Top Florida Events in April 2026

by Melanie Lentz-Janney

There are so many fun Florida events in April that 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.

36th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show – White Springs

When: April 2^nd – April 4^th, 2026

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 kids’ 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: Things To Do in White Springs, Florida

Clay County Agricultural Fair – Green Cove Springs

When: April 2^nd through the 12^th, 2026

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 $10 per adult and $6 per child, ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Cows at Clay County Fair — Source: Clay County Fair

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 that are 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 the Top Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville.

8th Annual Sebring Soda Festival – Sebring

When: April 11^th and 12^th, 2026

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.

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.

64^th Annual Delray Affair – Delray Beach

When: April 10^th through the 12^th, 2026

Where: Downtown Delray Beach, Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483

Delray Affair artist — Source: Delray Affair on Facebook

Description: The 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.

31st Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival – Elkton

Gamble Rogers Film Festival — Source: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

When: April 10^th through the 12^th, 2026

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.

2026 Cedar Key Fine Arts Show – Cedar Key

When: April 11^th and 12^th, 2026

Where: 2^nd 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.

Cedar Key Festival — Source: Cedar Key Lions Club

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 its 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 the Old Florida Charm: Authentic Cedar Key

Venice Sharks Tooth Festival – Venice

shark tooth festival — Source: Venice Sharks Tooth Festival

When: April 11^th and 12^th, 2026

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

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo – Lakeland

When: April 14^th through the 19^th, 2026

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 $50 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 the Best Things to Do in Lakeland.

52nd Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour – Jacksonville

When: April 11^th and 12^th, 2026

Where: 2623 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

Description: It’s time to appreciate the architecture of historical homes. A selection of homes is 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 17^th through the 19^th, 2026

Where: Grant Community House, 4580 1st St., Grant-Valkaria, FL 32949

Description: If you love BBQ, 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.

Grant BBQ Festival Charcoal — Source: Grant BBQ Festival

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 out so you don’t miss your favorite performers.
If you hope to join the Annual Q-Fest Backyard BBQ Championships, review the rules on their website.

44th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration – Key West

When: April 17^th through the 26^th, 2026

Where: Old Town Key West, 200 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040

Description: The Conch Republic celebrates its 44^th Anniversary in 2026.

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 2026 run, expect kick-off parties, movie screenings, parades, a pirate ball and costume contest, and other cool, quirky activities.

There was so much happening that 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

26^th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival – Tallahassee

When: April 18^th and 19^th, 2026

Where: Downtown Tallahassee (Park Avenue, east of Monroe Street), Tallahassee, FL 32301

Description: The 26^th 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 Authentic Things to Do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida”

40th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival – Pensacola

When: April 24^th through the 26^th, 2026

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 our tips to Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach)

35th Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival – Carrabelle

Shrimp Boil at Carrabelle Riverfront Festival

When: April 25^th, 2026

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.

4th Annual Wing, Taco & Dessert Battle – Boca Raton

When: April 25^th, 2026

Where: 72 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432

More Information: The 4th Annual Florida Wing, Taco & Dessert Battle in Sanborn Square Park is a combination of some food favorites.

Enjoy samples of wings, tacos, and desserts from some of the area’s best chefs.

Make sure to cast your votes for your preferences in each category. In addition to all the delicious food, the battle has craft beers, fine wines, and live entertainment.

General admission is $69 per person, pre-sale, and $100, day-of. Admission provides access to unlimited food samples and beer, wine, and spirit tastings.

Learn more on the Florida Wing Battle website.

26th Annual Sweet Corn Fiesta – West Palm Beach

When: April 26^th, 2026

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 26th 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.