We looked at hundreds—perhaps thousands—of things to do on US Gulf Coast in April 2023. Then we narrowed our suggestions down to the following nine events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast and from US Gulf Coast Travel.
April on the Gulf Coast means the weather is perfect and Spring Break is in full swing—everywhere! See our Favorite US Gulf Coast Spring Break Destinations and, to skip the crowds secret Florida Panhandle spots.
Enjoy our Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in April. Let us know of other fun and cool events.
Looking for May events? See Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in May.
25th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, March 24-April 2, 2023
Sarasota Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023. 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.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration, Key West, April 21-30, 2023
Join the Sovereign State of Mind set for the 2023 Conch Republic Independence Celebration—the 41st anniversary of Fun-dependence. No passport needed. Just good vibes! 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.
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Beach FL, April 7-23, 2023
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 waterfront restaurants in Florida.
Galveston Island FeatherFest, April 20-23, 2023
Join happy outdoor enthusiasts, phenomenal photographers, and avid birders for the 21st 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.
Interstate Mullet Toss, Pensacola Beach FL and Gulf Shores AL, April 28-30, 2023
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 $15 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.
Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, Naples FL, April 15-22, 2023
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.
Crawfish Music Festival, Biloxi MS, April 20-23, 2023
Enjoy tons of crawfish, amazing live music, carnival rides, and more funness at the 30th annual Crawfish Music Festivalin 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.
US Gulf Coast Travel note: alternatively, try the All You Can Eat Crawfish Cook-Off in Slidell LA (Louisiana Northshore) on April 22, 2023.
53rd Annual New Orleans Jazz Fest, April 28-May 7, 2023
The 2023 edition of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival hosts 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. 2023 New Orleans Jazz Fest performers include Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Carlos Santana, Lizzo, Ludacris, Ed Sheeran, Tom Jones, and so many more amazing musical acts.
Visit the fest website for more information and our recommended Day Trips From New Orleans.
US Gulf Coast Travel note: to warm up for New Orleans Jazz Fest, visit Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach the prior weekend, April 19-23, 2023.
PREVIEW: Louisiana Pirate Festival, Lake Charles LA, May 4-14, 2023
Celebrate Southwest Louisiana’s quality of life and joie de vivre at the 2023 Louisiana Pirate Festival. In true US Gulf Coast style, we start enjoying the carnival, music, food, and the best pirate party this side of Gasparilla in April.
Visit the fest website for more information and our recommended place to stay there L’Auberge Lake Charles.
Please let us know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in April. Or any month!