The month of April is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. It’s an idea time of year to explore and experience many things which include everything from craft shows to the circus to the many tantalizing delights of Ribfest. Yes, it sure is one fine month to soak up the sun, and spend a day or weekend at one of these many exciting events…
Fiesta on Siesta College Sand Volleyball Tournament
April 11 – 13, 2014, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The 6th Annual Fiesta on Siesta College Sand Volleyball Tournament will be held on Siesta Beach, and spectators can attend for free. There’s going to be more than 25 teams competing in the event and games will be held on the sand as well as indoors.
Venice Sharks Tooth Festival
April 11 – 13, 2014, Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m, Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Plenty of fossil shark teeth are waiting to be uncovered and you’re invited to attend the 22nd annual Venice Sharks Tooth Festival. The event will be located at the Airport Festival Grounds in Venice. Not only will there be a plethora of shark teeth, there’s also arts and crafts, plenty of snacks and food, entertainment, and kid’s activities. Admission is just $3 for adults, and children under 12 are free, as well as is parking.
Gulf Coast Rhythm and Ribfest
April 11 – 13, 2014, Fri: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m, Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Time for some great tunes and a lot of barbeque at the 8th annual Gulf Coast Rhythm and Ribfest, held at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, located at: 1402 14th Ave W. Palmetto. Lots of music, food and more will be available, and prices vary from vendor to vendor and show to show.
2014 Rose Festival
April 12, 2014, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Sarasota-Bradenton Rose Society will host the Rose Festival at he Mansion in Phillippi Estate Park, located at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. Admission is free, and there will be experts on-hand to answer questions, as well as rose bushes for sale.
EGGstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt
April 12, 2014, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hop over to Lakewood Ranch and visit Adventure Park for a day of family fun. Kids between 2 and 13 are invited to join the Easter egg hunt, which starts right at 10:15 a.m. Facepainting, pictures with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo will be available, along with complimentary coffee. Admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child 3 and over, with children under 2 are free. The hunt will be held at 3400 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch.
Sarasota Pet Fest
April 12, 2014, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It’s the 4th annual Celebration of Pets at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The event will have kitten, puppy, cat, and dog adoptions and pets are welcome to attend. Expert pet advice will be available as well as information on pet care. Admissions is $3 per adults and children 12 and under are free. Parking is also complimentary.
Shark Tooth Run
April 12, 2014, 7:15 a.m.
Test your mettle at the Shark’s Tooth 10k run, held at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. Registrants pay an entry fee of $30 and every registrant gets a free t-shirt.
Sarasota Open Tennis Championship Tournament
April 12 – 20, 2014
With $100,000 in prize money, the top tennis players in the world will be there to compete. Held at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, located at 3100 Harborside Drive. Don’t miss this prestigious event and watch the best go head to head.
12th Annual Classic Car Show
April 13, 2014, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
See the best in the motors of past at the 12th Annual Classic Car Show, being held at Centennial Park, in downtown Venice. Up close viewing is available of these fine vintage vehicles. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Ringling by the Bay
April 17, 2014, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Plenty of live music by the group Vertigo will be playing, along with some tasty snacks and a bar for those who attend. Admission is $10 per adult, while children can attend for $5, members are free and the event is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road.
The Main Street Live Street Party
April 17, 2014, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Every third Thursday through the month of April, the Main Street Live Street Party is held on Historic Main Street in Bradenton. At the ongoing event is live music, food, as well as arts and crafts.