Pompano Beach
Web: www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com
O, MIAMI POETRY FESTIVAL – Mixing traditional readings with innovative poetry-in-public places projects, this month-long festival weaves poetry into the city’s existing infrastructure and cultural life. The event’s goal: Help everybody find a poem!
When: April 1-30
Where: Various locations throughout Miami-Dade County
Web: www.omiami.org
FLORIDA WINEFEST AUCTION – This is a world-class food and wine experience. Enjoy mingling with more than 50 winemakers, winery owners and world-renowned chefs – all in one great city over a long weekend.
When: April 10-13
Where: Various locations in Sarasota
Web: www.floridawinefest.org
DEERING ESTATE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS – This year’s version melds the ecology with the literary, visual and performing arts. The In Deep theme explores the integrated relationship between people and the environment. One highlight: A night tour of a mangrove forest (flashlight a must).
When: April 11-13
Where: Deering Estate in Miami
Web: www.deeringestate.org
FLORIDA KEYS ISLAND FEST – 23rd annual gathering hosts a world-class art show, great live music, All-American Vintage Cruiser Car show, lots of cool kids’ activities and a “Taste of the Islands” competition where the best Upper Keys eateries compete for coveted awards.
When: April 5-6
Where: Founder’s Park, Mile Marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key
Web: www.islamoradachamber.com
MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE – Annual event drew more than 80,000 people last year and features more than 125 LGTB-friendly vendors, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments and food.
When: April 11-13
Where: Ocean Drive, between 5th and 15th Streets, Miami Beach
Web: www.miamibeachgaypride.com
REDLAND BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL –Two-day event features award-winning BBQ, incredible blues and country music, an interactive zone sponsored by Homestead Motor Speedway, pony rides and a multitude of children’s activities.
When: April 5-6
Where: Fruit And Spice Park, Homestead
Web: www.fruitandspicepark.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA
CRAFTING FOR A CURE – This growing outdoor/indoor arts and crafts festival benefitting the American Cancer Society is a great place to shop for handmade purses and clothing, bath products, candles, jams and jellies, plants or seeds and other goods.
When: April 5
Where: Plant City
Web: http://www.cupsofsunshine.org/events.html
SILVER SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – As an homage to Silver Springs – popular filming site for six Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon and other swamp scenes – Ocala hosts filmmaker’s seminars and screenings of independent films from around the world and country.
When: April 3-6
Where: Downtown Ocala
Web: http://www.springsfilmfest.com/
FLORIDA ICE CREAM FESTIVAL – Beat the spring heat with home-churned ice cream and other frozen treats at Lakeland’s Sun N’ Fun grounds. Enter an all-ages Popsicle stick sculpture contest or attempt to be the quickest to eat your way through two pints of ice cream.
When: April 12-13
Where: Lakeland
Web: http://floridaicecreamfestival.org/
SHARKS TOOTH FESTIVAL – Set in the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” fossil hunters, craftsmen and artists gather to display their work while attendees enjoy live music and plates of BBQ or seafood. Kids can get involved by playing games such as the “Shark’s Tooth Scramble.”
When: April 11-13
Where: Venice Airport Festival Grounds
Web: http://www.sharkstoothfest.com/
PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL – Kick off your shoes and walk through an oasis of pretty, white sand sculptures, “speed sand sculpting” demonstrations and beach cocktail stands. When the sun goes down, watch the fireworks and a family-friendly movie on the big screen.
When: April 4-13
Where: Clearwater Beach
Web: www.Sugarsandfestival.com
SIESTA FIESTA – Siesta Key’s Ocean Boulevard becomes a huge open-air street festival featuring some of the country’s most colorful and talented artists, jewelers, photographers and green thumbs.
When: April 26-27
Where: Siesta Key Village
Web: http://www.escape-to-sarasota.com/siesta-fiesta.html
SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN – Learn everything you ever wanted to know about gardening, edible landscapes and aquaponic farming. If digging in the dirt isn’t your thing, rent a sidewalk square and create your own chalk masterpiece to put on display.
When: April 5-6
Where: Downtown Winter Garden
Web: http://www.springfeveringarden.com/
SUNCOAST BBQ & BLUEGRASS BASH – Chicken, ribs, craft beer, cornhole games, a sporting clays contest and lively bluegrass bands bring out the more macho side of spring at this free-admission event. Snoopy characters and face painters are on site to entertain the kiddos.
When: April 18 & 19
Where: Venice Municipal Airport
Web: http://suncoastbbqbash.com/
DE SOTO SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – The big buzz at this year’s Seafood Fest is the headlining musical lineup: Country star Travis Tritt and rapper Vanilla Ice. But if Tritt and Ice aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained, from food vendors to children’s activities. Lots of great local bands, too.
When: April 4-6
Where: Historic Palmetto
Web: https://www.facebook.com/desotoseafoodfest
FLORIDA OLD TIME MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP – The Bucksnort Barndance Band, anyone? Unplug from modern music – literally, there are no electric instruments allowed – and harken to the days of fiddles and banjos in this traditional old time music face-off.
