Last Updated on April 14, 2024
There are so many fun Florida events in April we needed to narrow this list down to a few of our personal favorites. You won’t want to miss any of these festivals.
These cool events happen to be sprinkled throughout the Sunshine State, so we recommend planning a weekend getaway and exploring the surrounding areas.
They are each full of Authentic Florida treasures.
Table of Contents
- 34th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show – White Springs
- 10th Anniversary Anniversary Celebration for NatureCoaster.com – Masaryktown
- 6th Annual Sebring Soda Festival – Sebring
- 28th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival – Elkton
- 50th Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour – Jacksonville
- 38th Annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival – Pompano Beach
- 19th Annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show – Callahan
- 24 th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival – Tallahassee
- 42nd Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration – Key West
- 39th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival – Pensacola
- 2024 Floridania Fest – Gulfport
- North Florida Bigfoot Town Hall – Perry
- 33rd Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival – Carrabelle
- 24th Annual Sweet Corn Fiesta – West Palm Beach
34th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show – White Springs
When: April 4th – April 6th, 2024
Where: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Dr., White Springs, FL 32096
Description: Reflect on 200 years of rural American history at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. This event displays a grand collection of antique tractors and farming equipment.
Be sure to attend Saturday morning’s unique antique tractor parade. The family-friendly show also features fun kids’ activities, shopping vendors, raffles, and food options.
Admission for this event is $5 per vehicle with vehicles holding up to 8 people.
Tips for the Event
- Check out the collections of flywheels, water pumps, hit-and-miss engines, vintage pedal tractors, antique cars, and farm equipment.
- There is a kid’s play area available.
Learn more by visiting the official Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 6 Things To Do in White Springs, Florida
Clay County Agricultural Fair – Green Cove Springs
When: April 4th – April 14th, 2024
Where: Clay County Fairgrounds, 2493 State Road 16 W, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Description: The Clay County Agricultural Fair is one of Florida’s many county fairs to attend this year. There are plenty of things to do at this fair.
Whether it’s riding midway fairs, checking out livestock exhibits, or listening to musicians at Cattlemen’s Arena, there’s something for everyone at this fair.
General admission is $15 per adult and $9 per child, ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Tips for the Event
- Check the concert schedule before picking the day that you visit. There are some great acts this year.
- Check the daily event schedule to plan your day. You can see pig races, Pirate Man Dan, Circus Incredible, Agricadabra, and much more.
- Check the daily deals to find options for discounted tickets or other promotions available to you.
Learn more by visiting the official Clay County Agricultural Fair website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts – Cedar Key
When: April 6th – April 7th, 2024
Where: 2nd Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625
Description: More commonly known as the Cedar Key Spring Arts Festival, this small-town art event dates back to 1964.
The long-standing Florida event is extra special this year. Cedar Key showed the world its resilience after Hurricane Idalia was an unwelcome visitor.
Attending this festival and supporting the local businesses is a great way to show your support for this Old Florida community.
View work from 100 artists, rent a golf cart, and explore historic Cedar Key. Enjoy food and drinks prepared by local nonprofits. It’s one of our favorite annual festivals.
This event is free to attend. Check out our article specifically on the Cedar Key Spring Arts Festival.
Tips for the Event
- Bring cash to purchase items from vendors and food vendors.
- Cedar Key is famous for seafood, so make sure you arrive with an empty belly.
Learn more by visiting the official Cedar Key Arts Festival website.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Old Florida Charm: Authentic Cedar Key
10th Anniversary Anniversary Celebration for NatureCoaster.com – Masaryktown
When: April 6th, 2024, 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Masaryk Winery/Upicktopia, 19125 Phillips Road, Masaryktown, FL 34604
Description: Our friends at NatureCoaster.com are celebrating their 10th anniversary at the Masaryk Winery/Upicktopia.
Enjoy art, food, wine, and music in a rural, relaxing setting. Proceeds benefit the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.
Get your VIP tickets and join all the fun and food – or choose an a la carte option to meet your schedule!
Learn more by visiting the Nature Coaster website.
Tips for the Event
- Join the painting party under the pavilion from 2-4 pm to create your own nature coast painting.
- If you want to pick fresh fruit or vegetables, you only pay for what you pick.
- Make sure to bring closed-toe shoes.
- Don’t miss the silent auction. Plan to bring some additional money in case you’re the highest bidder.
Looking for other things to do in the area? Check out Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee in 2024.
