I looked at hundreds—perhaps thousands—of things to do on US Gulf Coast in April 2026. Then I narrowed my suggestions down to the following 8 great events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast.
April on the Gulf Coast means the weather is perfect and Spring Break is in full swing—everywhere! See my Favorite US Gulf Coast Spring Break Destinations and, to skip the crowds, secret Florida Panhandle spots.
Enjoy Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in April 2026.
Looking for May events? See Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in May.
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Beach FL, March 27 – April 12, 2026
The 17-day Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival celebrates the amazing sugar sand and sunsets of Tampa Bay. Enjoy free live music, fireworks, kid’s play zones, and sand sculpting classes. And make sure to see all of the magnificent sand sculptures from artists from all over the world.
Visit the festival website for more information and our nearby favorite Florida waterfront restaurants.
28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, April 10 – 19, 2026
Sarasota Film Festival celebrates its 28th anniversary in 2026. As always, enjoy more than 200 films from around the world including features, documentaries, shorts, and kid-friendly picks.
Visit the festival website for more information and our tips for Sarasota Things to Do.
Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, Naples FL, April 11 – 18, 2026
The Minto US Open Pickleball Championships is the largest pickleball tournament in the world and also the biggest pickleball party in the world. East Naples Community Park has 64 pickleball courts to host all the players, guests, visitors, and fans.
Before the competitive juices get flowing, there are Kids Day and Margaritaville Party in the Park events. But of course most people attend to become or see the next pickleball champ.
Visit the event website for more information and our favorite Places To Eat in Naples Florida.
Galveston Island FeatherFest, April 16 – 19, 2026
Join happy outdoor enthusiasts, phenomenal photographers, and avid birders for the 24rd Anniversary Galveston Island FeatherFest Birding and Nature Photography Festival. More than 200 species of birds migrate back to US and Canada after spending the winter in Central and South America, and Galveston Island is the prime spot to see them.
Visit the fest website for more information and our Texas Gulf Coast Kayaking Trails.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration, Key West, April 17 – 26, 2026
Join the Sovereign State of Mind set for the 2026 Conch Republic Independence Celebration—the 44th anniversary of Fun-dependence. No passport needed. Just good vibes!
Enjoy 20+ festivals for buccaneers of all ages. Participate in beach cleanup, bar crawl, drag race, and the conch shell salute and pledge of allegiance at the independence ceremony.
Visit the event website for more information and our Key West Tips.
Crawfish Music Festival, Biloxi MS, April 17 – 19, 2026
Enjoy tons of crawfish, amazing live music, carnival rides, and more funness at the 31st annual Crawfish Music Festival in Biloxi. Set between the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and the gorgeous Mississippi shoreline, the fest promises fun, excitement, and a little something new.
Visit the festival website for more information and our favorite Biloxi things to do.
McCool Travel note: alternatively, enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, jambalaya, and jumbo at the Stalekracker’s Cajun Two Step Fest in Kentwood LA (Louisiana Northshore) on April 18, 2026.
53rd Annual New Orleans Jazz Fest, April 23 – May 3, 2026
The 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will host 400,000 guests from around the world over two weekends. Thousands of musicians, craft artisans, cooks and chefs, and volunteers entertain, support, sell crafts, and feed the souls of attendees.
2026 New Orleans Jazz Fest performers include Lorde, Raye, Jon Baptiste, Stevie Nicks, The Black Keys, Leela James, Ziggy Marley, Trombone Shorty, and so many more amazing musical acts.
Visit the fest website for more information and our recommended Day Trips From New Orleans.
McCool Travel note: to warm up for New Orleans Jazz Fest, visit the 27th Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach April 22 – 26, 2026.
Interstate Mullet Toss, Pensacola Beach FL and Gulf Shores AL, April 24 – 26, 2026
Also called the Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, the annual Flora-Bama Mullet Toss is a legendary annual event at USA’s most famous beach bar. Contestants toss a dead mullet (local fish) from a 10 foot circle on the Florida side into Alabama. Contestants pay $20 to toss a mullet and receive an event t-shirt. Winners receive prizes. Everyone has a great time. Mullet Toss proceeds benefit local charities.
Visit the event website for more information and our suggested Things to Do in Gulf Shores and other Fun Gulf Coast Bars and Best Florida Panhandle Beaches.
Please let me know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in April. Or any month!
See also March Gulf Coast events and May Gulf Coast events.