The clouds might be out for most of the month, but as we inch toward summer, the days continue to grow warmer and warmer. For those of us in the southernmost states, a steady stream of sunny 70- and 80-degree days already dot the calendar. Everywhere this month though, we see the first outdoor festivals of the year begin to creep into our weekend plans as well as a host of events to enjoy indoors for when rain decides to fall.
Atlanta
April 1: Pillow Fight
International Pillow Fight Day isn’t just for kids. People around the world gather in parks and public squares to take a swing at one another in celebration of this juvenile past time. Pillow fighters meet in Grant Park. No feather pillows allowed.
April 2: Indie Craft Experience
Over 50 crafters, makers, and vendors hawk their wares in the Yaarab Temple. Local establishments have food available, parking is free, and the first 100 attendees receive complementary swag bags from The Small Object. Admission is .
April 15-June 4: The Georgia Renaissance Festival
It’s that time of year again. Atlantans have a chance to transport themselves back to a time of knights, kings, queens, and jesters during this months-long festival of all things Renaissance. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest period garb, but costumes are also available to rent at the gates. The fest has tons of themed games, an artisan market, and food vendors.
April 15-16 & April 22-23: National Park Week
Take a road trip up to Chattahoochee National Forest, or one of the Chattahoochee River recreation areas, to enjoy free admission as part of National Park Week, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Austin
April 6-9: Euphoria Festival
This isn’t your ordinary music festival. This fest can also be an opportunity to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. Festival attendees can either camp with their own gear in a general admission area or enjoy VIP experiences with EnlighTENTment, Tentsile, or you can bring your own RV. In addition, the music fest features the Art Outside Village, which offers many skills and wellness workshops as well as yoga. Headliners at the fest include Chromeo, Wiz Khalifa, Young Thug, and more.
April 12-16: Fusebox Festival
This arts festival brings together artists from several disciplines, including musicians, dancers, visual artists, and more. The festival focuses on adventurous art that pushes boundaries and creates collaborative experiences between performers and audiences.
April 22: Weird Homes Tour
Meet the artists, homemakers, collectors, and citizens that have taken the “Keep Austin Weird” ethos to heart and have brought it into their homes. Guests can tour some of Austin’s most unique homes from 10am to 6pm for just 0. For just 5 more guests can attend an after party from 6-9pm.
April 28-30: Austin Food + Wine Festival
Some of the most acclaimed chefs in the Austin area and from around the country, as well as culinary personalities from TV, descend on Auditorium Shores and Fair Market for a weekend of tastings and beverage pairings and all things food and drink.
Chicago
April 2: Shamrock Shuffle
The Shamrock Shuffle is one of Chicago’s most popular running events. Participants can choose from an 8-mile run or a 2-mile walk. Everyone receives a Nike Shamrock Shuffle shirt and hat as well as a similarly-themed finisher medal. The course winds through downtown Chicago and runners are treated to an optional beer after crossing the finish line.
April 8: River North Beer Fest
Old Crow Smokehouse hosts this beer fest from noon to 4pm with over 25 different kinds of brews available for attendees to sip. Tickets are 5.
April 22-23: Lake FX Creative Con
The brightest minds in the city’s creative business scene fill the Chicago Cultural Center for two days to learn from one another and a packed slate of speakers. Speakers cover topics such as online advertising, making a career in the arts, and harnessing your creative energies. This conference is perfect for freelancers and small business owners looking to network and expand their skill sets.
April 28-30: One of a Kind Show + Sale
The One of a Kind Show returns to the Merchandise Mart for a second year. This artisan craft fair has all sorts of unique goods made by local vendors from a variety of materials that you can’t find in stores. Shop from home goods, pet supplies, paper crafts, clothes, and more.
Dallas
April 1 & 2: Arts in the Square
See work from over 120 area artists exhibiting and selling their handmade works such as pottery, textiles, glass works, jewelry, leather, photography, and more at this juried arts and crafts festival. Choirs from various area schools perform throughout the days.
April 22: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The classic rock band takes the stage at the American Airlines Center as part of their 40th Anniversary tour.