6th Annual Sebring Soda Festival – Sebring
When: April 6th – April 7th, 2024
Where: Historic Downtown Sebring, 107 Circle Park Dr., Sebring, FL 33870
Description: The Sebring Soda Festival is the perfect event for soda lovers or the soda curious.
Sample over 200 craft sodas while enjoying food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and so much more.
EXCITING NEWS: In February 2024, Erin and Ben Napier, hosts of HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” show, announced to Jennifer Hudson that the third season of their popular show is heading to Sebring.
The renovation work has already started, with much of it taking place around the SodaFest site in downtown Sebring. It will continue through the end of May 2024.
Sebring’s Home Town Takeover, a six-episode series, is slated to premiere on HGTV in early 2025. We can’t wait to watch it!
Learn more by visiting the official Sebring Soda Festival website.
Tips for the Event
- Check the schedule of events so that you don’t miss any of the great things available to you.
- Sample unique soda flavors such as caramel apple, prickly pear, espresso, and candied bacon.
- Purchase your soda testing tickets based on how many amazing flavors you want to try.
Before you visit the area, check out: The Ultimate Guide to Sebring, FL.
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival – St. Augustine
When: April 6th – April 7th, 2024
Where: Francis Field, 25 W Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084
Description: This fantastic festival dates back to 1981.
In addition to tons of seafood options, this event has live entertainment, an Arts & Crafts Village, vintage vendors, carnival rides, and fun kids’ activities.
The St. Augustine Lions Club hosts this festival. Proceeds from this event benefit a variety of local and national causes.
Admission is $10 per adult. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.
Learn more by visiting the official Lions Festival website.
Tips for the Event
- While many activities are included, some have an added price. Check the list of activities that have a cost.
- Before you arrive, look at the entertainment schedule so you don’t miss out on your favorite performer(s).
While you are in the area, don’t miss: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine
Are you looking for more seafood festivals in the Sunshine State? You can see our Guide to Great Florida Seafood Festivals in 2024.
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo – Lakeland
When: April 9th – April 14th, 2024
Where: Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland, FL 33811
Description: SUN ‘n FUN is one of the largest aviation events in the world, held annually in Lakeland.
This expo showcases hundreds of aircraft and hosts daily airshows.
Single-day tickets for this event are $45 per adult and $20 per youth ages 11 to 17. Children 10 and under are admitted free.
Learn more by visiting the official SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo website.
Tips for the Event
- The Sun ‘n Fun location is on a large property. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking.
- If you or your children are sensitive to loud noises, bring noise-canceling headphones for them. There are a lot of loud aircraft flying overhead.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 15 Best Things to Do in Lakeland
62nd Annual Delray Affair – Delray Beach
When: April 12th – April 14th, 2024
Where: Downtown Delray Beach, Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483
Description: Delray Affair is a huge art event hosted by the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Explore ten blocks of the downtown area, seeing paintings, sculptures, and photography created by over 500 artists from all over the US.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more by visiting the official Delray Affair website.
Tips for the Event
- Bring cash to purchase a variety of delicious food items.
- Delray Affair has been called “a melting pot of innovation, where traditional techniques blend seamlessly with cutting-edge creations.” Prepare to bring home your next favorite art piece.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: A Visit to the Silverball Museum in Delray Beach, Florida
28th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival – Elkton
When: April 12th – April 14th, 2024
Where: St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 FL-207 E, Elkton, FL 32033
Description: Celebrate late Florida musician James Gamble Rogers IV at this great music festival.
The concert lineup includes AJ Lee & Blue Summit, John Jorgenson Quintet, Verlon Thompson, and other fantastic artists.
Single-day tickets for this event start at $35.
Learn more by visiting the official Gamble Rogers Folk Festival website.
Tips for the Event
- Keep an eye on the festival’s Facebook page as they sometimes announce discount tickets.
- Check out the full stage schedule so that you don’t miss a great performance from your favorite artist.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine
17th Annual Pinellas Pepper Fest – Pinellas Park
When: April 13th – April 14th, 2024
Where: England Brothers Bandshell Park, 5010 81st Ave. N, Pinellas Parks, FL 33781
Description: Pinellas Park’s spiciest event of the year has plenty of things to enjoy, including spicy contests, sauces, salsas, barbeque, beer, and live music.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more by visiting the official Pinellas Pepper Fest Facebook page.
Tips for the Event
- Admission is free but bring cash to purchase your own pepper plants and seasonings to take home.
