April is packed with exciting events in Sarasota, from film festivals and charity galas to family-friendly Easter egg hunts and outdoor celebrations. Whether you’re a movie buff, a nature lover, or looking for fun activities with the kids, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your complete guide to must-attend events in Sarasota this April, including dates, times, and ticket details.
The 27th Annual Sarasota Film Festival
📅 Date: April 4 – 13, 2025
📍 Location: Various venues in Sarasota
🎟️ Cost: Ticketed event (prices vary)
🔗 Event Website
The Sarasota Film Festival is one of the biggest events of the year, bringing Hollywood to Sarasota with a 10-day lineup of over 200 films, including world premieres, independent films, and international documentaries. Expect appearances from filmmakers, actors, and industry insiders, plus parties and special screenings throughout the festival.
12th Annual Blue Ties and Butterflies Gala
📅 Date: April 4, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL)
🎟️ Cost: $325 per ticket
📞 Contact: Lou Ann Linn – [email protected] | 941-365-1277 ext. 120
🔗 Event Website
An inspiring gala supporting the Child Protection Center, this elegant evening includes fine dining, live entertainment, auctions, and more, all to aid victims of child abuse. Dress in cocktail or formal attire and enjoy an unforgettable night of giving.
39th Annual Run for the Turtles
📅 Date: April 5, 2025
🕡 Time: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL)
🎟️ Cost: Registration required
🔗 Event Website
Support Mote Marine’s sea turtle conservation efforts with a fun run or 5K along the beach. Enjoy a warm-up session, a 1-mile fun run, and a 5K sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Participants receive a t-shirt and access to food stations and kids’ activities.
Hunsader Farms Flower Festival
📅 Dates: April 5 – 6 & April 12 – 13, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Hunsader Farms (5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL)
🎟️ Cost: $15 admission (Kids 10 & under FREE) | Parking: FREE (Cash only)
🔗 Event Website
This family-friendly festival features hayrides, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, craft vendors, fresh produce, and fields of stunning sunflowers, wildflowers, and zinnias to pick. Enjoy live entertainment and fun activities for kids and adults alike.
Lakewood Ranch Block Party
📅 Date: April 11, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: 8100 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL
🎟️ Cost: FREE
🔗 Event Website
Celebrate the vibrant Lakewood Ranch community with live music, beer trucks, activities, and local business showcases. Meet neighbors, explore vendors, and enjoy a fantastic evening on Main Street.
Sarasota Bradenton Home Show
📅 Dates: April 11 – 13, 2025
🕙 Time: Fri & Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds (3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL)
🎟️ Cost: FREE with online registration | $10 at the door | FREE parking
🔗 Event Website
If you’re into home improvement, this expo has everything from kitchen remodels and landscaping to solar energy and pool installations. Meet expert vendors and get inspired for your next project.
Keep Sarasota County Beautiful: The Greatest American Cleanup
📅 Date: April 12, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Various locations throughout Sarasota County
🎟️ Cost: FREE (Registration required)
🔗 Event Website
Join thousands of volunteers in cleaning up Sarasota’s beaches, parks, and neighborhoods. Register in advance to receive a free t-shirt while supplies last!
EGGstravaganza at Waterside Park
📅 Date: April 12, 2025
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Waterside Park, Lakewood Ranch (7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, FL)
🎟️ Cost: $10 (Residents) | $20 (Non-residents) | Pre-registration required
🔗 Event Website
Enjoy Lakewood Ranch’s longest-running Easter egg hunt with thousands of eggs, face painting, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, and delicious food vendors.
UTC Easter Egg-Stravaganza
📅 Date: April 18, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: The Mall at UTC (140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL)
🎟️ Cost: FREE
🔗 Event Website
Bring the kids for a massive Easter egg hunt, live entertainment, balloon twisting, face painting, and more. The first 500 kids receive a free egg hunt tote bag.
Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt
📅 Date: April 19, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Siesta Key Chapel (4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, FL)
🎟️ Cost: $15 per child (Ages 1-8) | FREE parking
🔗 Event Website
A fun-filled Easter egg hunt under the shady trees of Siesta Key Chapel. Limited to 200 children, so sign up early!
Suncoast Boat Show
📅 Dates: April 25 – 27, 2025
🕙 Time: Fri & Sat: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Marina Jack, #2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL
🎟️ Cost: Approx. $18 (Adults) | Military, veterans & kids 15 & under FREE
🔗 Event Website
Explore hundreds of boats, yachts, and marine accessories in Sarasota’s premier waterfront boat show. Enjoy live music, food, and a stunning display of watercraft.
Final Thoughts
April in Sarasota is filled with can’t-miss events for all interests, from film lovers and conservationists to families and festival-goers. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable month!
