April 1st might be upon us, but it’s no joke when we say that there are lots of great things to do this weekend in Sarasota! April means beautiful weather and longer daylight hours, so now is a perfect time to get outside and start enjoying the sunshine.

While you might appreciate the warmer weather this month, it’s also time to bring sunscreen and other protection everywhere you go! Remember that it’s easy to suffer heat stroke in just a short amount of time but especially when you’re dehydrated and in direct sunlight. Keep yourself shaded and hydrated properly this weekend so that nothing interferes with your weekend events in 2022!

Friday, April 1st: Music in the Park in Bradenton

April 1st is a great time to enjoy an outdoor concert, which you’ll find at Music in the Park in nearby Bradenton. This weekend’s performance features the James Tyrone Band, offering a mix of soulful tunes you’re sure to love. Attendees should bring blankets or chairs, and there will be food and craft beer selections to purchase.

The show runs from 6 to 8 p.m., and dogs on leashes are also welcome. To find out more including exact locations in the park where you can enjoy the show, visit the website:

https://discoverbradenton.com/bradentonevents/music-in-the-park/

Friday, April 1st: Music on Main in LWR

There is even more music for you to enjoy this Friday the 1st! Head down to Lakewood Ranch on Main Street for live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring blankets or chairs, and your four-legged friend is welcome on a short leash as well!

Admission to this show is FREE and there will be beer, wine, and other refreshments available for purchase. For more information, check out the website:

https://business.manateechamber.com/events/details/music-on-main-lakewood-ranch-04-01-2022-21561

Friday, April 1st-10th: Sarasota Film Festival

If you love film and are looking for some movie-related upcoming events in Sarasota, check out the city’s annual film festival! Running from April 1st through the 10th, you can enjoy international picks, documentaries, short films, and every other genre you might imagine. This year’s schedule includes some 200 films as well as live performances by various musical artists you’re sure to love.

Additionally, the festival is always happy to host various filmmakers, actors and actresses, and other professionals in the industry. Past guests have included Greg Kinnear, Rita Moreno, Jason Momoa, and Elisabeth Moss, among many others.

Ticket prices and showtimes vary per show. To find out more including exact locations, and to reserve your tickets to various films in advance, visit the website:

https://www.visitsarasota.com/24th-annual-sarasota-film-festival

Saturday-Sunday, April 2nd-3rd: Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Sarasota, check out this weekend’s craft festival. This festival will feature a wide range of pottery, jewelry, ceramics, painting, and more. Whether you need items for around the house or are searching for the perfect gift, you’re sure to find it here!

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday and is FREE to attend. For more information including a list of vendors and exact location of the events, check out their website:

https://www.artfestival.com/festivals/downtown-sarasota-art-craft-festival

Saturday-Sunday, April 2nd-3rd: Spirit Fest

There are plenty of healing related Sarasota events for 2022, including the Spirit Fest you can attend this weekend! The spirit fest includes a wide range of holistic healers, readers, practitioners, and more. Whether you want a special reading, a therapeutic massage, or some new crystals for the home, this is the place to be.

The Spirit Fest will offer over 100 booths so you’re sure to find something you need and love. There will also be workshops, story time for the kids, and onsite massage. Admission is $12 per day or $18 for both days. For more information, visit the Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/361257759193542/

Saturday, April 2nd: Dirty Byrd at Big Top Brewing

Big Top Brewing is one of the area’s hottest spots for great food, great beer, and outstanding live music. This weekend you can enjoy all three when the crew welcomes Dirty Byrd to the stage, starting at 7 p.m. Dirty Byrd specializes in what they call glam rock, featuring a mix of 80s beats and heavy synthesizers.

You can also enjoy a full menu of tasty food and cold beer at Big Top Brewing to go along with the show. To find out more or to browse their menu in advance, check out the Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/7355848224433069/

Saturday, April 2nd: Yoga at Waterside

Hopefully you haven’t waited until now to get started with your new year’s resolutions! However, if you have, there are lots of fitness related things to do this weekend in Sarasota. Get your weekend started right with yoga at Waterside Place, at Lakewood Ranch.

This gentle yet challenging class runs from 9 to 10 a.m. and is FREE to attend. Please bring your own towel, mat, water, and other items. To find out more, visit the Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1115565615887834/

Saturday, April 2nd: International Chalk Festival

There are lots of things to do in Sarasota with kids this weekend, including the International Chalk Festival. This festival features chalk artists from around the world, showcasing their talent with chalk and pavement. If you love unique art, this festival is the place to be!

The show runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission prices vary. There will also be food trucks and craft vendors on hand, so come hungry and don’t leave your wallet behind! To find out more, visit their website:

https://sarasotaarts.org/calendar/international-chalk-festival/

Sunday, April 3rd: Sundays at the Bay

Top off your upcoming events in Sarasota with a FREE music event, Sundays at the Bay. This Sunday you can enjoy Shindig, a local favorite featuring acoustic, alternative, and classic rock. The show runs from 2 to 3 p.m. and guests are asked to bring blankets, chairs, and other necessities. To find out more including an exact spot on the bay where you can find the performers, visit the website:

Sundays at The Bay: Shindig

Have you found some great things to do this weekend in Sarasota from this list? If so, please share with others so all your friends and family can make their weekend plans as well. As always, come back next week so you can find even more great things to enjoy in and around this stunning Florida city!