Spring has Sprung! It’s the perfect time to visit Siesta Key with the amazing weather and so many great events to attend.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in and around Sarasota this month.

The 24th Annual Sarasota Film Festival - April 1- 10

Founded in 1998, the Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) has grown to be a ten-day festival that plays independent and international narratives, docs and shorts that are programmed into a schedule of over 200 films. Festival events include socially-driven parties and private receptions to honor guest filmmakers, community-wide street festivals, and the black-tie Filmmakers Tribute Dinner. SFF patrons have enjoyed intimate performances from Aerosmith and The B52’s as well as a host of special appearances by local and international musicians. https://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com/

International Chalk Festival - April 1- 3

It’s a museum in motion as professional pavement artists from around the world use chalk as their medium and the pavement as their surface with a few pushing mind-boggling boundaries. You are an integral part of the creative process as the viewer witnessing each artist’s creative process, turning the pavement into a museum in motion while creating oversized masterpieces in chalk! Each day arts and craft vendors, food vendors, and beverages and spirits of all kinds are available so you can spend a few hours or all day lunching, listening to music, shopping with vendors, having a drink, and taking your time strolling the artwork. https://chalkfestival.org/

Beyond Van Gogh - April 1- 24

Immerse yourself in the world of Vincent Van Gogh like you've never experienced before. Beyond Van Gogh is a rich and unique multimedia experience, taking the viewer on a journey through over 300 iconic artworks, including instantly-recognizable classics "The Starry Night," "Sunflowers," and "Cafe Terrace at Night," now freed from their frames. Set to a symphonic score and using the artist's own dreams, thoughts and words to drive the experience as a narrative, Van Gogh's art comes to life by appearing and disappearing. Guests will leave with a new appreciation of this prolific artist's stunning work. https://vangoghsarasota.com/

Get Your Mutt Movin' Dog Walk and Family Festival 2022 - April 2

Join us for a half-mile dog walk with an agility challenge and get you and your mutt movin'! This *free annual event benefits the only true no-kill animal sanctuary in Sarasota - Satchel's Last Resort - and it also benefits the best community center in Sarasota – CORESRQ. There will be fun for the whole family - a pet-friendly photo booth, bounce house, vendor market with over 30 artisans, crafters, gourmet foods, pet novelties, and more! The Farmhouse Animal Sanctuary will join in the fun, as will the Florida Skunk Rescue - come hug a skunk! Register for the dog walks on the event website. The first 100 registrants receive a doggie bandana, goody bag and raffle ticket. If you'd like to sponsor the event, visit our website too! (*$5 to participate in dog-walk. Free event - donations accepted.)
https://satchelslastresort.networkforgood.com/events/38887-get-your-mutt-movin-dog-walk-and-family-festival-2022

National Water Dance: “Dancing Out of Time” with Sarasota Contemporary Dance - April 23

Sarasota Contemporary Dance partners with the Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key to perform new works created for National Water Dance, revolving around gratitude for water while highlighting the urgent need to preserve our local water resources. This performance is influenced by the Hermitage’s natural beauty and proximity to both Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It will be broadcast simultaneously with performance groups from across the country and around the world. The unique event is presented by the partnership between the Hermitage Artist Retreat and Sarasota Contemporary Dance, with a performance introduction by Dr. Emily Heffernan, associate professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at New College of Florida. https://hermitageartistretreat.org/calendar/