April Festivals: Dragons, Banjos, and Sharks, Oh My!

There’s something enchanting about the month of April. Perhaps it’s the beautiful weather, the blossoming flowers, or the scent of summer in the breeze.  Whatever the case may be, April is a busy month. Every weekend on the Gulf Coast is filled with events and celebrations of our sun-filled lifestyle. Here’s a list of this month’s festivals that are not to be missed!

Sarasota Film Festival: April 4 – 13 Now in its 16^th year, the Sarasota Film Festival is the ultimate Sarasota experience for viewing independent films, partying all night long in cinematic style, or rubbing elbows with visiting celebrities. We offer some advice on what to see and do on this saundersblog article or visit the Sarasota Film Festival to learn more. Florida Wine Fest and Auction: April 10 – 13 A combination of food, wine, and entertainment sets the stage for an enjoyable weekend while funding charities serving disadvantaged children in Sarasota and Manatee County. The schedule of events includes wine tastings on the Bay, concert performances, and delectable bites from award-winning local chefs. Visit the Florida Winefest Auction website for more information. Inaugural Englewood Super Boat Grand Prix: April 11 – 13^th One of the most exciting international events to come to Charlotte County, Charlotte Harbor will be transformed with boat parades, beach parties, and boat races. The first event of 2014 racing season for the Super Boat International Offshore Racing Series, this is sure to be a fun-filled weekend. Our own MSC agent, Elizabeth Burr and manager, Mary Smedley, co-chaired the sponsorship committee raising $109,000 for the event! For more details visit www.chsbgp.com. Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival: April 11 – 13 Named the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World” because of the millions of shark teeth that wash up on their sandy shores, Venice hosts a festival to celebrate this fossil’d fact. More than 100 artists from around the state, scrumptious food vendors, and live entertainment set the backdrop for fun you can really sink your teeth into.  Learn more at sharkstoothfest.com. Punta Gorda Dragon Boat Festival: April 13 Sponsored by the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers, this race in Laishley Park brings together 650 Dragon Boat paddlers from across Florida. Admission is free. Visit the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce website for more information. Sarasota Open Tennis Tournament: April 12 – 20^th The premiere professional tennis event in Southwest Florida, you’ll see some of the top names from the ATP tour visit our Gulf Coast. Be sure to attend the exciting tournaments (and parties) taking place at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. To purchase tickets, visit the Sarasota Open website. Suncoast BBQ and Bluegrass Bash: April 18 - 19 If you like finger lickin’ barbeque or an afternoon of bluegrass featuring the 2014 Grammy nominated Boxcars, you will want to be in Venice for this. Best to attend on an empty stomach as you can vote for people’s choice in the Barbecuing Championship, Chili Cookoff, and Dessert Bakeoff. You may also wish to bring some napkins to Michael Saunders & Company Venice Manager Laura Benson, who is an official judge of the BBQ competition.  More information about the bash can be found on this website. Siesta Fiesta: April 26 – 27 The 36^th annual art and craft festival on Siesta Key features pieces from 250 artists and crafters from around the nation. You can delight in sculptures, one of a kind jewelry, ceramics and even a special green market.  Taking place in Siesta Village, admission is free and you’ll love ending your day with a sunset at one the most beautiful beaches in the world.       Do you have plans to attend any of these awesome April festivals? Let us know!