It’s clear that spring is here and the rapid revival of social events is solid proof of that. With the help of our active locals we’ve put together a list of 25 events happening in April. We’ve divided the events into sub-categories to make the list easier to follow.

Attend spectacular film festivals

Istanbul Film Festival (April 5–20)

This festival features both local and international films and has an extensive programme that’s divided into numerous sub-categories. All Turkish films will be screened with either English or French subtitles. Visit their website for more info.

Achtung Berlin (April 9–16)

This is one of the largest film festival in Berlin. The programme focuses on feature, documentary and short films made in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, however all films are subtitled in English.

Kino trofejas (“Film trophies”) in Riga (April 24–30)

This project was launched by Riga Film Museum as a part of the official programme for the European Capital of Culture 2014. Movies from the 1930s­–1950s will be screened at Splendid Palace, Riga’s oldest and most opulent cinema.

Enjoy the art of music and dance

Photo credit: Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Budapest Spring Festival (March 21–April 6) 

This festival is all about the celebration of spring and includes exhibitions and various dance, theatre and music performances.

Riga Jazz Stage (April 3–5)

Each year this international competition for jazz artists focuses on a different instrument. Besides the vocal category, this year the contest is centred on the saxophone. Tickets are available online here.

International Tango Festival in Turin (April 17–21) 

Turin’s International Tango Festival welcomes both beginners and skilled tango dancers. Tango classes are offered at five different skill levels, all taught by experienced dancers. The programme also features performances by professionals and a Grand Gala Ball.

Jazzkaar in Tallinn (April 18–27)

The biggest jazz festival in the Baltics will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. It brings together several world-class stars, and the programme boasts more than 50 concerts at various venues across the city.

Photo credit: Kaur Ilves

International Record Store Day (April 19)

Once a year there’s a special day that celebrates the culture of independent record stores. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet and greets with artists, parades and DJs spinning records.

Savour the flavours

London Coffee Festival (April 3–6)

This festival is a definite must for all coffee-lovers and those in the industry. Besides coffee tastings, workshops and markets, there are also DJs and live music.

Photo credit: Jakub Kadlec

Lisbon Fish & Flavours (April 3–13)

Being a coastal town, it’s no surprise that Lisbon is home to a fish festival. Be prepared for cooking classes, gourmet markets, live gastronomic presentations and much more.

Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival in Manchester (April 12–13)

Attention all chocoholics: ready, set, GO! There will be a chocolate themed market on Bridge Street, and various cafés and restaurants will have chocolate specialities on their menus.

Dublin Bay Prawn Festival (April 25–27)

The Dublin Bay prawn is so delicious that there’s an entire festival dedicated to it. Tantalise your taste buds at the food village with top quality seafood and local delicacies from some of the region’s best restaurants and artisans. The programme includes tasting sessions, cookery demonstrations, competitions and more.

Get closer to nature and science

Botanical Garden in Zagreb (April 1–…)

The Botanical Garden opens for the summer season on April 1st, and this year marks its 125th birthday. This means that there’ll be lots of events and garden parties happening throughout the season. Free entry!

Photo credit: Fearless Fred

Istanbul Tulip Festival (April 4–18)

It might come as a surprise that tulips actually originate partly from Turkey. For this very reason there’s a yearly festival in Istanbul held in honour of these beautiful flowers. Entrance is free.

Edinburgh International Science Festival (April 5–20)

Not only is it the world’s first science and technology festival, but it’s also one of the largest of its kind in Europe. It aims to present topics related to science and technology in a fun and educational way.

The Icelandic Horse Expo (April 7–12)

The main purpose of this event is to give guests a unique opportunity to see Icelandic horses in their natural surroundings. The expo features many entertaining events including horse shows and riding demonstrations.

Photo credit: gamene

Discover local traditions

Kingsday in Amsterdam (April 27)

Unlike the national days of many countries, Kingsday is not just about patriotism, but mostly about having fun. On April 27 the entire city shuts down (no cars, no public transport) and transforms into one giant festival consisting of many small events.

*This is the first year that the event is called Kingsday. It was formerly known as Queensday.

Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh (April 30) 

This festival marks and celebrates the beginning of summer. The main event is a vibrant musical procession where performers enact a ritual story. Expect drums, fire and dancing!

Burning of Witches in the Czech Republic (April 30)

This event is a reminder of an ancient pagan ritual. Nowadays it’s a good excuse to throw a fun bonfire party.

Keep up with the latest fashion and design trends

Fuorisalone Milan Design Week (April 8–13)

Being one of the world’s leading design events, this festival brings together and showcases the latest talents and innovations in the field. Not to be missed if you’re a true design buff.

Photo credit: Luca Volpi

Big Fashion Sale in Montreal (April 10–13)

This is Montreal’s largest springtime fashion event. Besides offering amazing value pieces, it gives guests the opportunity to meet their favourite designers as some actually man their own booths.

Admire intriguing exhibitions

1914 in Riga (January 18–April 20)

This is a multidisciplinary art exhibition dedicated to World War I. It references three eras – pre-war, post-war and present day life.

The Heartbeat Archive in Riga (January 19–April 20)

This is an interactive exhibition by the renowned French artist Christian Boltanski that enables you to record your own heartbeat and add it to an archive. Thousands of people across the world have already taken part in this project.

Get active!

Photo credit: Su–may

International Pillow Fight Day in London (April 5)

On International Pillow Fight Day local volunteers from cities all over the world organise public pillow fights. It’s a great and simple way to have a fun and free event where anyone can participate.

Virgin Money London Marathon (April 13)

This is the biggest annual fundraising event in the world. The best part is that the organisation is completely non-profit so all donations go directly to your chosen charity.

Opening photo credit: G.Ozcan