April Events in Greater Fort Lauderdale 

By Christie Galeano-DeMott

*Please contact the event or venue in case of postponement or cancellation.

Greater Fort Lauderdale in April means a variety of outdoor festivals and activities that will certainly make everyone happy. From country and jazz concerts to flower fests and art walks, our sunny weather offers visitors and locals alike plenty of things to do around town.

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival: April 3

Come hungry for the 25th edition of this event benefiting the American Lung Association. Sip and sample your way through bites from more than 50 South Florida restaurants and 40 breweries and wineries along five blocks on Las Olas Boulevard.

International Orchid & Garden Festival: April 4-5

This annual event is back at the beloved Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for its 13th year. Orchid and plant vendors from around the world, including Thailand, Malaysia, Ecuador, and Hawaii will be here with a variety of beautiful orchids and plants. The festival will also feature an art gallery, gardening lectures, and live music.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: April 5

One of America’s most famous astrophysicists is sharing his knowledge of the cosmos at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The scientist turned orator and author has a talent for breaking down and sharing tricky scientific subjects in terms we can all understand and enjoy.

Come From Away: April 7-19

The Broadway hit takes the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers in a small town in Newfoundland after the 9/11 tragedy, this award-winning musical will fill you with joy.

Pirate Festival: April 11

Ahoy! The Fort Lauderdale Pirate Festival will hit the waterways with this free event featuring all things pirates. Enjoy live music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, canon demonstrations, and walk amongst real pirates and mermaids at Esplanade Park.

Egg-Spedition Dinosaur Egg Hunt: April 11

Get a head start on Easter with this event at the Museum of Discovery and Science. There will be two egg hunts in the morning, one for ages 2-5 and one for ages 6-10, with prizes awarded for both groups.

Tortuga Music Festival: April 17-19

Music and sand converge at this annual seaside concert on Fort Lauderdale beach. What started as a country music festival has evolved to include an array of artists from Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert to Pitbull and the Barenaked Ladies. The fest also has a charitable component, donating partial proceeds to ocean conservation.

The Who: April 21

The iconic British rock band will be filling the Hard Rock Live arena with their greatest hits. Singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend will perform with the full live band in addition to a local symphony orchestra. Look out for classic songs like “My Generation,” plus debut songs from their first album in 13 years.

Don Quixote: April 25-26

The famed protagonist and sidekick Sancho Panza are brought to life in this exciting performance from the Miami City Ballet filled with rhythmic movement, grand dancing, and memorable characters. The ballet takes the stage of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with lectures held one hour before showtime.

Abby Wambach: April 29

One of the most outstanding athletes of our generation, Abby Wambach will be speaking at The Broward Center of the Performing Arts as part of the annual Broward College Speaker Series. As a World Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and U.S. soccer team captain, she will be sharing her gripping experiences, heartfelt stories, and philanthropic passions with the audience.

Recurring Events

Florida Panthers: April 2 & 4

The Cats take on the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals this month at the BB&T Center’s thrilling ice rink.

Sunday Jazz Brunch: April 5

Grab a blanket and some snacks to enjoy an afternoon of jazz performances along the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at this free monthly celebration held the first Sunday of every month.

Free First Thursdays Starry Night: April 9

Check out the current art exhibitions during this artsy monthly gathering at the NSU Art Museum that includes free admission, drink specials, art workshops, and live entertainment. Come back every first Thursday of the month for this ongoing series.

Friday Night Sound Waves: Friday Nights

This month, there’s plenty of music to enjoy at the weekly beachside concert series. Whether you like blues, reggae, or country music, there will be something for everyone. Look out for a special Pride of the Americas concert with Tito Puente, Jr. on April 24.

Hollywood ArtsPark Experience: April 19

This edition of the free, family-friendly event will feature Lawrence, a brother-sister led eight-piece funk pop group. Make your way to the Hollywood ArtsPark Amphitheater at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood for an evening of music in the heart of the city.

FATVillage ArtWalk: April 25

Stroll through exciting galleries during this month’s family-friendly ArtWalk. Make sure to check out the food trucks serving tasty treats alongside the local arts exhibits and craft market. Catch this event every last Saturday of the month in FATVillage.

For even more events in April, check out the listings below; or click here for events beyond this month.