April 5-6, Sebring
Sebring Soda Festival
The family-friendly event at the downtown circle features 200-plus craft sodas, live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, a kids’ zone and a car show. Festivities open Friday night with live music and a ’50s block party from 5 to 8 p.m. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, but tickets are required to taste sodas.
www.sebringsodafest.com;
863-385-8448
April 5-6, Pensacola
Fourth annual Food Truck Festival
The Pensacola Habitat for Humanity event starts Friday evening at Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., with several food trucks and a band. Saturday is a foodies’ paradise with dozens of food trucks, live music and HabiVillage welcoming crafty people.
www.pensacolahotwheels.org;
850-434-5456
April 5-7, Sebring
Ferrari Challenge North America
Ferrari owners battle in an epic single-make race at Sebring International Raceway. Tickets are available at the gate.
863-655-1442
April 6, Marathon
38th annual Seven Mile Bridge Run
A field of 1,500 runners participates in the annual foot race across the longest of the 42 bridges that comprise the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. The bridge is closed from 6:45 to 9 a.m.www.keywesthistoricseaport.com, 305-395-7040
www.keywesthistoricseaport.com,
305-395-7040
April 6-7, Pensacola
36th annual Pensacola JazzFest
This free festival from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Seville Square Park celebrates America’s unique musical art form with local jazz standouts to world-renowned acts.
www.jazzpensacola.com;
850-433-8382
April 6-7, Islamorada
28th annual Florida Keys Island Fest
Music, art, food and fun join a juried art show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Founders Park, MM 87, with nearly 100 artists and crafters, live music and a Taste of the Islands foodie competition. Admission to the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce event is free. On-site parking is $5.
www.islamoradachamber.com;
305-664-4503
April 10, Islamorada
Lecture Series
Jerry Lorenz, state research director for Audubon of Florida, talks about “Roseate Spoonbills in Florida Bay: Pink Canaries in a Coal Mine” at the Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the lecture at 6 p.m. Light appetizers and a cash bar are available. The cost is $10. Reservations are recommended.
www.keysdiscovery.com;
305-922-2237
April 11, Islamorada
Spring Into Art and Antique Car Show
The event from 5 to 8 p.m. at Coconut Cove Resort, MM 84, features local artists, antique cars, a fashion show, music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction. A $15 donation is suggested.
www.islamoradachamber.com;
305-852-3282
April 12-14, Avon Park
“Shepherd King: The Story of the Bible”
More than 20 stories from creation to the second coming are told by more than 100 volunteer actors from central Florida with elaborate costuming and sets at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $25 to $35.
www.powerandlightproductions.com;
www.sfscarts.org;
863-375-4031
April 13, Callahan
14th annual Railroad Day Festival
The West Nassau Historical Society hosts the event from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. at the historic Callahan Train Depot, with live entertainment and arts and craft vendors. It also features a classic car show.
www.wnhsfl.org;
904-879-3406
April 13, Marathon
Marathon Pentathlon
Events include a 1-mile foot race, a half-mile swim, a 1-mile standup paddle board race, a 1-mile kayak race and longest golf drive. Events start at 8 a.m. at Banana Bay Resort, with an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Participation is capped at 45. Proceeds benefit 10 nonprofits.
www.themarathongames.com;
305-587-9830
April 13, Pensacola
23rd annual Mullet Man Triathlon
Flora-Bama Lounge hosts the event, which features a quarter-mile swim, 16.5-mile bike and 3.9-mile run. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
www.florabama.com;
850-492-6838
April 13, Panama City Beach
Sixth annual Beer Festival
The event from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fishale Taphouse & Grill features more than 200 craft beers and ciders, food trucks and bourbon. A portion of the proceeds from the $30 to $60 tickets goes to All Things Panama City Beach Outreach, a local nonprofit formed after Hurricane Michael to help the Bay community.
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
April 13, Key West
Ninth annual Ocean Fest
Celebrate the marine environment, explore conservation exhibits, buy wares from local artists and vendors, experience touch tanks, and listen to live music while raising funds for coral reef research and restoration. The Mote Marine Laboratory event is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at NOAA’s Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and Truman Waterfront.
https://mote.org;
941-388-4331
April 13, Pensacola Beach
Firefighters Challenge
Watch as teams of firefighters test their strength, agility, teamwork and skills at the family-friendly event. The competition takes place on the sand of Pensacola Beach near Casino Beach Bar and Grille, 41 Fort Pickens Road. Admission is free for spectators.
www.pensacolasports.org;
850-434-2800
April 13, Port St. Joe
Annual Plant and Yard Sale
Buy plants and herbs, Mother’s Day gifts, crafts and unique yard items from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST at the Port St. Joe Garden Club, 216 Eighth St.
www.facebook.com/Port-St-Joe-Garden-Club
April 17, Islamorada
Immerse Yourself!
