The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 19-25

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

Nate Jacobs directs the gospel revue, "How I Got Over," for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe from Feb. 19 to March 29.
Ability to Include's Grace Murby and Chris Collins are thrilled with a $10,000 grant that was presented to them by Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan to help build a universal soccer pitch.
  • February 18, 2026
Nonprofit makes its pitch for a new soccer field in Lakewood Ranch
Artist Michelle-Marie Heinemann recently created the non-profit Flower Tree Foundation to facilitate bringing art installations to public spaces. She stands next to a larger-than-life statue that is part of her daisy series of statues, the first public installation she brought to the New College of Florida.
  • February 18, 2026
Sculptor explores the power of the flower for community unity
Campers get hands-on training at S&B Metal Products in Bradenton.
  • February 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit aids students and women in manufacturing careers
Fourth grader A’Nylah Johnson and third grader Dariana Mills head down the slide.
  • February 17, 2026
A snow day comes to the Star Lab school in Newtown

Arts + Culture

"La bohème," which runs through March 28 at Sarasota Opera House, is the first of four productions in the Sarasota Opera's 2026 Winter Festival.
  • February 18, 2026
For Sarasota Opera, it's a season to remember
Jamie Saunders, Corrie Owens and Alan Kim star in FSU/Asolo Conservatory's production of "Exit, Pursued by a Bear."
  • February 11, 2026
A wolf enters and a bear exits in twin FSU/Asolo Conservatory plays
LaMichael Leonard Jr.'s dance career has taken him to New York and Paris and back to Sarasota.
  • February 10, 2026
International dance star comes home to Sarasota
Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny poses with Sarasota Orchestra maestro Giancarlo Guerrero and Guerrero's wife, Shirley, before Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.
  • February 9, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra maestro performs at Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
Fourth grader A’Nylah Johnson and third grader Dariana Mills head down the slide.
  • February 17, 2026
A snow day comes to the Star Lab school in Newtown
Artist Jonell Yoekel showcases her nature photography at the Women's Guild Valentine's Day-themed art show on Feb. 10 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.
  • February 16, 2026
Valentine's Day-themed art show gives back to community
About 130 Longboaters turned out to join "Choirpalooza" at the Feb. 15 service at Christ Church of Longboat Key to sing "The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune."
  • February 15, 2026
'Choirpalooza' unites 100-plus community members in song
Christine Cassanelli stands with her friend Miles Christian-Hart, founder of Paradise Riders.
  • February 15, 2026
Thunder by the Bay raises funds for children, teens and adults with special needs
Don and Tammie Gursky prepare to renew their vows.
  • February 14, 2026
Couples renew vows on Siesta Beach on Valentine's Day
The Passion for Fashion show, the Palm Aire Women's Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, took place Feb. 13 at the Palm Aire Country Club. Katherine Pike, Susan Romine and Kay Kwenski's last looks from Darci's boutique are cocktail attire.
  • February 14, 2026
Palm Aire Women's Club raises funds for charity with Passion for Fashion
Diane Collins, Sandy Ruppert and Linda Pike were among the record 150 attendees at the Feb. 11 at the Longboat Key Resort for the Go for the Cure kick-off game day.
  • February 13, 2026
Go for the Cure kickoff sees record attendance
Lakewood Ranch's Eugene Khutoryanskiy and Yana Parker are celebrating this Valentine's Day as fiances alongside their dogs Mittens and Jesse at Barks & Brews on Feb. 10.
  • February 13, 2026
A little pet lovin' and squeezin' at University Town Center in Sarasota
The Sarasota County Operations Center (East County) was honored with a plaque.
  • February 10, 2026
Sarasota Garden Club hosts Civic Beautification Awards
Second grader Sovereign Osceola experiences static electricity.
  • February 9, 2026
Wilkinson Elementary makes concepts hands-on during STEAM Night
Frank Martucci, joined by Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding and his wife, Katherine Martucci, explains what compelled him to give back his 50/50 raffle winnings from the Lawn Party to support the Children's Guardian Fund.
  • February 8, 2026
Kiwanians present record-breaking check from Lawn Party
Sue Hobbs holds the iridescent shell of the green turban sea snail to the light.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival showcases the science and art of seashells
Lakehouse Cove's 16-month-old Hunter Colon shows his excitement to be inside a fire truck at the Celebrate Our First Responders event Feb. 7 at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.
  • February 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch CERT hosts the Celebrate Our First Responders event
Second graders Jordan Davis, Dominic Michalo and Sloan Middleton wave flags of Puerto Rico, which was the country they were assigned for the Tara Elementary School Olympics.
  • February 7, 2026
Tara Elementary hosts its own Winter Olympics
Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
  • February 5, 2026
Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles
Ann-Marie Thompson and Cheryl Mulherin, attendees at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild new members luncheon on Jan. 29, applaud the soon-to-be-outgoing board members.
  • February 2, 2026
New Women's Guild members share stories of togetherness
Ethan Freeman, 14, Skate Segal, 14, Jett Segal, 12, Florey Miller and her husband TJ Miller were among those serving foods baked by members.
  • February 1, 2026
Temple Sinai hosts Sarasota Jewish Food Festival
Myakka City Elementary first graders Delanee Verly and Emma Kelly check out the wide variety of books for sale during the CommUNITY Night.
  • February 1, 2026
Myakka City Elementary hosts Community Night
Ethan Kuhn of Suncoast United Pipes and Drums performs in the ceremony.
  • January 31, 2026
Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival showcases a wee bit of Scotland
Dillon Desiderato and daughter Nora Desiderato share a smile during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash fundraiser at All God's Children Preschool on Jan. 31.
  • January 31, 2026
All God's Children Preschool raises $7,000 to support family after loss to cancer