- Check the event schedule so you don’t miss any of the incredible entertainment available.
While you are in the area, don’t miss: Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
Venice Sharks Tooth Festival – Venice
When: April 13th – April 14th, 2024
Where: Centennial Park, 200 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
Description: Head over to Venice, “The Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” for a festival with merchandise vendors that sell all sorts of shark tooth creations.
Shop for jewelry, home décor, and cool trinkets.
The event also has live music scheduled, food vendors, and a kid’s zone.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more by visiting the official Venice Sharks Tooth Festival website.
Tips for the Event
- The kid’s zone has shark tooth hunting. Kids love it!
- Educational presentations are included at this event. Before you go, check on the times, so you don’t miss out.
Here’s an article we think you’ll enjoy: Best Places to Find Shark Teeth in Florida
50th Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour – Jacksonville
When: April 13th – 14th, 2024
Where: 2623 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Description: It’s time to appreciate the architecture of historical homes. A selection of homes are opening the door to let you tour them while you learn their history.
In addition, you can attend a plant sale, purchase local art, and ask questions at the RAP house.
Learn more on the Riverside Avondale website.
Tips for the Event
- Attendees do not have a set schedule. Instead, you receive a map. Spend some time looking at the map to plan your ideal day.
- The owners are in some of the homes you visit. It’s always polite to thank them and ask any questions.
Grant BBQ Fest – Grant-Valkaria
When: April 19th – April 21st, 2024
Where: Grant Community House, 4580 1st St., Grant-Valkaria, FL 32949
Description: If you love barbecue, this is the festival for you. The 3-day event has plenty of barbecue food to enjoy, with a barbecue competition, live entertainment, a marketplace, and a car show.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more by visiting the official Grant BBQ Fest website.
Tips for the Event
- Check the live entertainment schedule to so you don’t miss your favorite performers.
- If you hope to join the 8th Annual Q-Fest Backyard BBQ Championships, review the rules on their website.
38th Annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival – Pompano Beach
When: April 19th – April 21st, 2024
Where: Pompano Community Park, 1801 NE 6th St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Description: The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is a great seafood event with tons of vendors selling all types of seafood. In addition, there are arts and crafts vendors and a packed live music schedule.
A nonprofit hosts this event. All proceeds benefit 12 different local charities and organizations.
Single-day tickets for this event start at $15. Weekend pass is $20.
Learn more by visiting the official Pompano Beach Seafood Festival website.
Tips for the Event
- If you are not a seafood fan, there are plenty of American food options.
- If you are interested in watching a concert, bring your own lawn chair.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 7 Best Things to Do in Sunrise, Florida
19th Annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show – Callahan
When: April 20th, 2024
Where: Callahan Train Depot – 45383 Dixie Ave, Callahan, FL 32011
Description: If you or you have a child who loves trains, you won’t want to miss the Railroad Day Festival. Not only can you visit the train depot, you can enjoy some other great activities.
Check out the classic car show. Kids can enjoy Joel Pace’s hands-on music.
There are also a variety of arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and food trucks.
Learn more on the Facebook Event.
Tips for the Event
- This is an outdoor event. Bring your own lawn chairs.
- Make time in your schedule for a tour of the caboose while there. It’s a must-see part of this event.
24th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival – Tallahassee
When: April 20th – April 21st, 2024; Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Downtown Tallahassee (Park Avenue, east of Monroe Street), Tallahassee, FL 32301
Description: The 24th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival is a premier fine art festival in Tallahassee. The festival features over 150 US-based artists.
This year, there is a new folk art addition that celebrates local folk artists and their work.
Enjoy live entertainment, the Children’s Park, souvenirs, and more at this fun festival.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more by visiting the official Chain of Parks Art Festival website.
Tips for the Event
- Allow your children to get creative in the children’s park with interactive art exhibits and more.
- The Community Corner is new this year. It is your place to check out a variety of local non-profits and businesses.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 8 Authentic Things to Do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida”
42nd Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration – Key West
When: April 20th – April 28th, 2024; Times vary
Where: Old Town Key West, 200 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Description: The Conch Republic celebrates its 42nd Anniversary in 2024.
The 10-day event humorously commemorates the Florida Keys’ decision to secede from the United States after a roadblock checkpoint was put in place by the US Border Patrol.
Throughout the celebration’s 2024 run, expect kick-off parties, movie screenings, parades, a pirate ball and costume contest, and other cool, quirky activities.
