Sarasota has a long cultural history beginning with artists and art lovers choosing the area as their winter playground and perhaps staying permanently. They have enriched the area with their talents and commitment to the arts, including symphony, dance, opera, theater, museums, galleries, comedy and live jazz. Festivals and events occur year round. Check gotonight.com to find venues hosting local live music including upcoming blues, jazz, classic rock, and Americana music shows.
Asolo Repertory Theatre
This world-renowned acting company presents a diverse mix of theatrical work of the highest artistic standards and provides a springboard for Broadway and regional theatrical productions. 555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota 941-351-8800 www.asolorep.org
Built by John Ringling to house his personal collection of masterpieces, The Ringling Museum of Art today features rare antiquities and the creations of old and modern masters working in a variety of media.
5401 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota 941-359-5700 www.ringling.org
The Players
Since 1936, this community theater has been dedicated to presenting diverse and entertaining volunteer driven theatrical experiences that educate, stimulate and enrich the community.
838 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota 941-365-2494
Sarasota Ballet is the Gulf Coast of Florida’s first and only professional ballet and is recognized for staging American premieres of the works of numerous important contemporary choreographers.
5555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota 941-313-3617 www.sarasotaballet.org
Ten days of screen stars, seven epic events and more than 180 films grace Sarasota every year in April.
332 Cocoanut Ave. Sarasota 941-366-6200 www.sarasotafilmfestival.com
ACS provides exhibitions, classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, lectures, discussions, critiques, receptions and special events for all ages and art forms.
707 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota 941-365-2032 www.artsarasota.org
Performing in the historic restored Sarasota Opera House, the company has been recognized for its Masterwork Revivals Series, productions of the complete works of Verdi, and for hosting the most comprehensive youth opera program in the nation.
61 N. Pineapple Avenue. Sarasota 941-328-1300 www.sarasotaopera.org
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Set along the Sarasota bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel has a 35 year tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, as well as world-class symphony orchestra and dance performances.
777 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota 941-953-3368 www.vanwezel.org
One of the most active jazz clubs in North America showcases excellent local, regional, national, and international jazz artists through over 80 concerts and lectures each year.
941-366-1552 www.jazzclubsarasota.org
This theater was established in 1988 and is devoted to the art of Stand-Up Comedy. Classes and performances are offered for all ages and interests.
1923 Ringling Blvd Sarasota 941-925-3869 www.mccurdyscomedy.com