April 26: Iron Fork
The Dallas Observer and Whole Foods sponsor this event that has Aaron Staudenmaier of Lovers Seafood and Market and Eric Dreyer of Fearing’s Restaurant battling it out in a cooking challenge. The two each receive a basket of ingredients with a mystery ingredient thrown into the mix. In addition to the challenge, guests can enjoy tastings along with wine, beer, and cocktail pairings.
April 29: Taco Libre
The premiere taquerias in the Metroplex and Texas region at-large sell their best tacos starting at a piece while masked luchadores battle it out in a wrestling ring. The event has been around for three years and regularly sells out, so get tickets soon. It’s also hosted in a new venue this year—at The Shed at Dallas Farmers Market.
Denver
April 1: Alton Brown Live: “Eat Your Science”
Famous TV chef personality Alton Brown follows up his “Edible Inevitable” tour with a new variety-style show of all new songs, characters, and comedy.
April 7-9: World Wide Antique & Vintage Show
For over 40 years, nearly 100 antique collectors and dealers from around the country have gathered in Denver to sell the latest pieces they’ve added to their collections. This year, the event takes place at the Denver Mart and boasts all sorts of old items, from paintings to cigar boxes to antiquated ceramics.
April 8: Marc Maron
One of the progenitors of the modern podcast form leaves his Los Angeles garage studio to bring the show on the road. Expect the same deep-cutting sensibility and no-nonsense humor that are mainstays on Maron’s WTF Podcast.
April 11: Bon Iver
As one of only a handful of U.S. tour dates announced this spring, Bon Iver heads to the 1STBank Center in support of their latest record, 22, A Million, following a long hiatus after the 2011 release of their self-titled album and subsequent tour.
Seattle
April 1: Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra
The Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra performs a special April Fools’ Day-themed show.
April 1: Edible Book Festival
If you’ve ever been told to eat your words, well, you actually can at this edible book show. The fest features “books” created by participants competing to make the most creative (and tasty) books as possible in the judging categories of “Most PUNderful,” “Looks and/or Functions Like a Real Book,” “Most Delectably Appetizing,” “Special Judges’ Award,” and “People’s Choice Award.”
April 8: Bunny Party!
Assist in the Seattle Animal Shelter’s efforts to support their rabbit rescue program by simply showing up and petting some bunnies. At 0 per head, tickets are cheap and 100-percent of admissions go to support the program.
April 22: Seattle Urban Trek
Test your brains and your brawn at the same time with this adventure-inspired fitness and puzzle challenge. Participants band together in teams of three or four to tackle various physically and mentally challenging tasks.
Southern California
April 16: Painting for Fun Workshop
Learn the basics of painting with a friend or make some new ones during this workshop at the Mission Art Center. In the 2-hour workshop, attendees work to finish painting a single canvas that they can take home and hang up around the house. All supplies are included and no experience is necessary.
April 20-27: Newport Beach Film Festival
The Newport Beach Film Festival brings 350 films to the silver screens of several area theaters. The fest will screen films by directors, artists, and documentarians who are based locally, nationally, and around the world.
April 22: San Clemente Micro-Brew Fest
Left Coast Brewing Co. presents this beer tasting festival with many regional brews on tap at their brewery. The event has food trucks on-hand as well as live music. Admission is 0 and includes 12 samples.
April 28-30: Pet Expo
This Orange County Pet Expo claims to be the largest in the world. Expect family-friendly games and activities and expositions dedicated to the many different kinds of animals people keep in their homes, including birds, cats, dogs, reptiles, and small animals. Attendees should not bring their pets, but may be able to find a new one from one of the adoption services on-hand.
South Florida
April 6: Jay Leno
With The Tonight Show far in the rear view mirror, comedian Jay Leno goes back to his roots and takes the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to perform an evening of stand-up.
April 15: Carrabba’s Food & Wine Festival
Head over to the Carrabba’s in Plantation, FL to sample over 40 different wines while dining on specially-selected hors d’oeuvres and small plates.
April 29: The Color Run
Area runners take off from Huizenga Plaza at 7:30am sharp for this 5K run. The fun begins prior to the starting gun though, runners and splashed with clouds of colored dye during a dance party and stretch session beforehand. Teams of 4+ runners can join the event at a slight discount.
Like what you just read? Why not subscribe to the AMLI Blog so you don’t miss another post?
View All Posts by Nick Kotecki