Happening in our area this weekend.

The weekend of April 3–5, 2026, is packed with entertainment across Siesta Key, Bradenton, and Venice, ranging from live blues and rock to professional theater and family Easter events. Highlights include

the Music in the Park series in Bradenton, the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival, and the final weekend of Annie at Venice Theatre.

Live Music: Blues, Rock & Pop

Music in the Park (Bradenton): Enjoy a free sunset concert featuring the Glass Onion Beatles Band on April 3 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion.
A Village in Bloom (Bradenton): This art walk in the Village of the Arts on April 3–4 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM) features live music alongside open galleries and local food.
BTR Rocks Gilligan’s (Siesta Key): Catch live rock on April 3 at 6:00 PM at Gilligan’s Island Bar.
Clive Carroll at Troll Music (Venice): Experience world-renowned acoustic guitar skills on April 4 from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Troll Music.
Venice Sharks Tooth Festival: A major local event on April 4–5 featuring live music, shark teeth vendors, and food trucks at the Venice Municipal Festival Grounds.

Theatre Performances

Florida Studio Theatre

Performing arts theater

ClosedDowntown

A Night with Janis Joplin: A high-energy blues-rock musical tribute at the Keating Theatre.
Three Pianos: Celebrating the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. Closing night is April 5 at the Goldstein Cabaret.
Tournament of Fools: A special improv event on April 4 at Bowne’s Lab.

Venice Theatre

Performing arts theater

ClosedVenice, FL

Annie: The classic musical “kicks out the blues” for its final performances through April 4 at the Raymond Center.
How I Learned to Drive: Part of the Stage 2 Series, running through April 4 at the Pinkerton Theatre.

Venice Performing Arts Center

Performing arts theater

Venice, FL

While several events occur later in April, you can check the VPAC Calendar for potential last-minute additions to their schedule.

Family Fun & Egg Hunts

Several Easter egg hunts are taking place in the Sarasota area for 2026, including the Hippity Hop Hunt at the Children’s Garden (March 28-April 5), the Eggstravaganza at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch (March 28), and the Easter Scavenger Hunt at the Farmers Market (April 4). Popular, free community events also occur in downtown Venice and Newtown.

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Featured Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch Easter Events 2026:

- Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt (Sarasota): Located at 1670 10th Way, featuring 12 sweets-filled eggs, special prize tickets, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
- Eggstravaganza at Waterside Park (Lakewood Ranch): Saturday, March 28, 9:30 AM–12 PM. Includes egg hunts (starting 10:30 AM), bounce house, and photos with the Easter Bunny
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Meadows Farmers Market Easter Hunt: March 29. Features a golden egg hunt, farmers market, and kids’ zone.
3rd Annual Easter Bash @ The Flock: Friday, April 3, 4–6 PM. Includes a 5 PM egg hunt.
Easter Scavenger Hunt at Sarasota Farmers Market: Saturday, April 4. Starts at 9 AM, find eggs by following clues.
6th Annual Little Leapers Egg Hunt: A special hunt for ages 5 and under with the Easter Bunny.
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Additional Area Events:

Eggstravaganza at Centennial Park (Venice): Saturday, April 4, 10–11:30 AM. Features age-grouped hunts and a “beeping” egg hunt for visually impaired children.
Newtown Spring Fling Easter Parade & Hunt: Saturday, April 4 (Parade), with festivities in the community.
South Seas Resort Egg Hunt: Features a 5,000-egg hunt on the golf course.
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Bishop Planetarium

(Bradenton): Planetarium shows are included with admission on Saturday, April 4, from 11:15 AM – 3:30 PM. Current shows at The Bishop include Messengers of Time and Space and Forward! To the Moon.
2026 Eggstravaganza (Venice): A free community egg hunt on April 4 at 10:00 AM in Centennial Park. Children 12 and under can meet the Easter Bunny.
Easter Celebration at The Yard (Palmetto/Bradenton area): An egg hunt and festive morning on April 4 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Palmetto Marriott Resort.
Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt (Parrish): Held on April 5 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at The Club at River Wilderness; reservations are required ($55–$60 for adults).