Things To Look Forward To In April

As we emerge from the long winter months and transition into a new season, there will be lots of activities and events to enjoy in April.

Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, gather with friends and family, or simply relax and unwind to a good show, there’s something for everyone to look forward to this month …

April 1: April Fools

Ah, April Fools’ Day – the one day of the year when you can get away with pranking your friends and family without any guilt. Whether it’s putting a whoopee cushion on someone’s chair or convincing them that their car has been towed, April Fools’ Day is all about having a good laugh and not taking life too seriously.

Of course, you have to be careful not to take things too far … especially since only 45% of people actually find April Fools’ pranks amusing …

RELATED: How we really feel about pranks on April Fools’ day …

If done right, however, April Fools’ Day can be a hilarious and light-hearted way to inject some fun into your day. So why not embrace your mischievous side and plan a harmless prank or two for April 1st?

April 1 to April 2: Maple Festival

Camphill Communities Ontario and Drysdale’s have partnered up again for their Maple Festival.

The event gives families a chance to watch traditional sugaring demonstrations, tour a sugar bush, make maple taffy, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. There will also be a pancake breakfast with Camphill’s delicious maple syrup.

April 2: Barrie Comicon

Barrie Comicon is returning to the East Bayfield Centre on Sunday, April 2. Cosplay is encouraged, though there are some rules and regulations.

Tickets are available for $5 on Eventbrite or at the door (cash only). When purchased online, you’ll receive a free limited edition comic the day of.

Non-perishable food donations are also welcome, with each item getting you a raffle ticket for chances to win great prizes. High-demand items will get you two raffle tickets and include kids’ school snacks, juice, canned fruits, veggies & pasta, cereal, soap, toothpaste, pet food, and baby supplies.

April 5: The Super Marios Bros. Movie Heads To Theaters

The new Mario movie has been a topic of discussion for a while now (with much of the conversation focused on Mario’s rear end and voice). But the wait to see the final product is now over!

Get ready to relive your childhood memories, because the Super Mario Bros movie is coming out on April 5th! Based on the beloved video game franchise, this live-action adventure is sure to be a hit with fans old and new.

Other movies releasing in April include:

• Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now (Apr. 5 on Netflix)
• Air (Apr. 5 in Theaters)
• Paint with Owen Wilson as Bob Ross (Apr. 7 in Theaters)
• The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (Apr. 14 on Netflix)
• Judy Bloom Forever (Apr.21 on Prime Video)
• Ghosted (Apr. 21 on Apple TV)
• Peter Pan & Wendy (Apr. 28 on Disney+)

April 6: Rise Of The Pink Ladies On Paramount+

Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies is headed to Paramount+ on April 6. The series is a prequel to the 1978 movie Grease and will tell the story of how the Pink Ladies came to be.

Other TV Shows releasing in April include:

• American Idol – Season (Apr. 3 on ABC)
• The Crossover – Season 1 (Apr. 5 on Disney+)
• Journey To The Center Of The Earth (Apr. 5 on Disney+)
• Tiny Beautiful Things – Season 1 (Apr. 7 on Disney+)
• Chupa – Season 1 (Apr. 7 on Netflix)
• Citadel – Season 1 (Apr. 28 on Prime Video)

April 7: National Beer Day / National No Housework Day

April 7th is shaping up to be a pretty great day – not only is it National Beer Day, but it’s also National No Housework Day! What better excuse is there to crack open a cold one and kick back on the couch, without a care in the world or any nagging guilt?

Make it a celebration by stocking up on snacks and inviting some friends over for a day of relaxation just in time for the long weekend! Who cares if the dust bunnies pile up – you deserve a break.

Also On April 7: Good Friday

For many people, Good Friday is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made and the hope that comes with a new beginning. For others, it’s the perfect excuse for a long weekend!

Whether you’re planning on spending the day in quiet reflection or taking advantage of the time off to catch up on some much-needed rest and relaxation, there’s no denying that Good Friday is a welcome break from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life. One major downside is that a lot of establishments will be closed. But the good news is there are tons of great activities happening in and around Barrie to celebrate the Easter weekend, including KOOL FM’s ultimate Easter Egg Hunt at Drysdale’s Tree Farm.

Whatever your plans may be, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the gift of a long weekend and the opportunity to recharge our batteries before diving back into the real world.

April 10: Easter Sunday

Easter is almost here and for most of us, that means lots of chocolate, colorful eggs, and cute bunny rabbits.

RELATED: The best candy to fill your baskets with this Easter …

It’s a time for indulgence and fun, as we all enjoy the sweet treats and springtime festivities. Whether you’re a kid eagerly anticipating an Easter egg hunt or an adult excited for an excuse to get together with loved ones and eat copious amounts of chocolate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this special day.

So let’s all embrace the joy and excitement of Easter, as we celebrate the arrival of spring and all the sweetness that comes with it.

Happy Easter, everyone!

April 16: Wear Pajamas To Work Day

It’s time to break out the everyday comfy clothes again because April 16th is Wear Pajamas To Work Day! No need to stress about finding the perfect outfit or ironing your shirt – just roll out of bed and head straight to work in your coziest sleepwear.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your pajamas are work-appropriate (and that your work won’t write you up for it), but otherwise, the sky’s the limit!

April 27: NFL Draft Starts

If you’re a football fan, the NFL Draft is scheduled to start on April 27. It will be held at Union Station in Kansas City. For the first time since ’47, the Chicago Bears had the first overall pick but traded it to the Carolina Panthers for multiple draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore.

April 28 to 30: Barrie Spring Arts & Crafts Show

The Barrie Spring Arts & Crafts Show is returning to the Paul Sadlon Arena from April 28 to 30.

Don’t miss this incredible exhibition, with local artists, crafters, vendors & so much more.

Admission is $7 for seniors (65+) and $9 for everyone else.

April 30: Taxes Almost Due

Chances are only those cashing in on a refund are looking forward to this one … but it’s probably worth noting either way.

Every year, individual income tax returns must be filed and paid for by April 30. However, because April 30 falls on a Sunday this year, you will have until May 1.

If you or your spouse is self-employed, you don’t have to file until June 15. However, you must still pay any income tax owing on or before May 1, 2023 to avoid interest.