April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.

George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 1-3, 2011
This popular three-day oceanfront music festival is free and features a number of renowned blues performers, held every spring in Jacksonville Beach. Click here for more information about Springing the Blues.

Cosmic Concerts
April 1, 8, 15, 22
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online at www.moshplanetarium.org or at the door.

• April 1: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., The Beatles at 6 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 7 p.m., and Laser Retro at 8 p.m.
• April 8: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Led Zeppelin at 6 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 7 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Wall at 8 p.m.
• April 15: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Laser Retro at 6 p.m., Laser X at 7 p.m., and Metallica at 8 p.m.
• April 22: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 6 p.m., Laser Retro at 7 p.m., and Metallica at 8 p.m.

First Wednesday Art Walk
April 6 2011
Downtown Jacksonville turns into an art adventure every first Wednesday of the month. The event is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more. It’s a downtown happening you have to try at least once. Read more about the event here.

Movies in the Park
April 8, 15 and 26
Downtown Jacksonville’s series is returning to historic Treaty Oak Park Fridays in the spring. Hosted by Downtown Vision, Inc. and JaxParks, the series features four family-friendly movies shown under the stars, each beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring family and friends, blankets to sit on or lawn chairs and a picnic. Music and kids lawn games will keep moviegoers busy before each show.

Starry Nights
April 9, 2011
The City of Jacksonville presents Starry Nights, an event that combines the sounds of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra with a national performer. Concert is held at Metropolitan Park, along the St. Johns River. www.makeascenedowntown.com

Earth Day at MOSH
April 16, 2011 
Come to MOSH in Jacksonville for Earth Day activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Visitors will work to together to paint a masterpiece on a working rain barrel, make crafts from recycled items and more.

Beaches Sandcastle Contest & Parade
April 23-24
The beaches officially welcome visitors as temperatures become warmer and families head for a day in the sun. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend with prizes in several categories. On Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach.

Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 23-24
Every Easter holiday art is celebrated at this two-day event in Mandarin. More than 100 artists are expected to participate this year. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There’s also a Kids Art Show and an egg hunt for the younger ones. You can read more about the Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt here.

World of Nations Celebration
April 28 – May 1
Each spring, Jacksonville celebrates its cultural diversity with the World of Nations Celebration, presented by the City of Jacksonville. Metropolitan Park transforms into a multi-ethnic marketplace of cuisine, crafts and entertainment of people from around the world. Read more about World of Nations in Jacksonville here.

Music Under the Stars
April 28, 2011
Learn about the stars that shine over Jacksonville while enjoying a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Event is from 6 to 10 p.m.. The music presentation begins at 7 p.m. and rooftop stargazing is from 8 to 9 p.m. Admission, which includes museum access, one beer or glass of wine, music presentation, star show, and rooftop stargazing, is $10 for the public and $5 for MOSH Members. Music provided by arrangement with Friday Musicale. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 230 for required reservations.