Sarasota's Arts, Culture and History
Art, music, education and theater - all thrive and flourish in Sarasota. This is one of the rare places where you can lounge on a white sandy beach all day, and then enjoy a Broadway show or classic opera in the evening. Monthly art walks, professional classes and world class entertainment are offered every evening in Sarasota - so where will you go tonight?
Asolo Repertory Theatre
The Asolo company performs a rotating repertory of classic to contemporary plays; from November to June. The rich variety allows you to see several shows over the course of a week or two- if you love the first show, come back!
Florida Studio Theatre
The main stage offers excellent contemporary theater, while two cabarets offer musical revues nightly. Improvisational events and children's theater are also on the calendar - and every performance has people on their feet!
Longboat Key Center for the Arts
A division of Ringling College, the LBKCA brings world class education, exhibitions, programs and events to Longboat Key. Situated on the north end, LBKCA offers inspired exhibitions from regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists, along with visiting artist lectures, demos and studio classes.
Sarasota Ballet
This professional ballet company has a dynamic reputation within the culturally rich arts community of Sarasota. Both classical and contemporary styles are staged year-round, primarily at the FSU Center for Performing Arts and the Sarasota Opera House.
Sarasota Opera
Professional opera productions and a renowned youth opera program make this a truly special venue to visit in Sarasota. When operas are not scheduled, concerts and ballet performances take place.
Spanish Point in Osprey
This 30 acre environmental complex and museum, located in Osprey, Florida, includes a turn of the century homestead historic house museum, a citrus packing house, nature trails, boatyards and gardens. The Visitor Center is housed in one of five original schools which were built between 1926 and 1928 along the Tamiami Trail in Sarasota County.
Towles Court Artist Colony
Nestled in downtown Sarasota, this neighborhood consists of galleries, resident local artists and restaurants in an intimate little community. While each gallery has its own hours, the Art Walk on the third Friday evening of each month is one of Sarasota's best kept secrets.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
This 1700 seat bay front hall dedicates itself to presenting a diverse season of productions; including concerts, touring Broadway shows, comedy acts, international orchestras and acrobatic performances. The yearly calendar is chock full of entertainment, so make sure that you check the calendar in advance of your visit - and enjoy an extraordinary night out!