When: April 4 & 5
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, Dade City
Web: http://www.fotmc.org/
TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL – Grammy-winning musical artists pack the waterfront park with adoring fans, many whom return every year to enjoy some quality blues music. Buddy Guy and Irma Thomas are just two of the headlining acts, and it’s easy to spend several hours at the event when there are delicious food vendors and drink tents on site.
When: April 11-13
Where: St. Petersburg
Web: http://tampabaybluesfest.com/
LEESBURG BIKEFEST – You don’t need a motorcycle to enjoy this three-day party, which has grown to attract hundreds of thousands people each year. Several blocks of Leesburg will fill up with bikes, beer and music, as well tattoo expos, bikini contests and poker runs.
When: April 25-27
Where: Downtown Leesburg
Web: http://www.leesburgbikefest.com/
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM AWARDS – Bollywood’s version of the Oscars takes over Tampa in the event’s United States debut. The multi-day celebration surrounding the huge Raymond James Stadium event includes colorful displays and entertainment in the park, “green carpet” rollouts for VIPs and a post-party at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
When: April 23-26
Where: Tampa
Web: http://www.iifa.com/
COTEE RIVER SEAFOOD & BLUES FESTIVAL – Seafood and blues are only the cornerstones of this fest, which has something for everyone – fishing and boating demonstrations, bounce houses, pony rides, arts & crafts and “Ducktona” duck boat races, just to name a few highlights.
When: April 25-27
Where: New Port Richey
Web: http://www.nprmainstreet.com/specialevent/cotee-river-seafood-blues-festival-2014/
FLORIDA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL – Monster trucks and mud trucks are balanced out by an art show and street entertainers as locals and visitors gather to honor one of the area’s favorite cash crops. There’s also a “Blueberry Patch Kids Zone,” and of course, lots and lots of blueberries to sample.
When: April 12, 13
Where: Downtown Brooksville
Web: www.floridablueberryfestival.org/
NORTH FLORIDA
BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE – Ooh and aah while the world-famous
pilots speed by overhead at speeds of 700 miles per hour while defying
physics with their dazzling aerial feats. This is a great chance to
catch the Pensacola-based Blue Angels before they begin the annual
air-show circuit. The Blues sign autographs after Wednesday practice
sessions in the Blue Angels Atrium at the National Naval Aviation
Museum.When: April 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30
Where: Naval Air Station Pensacola
Web: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil
FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL – Lay out a blanket and relax under the longleaf pines at the state park during the annual festival. This year’s headliner is the Grammy-nominated contemporary bluegrass favorites Blue Highway. Also on the bill are Mountain Heart, Little Roy & Lizzie, the Florida State Bluegrass Band, High Cotton and Delta Reign. Indulge in a Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast and Chili Cookoff, as well as other festival eats and treats.
When: April 3-5
Where: Forest Capital Museum State Park, Perry
Web: http://floridastatebluegrass.com
A TASTE OF PERDIDO & FIFTH ANNUAL PERDIDO KEY WINE AND ART FESTIVAL – Kick off the weekend with a VIP Friday night culinary tour of the local restaurants of Perdido Key, which are serving up sample-sized portions of signature dishes paired with wine and side of live entertainment. Then, enjoy Saturday’s Wine and Art Festival where guests receive five tasting tickets for wine.
When: April 4-5
Where: Perdido Key
Web: http://www.perdidowineandarts.com
SPRINGING THE BLUES FESTIVAL – Soak up some sun while listening to 40 hours of tunes performed by 18 blues artists on two ocean-front stages along Jacksonville Beach. Selwyn Birchwood, Victor Wainwright and The WildRoots and The Lee Boys are the featured performers. Other events include a Surf Fest, 5K Run and an after party each night featuring festival artists at Mojo BBQ Pit and Blues Bar.
When: April 4-6
Where: Seawalk Plaza, Jacksonville Beach
Web: springingtheblues.com
19TH ANNUAL RHYTHM & RIBS FESTIVAL – Groove to continuous live music at the three-day festival voted by locals as the city’s best festival for 2013. Delbert McClinton and Sister Hazel headline the event which also features seven award-winning regional and national BBQ vendors feeding hungry music lovers with ribs, pulled pork and juicy, mouth-watering chicken. Also arts and crafts vendors, rides and kids’ activities.
When: April 4-6
Where: Francis Field
Website: http://rhythmandribs.net
SANTA ROSA COUNTY FAIR – Take a tour on the Ferris wheel for a birds-eye view of all the excitement at the annual fair. Catch live musical entertainment by the former American Idol contestant Bo Bice, as well as other national acts like Glow Rage, Chloe Channell, Hidden Skylight and the Christ Martin Band. Starry-eyed youngsters can meet face-to-face with a Columbian boa, pygmy goat, capybara or African-crested porcupine at the exotic petting zoo or be wowed by the high-flying tricks of professional Motorcross entertainers.