There was so much happening we wrote a whole article on it: Celebrating the Independence of the Conch Republic
Learn more by visiting the official Conch Republic website.
Tips for the Event
- Don’t miss the kick-off party and shell-blowing contest on opening night.
- The music is great! Check out Jazz in the Gardens and many other events on the event schedule.
Plan a Key West getaway: A Weekend Full of Fun Things to Do in Key West
39th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival – Pensacola
When: April 26th – April 28th, 2024; Friday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Where: Seville Square & Fountain Park, 311 E Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Description: Pensacola receives thousands of pounds of crawfish fresh from Louisiana during this fantastic festival.
Enjoy Cajun flavors with dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and more.
If you are ready for a challenge, consider signing up for the Crawfish Eating Contest.
In addition to crawfish, this event has a great music lineup and a bunch of arts and crafts vendors selling handmade items.
Admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child, ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Learn more by visiting the official Fiesta Pensacola website.
Tips for the Event
- Leave room for dessert. Foods like fried Oreos, ice cream, and funnel cakes are essential at this festival.
- Bring cash for parking. There are a variety of off-site lots that charge a parking fee.
Before you go, check out: Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach)
2024 Floridania Fest – Gulfport
When: April 27th, 2024, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Gulfport Florida Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL 33707
Description: Floridania Fest is a fun Florida memorabilia swap meet for all things vintage Florida, spearheaded by Ken Breslauer.
Dealers and collectors from all over the state buy and sell Florida collectibles. Attending this event is a trip down Memory Lane.
You never know what treasures you’ll find: snowglobes, menus, ashtrays, clothes, bumper stickers, art, brochures, and the list goes on.
General admission is $5. Children 14 and under are admitted free.
Learn more by visiting the official Floridania Fest Facebook page.
Tips for the Event
- Not all vendors accept credit cards. Bring cash so you can purchase a Florida vintage treasure.
- Get there early. People from all across the Sunshine State come to Floridania Fest. A line was several blocks long before the doors opened for the past two years.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out The Ultimate Trip Guide to Gulfport, FL.
North Florida Bigfoot Town Hall – Perry
When: April 27th, 2024, from 9:00 am to noon.
Where: 200 N. Washington Street, Perry, Florida 32347
Description: Have you ever wanted to talk about Bigfoot with others who have seen him or searched for him? This is the event for you.
Spend time talking about sightings and hearing from speakers Stacy Brown Jr and Tyler Howell at the North Florida Bigfoot Town Hall.
Learn more on the 2024 North Florida Bigfoot Townhall Facebook event page.
33rd Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival – Carrabelle
When: April 27th, from 10 am – 6 pm.
Where: Carrabelle Riverfront, Marine Street, Carrabelle, FL 32322
Description: At the Carrabelle Riverfront Festival, browse festival booths featuring unique arts, crafts, and local eats, or explore nearby shops, museums, and restaurants.
Enjoy diverse foods like shrimp, conch fritters, Indian dishes, BBQ, and classic treats such as kettle corn and funnel cakes.
There are plenty of activities for the young and old along the beautiful historic harbor.
This event is FREE, pet-friendly, and open to the public.
Learn more by visiting the official Carrabelle website.
24th Annual Sweet Corn Fiesta – West Palm Beach
When: April 28th, 2024, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Yesteryear Village, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Description: Sweet Corn Fiesta is a family-friendly festival in Yesteryear Village that is celebrating its 24th year!
Try some of the best sweet corn you’ll ever eat, compete in an amateur corn-eating contest, listen to live music, and check out local vendors at this cool South Florida spot.
Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child, ages 6 to 12. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
Learn more by visiting the official Sweet Corn Fiesta Facebook page.
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 6 Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches.
Looking for other events throughout Florida? Check out:
Why are there never any fun events in the Orlando area? Every time I open this letter it lists tons of things to see and do around Florida except for Orlando/Kissimmee area. Not everyone around Orlando/Kissimmee are rich enough to go to the theme parks. It would be nice to have something fun or cultural to do that’s free or less expensive while the weather is not too hot.
Hi Theresa! Please spend some time scrolling through our website. We are based in Central Florida and cover A LOT of things to do and events in this area. In March, we included several events in the Orlando area: https://authenticflorida.com/florida-festivals-march/. Also, this link to the Central Florida section of our website should give you ideas as well. https://authenticflorida.com/regions/places-to-go-in-central-florida/ Thanks for following AuthenticFlorida.com. — Team AF