Allison and Carlos Estape present “Citizen Science & You” at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Highway.
www.divingmuseum.org;
305-664-9737
April 19-28, Key West
37th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration
With activities such as a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic’s 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys.
www.facebook.com/events/638208763184356;
305-296-0213
April 22-26, Pensacola
RePurposed Art Show
Pensacola State College’s art department partners with Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore to present a show and auction. The exhibition is at the ReStore, 6931 N. 9th Ave., from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the benefit auction and reception from 5 to 8 p.m. April 26.
www.pensacolahabitat.org;
850-476-0001
April 24, Islamorada
Lecture Series
Ryan Harke, anthropologist and public archaeologist for the Florida Public Archaeology Network, will talk about “Southernmost Pre-Columbian Site” at 6 p.m. at the Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82. Doors open at 5 p.m. to allow guests to view exhibits. Light appetizers and a cash bar are available. The cost is $10. Reservations are recommended.
www.keysdiscovery.com;
305-922-2237
Terrain Run
Conquer 20-plus obstacles and play in the mud Sunday, April 7, at the Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center, 8974 Tomahawk Landing Road in Milton. Athletes must be at least 14 years old to race solo. Youngsters 7-13 may compete on the 3-mile course if accompanied by a parent. Registration is $60. After all of the adult waves, a half-mile course is available for 2- to 10-year-olds. Registration is $35. Showers are available at the end. For more information, visit www.terrainracing.com or call 850-623-6197.
April 24, Pensacola
Mullet Swing Golf Classic
Perdido Bay Golf Club hosts the four-person scramble. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
www.florabama.com;
850-483-6267
April 25-28, Panama City Beach
21st annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival
More than 20,000 fans converge on Pier Park to hear performances from more than 40 national jazz artists.
www.seabreezejazzfestival.com;
855-233-6714
April 26-28, Pensacola
Mullet Toss
Participants throw a dead mullet over the Florida/Alabama state line to see who can toss the farthest.
www.florabama.com;
850-492-6838
April 26-28, Pensacola
35th annual Crawfish Festival
More than 16,000 pounds of boiled crawfish will be served, along with crab cakes, gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp, po’boys and more at Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St. The event includes a children’s area, arts and crafts vendors, crawfish-eating contests and live entertainment. Admission is $6. Kids 12 and younger get in free.
www.fiestapensacola.org;
850-433-6512
April 26-28, Panama City Beach
Second annual SandJam Fest
More than 20 acts perform on two stages at the alternative rock music festival at M.B. Miller County Pier.
www.sandjamfest.com;
Info@SandJamFest.com
April 26-28, Panama City Beach
Parrot Head Rendezvous
More than 13 national trop rock music acts perform at Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar. Proceeds benefit Girls Inc.
https://rendezvous2019.myevent.com
April 26-28, Panama City Beach
Schooner’s Cajun Festival
Enjoy Cajun music, a crawfish boil on the beach, a crawfish-eating contest and kids’ activities at Schooners Last Local Beach Club, 5121 Gulf Drive.
www.schooners.com;
850-235-3555
April 27, Islamorada
Pops in the Park: Young Musicians Concert
The free season-ending outdoor event features talented local students performing with the Keys Community Concert Band at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, MM 87. Scholarships will be awarded, and play-along instruments are provided. Bring a chair or blanket. Leashed dogs are welcome.
www.keyscommunityconcertband.org;
April 27, Pensacola
Be My Neighbor Day
Community organizations will be at WSRE Amos Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., with children’s activity booths and information for parents from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event spotlights the values of Mister Rogers and features PBS KIDS’ stars.
www.wsre.org;
850-484-1200
April 27, Avon Park
Ninth annual Bluegrass Blueberry Festival
The lakeside event at Donaldson Park features live bluegrass music, blueberry products and barbecue chicken dinners for sale, a kids’ zone, and original arts and crafts vendors.
www.avonparkrotaryblueberryfestival.com
April 27-29, Islamorada
Islamorada Spring Classic
Nine gulf and backcountry saltwater species are targeted, with trophies awarded in weight and release categories to various vessels and junior release divisions.
Diane Harbaugh, 305-522-4868;
islamoradafishingclassics@aol.com
April 30, Sarasota
Second annual Musical Friends Concert
Musicians from Sarasota, Bradenton and Tampa perform at 1:30 p.m. at the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Admission is free.
Mimi Diaz, 941-225-3935
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