When: April 4-12, closed April 8-9
Where: Milton
Web: http://www.srcfair.com/index.php
JESTFEST! – From the Flying Wallenda’s high-wire, Cirque-style family of acrobats to a sword swallower, enjoy family-friendly entertainment as downtown Gainesville welcomes thrill-seeking performers each Saturday in April. If neither of those suit your tastes, maybe a ventriloquist or acrobatic dog show will do the trick.
When: April 5, 12, 19, 26
Where: Bo Diddley Community Plaza, Gainesville
Web: http://gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/jestfest/jest-fest-gainesville.html
ONE SPARK – Help discover the next big thing when you cast your vote for the innovative, entrepreneurial or just ridiculously cool ideas at the world’s largest crowd-funding festival. More than 600 creator projects in fields such as innovation, music, technology and science will be using enthusiasm and ingenuity to woo festival-goers for votes. The highest vote-getting projects will receive a piece of $310,000 in funding or cash awards and $3.25 million in capital investments.
When: April 9-13
Where: downtown Jacksonville
Web: http://www.beonespark.com
OLD FLORIDA CELEBRATION FOR THE ARTS – Take off the watch and enjoy island time in an Old Florida setting while walking through the historic downtown during the Sidewalk Art Show. Chat with more than 120 artist and craftsmen, indulge in fresh local seafood from the top clam producing community in the country and enjoy live music and children’s activities at this 50-year-old celebration of the arts.
When: April 12-13
Where: downtown Cedar Key
Web: http://www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com
BRADFORD COUNTY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Bradford County berries may not have the national recognition of those from Plant City, but this annual festival — held during the peak growing season — is a down-home celebration of Starke’s juicy berries, touted as the “sweetest strawberries this side of heaven.” Features live music, entertainment, arts and crafts vendor, kids’ activities and all kinds of berrylicious treats.
When: April 12-13
Where: downtown Starke
Web: http://www.bradfordcountystrawberryfestival.com
AMELIA ISLAND GARDEN SHOW – Turn your yard into a butterfly oasis, plant your own citrus or peruse the unique offerings available only through individual Florida growers or nurseries. Other than choosing some new beauties to test your green thumb, check out the Raptor Experience for a close encounter with the birds of prey which are “patients” at the Avian Reconditioning Center.
When: April 19-20
Where: Central Park, Fernandina Beach
Web: http://www.ameliagarden.com
33RD ANNUAL DOWN HOME DAYS FESTIVAL – Take a fun-filled day trip to one of the “Best Little Towns in Florida” for the three-day festival featuring a parade, classic car show, 5K race, daily dessert bake-offs, a watermelon seed spitting contest, petting zoo, rock wall and kids’ activities. The event’s highlight is the two-day PCA rodeo complete with barrel racing, bull riding, team roping and bareback riding contests.
When: April 19-20
Where: Madison, various venues
Web: http://madisonfl.org
14TH ANNUAL LEMOYNE CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL – More than 150 fine artists will set up shop in the Big Bend area under the moss-draped oak trees along Park Avenue for Tallahassee’s premier art festival. Also enjoy fantastic treats from local restaurants and caterers, children’s art education and live performances.
When: April 19-20
Where: historic park through downtown Tallahassee
Web: http://www.chainofparks.com/
SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL – If you prefer your jazz to be a little Kenny G, with a dash of David Sanborn and rounded out by sultry vocals by Sade, then make plans to attend one of the nation’s top smooth jazz fests. The oh-so-smooth lineup features artists like Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Julian Vaughn, Maysa, Mindi Abair and David Koz.
When: April 23-27
Where: Pier Park, Panama City Beach
Web: http://www.seabreezejazzfestival.com
38TH ANNUAL HIGH SPRINGS PIONEER DAYS – Stroll the tree-lined streets in the antique-capital of Northern Florida during the annual celebration which features a modern arts and craft market, locals demonstrating old-time skills used by the first settlers in the state, a Seminole Indian Dance Circle and Shoot-Out Reenactments. Also available for purchase are locally-grown produce, flower and plants and festival-style food.
When: April 26-27
Where: James Paul Park, High Springs
Web: http://www.highsprings.com/welcome/index.php/announcements/upcoming-events/item/38th-annual-pioneer-days-festival
If you have an event you’d like to be considered for inclusion in this monthly feature, please forward information at least 30 days in advance of the event’s date to one of our correspondents:
South Florida
danorman32@gmail.com
Central Florida
emily.nipps@gmail.com
North Florida
jendecamp@gmail.com
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Editor's note: Check out our full list of events at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Events and filter by type, date and city. Also, you can learn of even more events by following our Insiders at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Insiders.
Editor's note: Check out our full list of events at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Events and filter by type, date and city. Also, you can learn of even more events by following our Insiders at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Insiders.
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Check with one of our Insiders at http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/insiders.html.
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